# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000898745
**File Stem:** 0000898745-25-000335
**Filing Date:** 2025-6
**Character Count:** 848752
**Document Hash:** f03d4c5c7996bdf3e5b1bc247659ead4
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0000898745-25-000335.hdr.sgml**: 20250625

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0000898745-25-000335

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 497

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 1

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20250625

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20250625

**EFFECTIVENESS DATE**: 20250625

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** PRINCIPAL FUNDS, INC.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000898745

**ORGANIZATION NAME:**
- **EIN:** 000000000
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** MD
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1031

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 497
- **SEC ACT:** 1933 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 033-59474
- **FILM NUMBER:** 251074536

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 711 HIGH STREET
- **CITY:** DES MOINES
- **STATE:** IA
- **ZIP:** 50392
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 515-235-9328

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP
- **CITY:** DES MOINES
- **STATE:** IA
- **ZIP:** 50392

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRINCIPAL FUNDS, INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20211220

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRINCIPAL FUNDS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20080616

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** PRINCIPAL INVESTORS FUND INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20001012

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund (f/k/a Preferred Securities) (Series ID: S000007170)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| R-3                 | PNARX         | C000019591 |
| R-5                 | PPARX         | C000019592 |
| Institutional Class | PPSIX         | C000019595 |
| Class J             | PPSJX         | C000019596 |
| Class A             | PPSAX         | C000019597 |
| Class C             | PRFCX         | C000038790 |
| R-6                 | PPREX         | C000176328 |

---

### Bond Market Index Fund (Series ID: S000027178)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional Class | PNIIX         | C000082026 |
| R-3                 | PBOIX         | C000082029 |
| R-5                 | PBIQX         | C000082031 |
| Class J             | PBIJX         | C000085837 |

---

### International Equity Index Fund (Series ID: S000027179)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| R-3                 | PIIOX         | C000082032 |
| R-5                 | PIIQX         | C000082034 |
| Institutional Class | PIDIX         | C000082035 |
| R-6                 | PFIEX         | C000176329 |

---

### Diversified Real Asset Fund (Series ID: S000028139)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Class A             | PRDAX         | C000085834 |
| Institutional Class | PDRDX         | C000085836 |
| R-6                 | PDARX         | C000150253 |
| R-3                 | PGDRX         | C000167692 |

---

### Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund (Series ID: S000032942)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Class A             | PMDAX         | C000101659 |
| Institutional Class | PMDIX         | C000101661 |
| Class C             | PMDDX         | C000115416 |
| R-6                 | PMDHX         | C000176330 |

---

### Global Multi-Strategy Fund (Series ID: S000033960)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Class A             | PMSAX         | C000104712 |
| Institutional Class | PSMIX         | C000104714 |
| R-6                 | PGLSX         | C000190071 |

---

### Blue Chip Fund (Series ID: S000037378)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional Class | PBCKX         | C000115413 |
| Class A             | PBLAX         | C000131723 |
| Class C             | PBLCX         | C000131724 |
| R-3                 | PGBEX         | C000167694 |
| R-5                 | PGBGX         | C000167696 |
| R-6                 | PGBHX         | C000176331 |
| Class J             | PBCJX         | C000193661 |

---

### Opportunistic Municipal Fund (Series ID: S000037379)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name          | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Class A             | PMOAX         | C000115414 |
| Institutional Class | POMFX         | C000153266 |

---

### Capital Securities Fund (Series ID: S000041598)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Class S    | PCSFX         | C000129138 |

---

### International Small Company Fund (Series ID: S000045671)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name    | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional | PISMX         | C000150254 |
| R-6           | PFISX         | C000176332 |

---

### EDGE MidCap Fund (Series ID: S000049582)

---

|  |  |  |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Class Name    | Ticker Symbol | Class ID   |
| Institutional | PEDGX         | C000156764 |
| R-6           | PEDMX         | C000176334 |
| Class A       | PEMCX         | C000208088 |

---

## Series and Classes Contracts Data

### Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund (f/k/a Preferred Securities) (Series ID: S000007170)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000019591 | R-3                 | PNARX           |
| C000019592 | R-5                 | PPARX           |
| C000019595 | Institutional Class | PPSIX           |
| C000019596 | Class J             | PPSJX           |
| C000019597 | Class A             | PPSAX           |
| C000038790 | Class C             | PRFCX           |
| C000176328 | R-6                 | PPREX           |

### Bond Market Index Fund (Series ID: S000027178)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000082026 | Institutional Class | PNIIX           |
| C000082029 | R-3                 | PBOIX           |
| C000082031 | R-5                 | PBIQX           |
| C000085837 | Class J             | PBIJX           |

### International Equity Index Fund (Series ID: S000027179)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000082032 | R-3                 | PIIOX           |
| C000082034 | R-5                 | PIIQX           |
| C000082035 | Institutional Class | PIDIX           |
| C000176329 | R-6                 | PFIEX           |

### Diversified Real Asset Fund (Series ID: S000028139)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000085834 | Class A             | PRDAX           |
| C000085836 | Institutional Class | PDRDX           |
| C000150253 | R-6                 | PDARX           |
| C000167692 | R-3                 | PGDRX           |

### Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund (Series ID: S000032942)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000101659 | Class A             | PMDAX           |
| C000101661 | Institutional Class | PMDIX           |
| C000115416 | Class C             | PMDDX           |
| C000176330 | R-6                 | PMDHX           |

### Global Multi-Strategy Fund (Series ID: S000033960)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000104712 | Class A             | PMSAX           |
| C000104714 | Institutional Class | PSMIX           |
| C000190071 | R-6                 | PGLSX           |

### Blue Chip Fund (Series ID: S000037378)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000115413 | Institutional Class | PBCKX           |
| C000131723 | Class A             | PBLAX           |
| C000131724 | Class C             | PBLCX           |
| C000167694 | R-3                 | PGBEX           |
| C000167696 | R-5                 | PGBGX           |
| C000176331 | R-6                 | PGBHX           |
| C000193661 | Class J             | PBCJX           |

### Opportunistic Municipal Fund (Series ID: S000037379)

| Class ID   | Class Name          | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000115414 | Class A             | PMOAX           |
| C000153266 | Institutional Class | POMFX           |

### Capital Securities Fund (Series ID: S000041598)

| Class ID   | Class Name   | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000129138 | Class S      | PCSFX           |

### International Small Company Fund (Series ID: S000045671)

| Class ID   | Class Name    | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000150254 | Institutional | PISMX           |
| C000176332 | R-6           | PFISX           |

### EDGE MidCap Fund (Series ID: S000049582)

| Class ID   | Class Name    | Ticker Symbol   |
|:---|:---|:---|
| C000156764 | Institutional | PEDGX           |
| C000176334 | R-6           | PEDMX           |
| C000208088 | Class A       | PEMCX           |

**PRINCIPAL FUNDS, INC.**

("PFI" or the "Registrant")

**Statement of Additional Information**

Dated December 31, 2024 as amended and restated June 20, 2025

This Statement of Additional Information ("SAI") is not a prospectus. It contains information in addition to the information in the Registrant's Prospectus. The Prospectus, which may be amended from time to time, contains the basic information you should know before investing in a Fund. You should read this SAI together with the Prospectus dated December 31, 2024 and June 20, 2025.

**Incorporation by Reference:** To be filed by amendment.

For a free copy of the current Prospectus, Semi-Annual Report, or Annual Report, call 1-800-222-5852 or write:

Principal Funds<br>P.O. Box 219971<br>Kansas City, MO 64121-9971

The Prospectus may be viewed at www.PrincipalAM.com/Prospectuses.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** | **Ticker Symbols by Share Class** |
| **Fund** | **A** | **C** | **J** | **Inst.** | **R-3** | **R-5** | **R-6** | **S** |
| Blue Chip | PBLAX | PBLCX | PBCJX | PBCKX | PGBEX | PGBGX | PGBHX |  |
| Bond Market Index |  |  | PBIJX | PNIIX | PBOIX | PBIQX |  |  |
| Capital Securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | PCSFX |
| Diversified Real Asset | PRDAX |  |  | PDRDX | PGDRX |  | PDARX |  |
| Edge MidCap | PEMCX |  |  | PEDGX |  |  | PEDMX |  |
| Global Listed Infrastructure |  |  |  | PGSLX |  |  |  |  |
| Global Macro |  |  |  |  |  |  | PAFIX |  |
| Global Multi-Strategy | PMSAX |  |  | PSMIX |  |  | PGLSX |  |
| International Equity Index |  |  |  | PIDIX | PIIOX | PIIQX | PFIEX |  |
| International Small Company |  |  |  | PISMX |  |  | PFISX |  |
| Opportunistic Municipal | PMOAX |  |  | POMFX |  |  |  |  |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | PMDAX | PMDDX |  | PMDIX |  |  | PMDHX |  |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | PPSAX | PRFCX | PPSJX | PPSIX | PNARX | PPARX | PPREX |  |

---

*The proposed merger of the Edge MidCap Fund into the MidCap Fund is expected to occur on or about September 19, 2025 (the "Merger Date"). The Fund's officers, however, have the discretion to change this date.* 

*On the Merger Date, delete all references to the Edge MidCap Fund from the Statement of Additional Information.*

------

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **TABLE OF CONTENTS** | **TABLE OF CONTENTS** |
| [HISTORY OF THE FUNDS](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_7) | <u>[3](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_7)</u> |
| [DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS AND RISKS](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_10) | <u>[4](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_10)</u> |
| [LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND BOARD](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_13) | <u>[43](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_13)</u> |
| [INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_16) | <u>[52](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_16)</u> |
| [MULTIPLE CLASS STRUCTURE](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_19) | <u>[62](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_19)</u> |
| [INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_22) | <u>[62](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_22)</u> |
| [BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_25) | <u>[65](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_25)</u> |
| [PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_28) | <u>[70](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_28)</u> |
| [PRICING OF FUND SHARES](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_31) | <u>[72](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_31)</u> |
| [TAX CONSIDERATIONS](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_34) | <u>[73](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_34)</u> |
| [PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_37) | <u>[75](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_37)</u> |
| [PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_40) | <u>[77](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_40)</u> |
| [FINANCIAL STATEMENTS](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_43) | <u>[77](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_43)</u> |
| [INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_46) | <u>[77](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_46)</u> |
| [CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_49) | <u>[78](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_49)</u> |
| [PORTFOLIO MANAGER DISCLOSURE](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_67) | <u>[99](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_67)</u> |
| APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS | <u>[A -](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_88)</u> <u>[1](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_88)</u> |
| APPENDIX B – PRICE MAKE UP SHEET | <u>[B -](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_91)[1](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_91)</u> |
| APPENDIX C – PROXY VOTING POLICIES | <u>[C -](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_94)[1](#ic12746eaa88a4401b30832d41d025b04_94)</u> |

---

------

**HISTORY OF THE FUNDS**

Principal Funds, Inc. ("PFI" or the "Registrant"), a Maryland corporation, was organized as Principal Special Markets Fund, Inc. on January 28, 1993. The Registrant changed its name to Principal Investors Fund, Inc. effective September 14, 2000 and to Principal Funds, Inc. effective June 13, 2008.

On January 12, 2007, the Registrant acquired WM Trust I, WM Trust II, and WM Strategic Asset Management Portfolios, LLC.

Classes offered by each series of the Registrant (each, a "Fund" and, together, the "Funds") are shown in the following table.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** | **Share Class** |
| **Fund** | **A** | **C** | **J** | **Inst.** | **R-3** | **R-5** | **R-6** | **S** |
| Blue Chip | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |
| Bond Market Index |  |  | X | X | X | X |  |  |
| Capital Securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |
| Diversified Real Asset | X |  |  | X | X |  | X |  |
| Edge MidCap | X |  |  | X |  |  | X |  |
| Global Listed Infrastructure |  |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Global Macro |  |  |  |  |  |  | X |  |
| Global Multi-Strategy | X |  |  | X |  |  | X |  |
| International Equity Index |  |  |  | X | X | X | X |  |
| International Small Company |  |  |  | X |  |  | X |  |
| Opportunistic Municipal | X |  |  | X |  |  |  |  |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | X | X |  | X |  |  | X |  |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |  |

---

Each class has different expenses. Because of these different expenses, the investment performance of the classes will vary. For more information, including your eligibility to purchase certain classes of shares, call Principal Funds at 1-800-222-5852.

Principal Global Investors, LLC ("PGI" or the "Manager") may recommend to the Board of Directors (the "Board"), and the Board may elect, to close certain Funds to new investors or close certain Funds to new and existing investors. PGI may make such a recommendation when a Fund approaches a size where additional investments in the Fund have the potential to adversely impact Fund performance and make it increasingly difficult to keep the Fund fully invested in a manner consistent with its investment objective. PGI may also recommend to the Board, and the Board may elect, to close certain share classes to new or new and existing investors.

------

**DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS' INVESTMENTS AND RISKS** 

The Registrant is a registered, open-end management investment company, commonly called a mutual fund. The Registrant consists of multiple investment portfolios, which are referred to as "Funds." Each Fund has its own investment objective, strategies, and portfolio management team. As described below, each Fund has adopted a fundamental policy regarding diversification, as that term is used in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

**Fund Policies**

The investment objective, principal investment strategies, and principal risks of each Fund are described in the Prospectus. This SAI contains supplemental information about those strategies and risks and the types of securities that those managing the investments of each Fund can select. Additional information is also provided about other strategies that each Fund may use to try to achieve its objective.

The composition of each Fund and the techniques and strategies that those managing a Fund's investments may use in selecting securities will vary over time. A Fund is not required to use all of the investment techniques and strategies available to it in seeking its goals.

Unless otherwise indicated, with the exception of the percentage limitations on borrowing, the restrictions apply at the time transactions are entered into. Accordingly, any later increase or decrease beyond the specified limitation, resulting from market fluctuations or in a rating by a rating service, does not require elimination of any security from a Fund's portfolio.

The investment objective of each Fund and, except as described below as "fundamental restrictions," the investment strategies described in this SAI and the Prospectus are not fundamental and may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval.

With the exception of the diversification test required by the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds will not consider collateral held in connection with securities lending activities when applying any of the following fundamental restrictions or any other investment restriction set forth in the Prospectus or SAI.

**Fundamental Restrictions**

Except as specifically noted, each Fund has adopted the following fundamental restrictions. Each fundamental restriction is a matter of fundamental policy and may not be changed without a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected Fund, except as permitted by the 1940 Act or other governing statute and the rules thereunder, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), or other regulatory agency with authority over the Funds. The 1940 Act provides that "a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities" of a Fund means the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding Fund shares or (2) 67% or more of the Fund shares present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding Fund shares are represented at the meeting in person or by proxy. Each share has one vote, with fractional shares voting proportionately. Shares of all classes of a Fund will vote together as a single class, except when otherwise required by law or as determined by the Board.

Each Fund:

1)may not issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

2)has adopted a commodities policy, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)The Opportunistic Municipal Fund may not purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)The remaining Funds may not purchase or sell commodities, except as permitted by applicable law, regulation, or regulatory authority having jurisdiction.

3)may not purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of companies that deal in real estate or mortgages or investments secured by real estate or interests therein, except that each Fund reserves freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of the Fund's ownership of securities.

4)may not borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

------

5)may not make loans, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

*On or about July 22, 2025, delete 6)(a), and replace with the following:* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) The Blue Chip Fund and the Global Listed Infrastructure Fund have elected to be non-diversified.

6)has adopted a policy regarding diversification, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)The Global Listed Infrastructure Fund has elected to be non-diversified.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)All other Funds have elected to be treated as a "diversified" investment company, as that term is used in the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

7)has adopted a concentration policy, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)The Capital Securities, Diversified Real Asset, Global Listed Infrastructure, and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds will concentrate their investments in a particular industry or group of industries as described in the Prospectus.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)The Bond Market Index and International Equity Index Funds will not concentrate their investments in a particular industry, except to the extent that their related Index is also so concentrated.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)The Opportunistic Municipal Fund may not concentrate, as that term is used in the 1940 Act, its investments in a particular industry, except as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)The remaining Funds may not concentrate, as that term is used in the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time, its investments in a particular industry or group of industries.

8)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;may not act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of securities held in its portfolio.

**Non-Fundamental Restrictions**

Except as specifically noted, each Fund has also adopted the following non-fundamental restrictions. Non-fundamental restrictions are not fundamental policies and may be changed without shareholder approval. It is contrary to each Fund's present policy to:

1)Invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities and in repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, except to the extent permitted by applicable law or regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time.

2)Pledge, mortgage, or hypothecate its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings. The deposit of underlying securities and other assets in escrow and other collateral arrangements in connection with transactions that involve any future payment obligation, as permitted under the 1940 Act, as amended, and as interpreted, modified, or otherwise permitted by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to time, are not deemed to be pledges, mortgages, hypothecations, or other encumbrances.

3)Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or management.

4)Invest more than 25% of its assets in foreign securities; however:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)the Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund may not invest more than 60% of its assets in foreign securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)the Capital Securities, Diversified Real Asset, Global Listed Infrastructure, Global Macro, Global Multi-Strategy, International Equity Index, and International Small Company Funds each may invest up to 100% of its assets in foreign securities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)the Bond Market Index Fund may invest in foreign securities to the extent that the relevant index is so invested; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)the Opportunistic Municipal Fund may not invest in foreign securities.

5)Invest more than 5% of its total assets in real estate limited partnership interests.

The Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds have not adopted this non-fundamental restriction.

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6)Acquire securities of other investment companies in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(F) or (G) of the 1940 Act, invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies, invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities of any one investment company, or acquire more than 3% of the outstanding voting securities of any one investment company, except in connection with a merger, consolidation, or plan of reorganization and except as permitted by the 1940 Act, SEC Rules adopted under the 1940 Act, or exemptions granted by the SEC. The Fund may purchase securities of closed-end investment companies in the open market where no underwriter or dealer's commission or profit, other than a customary broker's commission, is involved.

**Non-Fundamental Policy - Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act - Investment Company Names**

Except as specifically noted, each Fund has also adopted a non-fundamental policy, pursuant to SEC Rule 35d-1, which requires it, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in the type of investments, industry, or geographic region (as described in the Prospectus) as suggested by the name of the Fund.

This policy applies at the time of purchase. A Fund will provide 60 days' notice to shareholders prior to implementing a change in this policy for the Fund. For purposes of this non-fundamental policy, each Fund tests market capitalization ranges monthly.

For purposes of testing this requirement with respect to:

• <u>Forward foreign currency contracts and other investments that have economic characteristics similar to foreign currency</u>: the value of such contracts and investments may include the Fund's investments in cash and/or cash equivalents to the extent such cash and/or cash equivalents are maintained with respect to the Fund's exposure under its forward foreign currency contracts and similar investments.

• <u>Derivatives instruments</u>: each Fund will typically count the mark-to-market value of such derivatives. However, a Fund may use a derivative contract's notional value when it determines that notional value is an appropriate measure of the Fund's exposure to investments. For example, with respect to single-name equity swaps that are "fully paid" (equity swaps in which cash and/or cash equivalents are posted as collateral for the purpose of covering the full notional value of the swap), each Fund will count the value of such cash and/or cash equivalents.

In addition, if a Fund's policy is to invest in a certain type of security, the Fund may gain exposure to that type of investment through derivatives or other instruments.

• <u>Investments in underlying funds (including ETFs)</u>: each Fund will count all investments in an underlying fund toward the requirement as long as 80% of the value of such underlying fund's holdings focus on the particular type of investment suggested by the Fund name.

The Global Macro and the Global Multi-Strategy Fund have not adopted this non-fundamental policy.

The Opportunistic Municipal Fund has adopted a fundamental policy that requires it, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in investments, the income from which is exempt from federal income tax or so that at least 80% of the income the Fund distributes will be exempt from federal income tax.

**Investment Strategies and Risks Related to Borrowing and Senior Securities, Commodity-Related Investments, Industry Concentration, and Loans**

**Borrowing and Senior Securities**

Under the 1940 Act, a fund that borrows money is required to maintain continuous asset coverage (that is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed, with an exception for borrowings not in excess of 5% of the fund's total assets made for temporary or emergency purposes. If a fund invests the proceeds of borrowing, borrowing will tend to exaggerate the effect on net asset value of any increase or decrease in the market value of a fund's portfolio. If a fund invests the proceeds of borrowing, money borrowed will be subject to interest costs that may or may not be recovered by earnings on the securities purchased. A fund also may be required to maintain minimum average balances in connection with a borrowing or to pay a commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest rate.

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**Commodity-Related Investments**

<u>All Funds Except the Diversified Real Asset Fund, Global Macro Fund, and Global Multi-Strategy Fund</u>

Under the 1940 Act, a fund's registration statement must recite the fund's policy with regard to investing in commodities. Each Fund may invest in commodities to the extent permitted by applicable law and under its fundamental and non-fundamental policies and restrictions. Pursuant to a claim for exclusion filed with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC") on behalf of each of the Funds under Rule 4.5, PGI is not deemed to be a "commodity pool operator" under the Commodity Exchange Act ("CEA") as it specifically relates to PGI's operations with respect to the Funds, and the Funds, therefore, are not considered regulated commodity pools and are not subject to registration or regulation under the CEA. The CFTC amended Rule 4.5 exclusions for certain otherwise regulated persons from the definition of the term "commodity pool operator." Rule 4.5 provides that an investment company does not meet the definition of "commodity pool operator" if its use of futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swaps is sufficiently limited that the fund can fall within one of two exclusions set out in Rule 4.5. Each Fund intends to limit its use of futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swaps to the degree necessary to fall within one of the two exclusions. If a Fund is unable to do so, it may incur expenses that are necessary to comply with the CEA and rules the CFTC has adopted under it.

<u>Diversified Real Asset Fund, Global Macro Fund, and Global Multi-Strategy Fund</u>

The Diversified Real Asset Fund, the Global Macro Fund, and the Global Multi-Strategy Fund are each deemed to be a "commodity pool" under the CEA, and PGI is considered a "commodity pool operator" with respect to each such Fund. PGI is, therefore, subject to dual regulation by the SEC and the CFTC. The CFTC or the SEC could alter the regulatory requirements governing the use of commodity futures (which include futures on broad-based securities indexes, interest rate futures, and currency futures) or options on commodity futures or swaps transactions by investment companies, including these Funds.

To gain exposure to the commodity markets within the limitations of the federal tax law requirements applicable to regulated investment companies under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Diversified Real Asset Fund, the Global Macro Fund, and the Global Multi-Strategy Fund may each invest up to 25% of its total assets in its respective wholly-owned subsidiary organized under the laws of the Cayman Islands (a "Cayman Subsidiary"). The Diversified Real Asset Fund, the Global Macro Fund, and the Global Multi-Strategy Fund may test for compliance with certain investment restrictions on a consolidated basis with its Cayman Subsidiary. With respect to investments that involve leverage, each Cayman Subsidiary's assets will be aggregated with the assets of the respective parent fund for compliance with the SEC's derivatives rule.

**Industry Concentration**

"Concentration" means a fund invests more than 25% of its net assets in a particular industry or group of industries. To monitor compliance with the policy regarding industry concentration, the Funds may use the industry classifications provided by Bloomberg, L.P., the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI)/Standard & Poor's Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS), the Directory of Companies Filing Annual Reports with the SEC, or any other reasonable industry classification system. With respect to monitoring industry concentration, a Fund concentrating in the "financial services industry" concentrates its investments in one or more industries classified within the broader financial services sector.

• Each Fund interprets its policy with respect to concentration in a particular industry to apply only to direct investments in the securities of issuers in a particular industry.

• For purposes of this restriction, government securities (such as treasury securities or mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, or instrumentalities) are not subject to the Funds' industry concentration restrictions.

• Each Fund views its investments in tax-exempt municipal securities as not representing interests in any particular industry or group of industries. For information about municipal securities, see the Municipal Obligations section.

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**Loans**

A Fund may not make loans to other persons, except (i) as permitted by the 1940 Act and the Rules and Regulations thereunder, or other successor law governing the regulation of registered investment companies, or interpretations or modifications thereof by the SEC, SEC Staff, or other authority of competent jurisdiction, or (ii) pursuant to exemptive or other relief or permission from the SEC, SEC Staff, or other authority of competent jurisdiction. Generally, this means the Funds are typically permitted to make loans but must take into account potential issues such as liquidity, valuation, and avoidance of impermissible transactions. Examples of permissible loans include (a) the lending of its portfolio securities, (b) the purchase of debt securities, loan participations, and/or engaging in direct corporate loans in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies, (c) the entry into a repurchase agreement (to the extent such entry is deemed to be a loan), and (d) loans to affiliated investment companies to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act or any exemptions therefrom that may be granted by the SEC.

**Other Investment Strategies and Risks**

**Artificial Intelligence** 

The capabilities and use of artificial intelligence ("AI") are rapidly increasing. AI may be utilized by the Funds' advisor and/or sub-advisors; by issuers in which the Funds invest; or by the Funds' service providers. AI technologies rely heavily on the collection and analysis of large amounts of data and complex algorithms, and it is possible that AI may produce inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete outputs that could lead to adverse effects for the advisor and/or sub-advisor, issuers, and/or service providers using such technologies. These adverse effects may include reputational harm, legal liability, disruptions to business operations, and/or operational errors and investment losses by users of AI technologies, all of which could impact the Funds. AI also could face regulatory scrutiny in the future, which could limit its development and use. It is impossible to predict the full extent of risks that could impact the Funds from the development and use of AI.

**Commodity Index-Linked Notes**

A commodity index-linked note is a type of structured note that is a derivative instrument. Over the long term, the returns on a fund's investments in commodity index-linked notes are expected to exhibit low or negative correlation with stocks and bonds, which means the prices of commodity-linked notes may move in a different direction than investments in traditional equity and debt securities. As an example, during periods of rising inflation, debt securities have historically tended to decrease in value and the prices of certain commodities, such as oil and metals, have historically tended to increase. The reverse may be true during "bull markets," when the value of traditional securities such as stocks and bonds is increasing. Under such economic conditions, a fund's investments in commodity index-linked notes may be expected not to perform as well as investments in traditional securities. There can be no assurance, however, that derivative instruments will perform in that manner in the future and, at certain times in the past, the price movements of commodity-linked investments have been parallel to debt and equity securities. If commodities prices move in tandem with the prices of financial assets, they may not provide overall portfolio diversification benefits.

**Convertible Securities**

A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock, or other security that entitles the holder to acquire common stock or other equity securities of the same or a different issuer. A convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or accrued until the convertible security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion, convertible securities have characteristics similar to non-convertible debt or preferred securities, as applicable. Convertible securities rank senior to common stock in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, generally entail less risk than the corporation's common stock, although the extent to which such risk is reduced depends in large measure upon the degree to which the convertible security sells above its value as a fixed income security. Convertible securities are subordinate in rank to any senior debt obligations of the issuer, and, therefore, an issuer's convertible securities entail more risk than its debt obligations. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar credit quality because of the potential for capital appreciation. In addition, convertible securities are often lower-rated securities.

Because of the conversion feature, the price of the convertible security will normally fluctuate in some proportion to changes in the price of the underlying asset, and as such is subject to risks relating to the activities of the issuer and/or general market and economic conditions. The income component of a convertible security may tend to cushion the security against declines in the price of the underlying asset. However, the income component of convertible securities causes fluctuations based upon changes in interest rates and the credit quality of the issuer.

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If the conversion value of a convertible security increases to a point that approximates or exceeds its investment value, the value of the security will be principally influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security will sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding an income-producing security.

A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a predetermined price. If a convertible security held by a fund is called for redemption, the fund would be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security and convert it to underlying common stock, or would sell the convertible security to a third party, which may have an adverse effect on the fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.

<u>Synthetic Convertibles</u>

More flexibility is possible in the assembly of a synthetic convertible security than in the purchase of a convertible security. Although synthetic convertible securities may be selected where the two components are issued by a single issuer, thus making the synthetic convertible security similar to the traditional convertible security, the character of a synthetic convertible security allows the combination of components representing distinct issuers, when such a combination may better achieve a fund's investment objective. A synthetic convertible security also is a more flexible investment in that its two components may be purchased separately. For example, a fund may purchase a warrant for inclusion in a synthetic convertible security but temporarily hold short-term investments while postponing the purchase of a corresponding bond pending development of more favorable market conditions.

A holder of a synthetic convertible security faces the risk of a decline in the price of the security or the level of the index involved in the convertible component, causing a decline in the value of the security or instrument, such as a call option or warrant, purchased to create the synthetic convertible security. Should the price of the stock fall below the exercise price and remain there throughout the exercise period, the entire amount paid for the call option or warrant would be lost. Because a synthetic convertible security includes the income-producing component as well, the holder of a synthetic convertible security also faces the risk that interest rates will rise, causing a decline in the value of the income-producing instrument.

**Corporate Reorganizations**

Funds may invest in securities for which a tender or exchange offer has been made or announced and in securities of companies for which a merger, consolidation, liquidation, or reorganization proposal has been announced if, in the judgment of those managing the fund's investments, there is a reasonable prospect of capital appreciation significantly greater than the brokerage and other transaction expenses involved. The primary risk of such investments is that if the contemplated transaction is abandoned, revised, delayed, or becomes subject to unanticipated uncertainties, including, for example, new or revised laws or regulations, the market price of the securities may decline below the purchase price paid by a fund.

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In general, securities that are the subject of such an offer or proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the offer or proposal. However, the increased market price of such securities may discount what the stated or appraised value of the security would be if the contemplated transaction were approved or consummated. Such investments may be advantageous when the discount: significantly overstates the risk of the contingencies involved; significantly undervalues the securities, assets, or cash to be received by shareholders of the prospective company as a result of the contemplated transaction; or fails adequately to recognize the possibility that the offer or proposal may be replaced or superseded by an offer or proposal of greater value. The evaluation of such contingencies requires unusually broad knowledge and experience on the part of those managing the fund's investments, which must appraise not only the value of the issuer and its component businesses, but also the financial resources and business motivation of the offer or proposal as well as the dynamics of the business climate when the offer or proposal is in process.

**Cryptocurrencies**

*(Applicable to a portion of the Global Multi-Strategy Fund)*

Cryptocurrencies, also referred to as virtual currencies or digital currencies, are currencies that exist in a digital form and are designed to act as a peer-to-peer medium of exchange. There are thousands of cryptocurrencies, the most well-known of which is bitcoin. The Global Multi-Strategy Fund may have exposure to cryptocurrencies through cryptocurrency futures contracts.

Cryptocurrency exchanges are new, largely unregulated, and may be exposed to fraud, manipulation, security breaches, and business or operational disruptions or failures. Cryptocurrencies are subject to significant fluctuations in value. Cryptocurrencies generally operate without central authority (such as a bank) and are not backed by any government, corporation, or other identified body. Federal, state, and/or foreign governments may restrict the use and exchange of cryptocurrency, and regulation in the U.S. is still developing. The value of a cryptocurrency may decline precipitously (including to zero) for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, a loss of confidence in their exchanges or networks, or a change in user preference to other cryptocurrencies.

Many significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of investments in cryptocurrency are uncertain, and an investment in cryptocurrency may produce income that is not treated as qualifying income for purposes of the income test applicable to regulated investment companies.

**Cyber Security Issues**

Each Fund and its service providers may be subject to cyber security risks. Those risks include, among others, theft, misuse, or corruption of data maintained online or digitally; denial of service attacks on websites; the loss or unauthorized release of confidential and proprietary business and personal information; operational disruption; or various other forms of cyber security breaches. Cyber-attacks against or security breakdowns of a Fund or its service providers may harm the Fund and its shareholders, potentially resulting in, among other things, financial losses, the inability to buy or sell Fund shares, the inability to calculate a Fund's NAV, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance and remediation costs. Cyber security risks may also affect issuers of securities in which a Fund invests, potentially causing the Fund's investment in such issuers to lose value. Despite cyber security protocols and other risk management processes, there can be no guarantee that a Fund will avoid losses relating to cyber security risks or other information security breaches. The rapidly increasing capabilities and use of artificial intelligence, including by bad actors, could exacerbate these risks.

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**Derivatives**

<u>Options on Securities and Securities Indices</u>

Funds may write (sell) and purchase call and put options on securities and on securities indices. Funds may engage in these transactions to hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned or an increase in the price of securities that the Fund plans to purchase, or to generate additional revenue.

• Exchange-Traded Options. An exchange-traded option may be closed out only on an exchange that generally provides a liquid secondary market for an option of the same series. If a liquid secondary market for an exchange-traded option does not exist, it might not be possible to effect a closing transaction with respect to a particular option, with the result that a Fund would have to exercise the option in order to consummate the transaction.

• Over the Counter ("OTC") Options. OTC options differ from exchange-traded options in that they are two-party contracts, with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller, and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options. An OTC option (an option not traded on an established exchange) may be closed out only by agreement with the other party to the original option transaction. With OTC options, a Fund is at risk that the other party to the transaction will default on its obligations or will not permit the Fund to terminate the transaction before its scheduled maturity. While a Fund will seek to enter into OTC options only with dealers who agree to or are expected to be capable of entering into closing transactions with a Fund, there can be no assurance that a Fund will be able to liquidate an OTC option at a favorable price at any time prior to its expiration. OTC options are not subject to the protections afforded purchasers of listed options by the Options Clearing Corporation or other clearing organizations.

• FLexible EXchange Options ("FLEX Options"). FLEX Options are customized options contracts available through national securities exchanges that are guaranteed for settlement by the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), a market clearinghouse. FLEX Options provide investors with the ability to customize terms of an option, including exercise prices, exercise styles (European-style options, which are exercisable only at the expiration date, versus American-style options, which are exercisable any time prior to the expiration date), and expiration dates, while achieving price discovery in competitive, transparent auction markets and avoiding the counterparty exposure of the OTC option positions.

There is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any particular time, and for some options no secondary market on an exchange or elsewhere may exist. If a Fund is unable to close out a call option on securities that it has written before the option is exercised, the Fund may be required to purchase the optioned securities in order to satisfy its obligation under the option to deliver such securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options on securities that it has purchased, it would have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit and would incur transaction costs upon the purchase and sale of the underlying securities. The writing and purchasing of options is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Imperfect correlation between the options and securities markets may detract from the effectiveness of attempted hedging. Options transactions may result in significantly higher transaction costs and portfolio turnover for a Fund.

*Writing Call and Put Options*. When a Fund writes a call option, it gives the purchaser of the option the right to buy a specific security at a specified price at any time before the option expires. When a Fund writes a put option, it gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell to the Fund a specific security at a specified price at any time before the option expires. In both situations, the Fund receives a premium from the purchaser of the option.

The premium received by a Fund reflects, among other factors, the current market price of the underlying security, the relationship of the exercise price to the market price, the time period until the expiration of the option and interest rates. The premium generates additional income for the Fund if the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. By writing a call, a Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price of the option, but it retains the risk of loss if the price of the security should decline. By writing a put, a Fund assumes the risk that it may have to purchase the underlying security at a price that may be higher than its market value at time of exercise.

A Fund usually owns the underlying security covered by any outstanding call option. With respect to an outstanding put option, a Fund deposits and maintains with its custodian or segregates on the Fund's records, cash, or other liquid assets with a value at least equal to the market value of the option that was written.

Once a Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation before the option is exercised. The Fund executes a closing transaction by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. The Fund has a gain or loss depending on whether the premium received when the option was written exceeds the closing purchase price plus related transaction costs.

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*Purchasing Call and Put Options*. When a Fund purchases a call option, it receives, in return for the premium it pays, the right to buy from the writer of the option the underlying security at a specified price at any time before the option expires. A Fund purchases call options in anticipation of an increase in the market value of securities that it intends ultimately to buy. During the life of the call option, the Fund is able to buy the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any increase in the market price of the underlying security. For a call option to result in a gain, the market price of the underlying security must exceed the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid, and transaction costs.

When a Fund purchases a put option, it receives, in return for the premium it pays, the right to sell to the writer of the option the underlying security at a specified price at any time before the option expires. A Fund purchases put options in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the underlying security. During the life of the put option, the Fund is able to sell the underlying security at the exercise price regardless of any decline in the market price of the underlying security. In order for a put option to result in a gain, the market price of the underlying security must decline, during the option period, below the exercise price enough to cover the premium and transaction costs.

Once a Fund purchases an option, it may close out its position by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. The Fund has a gain or loss depending on whether the closing sale price exceeds the initial purchase price plus related transaction costs.

*Options on Securities Indices*. Each Fund may purchase and sell put and call options on any securities index based on securities in which the Fund may invest. Securities index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in a single security. Options on securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities. Each Fund engages in transactions in put and call options on securities indices for the same purposes as they engage in transactions in options on securities. When a Fund writes call options on securities indices, it holds in its portfolio underlying securities which, in the judgment of those managing the fund's investments, correlate closely with the securities index and which have a value at least equal to the aggregate amount of the securities index options.

*Index Warrants*. A Fund may purchase put warrants and call warrants whose values vary depending on the change in the value of one or more specified securities indices ("index warrants"). Index warrants are generally issued by banks or other financial institutions and give the holder the right, at any time during the term of the warrant, to receive upon exercise of the warrant a cash payment from the issuer based on the value of the underlying index at the time of exercise. In general, if the value of the underlying index rises above the exercise price of the index warrant, the holder of a call warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the value of the index and the exercise price of the warrant; if the value of the underlying index falls, the holder of a put warrant will be entitled to receive a cash payment from the issuer upon exercise based on the difference between the exercise price of the warrant and the value of the index. The holder of a warrant would not be entitled to any payments from the issuer at a time when, in the case of a call warrant, the exercise price is more than the value of the underlying index, or in the case of a put warrant, the exercise price is less than the value of the underlying index. If a Fund were not to exercise an index warrant prior to its expiration, then a Fund would lose the amount of the purchase price paid by it for the warrant. A Fund will normally use index warrants in a manner similar to its use of options on securities indices.

*Risks Associated with Option Transactions*. An option position may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series. A Fund generally purchases or writes only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market. However, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange exists for any particular option, or at any particular time. If a Fund is unable to effect closing sale transactions in options it has purchased, it has to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and may incur transaction costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction for a covered option that it has written, it is not able to sell the underlying securities until the option expires or is exercised. A Fund's ability to terminate option positions established in the over-the-counter market may be more limited than for exchange-traded options and may also involve the risk that broker-dealers participating in such transactions might fail to meet their obligations.

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<u>Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts</u>

Funds may purchase and sell futures contracts of many types, including for example, futures contracts covering indexes, financial instruments, and foreign currencies. Funds may purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options on those contracts. Financial futures contracts are commodities contracts based on financial instruments such as U.S. Treasury bonds or bills or on securities indices such as the S&P 500 Index. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission regulates futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and the commodity exchanges on which they are traded. Through the purchase and sale of futures contracts and related options, a Fund may seek to hedge against a decline in the value of securities owned by the Fund or an increase in the price of securities that the Fund plans to purchase. Funds may also purchase and sell futures contracts and related options to maintain cash reserves while simulating full investment in securities and to keep substantially all of its assets exposed to the market. Funds may enter into futures contracts and related options transactions both for hedging and non-hedging purposes.

*Futures Contracts*. Funds may purchase or sell a futures contract to gain exposure to a particular market asset without directly purchasing that asset. When a Fund sells a futures contract based on a financial instrument, the Fund is obligated to deliver that kind of instrument at a specified future time for a specified price. When a Fund purchases that kind of contract, it is obligated to take delivery of the instrument at a specified time and to pay the specified price. In most instances, these contracts are closed out by entering into an offsetting transaction before the settlement date. The Fund realizes a gain or loss depending on whether the price of an offsetting purchase plus transaction costs are less or more than the price of the initial sale or on whether the price of an offsetting sale is more or less than the price of the initial purchase plus transaction costs. Although the Fund usually liquidates futures contracts on financial instruments, by entering into an offsetting transaction before the settlement date, they may make or take delivery of the underlying securities when it appears economically advantageous to do so.

A futures contract based on a securities index provides for the purchase or sale of a group of securities at a specified future time for a specified price. These contracts do not require actual delivery of securities but result in a cash settlement. The amount of the settlement is based on the difference in value of the index between the time the contract was entered into and the time it is liquidated (at its expiration or earlier if it is closed out by entering into an offsetting transaction).

When a Fund purchases or sells a futures contract, it pays a commission to the futures commission merchant through which the Fund executes the transaction. When entering into a futures transaction, the Fund does not pay the execution price, as it does when it purchases a security, or a premium, as it does when it purchases an option. Instead, the Fund deposits an amount of cash or other liquid assets (generally about 5% of the futures contract amount) with its futures commission merchant. This amount is known as "initial margin." In contrast to the use of margin account to purchase securities, the Fund's deposit of initial margin does not constitute the borrowing of money to finance the transaction in the futures contract. The initial margin represents a good faith deposit that helps assure the Fund's performance of the transaction. The futures commission merchant returns the initial margin to the Fund upon termination of the futures contract if the Fund has satisfied all its contractual obligations.

Subsequent payments to and from the futures commission merchant, known as "variation margin," are required to be made on a daily basis as the price of the futures contract fluctuates, a process known as "marking to market." The fluctuations make the long or short positions in the futures contract more or less valuable. If the position is closed out by taking an opposite position prior to the settlement date of the futures contract, a final determination of variation margin is made. Any additional cash is required to be paid to or released by the broker and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.

In using futures contracts, a Fund may seek to establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective price of or rate of return on portfolio securities or securities that the Fund proposes to acquire. A Fund, for example, sells futures contracts in anticipation of a rise in interest rates that would cause a decline in the value of its debt investments. When this kind of hedging is successful, the futures contract increases in value when the Fund's debt securities decline in value and thereby keeps the Fund's net asset value from declining as much as it otherwise would. A Fund may also sell futures contracts on securities indices in anticipation of or during a stock market decline in an endeavor to offset a decrease in the market value of its equity investments. When a Fund is not fully invested and anticipates an increase in the cost of securities it intends to purchase, it may purchase financial futures contracts.

When increases in the prices of equities are expected, a Fund may purchase futures contracts on securities indices in order to gain rapid market exposure that may partially or entirely offset increases in the cost of the equity securities it intends to purchase.

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*Options on Futures Contracts*. Funds may also purchase and write call and put options on futures contracts. A call option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to purchase a futures contract (assume a long position) at a specified exercise price at any time before the option expires. A put option gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to sell a futures contract (assume a short position), for a specified exercise price, at any time before the option expires.

Upon the exercise of a call, the writer of the option is obligated to sell the futures contract (to deliver a long position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will presumably be lower than the current market price of the contract in the futures market. Upon exercise of a put, the writer of the option is obligated to purchase the futures contract (deliver a short position to the option holder) at the option exercise price, which will presumably be higher than the current market price of the contract in the futures market. However, as with the trading of futures, most options are closed out prior to their expiration by the purchase or sale of an offsetting option at a market price that reflects an increase or a decrease from the premium originally paid. Options on futures can be used to hedge substantially the same risks addressed by the direct purchase or sale of the underlying futures contracts. For example, if a Fund anticipates a rise in interest rates and a decline in the market value of the debt securities in its portfolio, it might purchase put options or write call options on futures contracts instead of selling futures contracts.

If a Fund purchases an option on a futures contract, it may obtain benefits similar to those that would result if it held the futures position itself. But in contrast to a futures transaction, the purchase of an option involves the payment of a premium in addition to transaction costs. In the event of an adverse market movement, however, the Fund is not subject to a risk of loss on the option transaction beyond the price of the premium it paid plus its transaction costs.

When a Fund writes an option on a futures contract, the premium paid by the purchaser is deposited with the Fund's custodian. The Fund must maintain with its futures commission merchant all or a portion of the initial margin requirement on the underlying futures contract. It assumes a risk of adverse movement in the price of the underlying futures contract comparable to that involved in holding a futures position. Subsequent payments to and from the futures commission merchant, similar to variation margin payments, are made as the premium and the initial margin requirements are marked to market daily. The premium may partially offset an unfavorable change in the value of portfolio securities, if the option is not exercised, or it may reduce the amount of any loss incurred by the Fund if the option is exercised.

*Risks Associated with Futures Transactions*. There are many risks associated with transactions in futures contracts and related options. The value of the assets that are the subject of the futures contract may not move in the anticipated direction. A Fund's successful use of futures contracts is subject to the ability of those managing the fund's investments to predict correctly the factors affecting the market values of the Fund's portfolio securities. For example, if a Fund is hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates which would adversely affect debt securities held by the Fund and the prices of those debt securities instead increases, the Fund loses part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities it hedged because it has offsetting losses in its futures positions. Other risks include imperfect correlation between price movements in the financial instrument or securities index underlying the futures contract, on the one hand, and the price movements of either the futures contract itself or the securities held by the Fund, on the other hand. If the prices do not move in the same direction or to the same extent, the transaction may result in trading losses.

Prior to exercise or expiration, a position in futures may be terminated only by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. This requires a secondary market on the relevant contract market. A Fund enters into a futures contract or related option only if there appears to be a liquid secondary market. There can be no assurance, however, that such a liquid secondary market exists for any particular futures contract or related option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close out a futures position once it has been established. Under such circumstances, the Fund continues to be required to make daily cash payments of variation margin in the event of adverse price movements. In such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may be required to sell portfolio securities to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to perform under the terms of the futures contracts it holds. The inability to close out futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund's ability effectively to hedge its portfolio.

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Most United States futures exchanges limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices during a single trading day. This daily limit establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of a trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a particular type of contract, no more trades may be made on that day at a price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because the limit may prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. Futures contract prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing prompt liquidation of futures positions and subjecting some futures traders to substantial losses.

<u>Debt-Linked and Equity-Linked Securities</u>

Each Fund may invest in debt-linked and equity-linked securities. The investment results of such instruments are intended to correspond generally to the performance of one or more specified equity or debt securities, or of a specific index or analogous "basket" of equity or debt securities. Therefore, investing in these instruments involves risks similar to the risks of investing in the underlying stocks or bonds directly. In addition, a Fund bears the risk that the issuer of an equity- or debt-linked security may default on its obligations under the instrument. Equity- and debt-linked securities are often used for many of the same purposes as, and share many of the same risks with, other derivative instruments as well as structured notes. Like many derivatives and structured notes, equity- and debt-linked securities may be considered illiquid, potentially limiting a Fund's ability to dispose of them.

<u>Hybrid Instruments</u>

A hybrid instrument is a type of derivative that combines a traditional stock or bond with an option or forward contract. Generally, the principal amount, amount payable upon maturity or redemption, or interest rate of a hybrid is tied (positively or negatively) to the price of some currency or securities index or another interest rate or some other economic factor (each a "benchmark"). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed income securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of a hybrid security may be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the benchmark. An example of a hybrid could be a bond issued by an oil company that pays a small base level of interest with additional interest that accrues in correlation to the extent to which oil prices exceed a certain predetermined level. Such a hybrid instrument would be economically similar to a combination of a bond and a call option on oil.

Hybrids can be used as an efficient means of pursuing a variety of investment goals, including currency hedging, duration management and increased total return. Hybrids may not bear interest or pay dividends. The value of a hybrid or its interest rate may be a multiple of a benchmark and, as a result, may be leveraged and move (up or down) more steeply and rapidly than the benchmark. These benchmarks may be sensitive to economic and political events, such as currency devaluations, which cannot be readily foreseen by the purchaser of a hybrid. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of a hybrid could be zero. Thus, an investment in a hybrid may entail significant market risks that are not associated with a similar investment in a traditional, U.S. dollar-denominated bond that has a fixed principal amount and pays a fixed rate or floating rate of interest. The purchase of hybrids also exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the hybrids. These risks may cause significant fluctuations in the NAV of a Fund.

Certain hybrid instruments may provide exposure to the commodities markets. These are derivative securities with one or more commodity-linked components that have payment features similar to commodity futures contracts, commodity options or similar instruments. Commodity-linked hybrid instruments may be either equity or debt securities, leveraged or unleveraged, and are considered hybrid instruments because they have both security and commodity-like characteristics. A portion of the value of these instruments may be derived from the value of a commodity, futures contract, index or other economic variable and therefore are subject to many of the same risks as investments in those underlying securities, instruments or commodities.

Certain issuers of structured products such as hybrid instruments may be deemed to be investment companies as defined in the 1940 Act. As a result, a Fund's investments in these products may be subject to limits applicable to investments in investment companies and may be subject to restrictions contained in the 1940 Act.

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<u>Spread Transactions</u>

Funds may engage in spread trades, which typically represent a simultaneous purchase and sale of two different contracts designed to capture the change in the relationship in price between the two contracts. Spread transactions are typically accompanied by lower margin requirements and lower volatility than an outright purchase. Funds may purchase spread options. The purchase of a covered spread option gives the Fund the right to put, or sell, a security that it owns at a fixed dollar spread or fixed yield spread in relationship to another security that the Fund does not own, but which is used as a benchmark. The risk to the Fund in purchasing covered spread options is the cost of the premium paid for the spread option and any transaction costs. In addition, there is no assurance that closing transactions will be available. The security covering the spread option is maintained in segregated accounts either with the Fund's custodian or on the Fund's records. The Funds do not consider a security covered by a spread option to be "pledged" as that term is used in the Fund's policy limiting the pledging or mortgaging of assets. The purchase of spread options can be used to protect Funds against adverse changes in prevailing credit quality spreads, i.e., the yield spread between high quality and lower quality securities.

<u>Swap Agreements and Options on Swap Agreements</u>

Funds may engage in swap transactions, including, but not limited to, swap agreements on interest rates, security or commodity indexes, specific securities and commodities, and credit and event-linked swaps, to the extent permitted by its investment restrictions. To the extent a Fund may invest in foreign currency-denominated securities, it may also invest in currency swap agreements and currency exchange rate swap agreements. Funds may also enter into options on swap agreements ("swap options").

Funds may enter into swap transactions for any legal purpose consistent with its investment objectives and policies, such as for the purpose of attempting to obtain or preserve a particular return or spread at a lower cost than obtaining a return or spread through purchases and/or sales of instruments in other markets; to protect against currency fluctuations; as a duration management technique; to protect against any increase in the price of securities a Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date; to gain exposure to one or more securities, currencies, or interest rates; to take advantage of perceived mispricing in the securities markets; or to gain exposure to certain markets in the most economical way possible.

Swap agreements are two party contracts entered into primarily by institutional investors for periods ranging from a few weeks to more than one year. In a standard "swap" transaction, two parties agree to exchange the returns (or differentials in rates of return) earned or realized on particular predetermined investments or instruments, which may be adjusted for an interest factor. The gross returns to be exchanged or "swapped" between the parties are generally calculated with respect to a "notional amount," i.e., the return on or increase in value of a particular dollar amount invested at a particular interest rate, in a particular foreign currency, or in a "basket" of securities or commodities representing a particular index.

• Interest Rate Swaps. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest (for example, an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a notional amount of principal). Forms of swap agreements also include interest rate caps, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates exceed a specified rate, or "cap"; interest rate floors, under which, in return for a premium, one party agrees to make payments to the other to the extent that interest rates fall below a specified rate, or "floor"; and interest rate collars, under which a party sells a cap and purchases a floor or vice versa in an attempt to protect itself against interest rate movements exceeding given minimum or maximum levels.

• Currency Swaps. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows on a notional amount based on changes in the relative values of the specified currencies.

• Index Swaps. An index swap is an agreement to make or receive payments based on the different returns that would be achieved if a notional amount were invested in a specified basket of securities (such as the S&P 500 Index) or in some other investment (such as U.S. Treasury Securities).

• Total Return Swaps. A total return swap is an agreement to make payments of the total return from a specified asset or instrument (or a basket of such instruments) during the specified period, in return for payments equal to a fixed or floating rate of interest or the total return from another specified asset or instrument. Alternatively, a total return swap can be structured so that one party will make payments to the other party if the value of the relevant asset or instrument increases, but receive payments from the other party if the value of that asset or instrument decreases.

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• Commodity Swap Agreements. Consistent with a Fund's investment objectives and general investment policies, certain of the Funds may invest in commodity swap agreements. For example, an investment in a commodity swap agreement may involve the exchange of floating-rate interest payments for the total return on a commodity index. In a total return commodity swap, a Fund will receive the price appreciation of a commodity index, a portion of the index, or a single commodity in exchange for paying an agreed-upon fee. If the commodity swap is for one period, a Fund may pay a fixed fee, established at the outset of the swap. However, if the term of the commodity swap is for more than one period, with interim swap payments, a Fund may pay an adjustable or floating fee. With a "floating" rate, the fee may be pegged to a base rate, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) or a similar reference rate, and is adjusted each period. Therefore, if interest rates increase over the term of the swap contract, a Fund may be required to pay a higher fee at each swap reset date.

• Credit Default Swap Agreements. The "buyer" in a credit default contract is obligated to pay the "seller" a periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract provided that no event of default on an underlying reference obligation has occurred. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value, or "par value," of the reference obligation in exchange for the reference obligation. A Fund may be either the buyer or seller in a credit default swap transaction. If a Fund is a buyer and no event of default occurs, the Fund will lose its investment and recover nothing. However, if an event of default occurs, the Fund (if the buyer) will receive the full notional value of the reference obligation that may have little or no value. As a seller, a Fund receives a fixed rate of income throughout the term of the contract, which typically is between six months and five years, provided that there is no default event. If an event of default occurs, the seller must pay the buyer the full notional value of the reference obligation. In addition, collateral posting requirements are individually negotiated and there is no regulatory requirement that a counterparty post collateral to secure its obligations or a specified amount of cash, depending upon the terms of the swap, under a credit default swap. Furthermore, there is no requirement that a party be informed in advance when a credit default swap agreement is sold. Accordingly, a Fund may have difficulty identifying the party responsible for payment of its claims. The notional value of credit default swaps with respect to a particular investment is often larger than the total par value of such investment outstanding and, in event of a default, there may be difficulties in making the required deliveries of the reference investments, possibly delaying payments.

Funds may invest in derivative instruments that provide exposure to one or more credit default swaps. For example, a Fund may invest in a derivative instrument known as the Loan-Only Credit Default Swap Index ("LCDX"), a tradable index with 100 equally-weighted underlying single-name loan-only credit default swaps ("LCDS"). Each underlying LCDS references an issuer whose loans trade in the secondary leveraged loan market. A Fund can either buy the index (take on credit exposure) or sell the index (pass credit exposure to a counterparty). While investing in these types of derivatives will increase the universe of debt securities to which a Fund is exposed, such investments entail additional risks that are not typically associated with investments in other debt securities. Credit default swaps and other derivative instruments related to loans are subject to the risks associated with loans generally, as well as the risks of derivative transactions.

• Investment Pools. Funds may invest in publicly or privately issued interests in investment pools whose underlying assets are credit default, credit-linked, interest rate, currency exchange, equity-linked or other types of swap contracts and related underlying securities or securities loan agreements. The pools' investment results may be designed to correspond generally to the performance of a specified securities index or "basket" of securities, or sometimes a single security. These types of pools are often used to gain exposure to multiple securities with a smaller investment than would be required to invest directly in the individual securities. They also may be used to gain exposure to foreign securities markets without investing in the foreign securities themselves and/or the relevant foreign market. To the extent that a Fund invests in pools of swaps and related underlying securities or securities loan agreements whose return corresponds to the performance of a foreign securities index or one or more foreign securities, investing in such pools will involve risks similar to the risks of investing in foreign securities. In addition to the risks associated with investing in swaps generally, a Fund bears the risks and costs generally associated with investing in pooled investment vehicles, such as paying the fees and expenses of the pool and the risk that the pool or the operator of the pool may default on its obligations to the holder of interests in the pool, such as a Fund. Interests in privately offered investment pools of swaps may be considered illiquid.

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• Contracts for Differences. "Contracts for differences" are swap arrangements in which a Fund may agree with a counterparty that its return (or loss) will be based on the relative performance of two different groups or "baskets" of securities. For example, as to one of the baskets, a Fund's return is based on theoretical long futures positions in the securities comprising that basket, and as to the other basket, a Fund's return is based on theoretical short futures positions in the securities comprising that other basket. The notional sizes of the baskets will not necessarily be the same, which can give rise to investment leverage. Funds may also use actual long and short futures positions to achieve the market exposure(s) as contracts for differences. Funds may enter into swaps and contracts for differences for investment return, hedging, risk management and for investment leverage.

• Swaptions. A swap option (also known as "swaptions") is a contract that gives a counterparty the right (but not the obligation) in return for payment of a premium, to enter into a new swap agreement or to shorten, extend, cancel, or otherwise modify an existing swap agreement, at some designated future time on specified terms. The buyer and seller of the swap option agree on the strike price, length of the option period, the term of the swap, notional amount, amortization and frequency of settlement. Funds may engage in swap options for hedging purposes or in an attempt to manage and mitigate credit and interest rate risk. Funds may write (sell) and purchase put and call swap options. The use of swap options involves risks, including, among others, imperfect correlation between movements of the price of the swap options and the price of the securities, indices or other assets serving as reference instruments for the swap option, reducing the effectiveness of the instrument for hedging or investment purposes.

*Obligations under Swap Agreements*. The swap agreements a Fund enters into settle in cash and, therefore, provide for calculation of the obligations of the parties to the agreement on a "net basis." Consequently, a Fund's current obligations (or rights) under such a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the "net amount"). A Fund's current obligations under such a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any amounts owed to the Fund).

*Risks Associated with Swap Agreements*. Swaps can be highly volatile and may have a considerable impact on a Fund's performance, as the potential gain or loss on any swap transaction is not subject to any fixed limit. Whether a Fund's use of swap agreements or swap options will be successful in furthering its investment objective of total return will depend on the ability of those managing the fund's investments to predict correctly whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Because they are two party contracts and because they may have terms of greater than seven days, swap agreements may be considered to be illiquid. Moreover, a Fund bears the risk of loss of the amount expected to be received under a swap agreement in the event of the default or bankruptcy of a swap agreement counterparty. The Funds will enter into swap agreements only with counterparties that present minimal credit risks, as determined by those managing the fund's investments. Certain restrictions imposed on each Fund by the Internal Revenue Code may limit a Fund's ability to use swap agreements.

Depending on the terms of the particular option agreement, a Fund will generally incur a greater degree of risk when it writes a swap option than it will incur when it purchases a swap option. When a Fund purchases a swap option, it risks losing only the amount of the premium it has paid should it decide to let the option expire unexercised. However, when a Fund writes a swap option, upon exercise of the option the Fund will become obligated according to the terms of the underlying agreement.

*Liquidity of Swap Agreements*. Some swap markets have grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, these swap markets have become relatively liquid. The liquidity of swap agreements will be determined by those managing the fund's investments based on various factors, including:

• the frequency of trades and quotations,

• the number of dealers and prospective purchasers in the marketplace,

• dealer undertakings to make a market,

• the nature of the security (including any demand or tender features), and

• the nature of the marketplace for trades (including the ability to assign or offset a portfolio's rights and obligations relating to the investment).

Such determination will govern whether a swap will be deemed to be within each Fund's restriction on investments in illiquid securities.

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*Valuing Swap Agreements*. For purposes of applying a fund's investment policies and restrictions (as stated in the Prospectuses and this SAI) swap agreements are generally valued by the funds at market value. In the case of a credit default swap, however, in applying certain of the funds' investment policies and restrictions the fund will value the credit default swap at its notional value or its full exposure value (i.e., the sum of the notional amount for the contract plus the market value), but may value the credit default swap at market value for purposes of applying certain of the funds' other investment policies and restrictions. For example, a fund may value credit default swaps at full exposure value for purposes of the fund's credit quality guidelines because such value reflects the fund's actual economic exposure during the term of the credit default swap agreement. In this context, both the notional amount and the market value may be positive or negative depending on whether the fund is selling or buying protection through the credit default swap. The manner in which certain securities or other instruments are valued by a fund for purposes of applying investment policies and restrictions may differ from the manner in which those investments are valued by other types of investors.

<u>Permissible Uses of Futures and Options on Futures Contracts</u>

Each Fund may enter into futures contracts and related options transactions, for hedging purposes and for other appropriate risk management purposes, and to modify the Fund's exposure to various currency, commodity, equity, or fixed-income markets. Each Fund may engage in futures trading in an effort to generate returns. When using futures contracts and options on futures contracts for hedging or risk management purposes, each Fund determines that the price fluctuations in the contracts and options are substantially related to price fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or which it expects to purchase. In pursuing traditional hedging activities, each Fund may sell futures contracts or acquire puts to protect against a decline in the price of securities that the Fund owns. Each Fund may purchase futures contracts or calls on futures contracts to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities the Fund intends to purchase before it is in a position to do so.

<u>Limitations on the Use of Futures, Options on Futures Contracts, and Swaps</u>

*All Funds except the Diversified Real Asset Fund, the Global Macro Fund, and the Global Multi-Strategy Fund.* CFTC Rule 4.5 provides that an investment company does not meet the definition of "commodity pool operator" under the CEA if its use of futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swaps is sufficiently limited that the fund can fall within one of two exclusions set out in Rule 4.5. Each Fund intends to limit its use of futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swaps to the degree necessary to fall within one of the two exclusions. If a Fund is unable to do so, it may incur expenses that are necessary to comply with the CEA and the rules the CFTC has adopted under it.

*Diversified Real Asset Fund, Global Macro Fund, and Global Multi-Strategy Fund.* The Diversified Real Asset Fund, the Global Macro Fund, and the Global Multi-Strategy Fund are each deemed to be regulated "commodity pools" under the CEA and, as a result, may invest in futures contracts, options on futures contracts, and swaps in excess of the limitations imposed by the CFTC under Rule 4.5.

<u>Risk of Potential Government Regulation of Derivatives</u>

It is possible that additional government regulation of various types of derivative instruments, including futures, options and swap agreements, may limit or prevent a fund from using such instruments as a part of its investment strategy, and could ultimately prevent a fund from being able to achieve its investment objective. It is difficult to predict the effects future legislation and regulation in this area, but the effects could be substantial and adverse. It is possible that legislative and regulatory activity could limit or restrict the ability of a fund to use certain instruments as a part of its investment strategy.

Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which the funds engage in derivative transactions could also prevent the funds from using certain instruments.

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**Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors in the Selection of Portfolio Securities**

*(Applicable to all Funds or portions of the Funds, other than Bond Market Index Fund, Global Macro Fund, Global Multi-Strategy Fund, International Equity Index Fund, International Small Company Fund, and Opportunistic Municipal Fund. The below is not applicable to the Global Listed Infrastructure Fund as Sustainable Investing Risk is principal to the Fund and included in the Fund's Prospectus.)*

The portfolio managers of the Funds consider one or more environmental, social, and/or governance ("ESG") factors along with other, non-ESG factors in making investment decisions. The consideration of ESG factors is intended to further the stated objective of the particular Funds. These ESG factors are generally no more significant than other factors in the investment selection process, such that ESG factors may not be determinative in deciding to include or exclude any particular investment in the portfolio. By way of example, environmental factors can include one or more of the following: climate change, natural resources, pollution and waste, and environmental opportunities. Social factors can include one or more of the following: human capital, product liability, stakeholder opposition, and social opportunities. Governance factors can include corporate governance and/or corporate behavior. Integration of ESG factors is qualitative and subjective by nature. There is no guarantee that the criteria used, or judgment exercised, will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor. Further, there is no assurance that any strategy or integration of ESG factors will be successful or profitable.

**Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors in the Selection of Investment Advisors and Asset Classes**

The Diversified Real Asset Fund is structured as an asset allocation fund, in which PGI is responsible for selecting sub-advisors and investment teams within PGI that, in turn, are responsible for selecting underlying investments. In selecting sub-advisors, investment teams, and asset classes, the PGI asset allocation team considers ESG factors. ESG factors are generally no more significant than other factors in the selection process, such that ESG factors may not be determinative in deciding to include or exclude any particular sub-advisor, investment team, or asset class in the portfolio. Integration of ESG factors is qualitative and subjective by nature. There is no guarantee that the criteria used, or judgment exercised, will reflect the beliefs or values of any particular investor. Further, there is no assurance that any strategy or integration of ESG factors will be successful or profitable.

**Fixed-Income Securities**

<u>ETNs</u>

Certain funds may invest in, or sell short, exchange-traded notes ("ETNs"). ETNs are typically senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market index less applicable fees and expenses. ETNs are listed on an exchange and traded in the secondary market. The fund may hold the ETN until maturity, at which time the issuer is obligated to pay a return linked to the performance of the relevant market index. ETNs do not make periodic interest payments and principal is not protected.

ETNs are subject to credit risk and the value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer's credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining unchanged. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit rating, and economic, legal, political, or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset. When a Fund invests in ETNs, it will bear their proportionate share of any fees and expenses borne by the ETN. The Fund's decision to sell its ETN holdings may be limited by the availability of a secondary market. ETNs are also subject to tax risk. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and Congress are considering proposals that would change the timing and character of income and gains from ETNs. There may also be times when an ETN share trades at a premium or discount to its market benchmark or strategy.

<u>Funding Agreements</u>

Some Funds may invest in Guaranteed Investment Contracts ("GICs") and similar funding agreements. In connection with these investments, a Fund makes cash contributions to a deposit fund of an insurance company's general account. The insurance company then credits to a Fund on a monthly basis guaranteed interest, which is based on an index (such as SOFR or a similar reference rate). The funding agreements provide that this guaranteed interest will not be less than a certain minimum rate. The purchase price paid for a funding agreement becomes part of the general assets of the insurance company. GICs are considered illiquid securities and will be subject to any limitations on such investments, unless there is an active and substantial secondary market for the particular instrument and market quotations are readily available.

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Generally, funding agreements are not assignable or transferable without the permission of the issuing company, and an active secondary market in some funding agreements does not currently exist. Investments in GICs are subject to the risks associated with fixed-income instruments generally, and are specifically subject to the credit risk associated with an investment in the issuing insurance company.

<u>Inflation-Indexed Bonds</u>

Some Funds may invest in inflation-indexed bonds or inflation protected debt securities, which are fixed income securities whose value is periodically adjusted according to the rate of inflation. Two structures are common. The U.S. Treasury and some other issuers utilize a structure that accrues inflation into the principal value of the bond. Most other issuers pay out the Consumer Price Index accruals as part of a semi-annual coupon. Inflation-indexed securities issued by the U.S. Treasury (Treasury Inflation Protected Securities or TIPS) have maturities of approximately five, ten or thirty years, although it is possible that securities with other maturities will be issued in the future. The U.S. Treasury securities pay interest on a semi-annual basis equal to a fixed percentage of the inflation-adjusted principal amount. If the periodic adjustment rate measuring inflation falls, the principal value of inflation-indexed bonds will be adjusted downward, and consequently the interest payable on these securities (calculated with respect to a smaller principal amount) will be reduced. The value of inflation-indexed bonds is expected to change in response to changes in real interest rates. Real interest rates in turn are tied to the relationship between nominal interest rates and the rate of inflation. Therefore, if the rate of inflation rises at a faster rate than nominal interest rates, real interest rates might decline, leading to an increase in value of inflation-indexed bonds. In contrast, if nominal interest rates increase at a faster rate than inflation, real interest rates might rise, leading to a decrease in value of inflation-indexed bonds. While these securities are expected to be protected from long-term inflationary trends, short-term increases in inflation may lead to a decline in value. If interest rates rise due to reasons other than inflation (for example, due to changes in currency exchange rates), investors in these securities may not be protected to the extent that the increase is not reflected in the bond's inflation measure.

The periodic adjustment of U.S. inflation-indexed bonds is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U), which is calculated monthly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI-U is a measurement of changes in the cost of living, made up of components such as housing, food, transportation and energy. Inflation-indexed bonds issued by a foreign government are generally adjusted to reflect a comparable inflation index calculated by that government. Any increase in the principal amount of an inflation-indexed bond will be considered taxable ordinary income, even though investors do not receive their principal until maturity.

<u>Step-Coupon Securities</u>

Each Fund may invest in step-coupon securities. Step-coupon securities trade at a discount from their face value and pay coupon interest. The coupon rate is low for an initial period and then increases to a higher coupon rate thereafter. Market values of these types of securities generally fluctuate in response to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than conventional interest-paying securities of comparable term and quality. Under many market conditions, investments in such securities may be illiquid, making it difficult for a Fund to dispose of them or determine their current value.

<u>"Stripped" Securities</u>

Each Fund may invest in stripped securities, which are usually structured with two or more classes that receive different proportions of the interest and principal distribution on a pool of U.S. government or foreign government securities or mortgage assets. In some cases, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or "IO" class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO" class). Stripped securities commonly have greater market volatility than other types of fixed-income securities. In the case of stripped mortgage securities, if the underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated payments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its investments in IOs. Stripped securities may be illiquid. Stripped securities may be considered derivative securities.

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<u>Structured Notes</u>

Some Funds may invest in a broad category of instruments known as "structured notes." These instruments are debt obligations issued by industrial corporations, financial institutions or governmental or international agencies. Traditional debt obligations typically obligate the issuer to repay the principal plus a specified rate of interest. Structured notes, by contrast, obligate the issuer to pay amounts of principal or interest that are determined by reference to changes in some external factor or factors, or the principal and interest rate may vary from the stated rate because of changes in these factors. For example, the issuer's obligations could be determined by reference to changes in the value of a foreign currency, an index of securities (such as the S&P 500 Index) or an interest rate (such as the U.S. Treasury bill rate). In some cases, the issuer's obligations are determined by reference to changes over time in the difference (or "spread") between two or more external factors (such as the U.S. prime lending rate and the total return of the stock market in a particular country, as measured by a stock index). In some cases, the issuer's obligations may fluctuate inversely with changes in an external factor or factors (for example, if the U.S. prime lending rate goes up, the issuer's interest payment obligations are reduced). In some cases, the issuer's obligations may be determined by some multiple of the change in an external factor or factors (for example, three times the change in the U.S. Treasury bill rate). In some cases, the issuer's obligations remain fixed (as with a traditional debt instrument) so long as an external factor or factors do not change by more than the specified amount (for example, if the value of a stock index does not exceed some specified maximum), but if the external factor or factors change by more than the specified amount, the issuer's obligations may be sharply reduced.

Structured notes can serve many different purposes in the management of a fund. For example, they can be used to increase a fund's exposure to changes in the value of assets that a fund would not ordinarily purchase directly (such as stocks traded in a market that is not open to U.S. investors). They also can be used to hedge the risks associated with other investments a fund holds. For example, if a structured note has an interest rate that fluctuates inversely with general changes in a country's stock market index, the value of the structured note would generally move in the opposite direction to the value of holdings of stocks in that market, thus moderating the effect of stock market movements on the value of a fund's portfolio as a whole. The cash flow on the underlying instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured notes to create securities with different investment characteristics such as varying maturities, payment priorities or interest rate provisions; the extent of the payments made with respect to structured notes is dependent on the extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments.

Structured notes involve special risks. As with any debt obligation, structured notes involve the risk that the issuer will become insolvent or otherwise default on its payment obligations. This risk is in addition to the risk that the issuer's obligations (and thus the value of a fund's investment) will be reduced because of adverse changes in the external factor or factors to which the obligations are linked. The value of structured notes will in many cases be more volatile (that is, will change more rapidly or severely) than the value of traditional debt instruments. Volatility will be especially high if the issuer's obligations are determined by reference to some multiple of the change in the external factor or factors. Structured notes also may be more difficult to accurately price than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities. Many structured notes have limited or no liquidity, so that a fund would be unable to dispose of the investment prior to maturity. As with all investments, successful use of structured notes depends in significant part on the accuracy of the analysis of those managing the fund's investments of the issuer's creditworthiness and financial prospects, and of their forecast as to changes in relevant economic and financial market conditions and factors. In instances where the issuer of a structured note is a foreign entity, the usual risks associated with investments in foreign securities apply. Structured notes may be considered derivative securities.

<u>Zero-Coupon Securities</u>

Each Fund may invest in zero-coupon securities. Zero-coupon securities have no stated interest rate and pay only the principal portion at a stated date in the future. They usually trade at a substantial discount from their face (par) value. Zero-coupon securities are subject to greater market value fluctuations in response to changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that make distributions of interest in cash.

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**Foreign Currency Transactions**

<u>Options on Foreign Currencies</u>

A Fund may buy and write options on foreign currencies in a manner similar to that in which futures or forward contracts on foreign currencies will be utilized. Each Fund may use options on foreign currencies to hedge against adverse changes in foreign currency conversion rates. For example, a decline in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities are denominated will reduce the U.S. dollar value of such securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In order to protect against such diminutions in the value of the portfolio securities, a Fund may buy put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency declines, a Fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount in U.S. dollars, thereby offsetting, in whole or in part, the adverse effect on its portfolio. Conversely, when a rise in the U.S. dollar value of a currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is projected, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, a Fund may buy call options on the foreign currency. The purchase of such options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the adverse movements in exchange rates. As in the case of other types of options, however, the benefit to a Fund from purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move in the direction or to the extent desired, a Fund could sustain losses or lesser gains on transactions in foreign currency options that would require a Fund to forgo a portion or all of the benefits of advantageous changes in those rates.

Each Fund also may write options on foreign currencies. For example, to hedge against a potential decline in the U.S. dollar due to adverse fluctuations in exchange rates, a Fund could, instead of purchasing a put option, write a call option on the relevant currency. If the decline expected by a Fund occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised and the diminution in value of portfolio securities will be offset at least in part by the amount of the premium received. Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to hedge against a potential increase in the U.S. dollar cost of securities to be acquired, a Fund could write a put option on the relevant currency which, if rates move in the manner projected by a Fund, will expire unexercised and allow a Fund to hedge the increased cost up to the amount of the premium. If exchange rates do not move in the expected direction, the option may be exercised and a Fund would be required to buy or sell the underlying currency at a loss, which may not be fully offset by the amount of the premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies, a Fund also may lose all or a portion of the benefits that might otherwise have been obtained from favorable movements in exchange rates.

<u>Futures on Currency</u>

A foreign currency future provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified quantity of foreign currency at a specified price and time. A public market exists in futures contracts covering a number of foreign currencies. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded and change in value to reflect movements of a currency or a basket of currencies. Settlement must be made in a designated currency.

<u>Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts</u>

Each Fund may, but is not obligated to, enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts and exchange listed or over-the-counter options on currencies. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a specified future date at a price set at the time of the contract.

The typical use of a forward contract is to "lock in" the price of a security in U.S. dollars or some other foreign currency which a Fund is holding in its portfolio. By entering into a forward contract for the purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars or other currency, of the amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions, a Fund may be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar or other currency which is being used for the security purchase and the foreign currency in which the security is denominated in or exposed to during the period between the date on which the security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received.

Those managing the fund's investments also may from time to time utilize forward contracts for other purposes. For example, they may be used to hedge a foreign security held in the portfolio or a security which pays out principal tied to an exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency, against a decline in value of the applicable foreign currency. They also may be used to lock in the current exchange rate of the currency in which those securities anticipated to be purchased are denominated in or exposed to. At times, each Fund may enter into "cross-currency" hedging transactions involving currencies other than those in which securities are held or proposed to be purchased are denominated.

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It should be noted that the use of forward foreign currency exchange contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of exchange between the currencies that can be achieved at some future point in time. Additionally, although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also tend to limit any potential gain that might result if the value of the currency increases.

**Foreign Securities**

Investing in foreign securities carries political and economic risks distinct from those associated with investing in the United States. Investments in foreign securities also involve the risk of possible adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitation on or delays in the removal of funds or other assets of a fund, political or financial instability, or diplomatic and other developments that could affect such investments. Foreign investments may be affected by actions of foreign governments adverse to the interests of U.S. investors, including the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of assets, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on U.S. investment, or on the ability to repatriate assets or to convert currency into U.S. dollars. There may be a greater possibility of default by foreign governments or foreign-government sponsored enterprises. Investments in foreign countries also involve a risk of local political, economic, or social instability; military action or unrest; or adverse diplomatic developments.

<u>Asia-Pacific Countries</u>

In addition to the risks of foreign investing and the risks of investing in emerging markets, the developing market Asia-Pacific countries in which a Fund may invest are subject to certain additional or specific risks. In the Asia-Pacific markets, there is a high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries. Many of these markets also may be affected by developments with respect to more established markets in the region, such as Japan and Hong Kong. Brokers in developing market Asia-Pacific countries typically are fewer in number and less well capitalized than brokers in the United States.

Many of the developing market Asia-Pacific countries may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in the United States and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision- making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and/or (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. In addition, the governments of many of such countries, such as Indonesia, have a heavy role in regulating and supervising the economy.

An additional risk common to most such countries is that the economy is heavily export-oriented and, accordingly, is dependent upon international trade. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also present risks in certain countries, as do environmental problems. Certain economies also depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors. The legal systems in certain developing market Asia-Pacific countries also may have an adverse impact on a Fund. The rights of investors in developing market Asia-Pacific companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain and/or enforce a judgment in a developing market Asia-Pacific country.

<u>China</u>

Investing in China involves special considerations, including: the risk of nationalization or expropriation of assets or confiscatory taxation; greater governmental involvement in and control over the economy, interest rates and currency exchange rates; controls on foreign investment and limitations on repatriation of invested capital; greater social, economic and political uncertainty; dependency on exports and the corresponding importance of international trade; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. The government of China maintains strict currency controls in support of economic, trade and political objectives and regularly intervenes in the currency market. The government's actions in this respect may not be transparent or predictable. Furthermore, it is difficult for foreign investors to directly access money market securities in China because of investment and trading restrictions. These and other factors may decrease the value and liquidity of a fund's investments.

A fund may obtain exposure to companies based or operated in China by investing through legal structures known as variable interest entities ("VIEs"). VIEs are not formally recognized under Chinese law and are subject to risks, such as the risk that China could cease to allow VIEs, could impose new restrictions on VIEs, or could deem the contractual arrangements of VIEs unenforceable. These risks could limit or eliminate the remedies and rights available to VIEs and their investors, such as a fund. If these risks materialize, the value of a fund's investments in VIEs could be adversely affected, and a fund could incur significant losses with no available recourse.

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<u>Investments in Stock Connect and Bond Connect</u>

Funds may invest in China A shares, which are shares of certain Chinese companies listed and traded through the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect programs ("Stock Connect"). Stock Connect is a securities trading and clearing program established by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, the Shanghai Stock Exchange ("SSE"), the Shenzhen Stock Exchange ("SZSE") and China Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation Limited, which seeks to provide mutual stock market access between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Trading through Stock Connect is subject to numerous restrictions and risks that could impair the Fund's ability to invest in or sell China A shares and adversely affect the Fund's performance, such as the following:

• China A shares generally may not be sold, purchased or otherwise transferred other than through Stock Connect in accordance with applicable rules, regulations, and restrictions. Such securities may lose their eligibility, in which case they presumably could be sold but could no longer be purchased through Stock Connect. Market volatility and settlement difficulties in the China A share markets may result in significant fluctuations in the prices and liquidity of the securities traded on such markets. Further regulations or restrictions, such as limitations on redemptions or suspension of trading, may adversely impact the Fund.

• Stock Connect is generally only available on business days when both the China and Hong Kong markets are open and when banking services are available in both markets on the corresponding settlement days. As a result, a Fund may not be able trade when it would be otherwise attractive to do so, and the Fund may not be able to dispose of its China A shares in a timely manner.

• Investing in China A shares is subject to Stock Connect's clearance and settlement procedures, which could pose risks to the Fund. Certain requirements must be completed before the market opening, or a Fund cannot sell the shares on that trading day. Stock Connect also imposes quotas that limit aggregate net purchases on an exchange on a particular day, and an investor cannot purchase and sell the same security through Stock Connect on the same trading day. Once the daily quota is reached, orders to purchase additional China A shares through Stock Connect will be rejected. Such restrictions could limit a Fund's ability to sell its China A shares in a timely manner, or to sell them at all.

• If a Fund holds 5% or more of a China A share issuer's total shares through Stock Connect investments, the Fund must return any profits obtained from the purchase and sale of those shares if both transactions occur within a six-month period. All accounts managed by the Funds' Advisor and/or its affiliates will be aggregated for purposes of this 5% limitation, which makes it more likely that a Fund's profits may be subject to these limitations.

• Stock Connect uses an omnibus clearing structure, and the Fund's shares will be registered in its custodian's name on the Central Clearing and Settlement System. This may limit the ability of the Fund's advisor to effectively manage a Fund, and may expose the Fund to the credit risk of its custodian or to greater risk of expropriation. Investment in China A shares through Stock Connect may be available only through a single broker that is an affiliate of the Fund's custodian, which may affect the quality of execution provided by such broker.

• China A shares purchased through Stock Connect will be held via a book entry omnibus account in the name of Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited ("HKSCC"), Hong Kong's clearing entity, and not the Fund's name as the beneficial owner. Therefore, a Fund's ability to exercise its rights as a shareholder and to pursue claims against the issuer of China A shares may be limited. While Chinese regulations and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange have issued clarifications and guidance supporting the concept of beneficial ownership through Stock Connect, the interpretation of beneficial ownership in China by regulators and courts may continue to evolve.

• The Fund's investments in China A shares through Stock Connect are generally subject to Chinese securities regulations and listing rules, among other restrictions. The Fund will not benefit from access to Hong Kong investor compensation funds, which are set up to protect against defaults of trades, when investing through Stock Connect. Investments in China A shares may not be covered by the securities investor protection programs of the exchanges and, without the protection of such programs, will be subject to the risk of default by the broker. If the depository of the SSE and the SZSE defaulted, a Fund may not be able to recover fully its losses from the depository or may be delayed in receiving proceeds as part of any recovery process.

• Fees, costs and taxes imposed on foreign investors (such as the Fund) may be higher than comparable fees, costs and taxes imposed on owners of other securities that provide similar investment exposure. Trades using Stock Connect may also be subject to various fees, taxes and market charges imposed by Chinese market participants and regulatory authorities. Uncertainties in China's tax rules related to the taxation of income and gains from investments in China A shares could result in unexpected tax liabilities for the Fund, and the withholding tax treatment of dividends and capital gains payable to overseas investors currently is unsettled.

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• Because trades of eligible China A shares on Stock Connect must be settled in Renminbi (RMB), the Chinese currency, Funds investing through Stock Connect will be exposed to RMB currency risks. The ability to hedge RMB currency risks may be limited. The RMB is subject to exchange control restrictions, and the Fund could be adversely affected by delays in converting currencies into RMB and vice versa.

• Because Stock Connect is in its early stages, the effect on the market for trading China A shares with the introduction of numerous foreign investors is currently unknown. Stock Connect is relatively new and may be subject to further interpretation and guidance. There can be no assurance as to Stock Connect's continued existence or whether future developments regarding the program may restrict or adversely affect the Fund's investments or returns.

Funds may also invest in China Interbank bonds traded on the China Interbank Bond Market ("CIBM") through the China - Hong Kong Bond Connect program ("Bond Connect"). In China, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority Central Money Markets Unit holds Bond Connect securities on behalf of investors (such as the Fund) in accounts maintained with maintained with a China-based custodian (either the China Central Depository & Clearing Co. or the Shanghai Clearing House). Investments using Bond Connect are subject to risks similar to those described above with respect to Stock Connect.

<u>Europe</u>

The economies and markets of European countries are often closely connected and interdependent, and events in one European country can have an adverse impact on other European countries. Certain funds may invest in securities of issuers that are domiciled in, or have significant operations in, member countries of the Economic and Monetary Union of the European Union (the "EU"), which requires member countries to comply with restrictions on inflation rates, deficits, interest rates, debt levels and fiscal and monetary controls. Decreasing imports or exports, changes in governmental or EU regulations on trade, changes in the exchange rate of the euro (the common currency of certain EU countries), the default or threat of default by an EU member country on its sovereign debt, and/or an economic recession in an EU member country may have a significant adverse effect on the economies of EU member countries and their trading partners, including some or all of the emerging markets countries. Although certain European countries do not use the euro, many of these countries are obliged to meet the criteria for joining the euro zone. Consequently, these countries must comply with many of the restrictions noted above. The European financial markets have experienced volatility and adverse trends in recent years due to concerns about economic downturns, rising government debt levels and the possible default of government debt in several European countries. Further defaults or restructurings by governments and other entities of their debt could have additional adverse effects on economies, financial markets and asset valuations around the world. In addition, one or more countries may abandon the euro and/or withdraw from the EU. The United Kingdom (the "UK") departed the EU on January 31, 2020 (commonly referred to as "Brexit"). As a result of Brexit, the UK may be less stable than it had been in prior years, and investments in the UK may be more volatile due to economic uncertainty and currency exchange rate fluctuations. The impact of these actions by European countries, especially if they occur in a disorderly fashion, is not clear but could be significant and far-reaching and could adversely impact the value of investments in the region.

<u>Japan</u>

Japanese investments may be significantly affected by events influencing Japan's economy and the exchange rate between the Japanese yen and the U.S. dollar. Japan's economy fell into a long recession in the 1990s. After a few years of mild recovery in the mid-2000s, Japan's economy fell into another recession as a result of the recent global economic crisis. Japan is heavily dependent on exports and foreign oil. Japan is located in a seismically active area, and in 2011 experienced an earthquake of a sizable magnitude and a tsunami that significantly affected important elements of its infrastructure and resulted in a nuclear crisis. Since these events, Japan's financial markets have fluctuated dramatically. The full extent of the impact of these events on Japan's economy and on foreign investment in Japan is difficult to estimate. Japan's economic prospects may be affected by the political and military situations of its near neighbors, notably North and South Korea, China, and Russia.

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<u>Latin America</u>

Most Latin American countries have experienced, at one time or another, severe and persistent levels of inflation, including, in some cases, hyperinflation. This has, in turn, led to high interest rates, extreme measures by governments to keep inflation in check, and a generally debilitating effect on economic growth. Although inflation in many countries has lessened, there is no guarantee it will remain at lower levels. In addition, the political history of certain Latin American countries has been characterized by political uncertainty, intervention by the military in civilian and economic spheres, and political corruption. Such developments, if they were to reoccur, could reverse favorable trends toward market and economic reform, privatization, and removal of trade barriers, and result in significant disruption in securities markets. Certain Latin American countries may also have managed currencies, which are maintained at artificial levels to the U.S. dollar rather than at levels determined by the market. This type of system can lead to sudden and large adjustments in the currency which, in turn, can have a disruptive and negative effect on foreign investors. There is no significant foreign exchange market for many currencies and it would, as a result, be difficult for the Fund to engage in foreign currency transactions designed to protect the value of the Fund's interests in securities denominated in such currencies. Finally, a number of Latin American countries are among the largest debtors of developing markets. There have been moratoria on, and reschedulings of, repayment with respect to these debts. Such events can restrict the flexibility of these debtor nations in the international markets and result in the imposition of onerous conditions on their economies.

**High Yield Securities**

Each Fund may invest a portion of its assets in bonds that are rated below investment grade (sometimes called "high yield bonds" or "junk bonds"), which are rated at the time of purchase Ba1 or lower by Moody's and BB+ or lower by S&P Global Ratings. If the bond has been rated by only one of the rating agencies, that rating will determine the bond's rating; if the bond is rated differently by the rating agencies, the highest rating will be used; and if the bond has not been rated by either of the rating agencies, those selecting such investments will determine the bond's quality. Lower-rated bonds involve a higher degree of credit risk, which is the risk that the issuer will not make interest or principal payments when due. In the event of an unanticipated default, a fund would experience a reduction in its income and could expect a decline in the market value of the bonds so affected. Issuers of high yield securities may be involved in restructurings or bankruptcy proceedings that may not be successful. If an issuer defaults, it may not be able to pay all or a portion of interest and principal owed to the fund, it may exchange the high yield securities owned by the fund for other securities, including equities, and/or the fund may incur additional expenses while seeking recovery of its investment. Some funds may also invest in unrated bonds of foreign and domestic issuers. Unrated bonds, while not necessarily of lower quality than rated bonds, may not have as broad a market. Because of the size and perceived demand of the issue, among other factors, certain municipalities may not incur the expense of obtaining a rating. Those managing the fund's investments will analyze the creditworthiness of the issuer, as well as any financial institution or other party responsible for payments on the bond, in determining whether to purchase unrated bonds. Unrated bonds will be included in the limitation each fund has with regard to high yield bonds unless those managing the fund's investments deem such securities to be the equivalent of investment-grade bonds. Some of the high yield securities consist of Rule 144A securities. High yield securities may contain any type of interest rate payment or reset terms, including fixed rate, adjustable rate, zero coupon, contingent, deferred, payment-in-kind, and those with auction rate features.

**Initial Public Offerings ("IPOs")**

An IPO is a company's first offering of stock to the public. IPO risk is that the market value of IPO shares will fluctuate considerably due to factors such as the absence of a prior public market, unseasoned trading, the small number of shares available for trading, and limited information about the issuer. The purchase of IPO shares may involve high transaction costs. IPO shares are subject to market risk and liquidity risk. In addition, the market for IPO shares can be speculative and/or inactive for extended periods. The limited number of shares available for trading in some IPOs may make it more difficult for a fund to buy or sell significant amounts of shares without an unfavorable impact on prevailing prices. Investors in IPO shares can be affected by substantial dilution in the value of their shares by sales of additional shares and by concentration of control in existing management and principal shareholders.

When a fund's asset base is small, a significant portion of the fund's performance could be attributable to investments in IPOs because such investments would have a magnified impact on the fund. As the fund's assets grow, the effect of the fund's investments in IPOs on the fund's performance probably will decline, which could reduce the fund's performance. Because of the price volatility of IPO shares, a fund may choose to hold IPO shares for a very short period. This may increase the turnover of the fund's portfolio and lead to increased expenses to the fund, such as commissions and transaction costs. By selling IPO shares, the fund may realize taxable gains it will subsequently distribute to shareholders.

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**Interfund Lending and Borrowing**

The SEC has granted an exemption permitting Principal Funds to borrow money from and lend money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The loans are subject to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and equitable treatment of all participating funds, including the following: (1) no fund may borrow money through the program unless it receives a more favorable interest rate than a rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank loans would be available to any of the participating funds under a loan agreement; and (2) no fund may lend money through the program unless it receives a more favorable return than that available from an investment in overnight repurchase agreements. In addition, a fund may participate in the program only if and to the extent that such participation is consistent with a fund's investment objectives and policies. Interfund loans and borrowings have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans may be called on one day's notice. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or additional costs. The Board is responsible for overseeing and periodically reviewing the interfund lending program.

**Inverse Floating Rate and Other Variable and Floating Rate Instruments**

Each Fund may purchase variable and floating rate instruments. These instruments may include variable amount master demand notes that permit the indebtedness thereunder to vary in addition to providing for periodic adjustments in the interest rate. These instruments may also include leveraged inverse floating rate debt instruments, or "inverse floaters". The interest rate of an inverse floater resets in the opposite direction from the market rate of interest on a security or interest to which it is related. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change in the index rate of interest and is subject to many of the same risks as derivatives. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse floaters is associated with greater volatility in their market values. Certain of these investments may be illiquid. The absence of an active secondary market with respect to these investments could make it difficult for a Fund to dispose of a variable or floating rate note if the issuer defaulted on its payment obligation or during periods that a Fund is not entitled to exercise its demand rights, and a Fund could, for these or other reasons, suffer a loss with respect to such instruments.

**Investment Company Securities**

Securities of other investment companies, including shares of closed-end investment companies (including interval funds), unit investment trusts, various exchange-traded funds ("ETFs"), and other open-end investment companies, represent interests in professionally managed portfolios that may invest in a variety of instruments. Certain types of investment companies, such as certain closed-end investment companies, do not continuously offer their shares for sale (like open-end investment companies) but instead issue a fixed number of shares that trade on a stock exchange or over-the-counter at a premium or a discount to their net asset value. An interval fund is a type of closed-end investment company that is continuously offered at net asset value, is not listed on an exchange, and only periodically offers to repurchase a limited amount of outstanding shares from its shareholders. Investing in interval funds involves liquidity risk, and the liquidity risk is even greater in interval funds that invest in securities of companies with smaller market capitalizations, derivatives, securities with substantial market and/or credit risk, or securities that are themselves illiquid. Other types of investment companies, such as ETFs, are continuously offered at net asset value but may also be traded in the secondary market. ETFs are often structured to perform in a similar fashion to a broad-based securities index. Investing in ETFs involves generally the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments. Investing in ETFs involves the risk that they will not perform in exactly the same fashion, or in response to the same factors, as the index or underlying instruments. Shares of ETFs may trade at prices other than NAV.

A fund that invests in another investment company is subject to the risks associated with direct ownership of the securities in which such investment company invests. Fund shareholders indirectly bear their proportionate share of the expenses of each such investment company, including its advisory and administrative fees. The fund would also continue to pay its own advisory fees and other expenses. Consequently, the fund and its shareholders would, in effect, absorb two levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies.

A fund may invest in affiliated underlying funds, and those who manage such fund's investments and their affiliates may earn different fees from different underlying funds and may have an incentive to allocate more fund assets to underlying funds from which they receive higher fees.

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**Master Limited Partnerships ("MLPs")**

An MLP is an entity that is generally taxed as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and that derives each year at least 90% of its gross income from "Qualifying Income". Qualifying Income includes interest, dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from commodities or commodity futures, and income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities that generate Qualifying Income. MLP interests (known as units) are traded on securities exchanges or over-the-counter. An MLP's organization as a partnership and compliance with the Qualifying Income rules generally eliminates federal tax at the entity level.

An MLP has one or more general partners (who may be individuals, corporations, or other partnerships) which manage the partnership, and limited partners, which provide capital to the partnership but have no role in its management. Typically, the general partner is owned by company management or another publicly traded sponsoring corporation. When an investor buys units in an MLP, the investor becomes a limited partner. Holders of MLP units have limited control and voting rights on matters affecting the partnership and are exposed to a remote possibility of liability for all of the obligations of that MLP in the event that a court determines that the rights of the holders of MLP units to vote to remove or replace the general partner of that MLP, to approve amendments to that MLP's partnership agreement, or to take other action under the partnership agreement of that MLP would constitute "control" of the business of that MLP, or a court or governmental agency determines that the MLP is conducting business in a state without complying with the partnership statute of that state. Holders of MLP units are also exposed to the risk that they will be required to repay amounts to the MLP that are wrongfully distributed to them.

The business of certain MLPs is affected by supply and demand for energy commodities because such MLPs derive revenue and income based upon the volume of the underlying commodity produced, transported, processed, distributed, and/ or marketed. Pipeline MLPs have indirect commodity exposure to oil and gas price volatility because, although they do not own the underlying energy commodity, the general level of commodity prices may affect the volume of the commodity the MLP delivers to its customers and the cost of providing services such as distributing natural gas liquids. The costs of natural gas pipeline MLPs to perform services may exceed the negotiated rates under "negotiated rate" contracts. Processing MLPs may be directly affected by energy commodity prices. Propane MLPs own the underlying energy commodity, and therefore have direct exposure to energy commodity prices. The MLP industry in general could be hurt by market perception that MLP's performance and valuation are directly tied to commodity prices.

Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural gas liquids (primarily propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil or refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel). Pipeline MLPs also may operate ancillary businesses such as storage and marketing of such products. Pipeline MLPs derive revenue from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been less exposed to cyclical economic forces due to its low-cost structure and government-regulated nature. In addition, most pipeline MLPs have limited direct commodity price exposure because they do not own the product being shipped.

Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as well as providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids ("NGLs"). Processing MLPs derive revenue from providing services to natural gas producers, which require treatment or processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities and other end user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although it is not uncommon to have some participation in the prices of the natural gas and NGL commodities for a portion of revenue.

Propane MLPs are distributors of propane to homeowners for space and water heating. Propane MLPs derive revenue from the resale of the commodity on a margin over wholesale cost. The ability to maintain margin is a key to profitability. Propane serves approximately 3% of the household energy needs in the United States, largely for homes beyond the geographic reach of natural gas distribution pipelines. Approximately 70% of annual cash flow is earned during the winter heating season (October through March). Accordingly, volumes are weather dependent, but have utility type functions similar to electricity and natural gas.

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MLPs operating interstate pipelines and storage facilities are subject to substantial regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC"), which regulates interstate transportation rates, services and other matters regarding natural gas pipelines including: the establishment of rates for service; regulation of pipeline storage and liquified natural gas facility construction; issuing certificates of need for companies intending to provide energy services or constructing and operating interstate pipeline and storage facilities; and certain other matters. FERC also regulates the interstate transportation of crude oil, including: regulation of rates and practices of oil pipeline companies; establishing equal service conditions to provide shippers with equal access to pipeline transportation; and establishment of reasonable rates for transporting petroleum and petroleum products by pipeline. Certain MLPs regulated by the FERC have the right, but are not obligated, to redeem common units held by an investor who is not subject to U.S. federal income taxation. The financial condition and results of operations of an MLP that redeems its common units could be adversely impacted.

MLPs are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws and health and safety laws as well as laws and regulations specific to their particular activities. These laws and regulations address: health and safety standards for the operation of facilities, transportation systems and the handling of materials; air and water pollution requirements and standards; solid waste disposal requirements; land reclamation requirements; and requirements relating to the handling and disposition of hazardous materials. MLPs are subject to the costs of compliance with such laws applicable to them, and changes in such laws and regulations may adversely affect their results of operations.

MLPs may be subject to liability relating to the release of substances into the environment, including liability under federal "Superfund" and similar state laws for investigation and remediation of releases and threatened releases of hazardous materials, as well as liability for injury and property damage for accidental events, such as explosions or discharges of materials causing personal injury and damage to property. Such potential liabilities could have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition and results of operations of MLPs.

MLPs are subject to numerous business related risks, including: deterioration of business fundamentals reducing profitability due to development of alternative energy sources, consumer sentiment with respect to global warming, changing demographics in the markets served, unexpectedly prolonged and precipitous changes in commodity prices and increased competition that reduces the MLP's market share; the lack of growth of markets requiring growth through acquisitions; disruptions in transportation systems; the dependence of certain MLPs upon the energy exploration and development activities of unrelated third parties; availability of capital for expansion and construction of needed facilities; a significant decrease in natural gas production due to depressed commodity prices or otherwise; the inability of MLPs to successfully integrate recent or future acquisitions; and the general level of the economy.

**Municipal Obligations and AMT-Subject Bonds**

Municipal Obligations are obligations issued by or on behalf of states, territories, and possessions of the United States and the District of Columbia and their political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities, including municipal utilities, or multi-state agencies or authorities. The interest on Municipal Obligations is exempt from federal income tax in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer. Three major classifications of Municipal Obligations are: Municipal Bonds, that generally have a maturity at the time of issue of one year or more; Municipal Notes, that generally have a maturity at the time of issue of six months to three years; and Municipal Commercial Paper, that generally has a maturity at the time of issue of 30 to 270 days.

The term "Municipal Obligations" includes debt obligations issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public facilities such as airports, bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets, water and sewer works, and electric utilities. Other public purposes for which Municipal Obligations are issued include refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating expenses, and lending such funds to other public institutions and facilities. To the extent that a fund invests a significant portion of its assets in municipal obligations issued in connection with a single project, the fund likely will be affected by the economic, business or political environment of the project.

AMT-Subject Bonds are industrial development bonds issued by or on behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide for the construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated housing facilities, sports facilities, convention or trade show facilities, airport, mass transit, industrial, port or parking facilities, air or water pollution control facilities, and certain local facilities for water supply, gas, electricity, or sewage or solid waste disposal. They are considered to be Municipal Obligations if the interest paid thereon qualifies as exempt from federal income tax in the opinion of bond counsel to the issuer, even though the interest may be subject to the federal individual alternative minimum tax.

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<u>Municipal Bonds</u>

Municipal Bonds may be either "general obligation" or "revenue" issues. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer's pledge of its faith, credit, and taxing power for the payment of principal and interest. Revenue bonds are payable from the revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some cases, from the proceeds of a special excise tax or other specific revenue source (e.g., the user of the facilities being financed), but not from the general taxing power. Industrial development bonds and pollution control bonds in most cases are revenue bonds and generally do not carry the pledge of the credit of the issuing municipality. The payment of the principal and interest on industrial revenue bonds depends solely on the ability of the user of the facilities financed by the bonds to meet its financial obligations and the pledge, if any, of real and personal property so financed as security for such payment. Funds may also invest in "moral obligation" bonds that are normally issued by special purpose public authorities. If an issuer of moral obligation bonds is unable to meet its obligations, the repayment of the bonds becomes a moral commitment but not a legal obligation of the state or municipality in question.

<u>Municipal Commercial Paper</u>

Municipal Commercial Paper refers to short-term obligations of municipalities that may be issued at a discount and may be referred to as Short-Term Discount Notes. Municipal Commercial Paper is likely to be used to meet seasonal working capital needs of a municipality or interim construction financing. Generally they are repaid from general revenues of the municipality or refinanced with long-term debt. In most cases Municipal Commercial Paper is backed by letters of credit, lending agreements, note repurchase agreements or other credit facility agreements offered by banks or other institutions.

<u>Municipal Notes</u>

Municipal Notes usually are general obligations of the issuer and are sold in anticipation of a bond sale, collection of taxes, or receipt of other revenues. Payment of these notes is primarily dependent upon the issuer's receipt of the anticipated revenues. Other notes include "Construction Loan Notes" issued to provide construction financing for specific projects, and "Bank Notes" issued by local governmental bodies and agencies to commercial banks as evidence of borrowings. Some notes ("Project Notes") are issued by local agencies under a program administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Project Notes are secured by the full faith and credit of the United States.

• Bank Notes are notes issued by local governmental bodies and agencies such as those described above to commercial banks as evidence of borrowings. The purposes for which the notes are issued are varied but they are frequently issued to meet short-term working-capital or capital-project needs. These notes may have risks similar to the risks associated with TANs and RANs.

• Bond Anticipation Notes ("BANs") are usually general obligations of state and local governmental issuers which are sold to obtain interim financing for projects that will eventually be funded through the sale of long-term debt obligations or bonds. The ability of an issuer to meet its obligations on its BANs is primarily dependent on the issuer's access to the long-term municipal bond market and the likelihood that the proceeds of such bond sales will be used to pay the principal and interest on the BANs.

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Construction Loan Notes are issued to provide construction financing for specific projects. Permanent financing, the proceeds of which are applied to the payment of construction loan notes, is sometimes provided by a commitment by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") to purchase the loan, accompanied by a commitment by the Federal Housing Administration to insure mortgage advances thereunder. In other instances, permanent financing is provided by commitments of banks to purchase the loan. The Opportunistic Municipal Fund will only purchase construction loan notes that are subject to GNMA or bank purchase commitments.

• Revenue Anticipation Notes ("RANs") are issued by governments or governmental bodies with the expectation that future revenues from a designated source will be used to repay the notes. In general, they also constitute general obligations of the issuer. A decline in the receipt of projected revenues, such as anticipated revenues from another level of government, could adversely affect an issuer's ability to meet its obligations on outstanding RANs. In addition, the possibility that the revenues would, when received, be used to meet other obligations could affect the ability of the issuer to pay the principal and interest on RANs.

• Tax Anticipation Notes ("TANs") are issued by state and local governments to finance the current operations of such governments. Repayment is generally to be derived from specific future tax revenues. TANs are usually general obligations of the issuer. A weakness in an issuer's capacity to raise taxes due to, among other things, a decline in its tax base or a rise in delinquencies, could adversely affect the issuer's ability to meet its obligations on outstanding TANs.

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<u>Other Municipal Obligations</u>

Other kinds of Municipal Obligations are occasionally available in the marketplace, and the fund may invest in such other kinds of obligations to the extent consistent with its investment objective and limitations. Such obligations may be issued for different purposes and with different security than those mentioned.

<u>Stand-By Commitments</u>

Funds may acquire stand-by commitments with respect to municipal obligations held in their respective portfolios. Under a stand-by commitment, a broker-dealer, dealer, or bank would agree to purchase, at the relevant funds' option, a specified municipal security at a specified price. Thus, a stand-by commitment may be viewed as the equivalent of a put option acquired by a fund with respect to a particular municipal security held in the fund's portfolio.

The amount payable to a fund upon its exercise of a stand-by commitment normally would be 1) the acquisition cost of the municipal security (excluding any accrued interest that the fund paid on the acquisition), less any amortized market premium or plus any amortized market or original issue discount during the period the fund owned the security, plus, 2) all interest accrued on the security since the last interest payment date during the period the security was owned by the fund. Absent unusual circumstances, the fund would value the underlying municipal security at amortized cost. As a result, the amount payable by the broker-dealer, dealer or bank during the time a stand-by commitment is exercisable would be substantially the same as the value of the underlying municipal obligation.

A fund's right to exercise a stand-by commitment would be unconditional and unqualified. Although a fund could not transfer a stand-by commitment, it could sell the underlying municipal security to a third party at any time. It is expected that stand-by commitments generally will be available to the funds without the payment of any direct or indirect consideration. The funds may, however, pay for stand-by commitments if such action is deemed necessary. In any event, the total amount paid for outstanding stand-by commitments held in a fund's portfolio would not exceed 0.50% of the value of a fund's total assets calculated immediately after each stand-by commitment is acquired.

The funds intend to enter into stand-by commitments only with broker-dealers, dealers, or banks that those managing the fund's investments believe present minimum credit risks. A fund's ability to exercise a stand-by commitment will depend upon the ability of the issuing institution to pay for the underlying securities at the time the stand-by commitment is exercised. The credit of each institution issuing a stand-by commitment to a fund will be evaluated on an ongoing basis by those managing the fund's investments.

A fund intends to acquire stand-by commitments solely to facilitate portfolio liquidity and does not intend to exercise its right thereunder for trading purposes. The acquisition of a stand-by commitment would not affect the valuation of the underlying municipal security. Each stand-by commitment will be valued at zero in determining net asset value. Should a fund pay directly or indirectly for a stand-by commitment, its costs will be reflected in realized gain or loss when the commitment is exercised or expires. The maturity of a municipal security purchased by a fund will not be considered shortened by any stand-by commitment to which the obligation is subject. Thus, stand-by commitments will not affect the dollar-weighted average maturity of a fund's portfolio.

<u>Variable and Floating Rate Obligations</u>

Certain Municipal Obligations, obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, and debt instruments issued by domestic banks or corporations may carry variable or floating rates of interest. Such instruments bear interest at rates which are not fixed, but which vary with changes in specified market rates or indices, such as a bank prime rate or tax-exempt money market index. Variable rate notes are adjusted to current interest rate levels at certain specified times, such as every 30 days. A floating rate note adjusts automatically whenever there is a change in its base interest rate adjustor, e.g., a change in the prime lending rate or specified interest rate indices. Typically, such instruments carry demand features permitting the fund to redeem at par.

The fund's right to obtain payment at par on a demand instrument upon demand could be affected by events occurring between the date the fund elects to redeem the instrument and the date redemption proceeds are due which affects the ability of the issuer to pay the instrument at par value. Those managing the fund's investments monitor on an ongoing basis the pricing, quality, and liquidity of such instruments and similarly monitor the ability of an issuer of a demand instrument, including those supported by bank letters of credit or guarantees, to pay principal and interest on demand. Although the ultimate maturity of such variable rate obligations may exceed one year, the fund treats the maturity of each variable rate demand obligation as the longer of a) the notice period required before the fund is entitled to payment of the principal amount through demand or b) the period remaining until the next interest rate adjustment. Floating rate instruments with demand features are deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the principal amount can be recovered through demand.

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Funds may purchase participation interests in variable rate Municipal Obligations (such as industrial development bonds). A participation interest gives the purchaser an undivided interest in the Municipal Obligation in the proportion that its participation interest bears to the total principal amount of the Municipal Obligation. A fund has the right to demand payment on seven days' notice, for all or any part of the fund's participation interest in the Municipal Obligation, plus accrued interest. Each participation interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit or guarantee of a bank. Banks will retain a service and letter of credit fee and a fee for issuing repurchase commitments in an amount equal to the excess of the interest paid on the Municipal Obligations over the negotiated yield at which the instruments were purchased by the fund.

<u>Risks of Municipal Obligations</u>

The yields on Municipal Obligations are dependent on a variety of factors, including general economic and monetary conditions, money market factors, conditions in the Municipal Obligations market, size of a particular offering, maturity of the obligation, and rating of the issue. The fund's ability to achieve its investment objective also depends on the continuing ability of the issuers of the Municipal Obligations in which it invests to meet their obligation for the payment of interest and principal when due.

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 Act. They are also subject to federal or state laws, if any, which extend the time for payment of principal or interest, or both, or impose other constraints upon enforcement of such obligations or upon municipalities to levy taxes. The power or ability of issuers to pay, when due, principal of and interest on Municipal Obligations may also be materially affected by the results of litigation or other conditions.

From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on Municipal Obligations. It may be expected that similar proposals will be introduced in the future. If such a proposal was enacted, the ability of the fund to pay "exempt interest" dividends may be adversely affected. The fund would reevaluate its investment objective and policies and consider changes in its structure.

<u>Special Considerations Relating to California Municipal Obligations</u>

The Opportunistic Municipal Fund invests in California municipal obligations and, therefore, may be significantly impacted by political, economic, or regulatory developments that affect issuers in California and their ability to pay principal and interest on their obligations. The ability of issuers to pay interest on, and repay principal of, California municipal obligations may be affected by 1) amendments to the California Constitution and related statutes that limit the taxing and spending authority of California government entities, 2) voter initiatives, 3) a wide variety of California laws and regulations, including laws related to the operation of health care institutions and laws related to secured interests in real property, and 4) the general financial condition of the State of California and the California economy.

<u>Taxable Investments of the Municipal Funds</u> 

The Opportunistic Municipal Fund may invest a portion of its assets, as described in the Prospectus, in taxable short-term investments consisting of: obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities, domestic bank certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances, short-term corporate debt securities such as commercial paper, and repurchase agreements ("Taxable Investments"). These investments must have a stated maturity of one year or less at the time of purchase and must meet the following standards: banks must have assets of at least $1 billion; commercial paper must be rated at least "A" by S&P Global or "Prime" by Moody's or, if not rated, must be issued by companies having an outstanding debt issue rated at least "A" by S&P Global or Moody's; corporate bonds and debentures must be rated at least "A" by S&P Global or Moody's. Interest earned from Taxable Investments is taxable to investors. When, in the opinion of the Fund's Manager, it is advisable to maintain a temporary "defensive" posture, the Opportunistic Municipal Fund may invest without limitation in Taxable Investments. At other times, the following investments will not exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets: Taxable Investments; Municipal Obligations that do not meet quality standards required for the 80% portion of the portfolio; and Municipal Obligations, the interest on which is treated as a tax preference item for purposes of the federal individual alternative minimum tax.

<u>Insurance</u>

The insured municipal obligations in which the Opportunistic Municipal Fund may invest are insured under insurance policies that relate to the specific municipal obligation in question. This insurance is generally non-cancelable and will continue in force so long as the municipal obligations are outstanding, and the insurer remains in business. The insured municipal obligations are generally insured as to the scheduled payment of all installments of principal and interest as they fall due.

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The insurance covers only credit risk and therefore does not guarantee the market value of the obligations in a Fund's investment portfolio or a Fund's NAV. The Fund's NAV will continue to fluctuate in response to fluctuations in interest rates. A Fund's investment policy requiring investment in insured municipal obligations will not affect the Fund's ability to hold its assets in cash or to invest in escrow-secured and defeased bonds or in certain short-term tax-exempt obligations, or affect its ability to invest in uninsured taxable obligations for temporary or liquidity purposes or on a defensive basis.

**Pay-in-Kind Securities**

Each Fund may invest in pay-in-kind securities. Pay-in-kind securities pay dividends or interest in the form of additional securities of the issuer, rather than in cash. These securities are usually issued and traded at a discount from their face amounts. The amount of the discount varies depending on various factors, such as the time remaining until maturity of the securities, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security, and the perceived credit quality of the issuer. The market prices of pay-in-kind securities generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest periodically and are likely to respond to changes in interest rates to a greater degree than are other types of securities having similar maturities and credit quality.

**Portfolio Turnover (Active Trading)**

Portfolio turnover is a measure of how frequently a portfolio's securities are bought and sold. The portfolio turnover rate is generally calculated as the dollar value of the lesser of a portfolio's purchases or sales of shares of securities during a given year, divided by the monthly average value of the portfolio securities during that year (excluding securities whose maturity or expiration at the time of acquisition were less than one year). For example, a portfolio reporting a 100% portfolio turnover rate would have purchased and sold securities worth as much as the monthly average value of its portfolio securities during the year.

It is not possible to predict future turnover rates with accuracy. Many variable factors are outside the control of a portfolio manager. The investment outlook for the securities in which a portfolio may invest may change as a result of unexpected developments in securities markets, economic or monetary policies, or political relationships. High market volatility may result in a portfolio manager using a more active trading strategy than might otherwise be employed. Each portfolio manager considers the economic effects of portfolio turnover but generally does not treat the portfolio turnover rate as a limiting factor in making investment decisions.

Sale of shares by investors may require the liquidation of portfolio securities to meet cash flow needs. In addition, changes in a particular portfolio's holdings may be made whenever the portfolio manager considers that a security is no longer appropriate for the portfolio or that another security represents a relatively greater opportunity. Such changes may be made without regard to the length of time that a security has been held.

Higher portfolio turnover rates generally increase transaction costs that are expenses of the Fund. Active trading may generate short-term gains (losses) for taxable shareholders.

No Fund had a significant variation in portfolio turnover rates over the two most recently completed fiscal years.

**Preferred Securities**

Preferred securities can include: traditional preferred securities, hybrid-preferred securities, $25 par hybrid preferred securities, baby bonds, U.S. dividend received deduction ("DRD") preferred stock, fixed rate and floating rate adjustable preferred securities, step-up preferred securities, public and 144A $1000 par capital securities including U.S. agency subordinated debt issues, trust originated preferred securities, monthly income preferred securities, quarterly income bond securities, quarterly income debt securities, quarterly income preferred securities, corporate trust securities, public income notes, and other trust preferred securities.

• Traditional Preferred Securities. Traditional preferred securities may be issued by an entity taxable as a corporation and pay fixed or floating rate dividends. However, these claims are subordinated to more senior creditors, including senior debt holders. "Preference" means that a company must pay dividends on its preferred securities before paying any dividends on its common stock, and the claims of preferred securities holders are ahead of common stockholders' claims on assets in a corporate liquidation. Holders of preferred securities usually have no right to vote for corporate directors or on other matters. Preferred securities share many investment characteristics with both common stock and bonds.

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• Hybrid or Trust Preferred Securities. Hybrid-preferred securities are debt instruments that have characteristics similar to those of traditional preferred securities (characteristics of both subordinated debt and preferred stock). Hybrid preferred securities may be issued by corporations, generally in the form of interest-bearing instruments with preferred securities characteristics, or by an affiliated trust or partnership of the corporation, generally in the form of preferred interests in subordinated business trusts or similarly structured securities. The hybrid-preferred securities market consists of both fixed and adjustable coupon rate securities that are either perpetual in nature or have stated maturity dates. Hybrid preferred holders generally have claims to assets in a corporate liquidation that are senior to those of traditional preferred securities but subordinate to those of senior debt holders. Certain subordinated debt and senior debt issues that have preferred characteristics are also considered to be part of the broader preferred securities market.

Preferred securities may be issued by trusts (likely one that is wholly-owned by a financial institution or other corporate entity, typically a bank holding company) or other special purpose entities established by operating companies, and are therefore not direct obligations of operating companies. The financial institution creates the trust and owns the trust's common securities. The trust uses the sale proceeds of its preferred securities to purchase, for example, subordinated debt issued by the financial institution. The financial institution uses the proceeds from the subordinated debt sale to increase its capital while the trust receives periodic interest payments from the financial institution for holding the subordinated debt. The trust uses the funds received to make dividend payments to the holders of the trust preferred securities. The primary advantage of this structure may be that the trust preferred securities are treated by the financial institution as debt securities for tax purposes and as equity for the calculation of capital requirements.

Trust preferred securities typically bear a market rate coupon comparable to interest rates available on debt of a similarly rated issuer. Typical characteristics include long-term maturities, early redemption by the issuer, periodic fixed or variable interest payments, and maturities at face value. Holders of trust preferred securities have limited voting rights to control the activities of the trust and no voting rights with respect to the financial institution. The market value of trust preferred securities may be more volatile than those of conventional debt securities. Trust preferred securities may be issued in reliance on Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and subject to restrictions on resale. There can be no assurance as to the liquidity of trust preferred securities and the ability of holders, such as a fund, to sell their holdings. The condition of the financial institution can be looked to identify the risks of trust preferred securities as the trust typically has no business operations other than to issue the trust preferred securities. If the financial institution defaults on interest payments to the trust, the trust will not be able to make dividend payments to holders of its securities, such as a fund.

• Floating Rate Preferred Securities. Floating rate preferred securities provide for a periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. The terms of such securities provide that interest rates are adjusted periodically based upon an interest rate adjustment index. The adjustment intervals may be regular, and range from daily up to annually, or may be event-based, such as a change in the short-term interest rate. Because of the interest rate reset feature, floating rate securities provide the Fund with a certain degree of protection against rising interest rates, although the interest rates of floating rate securities will participate in any declines in interest rates as well.

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If a portion of a fund's income consists of dividends paid by U.S. corporations, a portion of the dividends paid by the fund may be eligible for the corporate dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders. In addition, distributions reported by a fund as derived from qualified dividend income ("QDI") will be taxed in the hands of individuals at the reduced rates applicable to net capital gains, provided certain holding period and other requirements are met by both the shareholder and the fund. Dividend income that a fund receives from REITs, if any, will generally not be treated as QDI and will not qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction. It is unclear the extent to which distributions a fund receives from investments in certain preferred securities will be eligible for treatment as QDI or for the corporate dividends-received deduction. A fund cannot predict at this time what portion, if any, of its dividends will qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction or be eligible for the reduced rates of taxation applicable to QDI.

**Real Estate Investment Trusts ("REITs")**

REITs are pooled investment vehicles that invest in income producing real estate, real estate related loans, or other types of real estate interests. U.S. REITs are allowed to eliminate corporate level federal tax so long as they meet certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. Foreign REITs ("REIT-like") entities may have similar tax treatment in their respective countries. Equity real estate investment trusts own real estate properties, while mortgage real estate investment trusts make and/or invests in construction, development, and long-term mortgage loans. Their value may be affected by changes in the underlying property of the trusts, the creditworthiness of the issuer, property taxes, interest rates, and tax and regulatory requirements, such as those relating to the environment. Both types of trusts are not diversified, are dependent upon management skill, are subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers, self-liquidation, and the possibility of failing to qualify for tax-free status of income under the Internal Revenue Code and failing to maintain exemption from the 1940 Act. In addition, foreign REIT-like entities will be subject to foreign securities risks. (See "Foreign Securities").

**Repurchase and Reverse Repurchase Agreements, Mortgage Dollar Rolls, and Sale-Buybacks**

Each Fund may invest in repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements typically involve the purchase of debt securities from a financial institution such as a bank, savings and loan association, or broker-dealer. A repurchase agreement provides that the fund sells back to the seller and that the seller repurchases the underlying securities at a specified price on a specific date. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans by a fund collateralized by the underlying securities. This arrangement results in a fixed rate of return that is not subject to market fluctuation while the fund holds the security. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, the affected fund bears a risk of loss. To minimize such risks, the fund enters into repurchase agreements only with parties those managing the fund's investments deem creditworthy (those that are large, well-capitalized, and well-established financial institutions). In addition, the value of the securities collateralizing the repurchase agreement is, and during the entire term of the repurchase agreement remains, at least equal to the acquisition price the Funds pay to the seller of the securities.

In a repurchase agreement, a Fund purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the seller at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date within a number of days (usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. The resale price consists of the purchase price plus an amount that is unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the purchased security. A repurchase agreement involves the obligation of the seller to pay the agreed upon price, which obligation is in effect secured by the value (at least equal to the amount of the agreed upon resale price and marked-to-market daily) of the underlying security or "collateral." A risk associated with repurchase agreements is the failure of the seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, which may cause a Fund to suffer a loss if the market value of such securities declines before they can be liquidated on the open market. In the event of bankruptcy or insolvency of the seller, a Fund may encounter delays and incur costs in liquidating the underlying security. Repurchase agreements that mature in more than seven days are subject to each Fund's limit on illiquid investments. While it is not possible to eliminate all risks from these transactions, it is the policy of the Fund to limit repurchase agreements to those parties whose creditworthiness has been reviewed and found satisfactory by those managing the fund's investments.

Each Fund may use reverse repurchase agreements, mortgage dollar rolls, and economically similar transactions to obtain cash to satisfy unusually heavy redemption requests or for other temporary or emergency purposes without the necessity of selling portfolio securities, or to earn additional income on portfolio securities, such as Treasury bills or notes. In a reverse repurchase agreement, a Fund sells a portfolio security to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash and agrees to repurchase the instrument at a particular price and time. A Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only with parties that those managing the fund's investments deem creditworthy. Using reverse repurchase agreements to earn additional income involves the risk that the interest earned on the invested proceeds is less than the expense of the reverse repurchase agreement transaction. This technique may also have a leveraging effect on the Fund.

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A "mortgage dollar roll" is similar to a reverse repurchase agreement in certain respects. In a "dollar roll" transaction a Fund sells a mortgage-related security, such as a security issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to repurchase a similar security (but not the same security) in the future at a pre-determined price. A dollar roll can be viewed, like a reverse repurchase agreement, as a collateralized borrowing in which a Fund pledges a mortgage-related security to a dealer to obtain cash. Unlike in the case of reverse repurchase agreements, the dealer with which a Fund enters into a dollar roll transaction is not obligated to return the same securities as those originally sold by the Fund, but only securities which are "substantially identical." To be considered "substantially identical," the securities returned to a Fund generally must: 1) be collateralized by the same types of underlying mortgages; 2) be issued by the same agency and be part of the same program; 3) have a similar original stated maturity; 4) have identical net coupon rates; 5) have similar market yields (and therefore price); and 6) satisfy "good delivery" requirements, meaning that the aggregate principal amounts of the securities delivered and received back must be within 0.01% of the initial amount delivered.

Each Fund also may effect simultaneous purchase and sale transactions that are known as "sale-buybacks." A sale-buyback is similar to a reverse repurchase agreement, except that in a sale-buyback, the counterparty who purchases the security is entitled to receive any principal or interest payments made on the underlying security pending settlement of the Fund's repurchase of the underlying security.

**Restricted and Illiquid Securities**

A Fund may experience difficulty in valuing and selling illiquid securities and, in some cases, may be unable to value or sell certain illiquid securities for an indefinite period of time. Illiquid securities may include a wide variety of investments, such as (1) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days (unless the agreements have demand/redemption features), (2) OTC options contracts and certain other derivatives (including certain swap agreements), (3) fixed time deposits that are not subject to prepayment or do not provide for withdrawal penalties upon prepayment (other than overnight deposits), (4) loan interests and other direct debt instruments, (5) certain municipal lease obligations, (6) commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the 1933 Act, (7) thinly-traded securities, and (8) securities whose resale is restricted under the federal securities laws or contractual provisions (including restricted, privately placed securities that, under the federal securities laws, generally may be resold only to qualified institutional buyers). Generally, restricted securities may be sold only in a public offering for which a registration statement has been filed and declared effective or in a transaction that is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. When registration is required, a Fund that owns restricted securities may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses and a considerable period may elapse between the time of the decision to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a restricted security. If adverse market conditions were to develop during such a period, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than existed when it decided to sell.

Illiquid and restricted securities are priced at fair value as determined in good faith by PGI as the Funds' valuation designee, subject to the Board's oversight. As described above, some of the Funds have adopted investment restrictions that limit investments in illiquid securities.

**Royalty Trusts**

A royalty trust generally acquires an interest in natural resource or chemical companies and distributes the income it receives to its investors. A sustained decline in demand for natural resource and related products could adversely affect royalty trust revenues and cash flows. Such a decline could result from a recession or other adverse economic conditions, an increase in the market price of the underlying commodity, higher taxes or other regulatory actions that increase costs, or a shift in consumer demand. Rising interest rates could harm the performance and limit the capital appreciation of royalty trusts because of the increased availability of alternative investments at more competitive yields. Fund shareholders will indirectly bear their proportionate share of the royalty trusts' expenses.

**Securitized Products — Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities**

The yield characteristics of the mortgage- and asset-backed securities in which a Fund may invest differ from those of traditional debt securities. Among the major differences are that the interest and principal payments are made more frequently on mortgage- and asset-backed securities (usually monthly) and that principal may be prepaid at any time because the underlying mortgage loans or other assets generally may be prepaid at any time. As a result, if a Fund purchases those securities at a premium, a prepayment rate that is faster than expected will reduce their yield, while a prepayment rate that is slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield. If the Fund purchases these securities at a discount, faster than expected prepayments will increase their yield, while slower than expected prepayments will reduce their yield. Amounts available for reinvestment by a Fund are likely to be greater during a period of declining interest rates and, as a result, are likely to be reinvested at lower interest rates than during a period of rising interest rates.

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In general, the prepayment rate for mortgage-backed securities decreases as interest rates rise and increases as interest rates fall. However, rising interest rates will tend to decrease the value of these securities. In addition, an increase in interest rates may affect the volatility of these securities by effectively changing a security that was considered a short-term security at the time of purchase into a long-term security. Long-term securities generally fluctuate more widely in response to changes in interest rates than short- or medium-term securities.

The market for privately issued mortgage- and asset-backed securities is smaller and less liquid than the market for U.S. government mortgage-backed securities. A collateralized mortgage obligation ("CMO") may be structured in a manner that provides a wide variety of investment characteristics (yield, effective maturity, and interest rate sensitivity). As market conditions change, and especially during periods of rapid market interest rate changes, the ability of a CMO to provide the anticipated investment characteristics may be greatly diminished. Increased market volatility and/or reduced liquidity may result.

Each Fund may invest in each of collateralized bond obligations ("CBOs"), collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs"), other collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"), and other similarly structured securities. CBOs, CLOs, and other CDOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust that is often backed by a diversified pool of high risk, below-investment-grade fixed-income securities. The collateral can be from many different types of fixed-income securities, such as high yield debt, residential privately issued mortgage-related securities, commercial privately issued mortgage-related securities, trust preferred securities, and emerging market debt. A CLO is a trust typically collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans, and subordinate corporate loans, including loans that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans. Other CDOs are trusts backed by other types of assets representing obligations of various parties. CBOs, CLOs, and other CDOs may charge management fees and administrative expenses.

**Short Sales**

A short sale involves the sale by a fund of a security that it does not own with the expectation of covering settlement by purchasing the same security at a later date at a lower price. A fund may also enter into a short position by using a derivative instrument, such as a future, forward, or swap agreement. If the price of the security or derivative increases prior to the time the fund is required to replace the borrowed security, then the fund will incur a loss equal to the increase in price from the time that the short sale was entered into plus any premiums and interest paid to the broker. Therefore, short sales involve the risk that losses may be exaggerated, potentially losing more money than the value of the investment.

A "short sale against the box" is a technique that involves selling either a security owned by a fund, or a security equivalent in kind and amount to the security sold short that the fund has the right to obtain, at no additional cost, for delivery at a specified date in the future. Each fund may enter into a short sale against the box to hedge against anticipated declines in the market price of portfolio securities. If the value of the securities sold short against the box increases prior to the scheduled delivery date, a fund will lose money.

**Special Purpose Acquisition Companies ("SPACs")**

Each Fund may invest in securities of special purpose acquisition companies ("SPACs") or similar special purpose entities that pool funds to seek potential acquisition opportunities. Unless and until an acquisition is completed, a SPAC or similar entity generally maintains assets (less a portion retained to cover expenses) in a trust account comprised of U.S. government securities, money market securities, and cash, and similar investments whose returns or yields may be significantly lower than those of the Fund's other investments. Because SPACs and similar entities are in essence blank-check companies without an operating history or ongoing business other than seeking acquisitions, the value of their securities is particularly dependent on the ability of the entity's management to identify and complete a profitable acquisition, which may not occur. For example, even if an acquisition or merger target is identified, the Fund may elect not to participate in, or vote to approve, the proposed transaction. Moreover, an acquisition or merger once effected may prove unsuccessful and an investment in the SPAC may lose value.

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SPACs are also subject to the following additional risks:

• The risk that, in the case of SPACs used as an opportunity for startups to go public without going through the traditional IPO process, such startups may become publicly traded with potentially less due diligence than what is typical in a traditional IPO through an underwriter and may not be experienced in facing the challenges, expenses and risks of being a public company, including the increased regulatory and financial scrutiny and the need to comply with applicable governance and accounting requirements.

• SPAC sponsors may have a potential conflict of interest to complete a deal that may be unfavorable for other investors in the SPAC. For example, SPAC sponsors often own warrants to acquire additional shares of the company at a fixed price, and the exercise by the SPAC sponsor of its warrants may dilute the value of the equity interests of other investors in the SPAC.

• Some SPACs may pursue acquisitions only within certain industries or regions, which may increase the volatility of their prices.

• Only a thinly traded market for shares of or interests in a SPAC may develop, or there may be no market at all, leaving the Fund unable to sell its interest in a SPAC or to sell its interest only at a lower price. Investments in SPACs may include private placements, including PIPEs, and, accordingly, may be considered illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale.

• Values of investments in SPACs may be highly volatile and may depreciate significantly over time.

**Supranational Entities**

Each Fund may invest in obligations of supranational entities. A supranational entity is an entity designated or supported by national governments to promote economic reconstruction, development or trade amongst nations. Examples of supranational entities include the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (also known as the World Bank) and the European Investment Bank. Obligations of supranational entities are subject to the risk that the governments on whose support the entity depends for its financial backing or repayment may be unable or unwilling to provide that support. Obligations of a supranational entity that are denominated in foreign currencies will also be subject to the risks associated with investments in foreign currencies.

**Synthetic Securities**

Incidental to other transactions in fixed income securities and/or for investment purposes, a Fund also may combine options on securities with cash, cash equivalent investments or other fixed income securities in order to create "synthetic" securities which approximate desired risk and return profiles. This may be done where a "non-synthetic" security having the desired risk/return profile either is unavailable (e.g., short-term securities of certain non-U.S. governments) or possesses undesirable characteristics (e.g., interest payments on the security would be subject to non-U.S. withholding taxes). A Fund also may purchase forward non-U.S. exchange contracts in conjunction with U.S. dollar-denominated securities in order to create a synthetic non-U.S. currency denominated security which approximates desired risk and return characteristics where the non-synthetic securities either are not available in non-U.S. markets or possess undesirable characteristics. The use of synthetic bonds and other synthetic securities may involve risks different from, or potentially greater than, risks associated with direct investments in securities and other assets. Synthetic securities may increase other Fund risks, including market risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk, and their value may or may not correlate with the value of the relevant underlying asset.

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**Temporary Defensive Measures/Money Market Instruments**

Each Fund may make money market investments (cash equivalents), without limit, pending other investment or settlement, for liquidity, or in adverse market conditions. Following are descriptions of the types of money market instruments that each Fund may purchase:

• U.S. Government Securities - Securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, including treasury bills, notes, and bonds.

• U.S. Government Agency Securities - Obligations issued or guaranteed by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. government.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• U.S. agency obligations include, but are not limited to, the Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks, and Federal Intermediate Credit Banks.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• U.S. instrumentality obligations include, but are not limited to, the Export-Import Bank, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, and Federal National Mortgage Association.

Some obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies and instrumentalities are supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Others, such as those issued by the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the agency or instrumentality. Still others, such as those issued by the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the agency or instrumentality.

• Bank Obligations - Certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances of U.S. commercial banks having total assets of at least one billion dollars and overseas branches of U.S. commercial banks and foreign banks, which in the opinion of those managing the fund's investments, are of comparable quality. A Fund may acquire obligations of U.S. banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve System or of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

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.

Obligations of foreign banks and obligations of overseas branches of U.S. banks are subject to somewhat different regulations and risks than those of U.S. domestic banks. For example, an issuing bank may be able to maintain that the liability for an investment is solely that of the overseas branch which could expose a Fund to a greater risk of loss. In addition, obligations of foreign banks or of overseas branches of U.S. banks may be affected by governmental action in the country of domicile of the branch or parent bank. Examples of adverse foreign governmental actions include the imposition of currency controls, the imposition of withholding taxes on interest income payable on such obligations, interest limitations, seizure or nationalization of assets, or the declaration of a moratorium. Deposits in foreign banks or foreign branches of U.S. banks are not covered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and that the selection of those obligations may be more difficult because there may be less publicly available information concerning foreign banks or the accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements applicable to foreign banks may differ from those applicable to United States banks. Foreign banks are not generally subject to examination by any United States Government agency or instrumentality. A Fund only buys short-term instruments where the risks of adverse governmental action are believed by those managing the fund's investments to be minimal. A Fund considers these factors, along with other appropriate factors, in making an investment decision to acquire such obligations. It only acquires those which, in the opinion of management, are of an investment quality comparable to other debt securities bought by the Fund.

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A certificate of deposit is issued against funds deposited in a bank or savings and loan association for a definite period of time, at a specified rate of return. Normally they are negotiable. However, a Fund occasionally may invest in certificates of deposit which are not negotiable. Such certificates may provide for interest penalties in the event of withdrawal prior to their maturity. A bankers' acceptance is a short-term credit instrument issued by corporations to finance the import, export, transfer, or storage of goods. They are termed "accepted" when a bank guarantees their payment at maturity and reflect the obligation of both the bank and drawer to pay the face amount of the instrument at maturity.

• Commercial Paper - Short-term promissory notes issued by U.S. or foreign corporations.

• Short-term Corporate Debt - Corporate notes, bonds, and debentures that at the time of purchase have 397 days or less remaining to maturity, with certain exceptions permitted by applicable regulations.

• Repurchase Agreements - Instruments under which securities are purchased from a bank or securities dealer with an agreement by the seller to repurchase the securities at the same price plus interest at a specified rate.

• Taxable Municipal Obligations - Short-term obligations issued or guaranteed by state and municipal issuers which generate taxable income.

**U.S. Government and U.S. Government-Sponsored Securities**

U.S. government securities refers to a variety of debt securities issued by or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, such as Treasury bills, notes, and bonds and mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae), and are supported by the full faith and credit of the United States meaning that the U.S. government is required to repay the principal in the event of default. Others are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency's obligations; and still others are supported only by the credit of the issuing agency, instrumentality, or enterprise. The U.S. government does not guarantee the market price of any U.S. government security.

Although U.S. government-sponsored enterprises such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) may be chartered or sponsored by Congress, they are not funded by Congressional appropriations, and their securities are not issued by the U.S. Treasury nor supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

U.S. government securities and U.S. government-sponsored securities may be adversely impacted by changes in interest rates or a default by or decline in the credit rating of the applicable government-sponsored entity. There is no assurance that the U.S. government would provide financial support to its agencies and instrumentalities if not required to do so. In addition, certain governmental entities have been subject to regulatory scrutiny regarding their accounting policies and practices and other concerns that may result in legislation, changes in regulatory oversight, and/or other consequences that could adversely affect the credit quality, availability, or investment character of securities issued by these entities. The value and liquidity of U.S. government securities may be affected adversely by changes in the ratings of those securities.

**Warrants and Rights**

The Funds may invest in warrants and rights. A warrant is an instrument that gives the holder a right to purchase a given number of shares of a particular security at a specified price until a stated expiration date. Buying a warrant generally can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an investment of equivalent amounts in the underlying common stock. The market value of a warrant does not necessarily move with the value of the underlying securities. If a holder does not sell the warrant, it risks the loss of its entire investment if the market price of the underlying security does not, before the expiration date, exceed the exercise price of the warrant. Investment in warrants is a speculative activity. Warrants pay no dividends and confer no rights (other than the right to purchase the underlying securities) with respect to the assets of the issuer. A right is a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a corporation to subscribe for shares of a new issue of common stock before it is issued. Rights normally have a short life, usually two to four weeks, are freely transferable and entitle the holder to buy the new common stock at a lower price than the public offering price.

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**When-Issued, Delayed Delivery, and Forward Commitment Transactions**

Each of the Funds may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis. Typically, no income accrues on securities a Fund has committed to purchase prior to the time delivery of the securities is made.

When purchasing a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund assumes the rights and risks of ownership of the security, including the risk of price and yield fluctuations, and takes such fluctuations into account when determining its net asset value. Because the Fund is not required to pay for the security until the delivery date, these risks are in addition to the risks associated with the Fund's other investments. If the Fund remains substantially fully invested at a time when when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment purchases are outstanding, the purchases may result in a form of leverage.

When the Fund has sold a security on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis, the Fund does not participate in future gains or losses with respect to the security. If the other party to a transaction fails to deliver or pay for the securities, the Fund could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or could suffer a loss. A Fund may dispose of or renegotiate a transaction after it is entered into, and may sell when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment securities before they are delivered, which may result in a capital gain or loss. There is no percentage limitation on the extent to which the Funds may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis.

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**LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE AND BOARD**

PFI's Board has overall responsibility for overseeing PFI's operations in accordance with the 1940 Act, other applicable laws, and PFI's charter. Each Board Member serves on the Boards of the following investment companies: Principal Funds, Inc. ("PFI"), Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc. ("PVC"), and Principal Exchange-Traded Funds ("PETF"), which are collectively referred to in this SAI as the "Principal Funds." The Principal Funds are part of a "Fund Complex," which is comprised of the Principal Funds (PFI, PVC, and PETF), Principal Real Asset Fund, and Principal Private Credit Fund I. Board Members who are affiliated persons of any investment advisor, the principal distributor, or the principal underwriter of the Principal Funds are considered "interested persons" of the Funds (as defined in the 1940 Act) and are referred to in this SAI as "Interested Board Members." Board Members who are not Interested Board Members are referred to as "Independent Board Members."

Each Board Member generally serves until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until such Board Member's earlier death, resignation, or removal. Independent Board Members have a 72-year age limit and, for Independent Board Members elected on or after September 14, 2021, a 72-year age limit or a 15-year term limit, whichever occurs first. The Board may waive the age or term limits in the Board's discretion. The Board elects officers to supervise the day-to-day operations of the Principal Funds. Officers serve at the pleasure of the Board, and each officer has the same position with each investment company in the Principal Funds.

The Board meets in regularly scheduled meetings throughout the year. Board meetings may occur in-person, by telephone, or virtually. In addition, the Board holds special meetings or informal conference calls to discuss specific matters that may arise or require action between regular meetings. Independent Board Members also meet annually to consider renewal of advisory contracts.

The Chairman of the Board is an interested person of the Principal Funds. The Independent Board Members have appointed a Lead Independent Board Member whose role is to review and approve, with the Chairman, each Board meeting's agenda and to facilitate communication between and among the Independent Board Members, management, and the full Board. The Board's leadership structure is appropriate for the Principal Funds given its characteristics and circumstances, including the number of portfolios, variety of asset classes, net assets, and distribution arrangements. The appropriateness of this structure is enhanced by the establishment and allocation of responsibilities among the following Committees, which report their activities to the Board on a regular basis.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Committee Members** | **Primary Purpose and Responsibilities** | **Meetings Held During the Last Fiscal Year** |
| <u>15(c) Committee</u><br>Karen McMillan, Chair<br>Katharin S. Dyer<br>Frances P. Grieb<br>Padelford L. Lattimer<br>Thomas A. Swank | The Committee's primary purpose is to assist the Board in performing the annual review of the Funds' advisory and sub-advisory agreements pursuant to Section 15(c) of the 1940 Act. The Committee is responsible for requesting and reviewing related materials. | 5 |
| <u>Audit Committee</u><br>Victor L. Hymes, Chair<br>Craig Damos<br>Frances P. Grieb<br>Elizabeth A. Nickels | The Committee's primary purpose is to assist the Board by serving as an independent and objective party to monitor the Principal Funds' accounting policies, financial reporting, and internal control system, as well as the work of the independent registered public accountants. The Audit Committee assists Board oversight of 1) the integrity of the Principal Funds' financial statements; 2) the Principal Funds' compliance with certain legal and regulatory requirements; 3) the independent registered public accountants' qualifications and independence; and 4) the performance of the Principal Funds' independent registered public accountants. The Audit Committee also facilitates communication among the independent registered public accountants, PGI's internal auditors, Principal Funds management, and the Board. | 9 |
| <u>Executive Committee</u><br>Kamal Bhatia, Chair<br>Craig Damos<br>Kenneth A. McCullum | The Committee's primary purpose is to exercise certain powers of the Board when the Board is not in session. When the Board is not in session, the Committee may exercise all powers of the Board in the management of the Principal Funds' business except the power to 1) issue stock, except as permitted by law; 2) recommend to the shareholders any action that requires shareholder approval; 3) amend the bylaws; or 4) approve any merger or share exchange that does not require shareholder approval. |  |
| <u>Nominating and</u> <br><u>Governance Committee</u><br>Elizabeth A. Nickels, Chair<br>Craig Damos<br>Victor L. Hymes<br>Karen McMillan | The Committee's primary purpose is to oversee the structure and efficiency of the Board and the committees. The Committee is responsible for evaluating Board membership and functions, committee membership and functions, insurance coverage, and legal matters. The Committee's nominating functions include selecting and nominating Independent Board Member candidates for election to the Board. Generally, the Committee requests nominee suggestions from Board Members and management. In addition, the Committee considers candidates recommended by shareholders of the Principal Funds. Recommendations should be submitted in writing to the Principal Funds Secretary, in care of the Principal Funds, 711 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50392. Such recommendations must include all information specified in the Committee's charter and must conform with the procedures set forth in Appendix A thereto, which can be found at https://secure02.principal.com/publicvsupply/GetFile?fm=MM13013&ty=VOP&EXT=.VOP. Examples of such information include the nominee's biographical information; relevant educational and professional background of the nominee; the number of shares of each Fund owned of record and beneficially by the nominee and by the recommending shareholder; any other information regarding the nominee that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filing required to be made in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of board members; whether the nominee is an "interested person" of the Funds as defined in the 1940 Act; and the written consent of the nominee to be named as a nominee and serve as a board member if elected.<br>When evaluating a potential nominee for Independent Board Member, the Committee may consider, among other factors: educational background; relevant business and industry experience; whether the person is an "interested person" of the Funds as defined in the 1940 Act; and whether the person is willing to serve, and willing and able to commit the time necessary to attend meetings and perform the duties of an Independent Board Member. In addition, the Committee may consider whether a candidate's background, experience, skills and views would complement the background, experience, skills and views of other Board Members and would contribute to the diversity of the Board. The final decision is based on a combination of factors, including the strengths and the experience an individual may bring to the Board. The Board does not regularly use the services of professional search firms to identify or evaluate potential candidates or nominees.  | 5 |
| <u>Operations Committee</u><br>Padelford L. Lattimer, Chair<br>Katharin S. Dyer<br>Karen McMillan<br>Thomas A. Swank | The Committee's primary purpose is to review and oversee the provision of administrative and distribution services to the Principal Funds, communications with the Principal Funds' shareholders, and the Principal Funds' operations. | 4 |

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Risk oversight forms part of the Board's general oversight of the Principal Funds. The Board has appointed a Chief Compliance Officer who oversees the implementation and testing of the Funds' compliance program and reports to the Board regarding compliance matters for the Principal Funds and principal service providers. As part of its regular oversight functions, the Board, directly or through a committee, interacts with and reviews reports from, among others, management, sub-advisors, the Chief Compliance Officer, the independent registered public accounting firm, and internal auditors for PGI or its affiliates, as appropriate. The Board, with the assistance of management and PGI, reviews investment policies and risks in connection with its review of Principal Funds performance. In addition, as part of the Board's periodic review of advisory, sub-advisory, and other service provider agreements, the Board may consider risk management aspects of their operations and the functions for which they are responsible. With respect to valuation, the Board has designated PGI as the Funds' valuation designee, as permitted by SEC Rule 2a-5, where PGI is responsible for the day-to-day valuation and oversight responsibilities of the Funds, subject to the Board's oversight. PGI has established a Valuation Committee to fulfill its oversight responsibilities as the Funds' valuation designee.

Each Board Member has significant prior senior management and/or board experience. Board Members are selected and retained based upon their skills, experience, judgment, analytical ability, diligence, and ability to work effectively with other Board Members, a commitment to the interests of shareholders, and, for each Independent Board Member, a demonstrated willingness to take an independent and questioning view of management. In addition to these general qualifications, the Board seeks members who build upon the Board's diversity. Below is a brief discussion of the specific education, experience, qualifications, or skills that led to the conclusion that each person identified below should serve as a Board Member. As required by rules adopted under the 1940 Act, the Independent Board Members select and nominate all candidates for Independent Board Member positions.

<u>Independent Board Members</u> 

**Craig Damos.** Mr. Damos has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2008. Since 2011, Mr. Damos has served as the President of C.P. Damos Consulting, LLC (doing business as Craig Damos Consulting). He has also served as a Director of the employees' stock ownership plan of the Baker Group since 2020. Mr. Damos served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Weitz Company from 2006 to 2010; Vertical Growth Officer of Weitz Company from 2004 to 2006; and Chief Financial Officer of Weitz Company from 2000 to 2004. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Damos served as a Director of West Bank. Through his education, employment experience, and experience as a board member, Mr. Damos is experienced with financial, accounting, regulatory, and investment matters.

**Katharin S. Dyer.** Ms. Dyer has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2023. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PivotWise, a firm providing strategic advice focused on digital transformation. Ms. Dyer currently serves as a Director of Liquidity Services and the Grameen Foundation. She was formerly employed by IBM Global Services as a Global Partner and a member of the senior leadership team from 2016 to 2018. Ms. Dyer was a member of the Global Management Team at American Express Company from 2013 to 2015. Through her education, employment experience, and experience as a board member, Ms. Dyer is experienced with financial, information and digital technology, investment, and regulatory matters.

**Frances P. Grieb.** Ms. Grieb has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2023. Ms. Grieb currently serves as a Director of First Interstate BancSystem, Inc. and the National Advisory Board of the College of Business at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Corporate Directors. From 2014 to 2022, she served as a Director of Great Western Bancorp, Inc. Ms. Grieb is a retired partner having served in various leadership roles at Deloitte LLP from 1982 to 2010. Ms. Grieb is a retired Certified Public Accountant. Through her education, employment experience, and experience as a board member, Ms. Grieb is experienced with financial, accounting, investment, and regulatory matters.

**Victor L. Hymes.** Mr. Hymes has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2020. He currently serves as Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Legato Capital Management, LLC. Over the past thirty years, Mr. Hymes has served in the roles of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Investment Officer, portfolio manager, and other senior management positions with investment management firms, including Zurich Scudder Investments, Inc., Goldman, Sachs & Co., and Kidder, Peabody & Co. Mr. Hymes has served on numerous boards and has chaired four investment committees over the past two decades. Through his education, employment experience, and experience as a board member, Mr. Hymes is experienced with financial, accounting, regulatory, and investment matters.

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**Padelford L. Lattimer.** Mr. Lattimer has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2020. He currently serves as Managing Partner for TBA Management Consulting LLC. For more than twenty years, Mr. Lattimer served in various capacities at financial services companies, including as a senior managing director for TIAA Cref Asset Management (2004-2010), First Vice President at Mellon Financial Corporation (2002-2004), and in product management roles at Citibank (2000-2002). Through his education, employment experience, and experience as a board member, Mr. Lattimer is experienced with financial, regulatory, and investment matters.

**Karen McMillan.** Ms. McMillan has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2014. She served as a Managing Director of Patomak Global Partners, LLC from 2014 to 2021. From 2007 to 2014, Ms. McMillan served as General Counsel to the Investment Company Institute. Prior to that (from 1999-2007), she worked as an attorney in private practice, specializing in the mutual fund industry. From 1991 to 1999, she served in various roles as counsel at the SEC, Division of Investment Management, including as Assistant Chief Counsel. Through her professional education, experience as an attorney, and experience as a board member, Ms. McMillan is experienced in financial, investment, and regulatory matters.

**Elizabeth A. Nickels.** Ms. Nickels has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2015. From 2000 to 2022, Ms. Nickels served as a Director of SpartanNash. From 2008 to 2017, she served as a Director of the not-for-profit Spectrum Health System; from 2014 to 2016, she served as a Director of Charlotte Russe; from 2014 to 2015, she served as a Director of Follet Corporation; and from 2013 to 2015, she served as a Director of PetSmart. Ms. Nickels was formerly employed by Herman Miller, Inc. in several capacities: from 2012 to 2014, as the Executive Director of the Herman Miller Foundation; from 2007 to 2012, as President of Herman Miller Healthcare; and from 2000 to 2007, as Chief Financial Officer. Through her education, employment experience, and experience as a board member, Ms. Nickels is experienced with financial, accounting, and regulatory matters.

**Thomas A. Swank.** Mr. Swank has served as an Independent Board Member of the Principal Funds since March 2024. He has served as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board for Wellabe, formerly American Enterprise Group, Inc., since 2024 and as a Director since 2015. From 2015 to 2023, Mr. Swank was the Chief Executive Officer and President of Wellabe. Mr. Swank has also served as a Director on the Director Forum 500 - American Council of Life Insurers since 2015. Through his education, employment experience, and experience as a board member, Mr. Swank is experienced with financial, accounting, regulatory, and investment matters.

<u>Interested Board Members</u>

**Kamal Bhatia.** Mr. Bhatia has served as Chair of the Principal Funds since 2023. He has also served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Principal Funds since 2019. Since February 2024, Mr. Bhatia has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup>. He served as Senior Executive Managing Director - Global Head of Investments for Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup> in 2023 and a Senior Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup> from 2019 to 2023. Mr. Bhatia joined Principal<sup>®</sup> in 2019 and serves as a director of numerous Principal<sup>®</sup> affiliates. From 2011 to 2019, he was a Senior Vice President for Oppenheimer Funds. Mr. Bhatia is a CFA<sup>®</sup> charter holder. Through his education and experience, Mr. Bhatia is experienced with financial, marketing, regulatory, and investment matters.

**Kenneth A. McCullum.** Mr. McCullum has served as a Board Member of the Principal Funds since 2023. Mr. McCullum has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for Principal<sup>®</sup> since 2023. Prior to that, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer for Principal<sup>®</sup> from 2020 to 2023 and Vice President and Chief Actuary for Principal<sup>®</sup> from 2015 to 2020. From 2013 to 2015, Mr. McCullum was an Executive Vice President responsible for business development at Delaware Life Insurance Company. He served as a Senior Vice President for the life annuity business at Sun Life from 2010 to 2013. Mr. McCullum is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and is a Member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Through his education and experience, Mr. McCullum is experienced with financial, accounting, regulatory, and investment matters.

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**Additional Information Regarding Board Members and Officers**

The following tables present additional information regarding the Board Members and Principal Funds officers, including their principal occupations, which, unless specific dates are shown, are of more than five years duration. For each Board Member, the tables also include information concerning other directorships held in reporting companies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or registered investment companies under the 1940 Act.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS** | **INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS** | **INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS** | **INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS** | **INDEPENDENT BOARD MEMBERS** |
| **Name, Address,<br>and Year of Birth** | **Board Positions Held<br>with Principal Funds** | **Principal Occupation(s)<br>During Past 5 Years** | **Number of<br>Portfolios<br>Overseen<br>in Fund<br>Complex** | **Other<br>Directorships<br>Held During<br>Past 5 Years** |
| Craig Damos<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1954 | Lead Independent Board Member<br> (since 2020)<br>Director, PFI and PVC (since 2008)<br>Trustee, PETF (since 2014) | President, C.P. Damos Consulting, LLC (consulting services) | 124 | Principal Real Asset Fund (2019-2024) |
| Katharin S. Dyer<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1957 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2023)<br>Trustee, PETF (since 2023) | Founder and Chief Executive Officer,<br>PivotWise (consulting services)  | 124 | Liquidity Services, Inc.<br> (2020-present);<br>Principal Real Asset Fund<br> (2023-2024) |
| Frances P. Grieb<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1960 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2023)<br>Trustee, PETF (since 2023) | Retired | 124 | First Interstate BancSystem,<br> Inc. (2022-present);<br>Principal Real Asset Fund<br> (2023-2024);<br>Great Western Bancorp, Inc.<br> and Great Western Bank <br> (2014-2022) |
| Victor L. Hymes<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1957 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2020) <br>Trustee, PETF (since 2020) | Founder, CEO, CIO, Legato Capital Management, LLC (investment management company) | 124 | Principal Real Asset Fund <br> (2020-2024) |
| Padelford L. Lattimer<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1961 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2020) <br>Trustee, PETF (since 2020) | Managing Partner, TBA Management Consulting LLC (management consulting and staffing company) | 124 | Principal Real Asset Fund <br> (2020-2024) |
| Karen McMillan<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1961 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2014)<br>Trustee, PETF (since 2014) | Founder/Owner, Tyche Consulting<br> LLC (consulting services) from 2021-2024;<br>Managing Director, Patomak Global<br> Partners, LLC (financial services<br> consulting) from 2014-2021 | 124 | Principal Real Asset Fund <br> (2019-2024) |
| Elizabeth A. Nickels<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1962 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2015)<br>Trustee, PETF (since 2015) | Retired | 124 | Principal Real Asset Fund <br> (2019-2024);<br>SpartanNash (2000-2022) |
| Thomas A. Swank<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1960 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2024)<br>Trustee, PETF (since 2024) | Chief Executive Officer and President,<br>Wellabe (formerly, American Enterprise Group, Inc.) (life and health insurance) from 2015-2023 | 124 | Wellabe (formerly, American<br> Enterprise Group, Inc.)<br> (2015-present); <br>Principal Real Asset Fund <br> (2024) |

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS** | **INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS** | **INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS** | **INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS** | **INTERESTED BOARD MEMBERS** |
| **Name, Address,<br>and Year of Birth** | **Positions Held<br>with Principal Funds** | **Principal Occupation(s)<br>During Past 5 Years** | **Number of<br>Portfolios<br>Overseen<br>in Fund<br>Complex** | **Other<br>Directorships<br>Held During<br>Past 5 Years** |
| Kamal Bhatia<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1972 | Director and Chair, PFI and PVC<br> (since 2023)<br>Trustee and Chair, PETF<br> (since 2023)<br>Chief Executive Officer and President <br> (since 2019) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>President and Chief Executive Officer –<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2024)<br>Senior Executive Managing Director - <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Global Head of Investments – <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup> (2023)<br>Senior Executive Director and <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Operating Officer – <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2019-2023) | 124 | Principal Real Asset Fund (2023-2024) |
| Kenneth A. McCullum<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1964 | Director, PFI and PVC (since 2023)<br>Trustee, PETF (since 2023) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Executive Vice President and <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Risk Officer (since 2023)<br>Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2020-2023)<br>Vice President and Chief Actuary <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2015-2020) | 124 | Principal Real Asset Fund (2023-2024) |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **PRINCIPAL FUNDS OFFICERS** | **PRINCIPAL FUNDS OFFICERS** | **PRINCIPAL FUNDS OFFICERS** |
| **Name, Address,<br>and Year of Birth** | **Position(s) Held<br>with Principal Funds** | **Principal Occupation(s)** <br>**During Past 5 Years** |
| George Djurasovic<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1971 | Vice President and General Counsel <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2023) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Vice President and General Counsel – Principal Asset <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Management<sup>SM</sup> (since 2022)<br><u>Artisan Partners Limited Partnership</u><br>Global Chief Compliance Officer (2013-2022) |
| Calvin Eib<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1963 | Assistant Tax Counsel (since 2023) | <u>Principal Financial Group</u>\*<br>Assistant General Counsel (since 2025)<br>Counsel (since 2021- 2025)<br><u>Transamerica</u><br>Tax Counsel (2016-2021) |
| Gina L. Graham<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1965 | Treasurer (since 2016) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Vice President and Treasurer (since 2016) |
| Megan Hoffmann<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392 <br>1979 | Vice President and Controller (since 2021) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Senior Director – Fund Accounting and Administration <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2025)<br>Senior Director – Fund Administration (2024)<br>Director – Accounting (2020-2024) |
| Mandy L. Huebbe<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392 <br>1982 | Assistant Secretary (since 2025) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Funds Board Liaison (since 2024)<br>Legal Production Assistant (2015-2021, 2021-2024)<br><u>Hy-Vee Corporate</u><br>Executive Administration Assistant (2021-2021) |
| Laura B. Latham<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392 <br>1986 | Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2023)<br>Assistant Counsel and Assistant Secretary<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2018-2023) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Assistant General Counsel (since 2025)<br>Counsel (2018-2025) |
| Ann Meiners<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392 <br>1977 | Vice President and Assistant Controller <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2025) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Director – Fund Accounting (since 2024)<br>Assistant Director – Fund Accounting (2017-2024) |
| David P. Michalik<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392 <br>1991 | Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2025) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Counsel (since 2025)<br><u>The Northern Trust Company</u><br>Second Vice President (2019-2025) |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **PRINCIPAL FUNDS OFFICERS** | **PRINCIPAL FUNDS OFFICERS** | **PRINCIPAL FUNDS OFFICERS** |
| **Name, Address,<br>and Year of Birth** | **Position(s) Held<br>with Principal Funds** | **Principal Occupation(s)** <br>**During Past 5 Years** |
| Diane K. Nelson<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1965 | AML Officer (since 2016) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Director – Compliance (since 2024) <br>Chief Compliance Officer/AML Officer (2015-2024) |
| Tara Parks<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1983 | Vice President and Assistant Controller <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2021) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Senior Director – Fund Tax (since 2024)<br>Director – Accounting (2019-2024) |
| Deanna Y. Pellack<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1987 | Counsel and Secretary (since 2024)<br>Counsel and Assistant Secretary (2023-2024)<br>Assistant Counsel and Assistant Secretary<br>(2022-2023) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Counsel (since 2022)<br><u>The Northern Trust Company</u><br>Vice President (2019-2022) |
| Sara L. Reece<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392 <br>1975 | Vice President and Chief Operating Officer<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2021)<br>Vice President and Controller (2016-2021) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Managing Director – Global Head of Fund Services (since 2024)<br>Managing Director – Global Fund Ops (2021-2024)<br>Director – Accounting (2015-2021) |
| Teri R. Root<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1979 | Chief Compliance Officer (since 2018) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Chief Compliance Officer – Funds (since 2018)<br>Vice President (since 2015) |
| Michael Scholten<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1979 | Chief Financial Officer (since 2021) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Assistant Vice President and Actuary (since 2021)<br>Chief Financial Officer – Funds/Platforms (2015-2021) |
| Adam U. Shaikh<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1972 | Vice President and Assistant General Counsel<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(since 2023)<br>Assistant Secretary (since 2022)<br>Assistant Counsel (2006-2023) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Associate General Counsel (since 2024)<br>Assistant General Counsel (2018-2024) |
| John L. Sullivan<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1970 | Counsel and Assistant Secretary (since 2023)<br>Assistant Counsel and Assistant Secretary<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2019-2023) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Assistant General Counsel (since 2023)<br>Counsel (2019-2023) |
| Barbara Wenig<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1972 | Vice President (since 2024) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Executive Managing Director – Chief Business Officer (since 2025)<br>Executive Managing Director – Global Head of Operations and<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Services - Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup> (2021-2024)<br><u>Neuberger Berman</u><br>Managing Director (2008-2021) |
| Dan L. Westholm<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1966 | Assistant Treasurer (since 2006) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Assistant Vice President – Treasury (since 2013) |
| Jared A. Yepsen<br>711 High Street<br>Des Moines, IA 50392<br>1981 | Assistant Tax Counsel (since 2017) | <u>Principal Financial Group\*</u><br>Assistant General Counsel (since 2023)<br>Counsel (2015-2023) |

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\*The reference to Principal Financial Group includes positions held by the Interested Board Members / Principal Funds Officers, including as an officer, employee, and/or director, with affiliates or subsidiaries of Principal Financial Group. The titles set forth in this SAI are each Interested Board Member's / Principal Funds Officer's title with Principal Workforce, LLC, an affiliated entity of PGI that is the payroll employer of the Interested Board Members and Principal Funds Officers.<br>

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**Board Member Ownership of Securities**

The following tables set forth the dollar range of the equity securities of Funds included in this SAI, and aggregate dollar range of the equity securities of the funds in the Fund Complex, that were beneficially owned by the Board Members as of December 31, 2024. As of that date, Board Members did not own shares of the Funds included in this SAI that are not listed.

For the purpose of these tables, beneficial ownership means a direct or indirect pecuniary interest. Only Interested Board Members are eligible to participate in an employee benefit program that invests in the Fund Complex. Board Members who beneficially owned shares of the series of PVC did so through variable life insurance and variable annuity contracts. Please note that exact dollar amounts of securities held are not listed. Rather, ownership is listed based on the following dollar ranges:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| A | $0 |
| B | $1 up to and including $10,000 |
| C | $10,001 up to and including $50,000 |
| D | $50,001 up to and including $100,000 |
| E | $100,001 or more |

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| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** | **Independent Board Members** |
| **Funds in this SAI** | **Damos** | **Dyer** | **Grieb** | **Hymes** | **Lattimer** | **McMillan** | **Nickels** | **Swank** |
| Blue Chip  | E | A | A | A | C | E | E | A |
| Diversified Real Asset | A | A | A | A | C | A | A | A |
| Global Multi-Strategy | A | A | A | A | D | A | A | A |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income  | E | A | A | A | A | A | A | A |
| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Director in Family of Investment Companies** | **E** | **E** | **E** | **E** | **E** | **E** | **E** | **E** |

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Interested Board Members** | **Interested Board Members** | **Interested Board Members** |
| **Funds in this SAI** | **Bhatia** | **McCullum** |
| Diversified Real Asset<sup>(1)</sup> | E | A |
| **Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities in All Registered Investment Companies Overseen by Director in Family of Investment Companies** | **E** | **E** |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Ownership through participation in an Employee Benefit Plan

**Board Member and Officer Compensation**

The Principal Funds do not pay any remuneration to officers or to any Board Members listed above as Interested Board Members. The Board annually considers a proposal to reimburse PGI for certain expenses, including a portion of the Chief Compliance Officer's compensation. If the proposal is adopted, these amounts are allocated across all Funds based on relative net assets of each portfolio.

Each Independent Board Member received compensation for service as a member of the Boards of all investment companies in the Principal Funds based on a schedule that takes into account an annual retainer amount, the number of meetings attended, and expenses incurred. Board Member compensation and related expenses are allocated to each of the Funds based on the net assets of each relative to combined net assets of the Principal Funds.

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The following table provides information regarding the compensation received by the Independent Board Members from the Funds included in this SAI and from the Fund Complex during the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024. The Principal Funds do not provide retirement benefits or pensions to any of the Board Members.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Board Member** | **Funds in this SAI** | **Fund Complex**<sup>(2)</sup> |
| Craig Damos | $58527 | $414650 |
| Katharin S. Dyer | $49300 | $349400 |
| Frances P. Grieb | $48073 | $340650 |
| Victor L. Hymes | $52312 | $370650 |
| Padelford L. Lattimer | $51959 | $368150 |
| Karen McMillan | $53539 | $379400 |
| Elizabeth A. Nickels | $52312 | $370650 |
| Thomas A. Swank<sup>(1)</sup> | $32298 | $230600 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Mr. Swank was elected to the Board effective March 13, 2024.

<sup>(2)</sup> "Fund Complex" includes the Principal Real Asset Fund and the Principal Private Credit Fund I, which, as of the date of this SAI, are not overseen by the Board Members, and the Board Members do not receive compensation from those Funds. However, the Board Members provided oversight for the Principal Real Asset Fund for a portion of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 and, therefore, did receive compensation from the Principal Real Asset Fund over that time, which is reflected in the table above.

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**INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES**

**Investment Advisors**

Principal Global Investors, LLC (doing business as Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup>) ("PGI"), an indirect subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc. ("Principal<sup>®</sup>"), serves as the investment advisor for the Funds. Principal Management Corporation, previously an affiliate of PGI, served as the investment advisor to the Funds prior to its merger with and into PGI on May 1, 2017.

PGI directly makes decisions to purchase or sell securities for each Fund, except for those Funds or portions of Funds for which PGI has retained a sub-advisor to provide such services, as described below.

**Affiliated Persons of the Registrant Who are Affiliated Persons of the Advisor**

For information about affiliated persons of the Registrant who are also affiliated persons of PGI or affiliated advisors, see the Interested Board Members and Principal Funds Officers tables in the "Leadership Structure and Board" section.

**Sub-Advisors**

PGI has executed agreements with various sub-advisors. Under those sub-advisory agreements, the sub-advisor agrees to assume the obligations of PGI to provide investment advisory services for a specific Fund. For these services, PGI pays each sub-advisor a fee (except on the Capital Securities Fund), which is set forth in greater detail below in the "Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Funds" section.

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. ("BlackRock")** is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

<u>Sub-Sub-Advisor</u>: **BlackRock International Limited** is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor:**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**ClearBridge Investments (North America) Pty Limited ("ClearBridge")** is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.

**Fund(s):**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;CoreCommodity Management, LLC ("CoreCommodity")** is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CoreCommodity Capital, LLC. CoreCommodity is controlled by its senior management, which owns 100% of the voting interest and 50% of the economic interest through various subsidiaries. The other 50% economic interest in CoreCommodity is held by a subsidiary of Jeffries Financial Group Inc. (NYSE: JEF).

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor:**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Crabel Capital Management, LLC ("Crabel")** is a Wisconsin limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Crabel Investments Group, LLC. Crabel is controlled and principally owned by William H. Crabel.

**Fund(s):**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

**Sub-Advisor:**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Delaware Investments Fund Advisers ("DIFA")** is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Macquarie Group Limited and operates as part of Macquarie Asset Management, the asset management division of Macquarie Group Limited.

**Fund(s):**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gotham Asset Management, LLC ("Gotham")** is wholly-owned by Gotham Asset Management Holdings, LP ("GAMH"). Joel Greenblatt and Robert Goldstein control Gotham through their control of GAMH and as Managing Principals of Gotham.

**Fund(s):**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

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**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Graham Capital Management, L.P. ("Graham")** is majority-owned by KGT Investment Partners, L.P., which is principally owned by Graham's founder, Kenneth Tropin, and members of Mr. Tropin's family.

**Fund(s): &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. ("Loomis Sayles")** is a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers, LLC, which is part of Natixis Investment Managers, an international asset management group based in Paris, France.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Los Angeles Capital Management LLC ("Los Angeles Capital")** is a California limited liability company. It is owned by key employees through its parent holding companies, LACM Holdings, Inc. and LACM Equity LLC (collectively, the "Parent Company"). Thomas D. Stevens, Chairman, holds a controlling equity interest in the Parent Company.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Newton Investment Management North America LLC ("NIMNA, LLC")** is an indirect subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation ("BNY"), a banking and financial services company. NIMNA LLC is part of 'The Newton Investment Management Group,' which is used to collectively describe a group of affiliated companies that provide investment advisory services under the brand name 'Newton' or 'Newton Investment Management.' Investment advisory services are provided in United States by NIMNA LLC and in the United Kingdom by Newton Investment Management Limited (NIM). Both firms are indirect subsidiaries of BNY.

**Fund(s):**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("Nuveen Asset Management")** is an investment advisor registered with the SEC, whose sole managing member is Nuveen Fund Advisors, LLC. Nuveen Asset Management is an indirect subsidiary of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America, which constitutes the ultimate principal owner of Nuveen Asset Management.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor**:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Pictet Asset Management SA ("Pictet")** is the asset management arm of the Pictet Group, which is owned by seven managing partners.

**Fund(s):**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC** (doing business as Principal Real Estate) **("Principal-REI")** is an indirect subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Global Listed Infrastructure and a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Record Currency Management Limited ("Record")** is a limited liability company incorporated in England. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Record PLC, a publicly traded company, with a premium listing on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

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**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Spectrum Asset Management, Inc. ("Spectrum")** is an indirect subsidiary of Principal Financial Group, Inc.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wellington Management Company LLP ("Wellington")** is owned by the partners of Wellington Management Group LLP, a Massachusetts limited liability partnership.

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Diversified Real Asset and a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

**Sub-Advisor:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Westchester Capital Management, LLC ("Westchester")** is 100% owned by its sole member, Virtus Partners, Inc. ("VPI"). VPI is 100% owned by Virtus Investment Partners, Inc. (NYSE: VRTS) ("VIP").

**Fund(s):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**a portion of the assets of Global Multi-Strategy

**Codes of Ethics**

The Registrant, PGI, PFD (as defined below), and each of the sub-advisors have adopted Codes of Ethics ("Codes") under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. PGI and the sub-advisors each have also adopted such a Code under Rule 204A-1 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. These Codes are designed to prevent, among other things, persons with access to information regarding the portfolio trading activity of the Funds from using that information for their personal benefit. Except in limited circumstances, the Code for PGI and the Registrant prohibits portfolio managers from personally trading securities that are held or traded in the actively managed portfolios for which they are responsible. Certain sub-advisors have adopted Codes that do not permit personnel subject to such Code to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by a Fund. However, other sub-advisors' Codes do permit, subject to conditions, personnel subject to the Code to invest in securities that may be purchased or held by a Fund. The Registrant's Board reviews reports at least annually regarding the operation of the Code of Ethics of the Registrant, PGI, PFD, and each sub-advisor. A copy of the Registrant's Code will be provided upon request, which may be made by contacting the Registrant.

**Management Agreement**

Under the terms of the Management Agreement with the Registrant, PGI, the investment advisor, is entitled to receive a fee computed and accrued daily and payable monthly, at the following annual rates, for providing investment advisory services and specified other services. The management fee schedule for each Fund is as follows (expressed as a percentage of average net assets).

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **All Assets** | |
| Capital Securities | 0.00% | <sup>(1)</sup> |
| Global Macro | 0.75% |  |

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<sup>(1)</sup> The table reflects that PGI is absorbing all expenses of the Fund. You should be aware, however, that the Fund is an integral part of "wrap-fee" programs, including those sponsored by registered investment advisors and broker-dealers unaffiliated with the Fund. Participants in these programs pay a "wrap" fee to the wrap-free program's sponsor ("Sponsor"). You should carefully read the wrap-fee brochure provided to you by your Sponsor or your registered investment advisor. The brochure is required to include information about the fees charged to you by the Sponsor and the fees the Sponsor paid to your registered investment advisor.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Fund** | **First**<br>**$500 Million** | **Next**<br>**$500 Million** | **Next**<br>**$500 Million** | **Over<br>$1.5 Billion** |
| Edge MidCap | 0.65% | 0.63% | 0.61% | 0.60% |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | 0.75% | 0.73% | 0.71% | 0.70% |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 1.21% | 1.19% | 1.17% | 1.16% |
| International Small Company | 1.00% | 0.98% | 0.96% | 0.95% |
| Opportunistic Municipal | 0.44% | 0.42% | 0.40% | 0.39% |

---

------

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Fund** | **First<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next <br>$1 Billion** | **Over <br>$3 Billion** |
| Diversified Real Asset | 0.80% | 0.78% | 0.76% | 0.75% | 0.74% | 0.73% |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 0.79% | 0.77% | 0.75% | 0.74% | 0.73% | 0.72% |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Fund** | **First** <br>**$3 Billion** | **Next**<br>**$3 Billion** | **Over**<br>**$6 Billion** |
| Bond Market Index | 0.12% | 0.10% | 0.08% |
| International Equity Index | 0.22% | 0.18% | 0.15% |

---

---

| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Fund** | **First<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next <br>$1 Billion** | **Next <br>$7 Billion** | **Over <br>$10 Billion** |
| Blue Chip | 0.65% | 0.63% | 0.61% | 0.60% | 0.59% | 0.58% | 0.57% |

---

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<br>Fund** | **First<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next<br>$500 Million** | **Next <br>$1 Billion** | **Next <br>$2 Billion** | **Next <br>$2 Billion** | **Next <br>$3 Billion** | **Over <br>$10 Billion** |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | 0.75% | 0.73% | 0.71% | 0.70% | 0.69% | 0.68% | 0.67% | 0.66% | 0.65% |

---

<u>Fund Operating Expenses</u>

Each Fund pays all of its operating expenses. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, PGI is responsible for paying the expenses associated with the organization of each Fund, including the expenses incurred in the initial registration of each Fund with the SEC; compensation of personnel, officers, and Board Members who are affiliated with PGI; and expenses and compensation associated with furnishing office space and all necessary office facilities, equipment, and personnel necessary to perform the general corporate functions of the Funds. Accounting services customarily required by investment companies are provided to each Fund by PGI, under the terms of the Management Agreement.

<u>Contractual Limits on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses</u>

PGI has contractually agreed to limit Fund expenses (excluding interest expense, expenses related to fund investments, acquired fund fees and expenses, and tax reclaim recovery expenses and other extraordinary expenses) on certain share classes of certain of the Funds. The reductions and reimbursements are in amounts that maintain total operating expenses at or below certain limits. The limits are expressed as a percentage of average daily net assets attributable to each respective class on an annualized basis. Subject to applicable expense limits, the Funds may reimburse PGI for expenses incurred during the current fiscal year.

The operating expense limits and the agreement terms are as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contractual Limits on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **Contractual Limits on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **Contractual Limits on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **Contractual Limits on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** | **Contractual Limits on Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses** |
| **Fund** | **A** | **C** | **Inst.** | **Expiration** |
| Blue Chip | N/A | N/A | 0.66% | 12/30/2025 |
| Diversified Real Asset | 1.20% | N/A | 0.83% | 12/30/2025 |
| Edge MidCap | 1.10% | N/A | 0.77% | 12/30/2025 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | N/A | N/A | 0.65% | 12/30/2025 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | N/A | N/A | 0.88% | 12/30/2026 |
| Global Multi-Strategy | N/A | N/A | 1.39% | 12/30/2025 |
| International Equity Index | N/A | N/A | 0.28% | 12/30/2025 |
| International Small Company | N/A | N/A | 1.08% | 12/30/2025 |
| Opportunistic Municipal | 0.84% | N/A | 0.56% | 12/30/2025 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 1.12% | 1.87% | 0.85% | 12/30/2025 |

---

------

For Capital Securities Fund, PGI has contractually agreed to limit the Fund's expenses attributable to Class S shares by paying expenses normally payable by the Fund (excluding interest expense, expenses related to fund investments, acquired fund fees and expenses, and tax reclaim recovery expenses and other extraordinary expenses) to maintain a total level of operating expenses (expressed as a percent of average net assets on an annualized basis) not to exceed 0.00%. It is expected that the expense limit will continue permanently (and, in any event, at least through December 30, 2025); however, PFI and PGI, the parties to the agreement, may mutually agree to terminate the expense limit.

<u>Contractual Limits on Other Expenses</u>

PGI has contractually agreed to limit the expenses identified as "Other Expenses" related to certain share classes of certain of the Funds by paying, if necessary, expenses normally payable by the Fund (excluding interest expense, expenses related to fund investments, acquired fund fees and expenses, and tax reclaim recovery expenses and other extraordinary expenses) to maintain "Other Expenses" (expressed as a percent of average net assets on an annualized basis) at or below certain limits.

The other expenses limits and the agreement terms are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Contractual Limits on Other Expenses** | **Contractual Limits on Other Expenses** | **Contractual Limits on Other Expenses** |
| **Fund** | **R-6** | **Expiration** |
| Diversified Real Asset | 0.02% | 12/30/2025 |
| Edge MidCap | 0.02% | 12/30/2025 |
| Global Macro | 0.04% | 12/30/2026 |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 0.04% | 12/30/2025 |
| International Equity Index  | 0.04% | 12/30/2025 |
| International Small Company | 0.04% | 12/30/2025 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 0.02% | 12/30/2025 |

---

<u>Contractual Management Fee Waivers</u>

PGI has contractually agreed to waive a portion of certain Fund's management fees. The fee waiver will reduce the Fund's management fees by the amounts listed below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contractual Management Fee Waivers** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contractual Management Fee Waivers** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Contractual Management Fee Waivers** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Fund** | **Waiver** | **Expiration** |
| Blue Chip | 0.030% | 12/30/2025 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | 0.110% | 12/30/2025 |

---

<u>Management Fees Paid</u>

Management fees paid for investment management services (before any waivers/reimbursements from PGI) during the periods indicated were as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Management Fees Paid for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Management Fees Paid for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Management Fees Paid for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Management Fees Paid for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** |
| **Fund** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** |
| Blue Chip | $61634 | $51176 | $57901 |
| Bond Market Index | 3003 | 3393 | 1323 |
| Capital Securities |  |  |  |
| Diversified Real Asset | 25091<sup>(1)</sup> | 29831<sup>(1)(2)</sup> | 36917<sup>(1)</sup> |
| Edge MidCap | 490 | 600 | 3481 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | 128 | 98<sup>(3)</sup> | N/A |
| Global Macro<sup>(4)</sup> | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 5896<sup>(1)</sup> | 6635<sup>(1)</sup> | 8180<sup>(1)</sup> |
| International Equity Index | 2918 | 2685 | 2816 |
| International Small Company | 6915 | 6905 | 9944 |
| Opportunistic Municipal | 637 | 579 | 839 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 9435 | 8984 | 8826 |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | 41060 | 40611 | 51413 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Consolidated financial statement; see "Basis for Consolidation" in Notes to Financial Statements.

<sup>(2)</sup> Class R-5 shares discontinued operations and converted to Class R-6 shares on January 13, 2023.

<sup>(3)</sup> Period from September 22, 2022, date operations commenced, through August 31, 2023.

<sup>(4)</sup> Global Macro Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024.

------

<u>Management Fees Waived</u> 

For the following Funds, PGI waived a portion of the management fee during the periods indicated as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Management Fees Waived for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Management Fees Waived for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Management Fees Waived for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Management Fees Waived for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** |
| **Fund** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** |
| Blue Chip | $3142 | $2598 | $3315 |
| Bond Market Index | 322 | 364 | 142 |
| Diversified Real Asset |  | 685 | 2306 |
| Edge MidCap |  | 17 | 249 |
| Global Multi-Strategy |  | 62 | 205 |
| Opportunistic Municipal |  | 25 | 100 |

---

<u>Expenses Reimbursed</u>

For the following Funds, PGI reimbursed certain expenses during the periods indicated as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Expenses Reimbursed for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Expenses Reimbursed for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Expenses Reimbursed for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** | **Expenses Reimbursed for Periods Ended August 31 (amounts in thousands)** |
| **Fund** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** |
| Blue Chip | $167 | $478 | $— |
| Capital Securities | 477 | 481 | 555 |
| Diversified Real Asset | 801 | 1041 | 798 |
| Edge MidCap | 91 | 85 | 32 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | 63 | 65<sup>(1)</sup> |  |
| Global Macro <sup>(2)</sup> | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 557 | 672 | 471 |
| International Equity Index | 299 | 335 | 259 |
| International Small Company | 24 | 95 | 14 |
| Opportunistic Municipal | 71 | 62 | 55 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 236 | 401 | 311 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Period from September 22, 2022, date operations commenced, through August 31, 2023.

<sup>(2)</sup> Global Macro Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024.

**Sub-Advisory Agreements for the Funds**

PGI (and not the Funds) pays the sub-advisors fees determined pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement with each sub-advisor, including those sub-advisors that are at least 95% owned, directly or indirectly, by PGI or its affiliates ("Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors") and the sub-advisors for the Funds listed in the tables below. Fees paid to sub-advisors are individually negotiated between PGI and each sub-advisor and may vary.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Aggregate Fees Paid to Sub-Advisors<br>(other than Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors) <br>for Fiscal Years Ended August 31 (dollar amounts in thousands)** | **Aggregate Fees Paid to Sub-Advisors<br>(other than Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors) <br>for Fiscal Years Ended August 31 (dollar amounts in thousands)** | **Aggregate Fees Paid to Sub-Advisors<br>(other than Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors) <br>for Fiscal Years Ended August 31 (dollar amounts in thousands)** | **Aggregate Fees Paid to Sub-Advisors<br>(other than Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors) <br>for Fiscal Years Ended August 31 (dollar amounts in thousands)** | **Aggregate Fees Paid to Sub-Advisors<br>(other than Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors) <br>for Fiscal Years Ended August 31 (dollar amounts in thousands)** | **Aggregate Fees Paid to Sub-Advisors<br>(other than Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors) <br>for Fiscal Years Ended August 31 (dollar amounts in thousands)** | **Aggregate Fees Paid to Sub-Advisors<br>(other than Wholly-Owned Sub-Advisors) <br>for Fiscal Years Ended August 31 (dollar amounts in thousands)** |
| **Fund** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2022** | **2022** |
|  | **Dollar Amount** | **Percent<br>of Average Daily Net Assets** | **Dollar Amount** | **Percent<br>of Average Daily Net Assets** | **Dollar Amount** | **Percent<br>of Average Daily Net Assets** |
| Diversified Real Asset | $7132 | 0.25% | $8409 | 0.25% | $9952 | 0.27% |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 2694 | 0.77 | 2854 | 0.76 | 3406 | 0.79 |

---

------

**Principal Underwriter**

The principal underwriter in the continuous offering of the Fund's shares is Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. ("PFD" or the "Distributor"). PFD's address is 711 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50392. The table below shows the aggregate dollar amount of underwriting commissions and the amount retained by PFD for the last three fiscal years ended August 31:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Underwriting Fees for Periods Ended August 31**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** | **Underwriting Fees for Periods Ended August 31**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** | **Underwriting Fees for Periods Ended August 31**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** | **Underwriting Fees for Periods Ended August 31**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** | **Underwriting Fees for Periods Ended August 31**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** | **Underwriting Fees for Periods Ended August 31**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** | **Underwriting Fees for Periods Ended August 31**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** |
| | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2022** | **2022** |
| **Fund** | **Total Underwriting Commissions** | **Amount Retained by PFD** | **Total Underwriting Commissions** | **Amount Retained by PFD** | **Total Underwriting Commissions** | **Amount Retained by PFD** |
| Blue Chip | $2025 | $343 | $1495 | $305 | $2423 | $467 |
| Bond Market Index | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Capital Securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Diversified Real Asset | 17 | 4 | 54 | 17 | 147 | 30 |
| Edge MidCap | 43 | 7 | 46 | 10 | 55 | 8 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Global Macro |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 13 | 3 | 13 | 3 | 8 | 2 |
| International Equity Index |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| International Small Company |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Opportunistic Municipal | 15 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 26 | 4 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 93 | 16 | 74 | 13 | 81 | 17 |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | 275 | 106 | 408 | 147 | 455 | 222 |

---

PFD does not charge fees on redemptions or repurchases of Fund shares. The amounts in the table above for Total Underwriting Commissions include any applicable contingent deferred sales charges and front-end sales charges.

**Rule 12b-1 Fees / Distribution Plans and Agreements**

The distributor for the Funds is PFD. In addition to the management and service fees, certain of the Funds' share classes are subject to a Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan and Agreement (each, a "Plan" and, together, the "Plans"). The Board and initial shareholders of Classes A, C, J, and R-3 shares have approved and entered into a Plan. In adopting the Plans, the Board (including a majority of Independent Board Members) determined that there was a reasonable likelihood that the Plans would benefit the Funds and the shareholders of the affected classes. Among the possible benefits of the Plans include the potential for building and retaining Fund assets, as well as the ability to offer an incentive for registered representatives to provide ongoing servicing to shareholders.

The Plans provide that each Fund makes payments to the Fund's Distributor from assets of each share class that has a Plan to compensate the Distributor and other selling dealers, various banks, broker-dealers, and other financial intermediaries, for providing certain services to the Fund. Such services may include, but are not limited to:

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;formulation and implementation of marketing and promotional activities;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;preparation, printing, and distribution of sales literature;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;preparation, printing, and distribution of prospectuses and the Fund reports to other-than-existing shareholders;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;obtaining such information with respect to marketing and promotional activities as the Distributor deems advisable;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;making payments to dealers and others engaged in the sale of shares or who engage in shareholder support services; and

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;providing training, marketing, and support with respect to the sale of shares.

Each Fund pays the Distributor a fee after the end of each month at an annual rate as a percentage of the daily net asset value of the assets attributable to each share class as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br>**Share Class** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Maximum Annualized**<br>**12b-1 Fee** |
| A <sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.25% |
| C <sup>(1)</sup>  | 1.00% |
| J <sup>(1)</sup>  | 0.15% |
| R-3 | 0.25% |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> The Distributor also receives the proceeds of any CDSC imposed.

------

The Distributor may remit on a continuous basis all of these sums to its investment representatives and other financial intermediaries as a trail fee in recognition of their services and assistance.

Currently, the Distributor makes payments to dealers on accounts for which such dealer is designated dealer of record. Payments are based on the average net asset value of the accounts invested in Classes A, C, J, or R-3 shares.

Under the Plans, the Funds have no legal obligation to pay any amount that exceeds the compensation limit. The Funds do not pay, directly or indirectly, interest, carrying charges, or other financing costs in association with these Plans. All fees paid under a Fund's Plan are paid to the Distributor, which is entitled to retain such fees paid by the Fund without regard to the expenses that it incurs.

For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, each Fund made the following 12b-1 payments to PFD, and PFD, from these 12b-1 payments, made the following payments to financial intermediaries that distribute and/or service the Fund's shares. The "Retained by PFD" column reflects the difference between the amount paid by the Fund to PFD and the amount of that 12b-1 fee paid by PFD to financial intermediaries. That difference/remainder is then used by PFD to pay for other 12b-1-eligible expenses. For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024, the 12b-1-eligible expenses for each Fund were greater than the amount of the Fund's 12b-1 payments to PFD.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Paid by Fund to PFD<br>(amounts in thousands)** | **Paid by PFD to** <br>**Financial Intermediaries**<br>**(amounts in thousands)** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Retained by PFD** <br>**(amounts in thousands)** |
| Blue Chip | $6295 | $5852 | $443 |
| Bond Market Index | 72 | 68 | 4 |
| Capital Securities  |  |  |  |
| Diversified Real Asset | 145 | 145 |  |
| Edge MidCap | 43 | 41 | 2 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure |  |  |  |
| Global Macro |  |  |  |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 92 | 90 | 2 |
| International Equity Index | 44 | 40 | 4 |
| International Small Company |  |  |  |
| Opportunistic Municipal | 93 | 88 | 5 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 668 | 636 | 32 |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | 3175 | 2911 | 264 |

---

**Custodian**

The custodian of the portfolio securities and cash assets of the Funds and the Cayman Subsidiaries is The Bank of New York Mellon, One Wall Street, New York, NY 10286. The custodian performs no managerial or policy-making functions for the Funds.

**Service Agreement and Administrative Services Agreement**

The Service Agreement (for Classes R-3 and R-5 Shares) provides for PGI to provide certain personal services to shareholders (plan sponsors) and beneficial owners (plan members) of those classes. These personal services include:

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;responding to plan sponsor and plan member inquiries;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;providing information regarding plan sponsor and plan member investments; and

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;providing other similar personal services or services related to the maintenance of shareholder accounts as contemplated by National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Rule 2830 (or any successor thereto).

As compensation for these services, Principal Funds will pay PGI service fees equal to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to each of the R-3 and R-5 Classes. The service fees are calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly to PGI (or at such other intervals as Principal Funds and PGI may agree).

------

The Administrative Services Agreement (for Classes R-3 and R-5 Shares) provides for PGI to provide services to beneficial owners of Fund shares. Such services include:

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;receiving, aggregating, and processing purchase, exchange, and redemption requests from plan shareholders;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;providing plan shareholders with a service that invests the assets of their accounts in shares pursuant to pre-authorized instructions submitted by plan members;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;processing dividend payments from the Funds on behalf of plan shareholders and changing shareholder account designations;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;acting as shareholder of record and nominee for plans;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;maintaining account records for shareholders and/or other beneficial owners;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;providing notification to plan shareholders of transactions affecting their accounts;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;forwarding prospectuses, financial reports, tax information, and other communications from the Fund to beneficial owners;

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;distributing, receiving, tabulating, and transmitting proxy ballots of plan shareholders; and

• &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;other similar administrative services.

As compensation for these services, Principal Funds will pay PGI service fees equal to 0.07% of the average daily net assets of the R-3 Class and 0.01% of the average daily net assets of the R-5 Class. The service fees are calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly to PGI (or at such other intervals as Principal Funds and PGI may agree).

PGI will generally, at its discretion, appoint (and may at any time remove) other parties, including companies affiliated with PGI, as its agent to carry out the provisions of the Service Agreement and/or the Administrative Services Agreement. However, the appointment of an agent shall not relieve PGI of any of its responsibilities or liabilities under those agreements. Any fees paid to agents under these agreements shall be the sole responsibility of PGI.

Class S: Class S shares are available without any front-end sales charge or CDSC. Eligibility to invest in the Capital Securities Fund is limited to certain wrap-fee program accounts. Only wrap-fee program accounts as to which Spectrum and/or PGI have an agreement with the wrap-fee program's sponsor ("Sponsor") or the wrap account owner to provide investment advisory or sub-advisory services (either directly or by providing a model investment portfolio created and maintained by Spectrum and/or PGI to the Sponsor or one or more Sponsor-designated investment managers) ("Eligible Wrap Accounts") are eligible to purchase shares of the Fund. References to Wrap Fee Advisor shall mean Spectrum and/or PGI in their role providing such services to Eligible Wrap Accounts.

A client agreement with the Sponsor to open an account in the Sponsor's wrap-fee program typically may be obtained by contacting the Sponsor or your financial advisor. Purchase and sale decisions regarding Fund shares for your wrap account ordinarily will be made by the Wrap Fee Advisor, the Sponsor, or a Sponsor-designated investment manager, depending on the particular wrap-fee program in which your wrap account participates. If your wrap-fee account's use of the Wrap Fee Advisor's investment style is terminated by you, the Sponsor, or the Wrap Fee Advisor, your wrap account will cease to be an Eligible Wrap Account and you will be required to redeem all your shares of the Capital Securities Fund. Each Eligible Wrap Account, by purchasing shares, agrees to any such redemption.

**Transfer Agent**

The Transfer Agency Agreement provides for Principal Shareholder Services, Inc. ("PSS") (711 High Street, Des Moines, IA 50392), an affiliate of PGI, to act as transfer and shareholder servicing agent for the Classes A, C, J, Institutional, R-3, R-5, R-6, and S.

• For Classes A, C, and R-6, and Institutional Class shares, the Registrant pays PSS a fee for the services provided pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement in an amount equal to the costs incurred by PSS for providing such services.

• For Class J shares, the Registrant pays PSS a fee for the services provided pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement in an amount that includes profit.

------

The Registrant pays PSS for the following services for Classes A, C, J, and R-6, and Institutional Class shares:

• issuance, transfer, conversion, cancellation, and registry of ownership of Fund shares, and maintenance of open account system;

• preparation and distribution of dividend and capital gain payments to shareholders;

• delivery, redemption, and repurchase of shares, and remittances to shareholders;

• the tabulation of proxy ballots and the preparation and distribution to shareholders of notices, proxy statements and proxies, reports, confirmation of transactions, prospectuses, and tax information;

• communication with shareholders concerning the above items; and

• use of its best efforts to qualify the capital stock of the Funds for sale in states and jurisdictions as directed by the Funds.

The Registrant does not pay for these services for Classes R-3 and R-5 shares. PSS will pay operating expenses attributable to Classes R-3 and R-5 shares related to (a) the cost of meetings of shareholders and (b) the costs of initial and ongoing qualification of the capital stock of the Funds for sale in states and jurisdictions.

**Securities Lending Agent**

The Bank of New York Mellon serves as the securities lending agent for the Funds. Information regarding securities lending during the Funds' fiscal year ended August 31, 2024 is as follows:

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Gross income (including from cash collateral reinvestment)** | **Fees paid to securities lending agent from a revenue split** | **Fees paid for any cash collateral management service that are not included in revenue split** | **Administrative fees not included in revenue split** | **Indemnification fees not included in revenue split** | **Net rebate paid to borrower** | **Other fees not included in revenue split** | **Aggregate fees/ compensation** | **Net income from securities lending** |
| Blue Chip | $98269 | $723 | $— | $— | $— | $91041 | $— | $91764 | $6505 |
| Bond Market Index | 691248 | 13118 |  |  |  | 559986 |  | 573103 | 118145 |
| Capital Securities | 1252873 | 36857 |  |  |  | 884252 |  | 921109 | 331765 |
| Diversified Real Asset | 836410 | 25892 |  |  |  | 577473 |  | 603365 | 233045 |
| Edge MidCap | 42 | 2 |  |  |  | 21 |  | 23 | 20 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | 3521 | 227 |  |  |  | 1250 |  | 1477 | 2044 |
| International Equity Index | 396501 | 7437 |  |  |  | 322110 |  | 329547 | 66953 |
| International Small Company | 525386 | 12971 |  |  |  | 395666 |  | 408637 | 116750 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 5141 | 41 |  |  |  | 4735 |  | 4776 | 366 |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | 7253758 | 148822 |  |  |  | 5765324 |  | 5914146 | 1339612 |

---

The services provided by The Bank of New York Mellon, as securities lending agent for the Funds, include: coordinating, with the Funds, the selection of securities to be loaned; negotiating loan terms; monitoring the value of securities loaned and corresponding collateral, marking to market daily; coordinating collateral movements; monitoring dividends; and transferring, recalling, and arranging the return of loaned securities to the Funds upon loan termination.

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**MULTIPLE CLASS STRUCTURE**

The Board has adopted a multiple class plan (the "Multiple Class Plan") pursuant to SEC Rule 18f-3. The share classes each Fund offers are identified in the chart included under the heading "History of the Funds." The share classes offered under the Multiple Class Plan include: Classes A, C, J, Institutional, R-3, R-5, R-6, and S.

**Contingent Deferred Sales Charges ("CDSC")**

Class A shares are generally sold with a sales charge that is a variable percentage based on the amount of the purchase, as described in the Prospectus. Certain redemptions of Class A shares within 12 months of purchase may be subject to a CDSC, as described in the Prospectus.

Class C shares are not subject to a sales charge at the time of purchase but are subject to a 1% CDSC on shares redeemed within 12 months of purchase, as described in the Prospectus.

Class J shares are sold without any front-end sales charge. A CDSC of 1% is imposed if Class J shares are redeemed within 18 months of purchase, as described in the Prospectus.

Sales charge waivers and reductions may be available depending on whether shares are purchased directly from the Fund or through a financial intermediary, as described in the Prospectus and Appendix B to the Prospectus, titled "Intermediary-Specific Sales Charge Waivers and Reductions."

For Classes A, C, and J shares purchased from the Fund or through an intermediary not identified on Appendix B to the Prospectus, the CDSC is waived on shares:

• redeemed within 90 days after an account is re-registered due to a shareholder's death;

• redeemed to pay surrender fees;

• redeemed to pay retirement plan fees;

• redeemed involuntarily from accounts with small balances;

• redeemed due to the shareholder's disability (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) provided the shares were purchased prior to the disability;

• redeemed from retirement plans to satisfy minimum distribution rules under the Internal Revenue Code;

• redeemed from a retirement plan to assure the plan complies with the Internal Revenue Code;

• redeemed from retirement plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code due to the plan participant's death, disability, retirement, or separation from service after attaining age 55;

• redeemed from retirement plans to satisfy excess contribution rules under the Internal Revenue Code; or

• redeemed using a systematic withdrawal plan (up to 1% per month (measured cumulatively with respect to non-monthly plans) of the value of the fund account at the time, and beginning on the date, the systematic withdrawal plan begins). (The free withdrawal privilege not used in a calendar year is not added to the free withdrawal privileges for any following year.)

For Class J shares purchased from the Fund or through an intermediary not identified on Appendix B to the Prospectus, the CDSC also is waived on shares:

• redeemed that were purchased pursuant to the Small Amount Force Out program (SAFO); or

• of the Money Market Fund redeemed within 30 days of the initial purchase if the redemption proceeds are transferred to another Principal IRA, defined as either a fixed or variable annuity issued by Principal Life Insurance Company to fund an IRA, a Principal Bank IRA product, or a WRAP account IRA sponsored by Principal Securities, Inc. (PSI).

Institutional Class and Classes R-3, R-5, and R-6 shares are available without any front-end sales charge or CDSC. Classes R-3 and R-5 shares are available through employer-sponsored retirement plans. Such plans may impose fees in addition to those charged by the Funds. Classes R-3 and R-5 shares are subject to asset-based charges (described above). Class R-6 shares are generally available through the defined contribution investment only channel.

**INTERMEDIARY COMPENSATION**

<u>Additional Payments to Intermediaries.</u>

Shares of the Funds are sold primarily through intermediaries, such as brokers, dealers, investment advisors, banks, trust companies, pension plan consultants, retirement plan administrators, and insurance companies.

In addition to payments pursuant to 12b-1 plans, PGI or its affiliates enter into agreements with some intermediaries pursuant to which the intermediaries receive payments for providing services relating to Fund shares. Examples of such services are administrative, networking, recordkeeping, sub-transfer agency, and/or shareholder services. In some situations, the Funds will reimburse PGI or its affiliates for making such payments; in others, the Funds make such payments directly to intermediaries.

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For Classes R-3 and R-5 shares, such compensation is generally paid out of the Service Fees and Administrative Services Fees that are disclosed in the Prospectus as Other Expenses. Such compensation is generally based on the average asset value of Fund shares for the relevant share class held by clients of the intermediary.

In addition, PGI or its affiliates pay, without reimbursement from the Funds, compensation from their own resources, to certain intermediaries that support the distribution of shares of the Funds or provide services to Fund shareholders. In addition, PGI or its affiliates pay, without reimbursement from the Funds, compensation from their own resources to certain large plan sponsors to help cover the cost of providing educational materials to plan participants.

The amounts paid to intermediaries vary by share class and by Fund.

Principal Life Insurance Company is one such intermediary that provides services relating to Fund shares held in employee benefit plans, and it is typically paid all of the Service Fees and Administrative Services Fees pertaining to such plans.

Plan recordkeepers, who may have affiliated financial intermediaries that sell shares of the Funds, may be paid additional amounts. In addition, some financial intermediaries or their affiliates receive compensation from PGI or its affiliates for maintaining retirement plan platforms that facilitate trading by affiliated and non-affiliated financial intermediaries and recordkeeping for retirement plans.

A number of factors may be considered in determining the amount of these additional payments, including each financial intermediary's Fund sales and assets, as well as the willingness and ability of the financial intermediary to give the Distributor access to its Financial Professionals for educational and marketing purposes. In some cases, intermediaries will include the Funds on a preferred list. The Distributor's goals include making the Financial Professionals who interact with current and prospective investors and shareholders more knowledgeable about the Funds so that they can provide suitable information and advice about the Funds and related investor services. The amounts paid to intermediaries vary by Fund and by share class.

Additionally, in some cases, the Distributor and its affiliates will provide payments or reimbursements in connection with the costs of conferences, educational seminars, training, and marketing efforts related to the Funds. Such activities may be sponsored by intermediaries or the Distributor. The costs associated with such activities may include travel, lodging, entertainment, and meals. In some cases, the Distributor will also provide payment or reimbursement for expenses associated with transactions ("ticket") charges and general marketing expenses. Other compensation may be paid to the extent not prohibited by applicable laws, regulations, or the rules of any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA.

The payments described in this SAI may create a conflict of interest by influencing your Financial Professional or your intermediary to recommend a Fund over another investment, or to recommend one share class of a Fund over another share class. Ask your Financial Professional or visit your intermediary's website for more information about the total amounts paid to them by PGI and its affiliates, and by sponsors of other investment companies your Financial Professional may recommend to you.

Your intermediary may charge you additional fees other than those disclosed in the Prospectus. Ask your Financial Professional about any fees and commissions they charge.

Although a Fund may use brokers who sell shares of the Funds to effect portfolio transactions, the sale of shares is not considered as a factor by the Fund's sub-advisors when selecting brokers to effect portfolio transactions.

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As of December 1, 2024, the Distributor anticipates that the firms that will receive additional payments as described in the Additional Payments to Intermediaries section above (other than sales charges, Rule 12b-1 fees, and expense reimbursement) include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Acclaim Benefits, Inc. | Global Retirement Partners LLC | Private Client Services LLC |
| ADP Broker Dealer Inc | Goldman Sachs & Co. | Prudential Retirement Services |
| AIG SunAmerica | Grove Point Investments, LLC | Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, Inc. |
| Alight Financial Solutions LLC | Hightower Advisors, Llc | Putnam Investors Services |
| American Century Investments | ICMA-Retirement Corp. | Raymond James & Associates, Inc. |
| American United Life Insurance Co. | J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. | Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. |
| Ameriprise Financial Services | Janney Montgomery Scott | RBC Capital Markets Corp. |
| Ameritas Investments Corp | John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York | Reliance Trust Company |
| Ascensus | John Hancock Life Insurance Company USA | Retirement Clearinghouse |
| AssetMark Trust Co. | John Hancock Trust Co. | Robert W. Baird & Co. |
| AXOS Clearing LLC | JP Morgan Chase | Rockefeller Financial LLC |
| Benefit Plan Administrators | July Business Services LLC | Sammons Institutional Group |
| Benefit Solutions | Kestra Investment Services, LLC | Security Financial Resources |
| Benefit Trust Company | Legacy Consulting Group | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Security Benefit) |
| BNY Mellon NA | Lincoln Retirement Services Co. | Standard Insurance Company |
| Broadridge Business Process Outsourcing, LLC | LPL Financial Corporation | Standard Retirement Services |
| Cambridge Investment Research Inc. | Mercer HR Services, LLC | Steward Partners Investment Solutions |
| Cetera Advisor Networks LLC | Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, Inc. | Stifel Nicolaus & Company, Inc. |
| Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. | MidAtlantic Capital Corporation | T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services |
| Citigroup Global Markets Inc. | Midland National Life Insurance Company | TD Ameritrade Inc |
| Columbia Management Investment | Miller Global Investments, L.L.C. | TD Ameritrade Trust Company |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Advisers, LLC | Minnesota Life Insurance Company | Thrivent Financial for Lutherans |
| Comerica Retirement Servies | Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC | TIAA-CREF |
| Commonwealth Financial Network | National Financial Services | UBS Financial Services, Inc. |
| CompuSys/ERISA (Texas) | Nationwide Investment Services Corp | US Bancorp Investments |
| CPI Qualified Consultants | New York Life | VALIC Retirement Services Company |
| Cyndeo Wealth Partners | Newport Group, The | Vanguard Brokerage Services |
| Edward Jones | Northwestern Mutual Investment Services | Vanguard Group, The |
| Empower Annuity Insurance Company | NY State Deferred Compensation Plan (NYSDCP) | Voya Institutional Plan Services, LLC |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;of America | OneDigital Investment Advisors | Voya Institutional Trust Co. |
| Empower Financial Services Inc | Oppenheimer & Co. | Wave Wealth Management LLC |
| ePlan Services, Inc. | Osaic, Inc. | Wells Fargo Advisors Financial |
| Equitable Financial Life Insurance Company | Pensionmark Securities LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Network LLC |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f.k.a. AXA Life Insurance) | Pershing LLC | Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC |
| Fidelity Investment Institutional Operations Co. | Plan Administrators, Inc. | Wells Fargo Clearing Services LLC |
| Fortem Financial Group LLC | Principal Bank | Wells Fargo Community Bank Advisors |
| Genesis Employee Benefits | Principal Life Insurance Company | World Investment Advisors, LLC |
| Gilbert & Cook Inc | Principal Securities, Inc. | Xerox HR Solutions |

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The preceding list is subject to change at any time without notice. Any additions, modifications, or deletions to the financial intermediaries identified in this list that have occurred since the date noted above are not reflected. To obtain a current list, call 1-800-222-5852.

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**BROKERAGE ALLOCATION AND OTHER PRACTICES**

**Brokerage on Purchases and Sales of Securities**

All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed on behalf of a Fund by PGI or by the Fund's sub-advisor pursuant to the terms of the applicable sub-advisory agreement. In distributing brokerage business arising out of the placement of orders for the purchase and sale of securities for any Fund, the objective of PGI and of each Fund's sub-advisor is to obtain the best overall terms. In pursuing this objective, PGI or the sub-advisor considers all matters it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and executing capability of the broker or dealer, confidentiality, including trade anonymity, and the reasonableness of the commission, if any (for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis). This may mean in some instances that PGI or a sub-advisor will pay a broker commissions that are in excess of the amount of commissions another broker might have charged for executing the same transaction when PGI or the sub-advisor believes that such commissions are reasonable in light of a) the size and difficulty of the transaction, b) the quality of the execution provided, and c) the level of commissions paid relative to commissions paid by other institutional investors. Such factors are viewed both in terms of that particular transaction and in terms of all transactions that broker executes for accounts over which PGI or the sub-advisor exercises investment discretion. The Board has also adopted a policy and procedure designed to prevent each of the Funds from compensating a broker/dealer for promoting or selling Fund shares by directing brokerage transactions to that broker/dealer for the purpose of compensating the broker/dealer for promoting or selling Fund shares. Therefore, PGI or a sub-advisor may not compensate a broker/dealer for promoting or selling Fund shares by directing brokerage transactions to that broker/dealer for the purpose of compensating the broker/dealer for promoting or selling Fund shares. PGI or a sub-advisor may purchase securities in the over-the-counter market, utilizing the services of principal market makers unless better terms can be obtained by purchases through brokers or dealers, and may purchase securities listed on the NYSE from non-Exchange members in transactions off the Exchange.

PGI or a sub-advisor may give consideration in the allocation of business to services performed by a broker (e.g., the furnishing of statistical data and research generally consisting of, but not limited to, information of the following types: analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, economic factors, and trends; portfolio strategy; performance of client accounts; and access to research analysts, corporate management personnel, and industry experts). If any such allocation is made, the primary criteria used will be to obtain the best overall terms for such transactions or terms that are reasonable in relation to the research or brokerage services provided by the broker or dealer when viewed in terms of either a particular transaction or a sub-advisor's overall responsibilities to the accounts under its management. PGI or a sub-advisor generally pays additional commission amounts for such research services. Statistical data and research information received from brokers or dealers as described above may be useful in varying degrees and PGI or a sub-advisor may use it in servicing some or all of the accounts it manages.

PGI and the sub-advisors allocated portfolio transactions for the Funds indicated in the following table to certain brokers for the year ended August 31, 2024 due to research services provided by such brokers. The table also indicates the commissions paid to such brokers as a result of these portfolio transactions.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Amount of Transactions because of Research Services Provided** | **Related Commissions Paid** |
| Blue Chip | $2521605603 | $420016 |
| Diversified Real Asset | 561802773 | 406790 |
| Edge MidCap | 26807148 | 8224 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | 11045828 | 6531 |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 225489916 | 92066 |
| International Equity Index | 354012563 | 150869 |
| International Small Company | 451465235 | 287476 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 733150193 | 338151 |

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Subject to the rules promulgated by the SEC, as well as other regulatory requirements, the Board has approved procedures whereby a Fund may purchase securities that are offered in underwritings in which an affiliate of a sub-advisor, or PGI, participates. These procedures prohibit a Fund from directly or indirectly benefiting a sub-advisor affiliate or PGI affiliate in connection with such underwritings. In addition, for underwritings where a sub-advisor affiliate or PGI participates as a principal underwriter, certain restrictions may apply that could, among other things, limit the amount of securities that a Fund could purchase in the underwritings. The sub-advisor shall determine the amounts and proportions of orders allocated to the sub-advisor or affiliate. The Board will receive quarterly reports on these transactions.

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The Board has approved procedures that permit a Fund to effect a purchase or sale transaction between the Fund and any other affiliated investment company or between a Fund and affiliated persons of the Fund under limited circumstances prescribed by SEC Rules. Any such transaction must be effected without any payment other than a cash payment for the securities, for which a market quotation is readily available, at the current market price; must be consistent with the investment objective, investment strategy, and risk profile of the Fund; and no brokerage commission or fee (except for customary transfer fees), or other remuneration may be paid in connection with the transaction. The Board will receive quarterly reports on these transactions.

The Board has also approved procedures that permit a Fund's sub-advisor(s) to place portfolio trades with an affiliated broker under circumstances prescribed by SEC Rules 17e-1 and 17a-10. The procedures require that total commissions, fees, or other remuneration received or to be received by an affiliated broker 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 being purchased or sold on a securities exchange during a comparable time period. The Board will receive quarterly reports on these transactions.

Purchases and sales of debt securities and money market instruments usually are principal transactions; portfolio securities are normally purchased directly from the issuer or from an underwriter or marketmakers for the securities. Such transactions are usually conducted on a net basis with a Fund paying no brokerage commissions. Purchases from underwriters include a commission or concession paid by the issuer to the underwriter, and the purchases from dealers serving as marketmakers include the spread between the bid and asked prices.

The following table shows the brokerage commissions paid during the periods indicated.

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid for Periods Ended August 31** | **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid for Periods Ended August 31** | **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid for Periods Ended August 31** | **Total Brokerage Commissions Paid for Periods Ended August 31** |
| **Fund** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** |
| Blue Chip | $750506 | $676534 | $1124327 |
| Bond Market Index | 4906 | 6550 | 3100 |
| Capital Securities |  |  |  |
| Diversified Real Asset | 2212961 | 1949929 | 2790121 |
| Edge MidCap | 12761 | 22898 | 143600 |
| Global Listed Infrastructure | 12596 | 19207 | N/A |
| Global Macro <sup>(1)</sup> |  |  |  |
| Global Multi-Strategy | 210689 | 229490 | 214062 |
| International Equity Index | 299112 | 411944 | 145622 |
| International Small Company | 663844 | 836811 | 1136409 |
| Opportunistic Municipal |  |  | 529 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | 552169 | 450627 | 321101 |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | 144728 | 184867 | 208830 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Global Macro Fund had not yet commenced operations as of the date of the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024.

Primary reasons for changes in brokerage commissions for those Funds with relatively greater variations for the three years were changes in commission rates; changes in Fund size; changes in market conditions; changes in money managers of certain Funds; and implementation of investment strategies. In some cases, such events required substantial portfolio restructurings, resulting in increased securities transactions and brokerage commissions.

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Brokerage commissions from the portfolio transactions effected for the Funds were paid to brokers affiliated with PGI or such Fund's sub-advisors for the fiscal years ended August 31 as follows:

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Affiliated Advisor/Sub-Advisor** | **Affiliated Broker** | **2024<br>Fund's Total<br>Commissions<br>Paid** | **% of Fund's Total<br>Commissions** | **% of Dollar Amount of Fund's Commissionable Transactions** |
| **Diversified Real Asset** | **Diversified Real Asset** | **Diversified Real Asset** | **Diversified Real Asset** | **Diversified Real Asset** | **Diversified Real Asset** |
|  | Diversified Investments Fund Advisors | Macquarie Securities (Australia)Limited | $1791<sup>1</sup> | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| **Total** | **Total** | **Total** | **$1791** | **0.00%** | **0.00%** |
| **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** |
|  | Spectrum Asset Management | SAMI Brokerage LLC | $129773 | 89.67% | 97.70% |
| **Total** | **Total** | **Total** | **$129773** | **89.67%** | **97.70%** |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Affiliated Advisor/Sub-Advisor** | **Affiliated Broker** | **2023<br>Fund's Total<br>Commissions<br>Paid** | **% of Fund's Total<br>Commissions** | **% of Dollar Amount of Fund's Commissionable Transactions** |
| **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** |
|  | Spectrum Asset Management | SAMI Brokerage LLC | $176543 | 95.50% | 98.96% |
| **Total** | **Total** | **Total** | **$176543** | **95.50%** | **98.96%** |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Affiliated Advisor/Sub-Advisor** | **Affiliated Broker** | **2022<br>Fund's Total<br>Commissions<br>Paid** | **% of Fund's Total<br>Commissions** | **% of Dollar Amount of Fund's Commissionable Transactions** |
| **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** | **Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income** |
|  | Spectrum Asset Management | SAMI Brokerage LLC | $82547 | 39.53% | 95.82% |
| **Total** | **Total** | **Total** | **$82547** | **39.53%** | **95.82%** |

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Material differences, if any, between the percentage of a Fund's brokerage commissions paid to a broker and the percentage of transactions effected through that broker reflect the commission rates the sub-advisor has negotiated with the broker. Commission rates a sub-advisor pays to brokers may vary and reflect such factors as the trading volume placed with a broker, the type of security, the market in which a security is traded and the trading volume of that security, the types of services provided by the broker (i.e., execution services only or additional research services), and the quality of a broker's execution.

<sup>1</sup> Delaware Investments Fund Advisers reimbursed the Fund the total commission amount for the period ended August 31, 2024.

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The following table indicates the value of each Fund's aggregate holdings, in thousands, of the securities of its regular brokers or dealers for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2024.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Holdings of Securities of Principal Funds, Inc. Regular Brokers and Dealers** | **Holdings of Securities of Principal Funds, Inc. Regular Brokers and Dealers** | **Holdings of Securities of Principal Funds, Inc. Regular Brokers and Dealers** |
| <br>**Fund** | <br>**Broker or Dealer** | **Holdings**<br>**(in thousands)** |
| Bond Market Index | Bank of Montreal | $1289 |
|  | Bank of New York Mellon Corp/The | 1929 |
|  | Citigroup Inc | 9080 |
|  | Goldman Sachs Group Inc/The | 8471 |
|  | Jefferies Group LLC | 170 |
|  | JPMorgan Chase & Co | 12873 |
|  | Morgan Stanley | 10599 |
|  | Nomura Holdings Inc | 1253 |
|  | Royal Bank of Canada | 1948 |
|  | UBS Group AG | 507 |
|  | Wells Fargo & Co | 9259 |
| Capital Securities | Bank of Montreal | 10207 |
|  | Bank of New York Mellon Corp/The | 49263 |
|  | BNP Paribas SA | 24859 |
|  | Citigroup Inc | 48491 |
|  | Goldman Sachs Group Inc/The | 22252 |
|  | JPMorgan Chase & Co | 27264 |
|  | Royal Bank of Canada | 10890 |
|  | UBS Group AG | 42522 |
|  | Wells Fargo & Co | 32789 |
| Global Multi-Strategy | Bank of New York Mellon Corp/The | 210 |
|  | Citigroup Inc | 51 |
|  | Goldman Sachs Group Inc/The | 694 |
|  | Jefferies Group LLC | 289 |
|  | JPMorgan Chase & Co | 1059 |
|  | Morgan Stanley | 605 |
|  | UBS Group AG | 948 |
|  | Wells Fargo & Co | 574 |
| International Equity Index | BNP Paribas SA | 4684 |
|  | Nomura Holdings Inc | 1174 |
|  | UBS Group AG | 6743 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | Jefferies Group LLC | 30868 |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | Bank of Montreal | 44344 |
|  | Bank of New York Mellon Corp/The | 117904 |
|  | BNP Paribas SA | 207667 |
|  | Citigroup Inc | 227505 |
|  | Goldman Sachs Group Inc/The | 66027 |
|  | JPMorgan Chase & Co | 177738 |
|  | Morgan Stanley | 47999 |
|  | Royal Bank of Canada | 31114 |
|  | UBS Group AG | 105888 |
|  | Wells Fargo & Co | 235783 |

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**Allocation of Trades**

**By the Manager (PGI).** PGI has its own trading platform and personnel that perform trade-related functions. Where applicable, PGI trades on behalf of its own clients. Such transactions are executed in accordance with PGI's trading policies and procedures, including, but not limited to, trade allocations and order aggregation, purchase of new issues, and directed brokerage. PGI acts as discretionary investment advisor for a variety of individual accounts, ERISA accounts, registered investment companies, insurance company separate accounts, and public employee retirement plans and places orders to trade portfolio securities for each of these accounts. Managing multiple accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest including, for example, conflicts among investment strategies and conflicts in the allocation of investment opportunities. PGI has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that it believes address the potential conflicts associated with managing accounts for multiple clients and are designed to ensure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably. These procedures include allocation policies and procedures and internal review processes.

If, in carrying out the investment objectives of its respective clients, occasions arise in which PGI deems it advisable to purchase or sell the same equity securities for two or more client accounts at the same or approximately the same time, PGI may submit the orders to purchase or sell to a broker/dealer for execution on an aggregate or "bunched" basis. PGI will not aggregate orders unless it believes that aggregation is consistent with (1) its duty to seek best execution and (2) the terms of its investment advisory agreements. In distributing the securities purchased or the proceeds of sale to the client accounts participating in a bunched trade, no advisory account will be favored over any other account and each account that participates in an aggregated order will participate at the average share price for all transactions of PGI relating to that aggregated order on a given business day, with all transaction costs relating to that aggregated order shared on a pro rata basis.

Because of PGI's role as investment advisor to each of the Funds and discretionary advisor to funds of funds and some underlying funds, conflicts may arise in connection with the services PGI provides to funds of funds with respect to asset class and target weights for each asset class and investments made in underlying funds. PGI also provides advisory services to funds that have multiple investment advisors ("Multi-Managed Funds"). These services include determining the portion of a Multi-Managed Fund's portfolio to be allocated to an advisor. Conflicts may arise in connection with the services PGI provides to the funds of funds that it manages, in connection with the services PGI provides to other funds of funds and Multi-Managed Funds, for the following reasons:

• PGI serves as the investment advisor to the underlying funds in which the funds of funds invest, sometimes as the discretionary advisor, and an affiliated investment advisor may serve as sub-advisor to the funds in which a fund of funds may invest. This raises a potential conflict because PGI's or an affiliated company's profit margin may vary depending upon the underlying fund in which the funds of funds invest.

• PGI or an affiliated person may serve as investment advisor to a portion of a Multi-Managed Fund. In addition, PGI might recommend that an affiliated person serve as sub-advisor to a portion of a Multi-Managed Fund. This raises a potential conflict because PGI's or an affiliated investment advisor's profit margin may vary depending on the extent to which a Multi-Managed Fund's assets are managed by PGI or allocated to an affiliated advisor.

• A sub-advisor may determine that the asset class PFI has hired it to manage (for example, small capitalization growth stocks) can be managed effectively only by limiting the amount of money devoted to the purchase of securities in the asset class. In such a case, a sub-advisor may impose a limit on the amount of money PFI may place with the sub-advisor for management. When a sub-advisor for two or more PFI Funds imposes such a limit, PGI and/or the sub-advisor may need to determine which Fund will be required to limit its investment in the asset class and the degree to which the Fund will be so limited. PGI and the sub-advisor may face a conflict of interest in making its determination.

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PGI implements the following in an effort to limit the appearance of conflicts of interest and the opportunity for events that could trigger an actual conflict of interest:

• PGI implements a process for selecting underlying funds that emphasizes the selection of funds within the Principal Funds Complex that are determined to be consistent with the fund of fund's objective and principal investment strategies. However, PGI will select an unaffiliated underlying fund managed by an unaffiliated sub-advisor when deemed necessary or appropriate based upon a consideration of the Fund's objective and investment strategies and available expertise and resources within the Principal organization.

• PGI uses a process to select investment advisors that emphasizes the selection of PGI or Principal-affiliated sub-advisors that are determined to be qualified under PGI's due diligence process. However, PGI will select an unaffiliated sub-advisor to manage all or a portion of a Fund's portfolio when deemed necessary or appropriate based upon a consideration of the Fund's objective and investment strategies and available expertise and resources within the Principal organization.

• PGI provides ongoing oversight of the Funds' investments to monitor adherence to their investment program.

**By the Sub-Advisors.** The portfolio managers of each sub-advisor manage a number of accounts other than the Funds' portfolios, including in some instances proprietary or personal accounts. Managing multiple accounts may give rise to potential conflicts of interest, including, for example, conflicts among investment strategies, allocating time and attention to account management, allocation of investment opportunities, knowledge of and timing of fund trades, selection of brokers and dealers, and compensation for the account. Each has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that it believes address the potential conflicts associated with managing accounts for multiple clients and personal accounts and are designed to ensure that all clients and client accounts are treated fairly and equitably. These procedures include allocation policies and procedures, personal trading policies and procedures, internal review processes, and, in some cases, review by independent third parties.

Investments the sub-advisor deems appropriate for a Fund's portfolio may also be deemed appropriate by it for other accounts. Therefore, the same security may be purchased or sold at or about the same time for both the Fund's portfolio and other accounts. In such circumstances, the sub-advisor may determine that orders for the purchase or sale of the same security for the Fund's portfolio and one or more other accounts should be combined. In this event, the transactions will be priced and allocated in a manner deemed by the sub-advisor to be equitable and in the best interests of the Fund's portfolio and such other accounts. While in some instances combined orders could adversely affect the price or volume of a security, the Fund believes that its participation in such transactions on balance will produce better overall results for the Fund.

**PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES** 

**Purchase of Shares**

Participating insurance companies and certain other designated organizations are authorized to receive purchase orders on the Funds' behalf, and those organizations are authorized to designate their agents and affiliates as intermediaries to receive purchase orders. Purchase orders are deemed received by a Fund when authorized organizations, their agents, or affiliates receive the order. The Funds are not responsible for the failure of any designated organization or its agents or affiliates to carry out its obligations to its customers. Class A shares of the Funds are purchased at their public offering price, and other share classes of the Funds are purchased at the net asset value ("NAV") per share, as determined at the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE next occurring after a purchase order is received and accepted by an authorized agent of a Fund. In order to receive a day's price, an order must be received in good order by the close of the regular trading session of the NYSE as described below in "Pricing of Fund Shares."

All income dividend and capital gains distributions, if any, on a Fund's Class S shares are paid out in cash. All income dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, on a Fund's Institutional Class and Classes R-3, R-5, and R-6 shares are reinvested automatically in additional shares of the same class of the same Fund. Dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, on a Fund's Classes A, C, and J shares are reinvested automatically in additional shares of the same Class of shares of the same Fund unless the shareholder elects to take dividends in cash. The reinvestment will be made at the NAV determined on the first business day following the record date.

The Fund, at its discretion, may permit the purchase of shares using securities as consideration (a purchase in-kind).

For information related to Class S shares, see the section in this SAI entitled "Multiple Class Structure."

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<u>Abandoned or Orphaned Accounts</u>

In order to invest in shares of Principal Funds, a shareholder's account must have a registered broker-dealer on file with us when the account is established. If an active account does not have a registered broker-dealer on file, we consider the account to be an "abandoned or orphaned account". If we determine in our discretion that an account is abandoned or orphaned, we will take the following actions:

• Notify the shareholder in writing as to the account's status and request that the account(s) be moved to another registered broker-dealer;

• Remove the broker/dealer from the account. If the shareholder does not request another registered broker/dealer to be added to the account, Principal Shareholder Services, Inc. ("PSS"), the Funds' Transfer Agent, will hold the accounts until another registered broker/dealer is added to the account. PSS is not a broker-dealer and does not offer investment advice; and

• No initial sales charge will apply to purchases of Fund shares while PSS is holding the account.

**Sales of Shares**

Payment for shares tendered for redemption is ordinarily made in cash. The Fund may determine, however, that it would be detrimental to the remaining shareholders to make payment of a redemption order wholly or partly in cash. The Fund may, therefore, pay the redemption proceeds in whole or in part by a distribution "in kind" of securities from the Fund's portfolio in lieu of cash. If the Fund pays the redemption proceeds in kind, the redeeming shareholder might incur brokerage or other costs in selling the securities for cash. The Fund will value securities used to pay redemptions in kind using the same method the Fund uses to value its portfolio securities as described below in "Pricing of Fund Shares."

The right to require the Funds to redeem their shares may be suspended, or the date of payment may be postponed, whenever: 1) trading on the NYSE is restricted, as determined by the SEC, or the NYSE is closed except for holidays and weekends; 2) the SEC permits such suspension and so orders; or 3) an emergency exists as determined by the SEC so that disposal of securities or determination of NAV is not reasonably practicable.

Certain designated organizations are authorized to receive sell orders on the Fund's behalf and those organizations are authorized to designate their agents and affiliates as intermediaries to receive redemption orders. Redemption orders are deemed received by the Fund when authorized organizations, their agents, or affiliates receive the order. The Fund is not responsible for the failure of any designated organization or its agents or affiliates to carry out its obligations to its customers.

For information related to Class S shares, see the section in this SAI entitled "Multiple Class Structure."

**Exchanges Between Classes of Shares**

Class S shares of the Capital Securities Fund are not subject to exchange.

Through your financial intermediary, in certain limited circumstances, you may become eligible to exchange shares of a Fund you own for shares of a different class of the same Fund, if you become eligible to purchase shares of such different class of the same Fund through your account with your financial intermediary. The following shows the permitted exchanges, subject to the conditions described herein:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **<u>Exchange From Class</u>** | **<u>Exchange To Class</u>** |
| A | Institutional |
| C | A, Institutional |
| Institutional | A, C, R-6 |
| R-6 | Institutional |

---

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Such same-Fund exchanges between share classes are permitted, subject to conditions including, but not limited to, the following:

• You or your retirement plan sponsor must be eligible to purchase shares of the class into which the exchange is to occur;

• Your financial intermediary or the retirement plan sponsor's financial intermediary must have an agreement with the underwriter or transfer agent of Principal Funds allowing the purchase of such share class for you;

• The Fund must offer shares of such class of such Fund in your state or the state of the retirement plan sponsor;

• In order to exchange into Class A shares, you must be eligible to: (i) purchase Class A shares with no initial sales charge; or (ii) exchange into Class A shares through your financial intermediary with no initial sales charge;

• Depending on the circumstances, for exchanges from Classes A and C shares there may be a contingent deferred sales charge in connection with the exchange; and

• Any such exchange must be requested by your financial intermediary or retirement plan sponsor (with approval by the Distributor) and, except as otherwise approved by the Distributor, must result from either (i) the financial intermediary seeking to have shares of the Funds on their platform held in a particular share class, (ii) the share class becoming available to your financial intermediary or Financial Professional through a new relationship, or (iii) your retirement plan sponsor electing to have shares of the Funds offered as part of the plan investment options held in a particular share class.

If, after purchasing Institutional Class shares, you become ineligible to invest in Institutional Class shares, you may be permitted to exchange from Institutional Class shares into other share classes issued by the same Fund if your financial intermediary determines you qualify for such an exchange.

You should check with your financial intermediary to see if the exchange you wish to complete will satisfy the conditions. Your ability to exchange between share classes of the same Fund may be limited by the operational limitations of your financial intermediary. Please consult your Financial Professional for more information.

While such an exchange may not be considered a taxable event for income tax purposes, you should consult with your tax advisor regarding possible federal, state, local, and foreign tax consequences.

**PRICING OF FUND SHARES**

Each Fund's shares are bought and sold at the current net asset value ("NAV") per share. Each Fund's NAV for each class is calculated each day the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open, as of the close of business of the NYSE (normally 3:00 p.m. Central Time). The NAV of Fund shares is not determined on days the NYSE is closed (generally, New Year's Day; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day; Thanksgiving Day; and Christmas). When an order to buy or sell shares is received, the share price used to fill the order is the next price calculated after the order is received in proper form.

The Funds will not treat an intraday unscheduled disruption in NYSE trading as a closure of the NYSE and will price shares as of 3:00 p.m. Central Time, if the particular disruption directly affects only the NYSE.

For all Funds the share price is calculated by:

• taking the current market value of the total assets of the Fund,

• subtracting liabilities of the Fund,

• dividing the remainder proportionately into the classes of the Fund,

• subtracting the liability of each class, and

• dividing the remainder by the total number of shares owned in that class.

In determining NAV, securities listed on an Exchange, the Nasdaq National Market, and any foreign markets within the Western Hemisphere are valued at the closing prices on such markets, or if such price is lacking for the trading period immediately preceding the time of determination, such securities are valued at their current bid price.

Municipal securities held by the Funds are traded primarily in the over-the-counter market. Valuations of such securities are furnished by one or more pricing services employed by the Funds and are based upon appraisals obtained by a pricing service, in reliance upon information concerning market transactions and quotations from recognized municipal securities dealers.

------

Other securities that are traded on the over-the-counter market are valued at their closing bid prices. Each Fund will determine the market value of individual securities held by it, by using prices provided by one or more professional pricing services that may provide market prices to other funds, or, as needed, by obtaining market quotations from independent broker-dealers. Debt securities with remaining maturities of sixty days or less for which market quotations and information furnished by a third-party pricing service are not readily available will be valued at amortized cost, which approximates current value. Securities for which quotations are not readily available, and other assets, are valued at fair value determined in good faith under procedures established by and under the supervision of the Board.

A Fund's securities may be traded on foreign securities markets that close each day prior to the time the NYSE closes. In addition, foreign securities trading generally or in a particular country or countries may not take place on all business days in New York. The Fund has adopted policies and procedures to "fair value" some or all securities held by a Fund. These fair valuation procedures are intended to discourage shareholders from investing in the Fund for the purpose of engaging in market timing or arbitrage transactions. The values of foreign securities used in computing share price are determined at the time the foreign market closes. Foreign securities and currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate in effect at the close of the NYSE. Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign securities occur when the foreign market is closed and the NYSE is open. The NAV of a Fund investing in foreign securities may change on days when shareholders are unable to purchase or redeem shares. If the Manager believes that the market value is materially affected, the share price will be calculated using the policy adopted by the Fund.

Certain securities issued by companies in emerging markets may have more than one quoted valuation at any point in time, sometimes referred to as a "local" price and a "premium" price. The premium price is often a negotiated price that may not consistently represent a price at which a specific transaction can be effected. It is the policy of the Funds to value such securities at prices at which it is expected those shares may be sold, and PGI is authorized to make such determinations subject to the oversight of the Board as may from time to time be necessary.

Appendix B provides a specimen price-make-up sheet showing how the Fund calculates the total offering price per share.

**TAX CONSIDERATIONS**

**Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company**

Each Fund intends to qualify annually to be treated as a regulated investment company ("RIC") under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "IRC"), by satisfying certain requirements prescribed by Subchapter M of the IRC. To qualify as a RIC, a Fund must invest in assets that produce types of income specified in the IRC ("Qualifying Income"). Whether the income from derivatives, swaps, commodity-linked derivatives, and other commodity/natural resource-related securities is Qualifying Income is unclear under current law. Accordingly, a Fund's ability to invest in certain derivatives, swaps, commodity-linked derivatives, and other commodity/natural resource-related securities may be restricted. Investments in cryptocurrency may also be restricted due to uncertainty related to whether income from such investments would be treated as Qualifying Income. Further, if a Fund does invest in these types of securities and the income is not determined to be Qualifying Income, it may cause the Fund to fail to qualify as a RIC under the IRC for a given year. In addition, a Fund must satisfy certain diversification tests under the IRC to qualify as a RIC. If a Fund fails to qualify as a RIC, it will be liable for taxes, significantly reducing its distributions to shareholders and eliminating shareholders' ability to treat distributions (as long- or short-term capital gains or qualifying dividends) of the Fund in the manner they were received by the Fund.

**Futures Contracts and Options**

As previously discussed, some of the Funds invest in futures contracts or options thereon, index options, or options traded on qualified exchanges. For federal income tax purposes, capital gains and losses on futures contracts or options thereon, index options, or options traded on qualified exchanges are generally treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term. In addition, the Funds must recognize any unrealized gains and losses on such positions held at the end of the fiscal year. A Fund may elect out of such tax treatment, however, for a futures or options position that is part of an "identified mixed straddle" such as a put option purchased with respect to a portfolio security. Gains and losses on futures and options included in an identified mixed straddle are considered 100% short-term, and unrealized gains or losses on such positions are not realized at year-end. The straddle provisions of the IRC may require the deferral of realized losses to the extent that a Fund has unrealized gains in certain offsetting positions at the end of the fiscal year. The IRC may also require recharacterization of all or a part of losses on certain offsetting positions from short-term to long-term, as well as adjustment of the holding periods of straddle positions.

------

**International Funds**

Some foreign securities purchased by the Funds may be subject to foreign withholding taxes that could reduce the yield on such securities. The amount of such foreign taxes is expected to be insignificant. Shareholders of the Funds that invest in foreign securities may be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect to foreign taxes. The Funds may from year to year make an election to pass through such taxes to shareholders. If such election is not made, any foreign taxes paid or accrued will represent an expense to each affected Fund that will reduce its investment company taxable income. Certain Funds may purchase securities of certain foreign corporations considered to be passive foreign investment companies by the IRS. In order to avoid taxes and interest that must be paid by the Funds if these instruments appreciate in value, the Funds may make various elections permitted by the tax laws. However, these elections could require that the Funds recognize additional taxable income, which in turn must be distributed. In addition, the Fund's investments in foreign securities or foreign currencies may increase or accelerate the Fund's recognition of ordinary income and may affect the timing or amount of the Fund's distributions.

Under the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ("FATCA"), a Fund may be required to withhold a 30% tax on (a) dividends paid by the Fund, and (b) certain capital gain distributions and/or the proceeds arising from the sale of Fund shares paid by the Fund after December 31, 2018, to certain foreign entities, referred to as foreign financial institutions or non-financial foreign 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. The IRS recently issued proposed regulations indicating its intent to eliminate the 30% withholding tax on gross proceeds. A Fund may disclose the information that it receives from its shareholders to the IRS, non-U.S. taxing authorities or other parties as necessary to comply with FATCA. Withholding also may be required if a foreign entity that is a shareholder of a Fund fails to provide the Fund with appropriate certifications or other documentation concerning its status under FATCA.

**Special Tax Considerations for the Opportunistic Municipal Fund (the "Municipal Fund")**

The Municipal Fund also intends to qualify to pay "exempt-interest dividends" to its shareholders. An exempt-interest dividend is that part of dividend distributions made by the Fund that consist of interest received by that Fund on tax-exempt municipal obligations. Shareholders incur no federal income taxes on exempt-interest dividends. However, these exempt-interest dividends may be taxable under state or local law. Exempt-interest dividends that derive from certain private activity bonds must be included by individuals as a preference item in determining whether they are subject to the alternative minimum tax. The Fund may also pay ordinary income dividends and distribute capital gains from time to time. Ordinary income dividends and distributions of capital gains, if any, are taxable for federal purposes.

If a shareholder receives an exempt-interest dividend with respect to shares of the Fund held for six months or less, then any loss on the sale or exchange of such shares, to the extent of the amount of such dividend, is disallowed. If a shareholder receives a capital gain dividend with respect to shares held for six months or less, then any loss on the sale or exchange of such shares is treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent the loss exceeds any exempt-interest dividend received with respect to such shares, and is disallowed to the extent of such exempt-interest dividend.

Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued by a shareholder to purchase or carry shares of this Fund is not deductible. Furthermore, entities or persons who are "substantial users" (or related persons) under Section 147(a) of the IRC of facilities financed by private activity bonds should consult their tax advisors before purchasing shares of the Fund.

From time to time, proposals have been introduced before Congress for the purpose of restricting or eliminating the federal income tax exemption for interest on municipal obligations. If legislation is enacted that eliminates or significantly reduces the availability of municipal obligations, it could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to continue to pursue its investment objective and policies. In such event, the Fund would reevaluate its investment objective and policies.

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**PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS DISCLOSURE**

The Funds may publish month-end portfolio holdings information for each Fund's portfolio on the www.PrincipalAM.com website on the thirteenth business day of the following month. The Funds may also occasionally publish information on the websites relating to specific events, such as the impact of a natural disaster, corporate debt default, or similar events on portfolio holdings. The Funds may also occasionally publish information on the websites concerning the removal, addition, or change in weightings of underlying funds in which the funds of funds invest. It is the Funds' policy to disclose only public information regarding portfolio holdings (i.e., information published on the websites or filed with the SEC), except as described below.

**Non-Specific Information.** Under the Portfolio Holdings Disclosure Policy, the Funds may distribute non-specific information about the Funds and/or summary information about the Funds as requested. Such information will not identify any specific portfolio holding, but may reflect, among other things, the quality, character, or sector distribution of a Fund's holdings. This information may be made available at any time (or without delay).

**Policy.** The Funds and PGI have adopted a policy of disclosing non-public portfolio holdings information to third parties only to the extent required by federal law, and to the following third parties, so long as such third party has agreed, or is legally obligated, to maintain the confidentiality of the information and to refrain from using such information to engage in securities transactions:

1)Daily to the Funds' portfolio pricing services, Bloomberg LP, ICE Data Services, J.P. Morgan PricingDirect, Inc., and S&P Global, to obtain prices for portfolio securities;

2)Upon proper request to government regulatory agencies or to self-regulatory organizations;

3)As needed to Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm, in connection with the performance of the services provided by Ernst & Young LLP to the Funds;

4)To the sub-advisors' proxy service providers (Broadridge Financial Solutions, LLC, Glass Lewis & Co., and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS)) to facilitate voting of proxies;

5)To the Funds' custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon, in connection with the custodial services it provides to the Funds; and

6)Kessler, Topaz, Meltzer & Check, LLP, in connection with legal services it provides to the Funds.

------

The Funds are also permitted to enter into arrangements to disclose portfolio holdings to other third parties in connection with the performance of a legitimate business purpose if such third party agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality of the information prior to the information being disclosed. Any such written agreement must be approved by an officer of the Funds, PGI, or the Fund's sub-advisor. Approval must be based on a reasonable belief that disclosure to such other third party is in the best interests of the Fund's shareholders. If a conflict of interest is identified in connection with disclosure to any such third party, the Fund's or PGI's Chief Compliance Officer ("CCO") must approve such disclosure, in writing, before it occurs. The Funds currently have disclosure agreements with the following:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Abacus Group LLC | Confluence Technologies | Morgan Stanley |
| Abel Noser | DTCC OASYS | Morningstar, Inc. |
| ACA Compliance Alpha | Dynamo Software | MSCI |
| ACA Market Abuse Surveillance Module | Eagle | MSCI ESG Risk Metrics |
| AcadiaSoft | Eagle Investment Systems Corp. | MSCI - Risk Metrics |
| Accenture | Electra | Natixis Investment Managers |
| Advent Axys | Electra Information Systems | Nordlogic |
| Advent APX | Essentia Analytics | Northern Trust |
| Advent Geneva | Everest (Allvue Systems) | Northern Trust Integrated Trading Solutions |
| Allvue Systems | FactSet | Omgeo LLC |
| Ashland Partners | FactSet Research Systems Inc. | PORTIA (SS&C Technologies) |
| Askia, LLC | Financial Recovery Technologies (FRT) | Qontigo (Axioma Risk System) |
| Assette | Financial Tracking Technologies LLC | Rimes Technologies Corporation |
| Bank of America | FIS Capital Markets US, LLC | Russell Investments Implementation |
| Barra | FIS Global Asset Management | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Services, LLC |
| BlackRock Aladdin | FIS PTA | S&P Global Ratings |
| BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. | Global Trading Analytics | S3 |
| Bloomberg AIM | Goldman Sachs | SEI Global Services, Inc. |
| Bloomberg LP | Gresham Technologies | SEI Investments Co |
| Bloomberg Port | ICE Data Pricing & Reference Data | SS&C Advent |
| Bloomberg Professional Services | ICE Liquidity | SS&C (Evare) |
| BNY | IHS Markit LTD | SS&C Eze |
| Broadridge Business Process Outsourcing | INDATA | SS&C Geneva |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Solutions, LLC | Indus Valley Partners (IVP) | SS&C Vision FI |
| Broadridge Financial Solutions Inc. / | InvestCloud Inc | StarCompliance Operating, LLC |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proxy Edge | Investment Company Institute (ICI) | State Street Bank & Trust |
| Brown Brothers Harriman | JP Morgan | SWIFT |
| Charles River | LexisNexis | TriOptima |
| Charles River Development | LiquidNet | TriOptima AB |
| Charles River Trading System | Loomis, Sayles & Company, LP | TSI (Virtus) |
| Clearpar (Markit) | Markit WSO Services | Virtu Americas LLC |
| Clearwater Analytics | Microsoft Azure | Virtus Shared Services |

---

Any agreement by which any Fund or any party acting on behalf of the Fund agrees to provide Fund portfolio information to a third party, other than a third party identified in the policy described above, must be approved prior to information being provided to the third party, unless the third party is a regulator or has a duty to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to refrain from using such information to engage in securities transactions. A written record of approval will be made by the person granting approval.

The Funds' non-public portfolio holdings information policy applies without variation to individual investors, institutional investors, intermediaries that distribute the Funds' shares, third-party service providers, rating and ranking organizations, and affiliated persons of the Funds. Neither the Funds nor PGI nor any other party receives compensation in connection with the disclosure of Fund portfolio information. The Funds' CCO will periodically, but no less frequently than annually, review the Funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy and recommend changes the CCO believes are appropriate, if any, to the Board. In addition, the Board must approve any change in the Funds' portfolio holdings disclosure policy that would expand the distribution of such information.

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**PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES**

The Board has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by each Fund to PGI or to the Fund's sub-advisor, as appropriate. PGI and each sub-advisor will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which have been reviewed by the Board, and which are found in Appendix C to this SAI. Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval.

In addition, the sub-advisor, with respect to the Global Listed Infrastructure Fund, intends to vote proxies in accordance with the Fund's sustainable investing strategy as disclosed in its Prospectus.

For Funds that participate in a securities lending program, the voting rights for securities that are loaned are transferred to the borrower. Therefore, the lender (i.e., a Fund) is not entitled to vote the loaned securities, unless it recalls those securities. Those managing the Fund's investments may recall securities for voting purposes when they reasonably believe the ability to vote such securities outweighs the additional revenue received if such securities were not recalled.

Information regarding how the Funds voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period ended June 30, 2024, is available, without charge, upon request, by calling 1-800-222-5852, sending an email request to prospectus@principalfunds.com, or by accessing the Funds' most recently filed Form N-PX on the Fund's website at www.PrincipalAM.com/Prospectuses or the SEC website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>.

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

The financial statements of the Funds at August 31, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference to the Funds' most recent <u>[Annual Report to Shareholders](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/898745/000089874524000659/primary-document.htm)</u> filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR. The unaudited financial statements of the Funds at February 28, 2025 are also incorporated herein by reference from the Fund's most recent <u>[Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders](https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/898745/000089874525000265/primary-document.htm)</u> filed with the SEC on Form N-CSR.

**INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

Ernst & Young LLP, 700 Nicollet Mall, Suite 500, Minneapolis, MN 55402, is the independent registered public accounting firm for the Principal Funds.

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**CONTROL PERSONS AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF SECURITIES** 

The following list identifies shareholders who own more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund as of May 30, 2025. It is presumed that a person who owns more than 25% of the voting securities of a Fund controls the Fund. A control person could control the outcome of proposals presented to shareholders for approval. The information is listed in alphabetical order by Fund.

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund** | **Percent**<br>**of**<br>**Ownership** | **Shareholder Name and Address** | **Jurisdiction**<br>**Under Which**<br>**Control Person** <br>**is Organized**<br>**(when control** <br>**person is a**<br>**company)** | **Parent of Control**<br>**Person (when control**<br>**person is a company)** |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES | 30.77% | MLPF&S | NEW YORK | BANK OF AMERICA |
|  | . | FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |  | CORPORATION |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |  |  |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |  |  |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |  |  |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES | 30.49% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC | DELAWARE | MORGAN STANLEY |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |  |  |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |  |  |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |  |  |
| EDGE MIDCAP | 39.38% | AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC | MINNESOTA | AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL, INC. |
|  |  | FBO #41999970 |  |  |
|  |  | 707 2ND AVE S |  |  |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |  |  |
| GLOBAL | 53.96% | PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL SERVICES INC | IOWA | PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL |
| LISTED |  | PUBLIC SEED ACCOUNT |  | GROUP, INC. |
| INFRASTRUCTURE |  | ATTN GAM INVACCT ACA TEAM G-016-S40 |  |  |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |  |  |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-9992 |  |  |
| INTERNATIONAL | 36.78% | PRINCIPAL LIFE INS COMPANY CUST | IOWA | PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL |
| EQUITY INDEX |  | FBO PFG OMNIBUS WRAPPED AND CUSTOM |  | SERVICES, INC.<sup>(1)</sup> |
|  |  | ATTN PLIC PROXY COORDINATOR |  |  |
|  |  | FUNDS |  |  |
|  |  | 711 HIGH STREET |  |  |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |  |  |
| OPPORTUNISTIC | 45.33% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC | DELAWARE | FIDELITY GLOBAL |
| MUNICIPAL |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |  | BROKERAGE GROUP, INC. |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |  | a wholly owned subsidiary |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |  | of FMR, LLC |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |  |  |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Principal Financial Group, Inc. is the parent of Principal Financial Services, Inc.; Principal Financial Services, Inc. is the parent both of Principal Life Insurance Company and of Principal Global Holding Company (US), LLC; Principal Life Insurance Company is the parent of Principal Holding Company, LLC.; Principal Global Holding Company (US), LLC is the parent of Principal Global Investors, LLC.

The Board Members and officers of the Funds, member companies of the Principal Financial Group, and certain other persons may purchase shares of the Funds without the payment of any sales charge. The sales charge is waived on these transactions because there are either no distribution costs or only minimal distribution costs associated with the transactions. For a description of the persons entitled to a waiver of sales charge in connection with their purchase of shares of the Funds, see the discussion of the waiver of sales charges under the caption "Choosing a Share Class and the Costs of Investing" in the Prospectus.

Funds that operate as funds of funds and Principal Life Insurance Company will vote in the same proportion as shares of the Funds owned by other shareholders. Therefore, neither the funds of funds nor Principal Life Insurance Company exercise voting discretion.

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A quorum must be present at a meeting of shareholders for business to be transacted. PFI's Bylaws state that a quorum is the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of one-third of the shares of capital stock of PFI or, when the meeting relates to a certain Fund, that Fund, issued and outstanding and entitled to vote on the record date.

Certain proposals presented to shareholders for approval require the vote of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities," which is a term defined in the 1940 Act to mean, with respect to a Fund, the affirmative vote of the lesser of 1) 67% or more of the voting securities of the Fund present at the meeting of that Fund, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund are present in person or by proxy, or 2) more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund).

**Principal Holders of Securities**

The Registrant is unaware of any persons who own beneficially (but are not shareholders of record) 5% or more of any class of the Funds' outstanding shares. The following list identifies the shareholders of record who own 5% or more of any class of the Funds' outstanding shares as of May 30, 2025. The list is presented in alphabetical order by Fund.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| BLUE CHIP (A) | 49.31% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| BLUE CHIP (C) | 18.61% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| BLUE CHIP (C) | 16.59% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN STREET |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| BLUE CHIP (C) | 16.29% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| BLUE CHIP (C) | 13.13% | RAYMOND JAMES |
|  |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |
| BLUE CHIP (C) | 7.54% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 20.27% | RAYMOND JAMES |
|  |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 15.31% | AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC |
|  |  | FBO #41999970 |
|  |  | 707 2ND AVE S |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 13.71% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |
|  |  | CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 9.80% | LPL FINANCIAL |
|  |  | OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING |
|  |  | 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |
|  |  | SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 8.93% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 6.95% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN STREET |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 5.87% | PERSHING LLC |
|  |  | 1 PERSHING PLZ |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 |
| BLUE CHIP (I) | 5.58% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| BLUE CHIP (R3) | 40.89% | SAMMONS INSTITUTIONAL GROUP |
|  |  | 8300 MILLS CIVIC PKWY |
|  |  | WDM IA 50266-3833 |
| BLUE CHIP (R3) | 40.18% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BLUE CHIP (R3) | 5.89% | STATE STREET BANK CUST |
|  |  | FBO ADP ACCESS PRODUCT 401(K) PLAN |
|  |  | 1 LINCOLN ST |
|  |  | BOSTON MA 02111-2900 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| BLUE CHIP (R5) | 49.06% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BLUE CHIP (R5) | 30.35% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| BLUE CHIP (R6) | 34.06% | PRINCIPAL LIFE INS COMPANY CUST |
|  |  | FBO PFG OMNIBUS WRAPPED AND CUSTOM |
|  |  | ATTN PLIC PROXY COORDINATOR - FUNDS |
|  |  | 711 HIGH STREET |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BLUE CHIP (R6) | 7.09% | LIFETIME 2040 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BLUE CHIP (R6) | 6.04% | LIFETIME 2050 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BLUE CHIP (R6) | 5.84% | LIFETIME 2030 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING- H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 12.50% | LIFETIME HYBRID 2030 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 11.99% | LIFETIME HYBRID 2025 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 10.77% | SAM BALANCED PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING - H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 10.74% | SAM FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 8.95% | LIFETIME HYBRID 2035 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 7.14% | SAM CONS BALANCED PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 7.09% | LIFETIME HYBRID 2020 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 6.68% | LIFETIME HYBRID 2040 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (I) | 5.27% | LIFETIME HYBRID 2015 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (R3) | 70.88% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (R3) | 5.75% | PRINCIPAL TRUST COMPANY |
|  |  | FBO EXEC NQ EXCESS OF MAGNECOMP CORP |
|  |  | ATTN SUSAN SAGGIONE |
|  |  | 1013 CENTRE RD |
|  |  | WILMINGTON DE 19805-1265 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (R3) | 5.73% | LIL DRUG STORE PRODUCTS INC |
|  |  | FBO LIL DRUG STORE PRODUCTS LT PLAN 2 |
|  |  | ATTN PLAN TRUSTEE |
|  |  | 1201 CONTINENTAL PL NE |
|  |  | CEDAR RAPIDS IA 52402-2025 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (R5) | 51.14% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (R5) | 15.49% | FEDERAL REALTY INVESTMENT TRUST |
|  |  | FBO FEDERAL REALTY INVESTMENT TRUST |
|  |  | ATTN VICKIE RALLS |
|  |  | 1626 E JEFFERSON ST |
|  |  | ROCKVILLE MD 20852-4041 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| BOND MARKET INDEX (R5) | 5.43% | PRINCIPAL TRUST COMPANY |
|  |  | FBO ISS FACILITY SERVICES HLDNG INC |
|  |  | EX DC PLN |
|  |  | ATTN PLAN TRUSTEE |
|  |  | 1013 CENTRE RD |
|  |  | WILMINGTON DE 19805-1265 |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES (S) | 30.77% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
|  |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES (S) | 30.49% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES (S) | 15.66% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (A) | 24.74% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (I) | 26.08% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FOR THE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 101 MONTGOMERY ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (I) | 23.47% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (I) | 7.25% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
|  |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (I) | 5.66% | CAPINCO C/O US BANK NA |
|  |  | 1555 N RIVERCENTER DR STE 302 |
|  |  | MILWAUKEE WI 53212-3958 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (I) | 6.14% | SEI PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
|  |  | C/O TRUIST ID 866 |
|  |  | 1 FREEDOM VALLEY DR |
|  |  | OAKS PA 19456-9989 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (R3) | 100.00% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (R6) | 11.48% | SAM BALANCED PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING - H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (R6) | 9.04% | SAM CONS GROWTH PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (R6) | 8.11% | CAPINCO C/O US BANK NA |
|  |  | 1555 N RIVERCENTER DR STE 302 |
|  |  | MILWAUKEE WI 53212-3958 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (R6) | 6.58% | SAM STRATEGIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| DIVERSIFIED REAL ASSET (R6) | 6.98% | PRINCIPAL LIFE INS COMPANY CUST |
|  |  | FBO PFG OMNIBUS WRAPPED AND CUSTOM |
|  |  | ATTN PLIC PROXY COORDINATOR FUNDS |
|  |  | 711 HIGH STREET |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (A) | 13.13% | AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC |
|  |  | FBO #41999970 |
|  |  | 707 2ND AVE S |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (A) | 22.38% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (A) | 5.22% | MATRIX TRUST COMPANY CUST. FBO |
|  |  | GEBHARDT & SMITH LLP |
|  |  | 717 17TH STREET, SUITE 1300 |
|  |  | DENVER CO 80202-3304 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (I) | 69.07% | AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
|  |  | FBO #41999970 |
|  |  | 707 2ND AVE S |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (I) | 6.15% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN STREET |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (I) | 5.68% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (I) | 6.17% | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ADMINISTRATOR |
|  |  | C/O PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL ID 636 |
|  |  | SEI PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY |
|  |  | ONE FREEDOM VALLEY DRIVE |
|  |  | OAKS PA 19456-9989 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (R6) | 59.67% | TIAA TRUST, N.A. AS CUST/TTEE |
|  |  | OF RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | RECORDKEPT BY TIAA |
|  |  | ATTN: FUND OPERATIONS |
|  |  | 8500 ANDREW CARNEGIE BLVD |
|  |  | CHARLOTTE NC 28262-8500 |
| EDGE MIDCAP (R6) | 23.01% | SEI PRIVATE TRUST COMPANY |
|  |  | C/O S&T BANK |
|  |  | 1 FREEDOM VALLEY DRIVE |
|  |  | OAKS PA 19456-9989 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| GLOBAL LISTED | 53.96% | PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL SERVICES INC |
| INFRASTRUCTURE (I) |  | PUBLIC SEED ACCOUNT |
|  |  | ATTN GAM INVACCT ACA TEAM G-016-S40 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-9992 |
| GLOBAL LISTED | 22.38% | CHURCH OF GOD BENEFITS BOARD INC |
| INFRASTRUCTURE (I) |  | PO BOX 4608 |
|  |  | CLEVELAND TN 37320-4608 |
| GLOBAL LISTED | 9.75% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
| INFRASTRUCTURE (I) |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| GLOBAL LISTED | 10.17% | PRINCIPAL GLOBAL INVESTORS LLC |
| INFRASTRUCTURE (I) |  | 711 HIGH STREET |
|  |  | DES MOINES, IA 50392-0001 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (A) | 6.60% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (A) | 17.02% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
|  |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (A) | 13.37% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |
|  |  | CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (A) | 26.08% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (I) | 14.75% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
|  |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (I) | 13.76% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (I) | 15.30% | AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC |
|  |  | FBO #41999970 |
|  |  | 707 2ND AVE S |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (I) | 8.67% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |
|  |  | CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (I) | 6.21% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (I) | 6.18% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FOR THE |
|  |  | BENIFIT OF CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 101 MONTGOMERY ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (I) | 8.08% | UBS WM USA |
|  |  | 0O0 11011 6100 |
|  |  | OMNI ACCOUNT M/F |
|  |  | SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI |
|  |  | 1000 HARBOR BLVD |
|  |  | WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (R6) | 15.94% | WELLS FARGO BANK NA |
|  |  | PO BOX 1533 |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55480-1533 |
| GLOBAL MULTI-STRATEGY (R6) | 14.02% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
|  |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 2 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (I) | 63.66% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | FBO SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNTS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (I) | 17.39% | LPL FINANCIAL |
|  |  | OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING |
|  |  | 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |
|  |  | SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (I) | 8.66% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R3) | 59.12% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R3) | 5.74% | EMPOWER TRUST FBO |
|  |  | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CLIENTS 401K |
|  |  | 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2 |
|  |  | GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R3) | 5.51% | PRINCIPAL TRUST COMPANY |
|  |  | FBO EXEC NQ EXCESS OF MAGNECOMP CORP |
|  |  | ATTN SUSAN SAGGIONE |
|  |  | 1013 CENTRE RD |
|  |  | WILMINGTON DE 19805-1265 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R5) | 51.24% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
|  |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R5) | 12.48% | WACHOVIA BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION |
|  |  | FBO DEF COMP PLAN OF CED INC (PS |
|  |  | ATTN SHELLEY ANDERSON |
|  |  | DEF |
|  |  | ONE WEST FOURTH STREET |
|  |  | WINSTON-SALEM NC 27101-3818 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R5) | 7.77% | FIIOC |
|  |  | FBO PATTERSON & DEWAR ENGINEERS INC |
|  |  | 100 MAGELLAN WAY |
|  |  | COVINGTON KY 41015-1987 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R6) | 41.77% | PRINCIPAL LIFE INS COMPANY CUST |
|  |  | FBO PFG OMNIBUS WRAPPED AND CUSTOM |
|  |  | ATTN PLIC PROXY COORDINATOR FUNDS |
|  |  | 711 HIGH STREET |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R6) | 20.84% | DIVERSIFIED GROWTH ACCOUNT |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL EQUITY INDEX (R6) | 14.45% | DIVERSIFIED GROWTH ADAPTIVE |
|  |  | ALLOCATION ACCOUNT |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (I) | 68.65% | PERSHING LLC |
|  |  | 1 PERSHING PLZ |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (I) | 12.80% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (I) | 5.32% | PRINCIPAL GLOBAL INVESTORS LLC |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (I) | 6.19% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (R6) | 9.91% | LIFETIME 2040 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (R6) | 8.42% | LIFETIME 2050 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (R6) | 8.09% | LIFETIME 2030 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING- H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (R6) | 11.87% | SAM STRATEGIC GROWTH PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (R6) | 9.12% | SAM BALANCED PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING - H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| INTERNATIONAL SMALL COMPANY (R6) | 10.16% | SAM CONS GROWTH PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (A) | 30.55% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (A) | 19.13% | RBC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC |
|  |  | MUTUAL FUND OMNIBUS PROCESSING |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPS MANAGER |
|  |  | 250 NICOLLET MALL SUITE 1400 |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401-7554 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (A) | 13.40% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (A) | 10.06% | AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC |
|  |  | FBO #41999970 |
|  |  | 707 2ND AVE S |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (I) | 48.97% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (I) | 15.67% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (I) | 7.56% | UBS WM USA |
|  |  | 0O0 11011 6100 |
|  |  | OMNI ACCOUNT M/F |
|  |  | SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI |
|  |  | 1000 HARBOR BLVD |
|  |  | WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (I) | 5.13% | RAYMOND JAMES |
|  |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (I) | 6.55% | LPL FINANCIAL |
|  |  | OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING |
|  |  | 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |
|  |  | SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| OPPORTUNISTIC MUNICIPAL (I) | 6.20% | RBC CAPITAL MARKETS LLC |
|  |  | MUTUAL FUND OMNIBUS PROCESSING |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPS MANAGER |
|  |  | 250 NICOLLET MALL SUITE 1400 |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55401-7582 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (A) | 16.32% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (A) | 13.18% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR |
|  |  | THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (A) | 8.53% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (A) | 7.47% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
|  |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (A) | 6.07% | RAYMOND JAMES |
|  |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (A) | 5.76% | UBS WM USA |
|  |  | 0O0 11011 6100 |
|  |  | OMNI ACCOUNT M/F |
|  |  | SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI |
|  |  | 1000 HARBOR BLVD |
|  |  | WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (A) | 6.01% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FBO CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN STREET |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (C) | 22.73% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (C) | 18.09% | RAYMOND JAMES |
|  |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (C) | 15.05% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (C) | 9.97% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (C) | 5.16% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FBO CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN STREET |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (I) | 23.31% | RAYMOND JAMES |
|  |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (I) | 19.69% | UBS WM USA |
|  |  | 0O0 11011 6100 |
|  |  | OMNI ACCOUNT M/F |
|  |  | SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI |
|  |  | 1000 HARBOR BLVD |
|  |  | WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (I) | 12.88% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
|  |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (I) | 11.56% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (I) | 7.22% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
|  |  | FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |
|  |  | CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (I) | 5.20% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
|  |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 2 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (R6) | 13.26% | LIFETIME 2040 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (R6) | 11.27% | LIFETIME 2050 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (R6) | 10.89% | LIFETIME 2030 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING- H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (R6) | 8.98% | SAM BALANCED PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING - H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (R6) | 5.86% | SAM CONS GROWTH PORTFOLIO PIF |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SMALL-MIDCAP DIVIDEND INCOME (R6) | 5.44% | LIFETIME 2045 FUND |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING- H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 16.66% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (A) |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST 3RD FL |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 15.37% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (A) |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 13.92% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (A) |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 10.83% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (A) |  | FOR THE EXCL BENE OF OUR CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 7.72% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (A) |  | FBO SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNTS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 21.99% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (C) |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 23.09% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (C) |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 13.14% | RAYMOND JAMES |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (C) |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 10.37% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (C) |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR EAST 3RD FL |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 6.35% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (C) |  | FBO SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCOUNTS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 211 MAIN ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94105-1901 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 8.68% | LPL FINANCIAL |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | OMNIBUS CUSTOMER ACCOUNT |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND TRADING |
|  |  | 4707 EXECUTIVE DR |
|  |  | SAN DIEGO CA 92121-3091 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 12.20% | WELLS FARGO CLEARING SERVICES LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY ACCT FOR THE |
|  |  | EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF CUSTOMER |
|  |  | 2801 MARKET ST |
|  |  | SAINT LOUIS MO 63103-2523 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 8.39% | RAYMOND JAMES |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | OMNIBUS FOR MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | HOUSE ACCT FIRM 92500015 |
|  |  | ATTN: COURTNEY WALLER |
|  |  | 880 CARILLON PKWY |
|  |  | ST PETERSBURG FL 33716-1102 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 11.55% | MORGAN STANLEY SMITH BARNEY LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENE OF ITS CUST |
|  |  | 1 NEW YORK PLZ FL 12 |
|  |  | NEW YORK NY 10004-1965 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 11.58% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 9.32% | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | FOR EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR |
|  |  | CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | 499 WASHINGTON BLVD |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS DEPT 4TH FL |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07310-1995 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 7.24% | PERSHING LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | 1 PERSHING PLZ |
|  |  | JERSEY CITY NJ 07399-0001 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 7.56% | AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INVESTMENT SVC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | FBO #41999970 |
|  |  | 707 2ND AVE S |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55402-2405 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 6.15% | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO INC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | SPECIAL CUSTODY A/C FOR THE |
|  |  | BENIFIT OF CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS |
|  |  | 101 MONTGOMERY ST |
|  |  | SAN FRANCISCO CA 94104-4151 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 5.35% | UBS WM USA |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (I) |  | 0O0 11011 6100 |
|  |  | OMNI ACCOUNT M/F |
|  |  | SPEC CDY A/C EBOC UBSFSI |
|  |  | 1000 HARBOR BLVD |
|  |  | WEEHAWKEN NJ 07086-6761 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 33.57% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R3) |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 27.12% | SAMMONS INSTITUTIONAL GROUP |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R3) |  | 8300 MILLS CIVIC PKWY |
|  |  | WDM IA 50266-3833 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 9.09% | EMPOWER TRUST FBO |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R3) |  | EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CLIENTS 401K |
|  |  | 8515 E ORCHARD RD 2T2 |
|  |  | GREENWOOD VILLAGE CO 80111-5002 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 7.81% | FIDELITY INVESTMENTS INST OPER CO |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R3) |  | INC FBO HAY DISTRIBUTING |
|  |  | 100 MAGELLAN WAY (KW1C) |
|  |  | COVINGTON KY 41015-1999 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 6.50% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R3) |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 2 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 6.06% | FIIOC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R3) |  | FBO FLETCHER TILTON PC PROFIT |
|  |  | SHARING PLAN AND TRUST |
|  |  | 100 MAGELLAN WAY |
|  |  | COVINGTON KY 41015-1987 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 63.80% | DCGT AS TTEE AND/OR CUST |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R5) |  | FBO PLIC VARIOUS RETIREMENT PLANS |
|  |  | OMNIBUS |
|  |  | ATTN NPIO TRADE DESK |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |

---

------

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fund/Class** | **Percentage of <br>Ownership** | **Name and Address of Owner** |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 13.79% | VANGUARD FIDUCIARY TRUST CO |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R5) |  | FBO 401K CLIENTS |
|  |  | ATTN INVESTMENT SERVICES |
|  |  | PO BOX 2600 |
|  |  | VALLEY FORGE PA 19482-2600 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 10.91% | JOHN HANCOCK TRUST COMPANY LLC |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R5) |  | 200 BERKELEY ST STE 7 |
|  |  | BOSTON MA 02116-5038 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 6.83% | PRINCIPAL TRUST COMPANY |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R5) |  | FBO NQ DB OF AAA ARIZONA |
|  |  | ATTN SUSAN SAGGIONE |
|  |  | 1013 CENTRE RD |
|  |  | WILMINGTON DE 19805-1265 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 21.52% | WELLS FARGO BANK NA FBO |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R6) |  | OMNIBUS CASH |
|  |  | XXXX0 |
|  |  | PO BOX 1533 |
|  |  | MINNEAPOLIS MN 55480-1533 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 13.78% | MLPF&S FOR THE SOLE |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R6) |  | BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS |
|  |  | ATTN FUND ADMINISTRATION |
|  |  | 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 |
|  |  | JACKSONVILLE FL 32246-6484 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 12.66% | SAM BALANCED PORTFOLIO PIF |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R6) |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING - H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 9.49% | SAM FLEXIBLE INCOME PORTFOLIO PIF |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R6) |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |
| SPECTRUM PREFERRED AND | 7.00% | SAM CONS BALANCED PORTFOLIO PIF |
| CAPITAL SECURITIES INCOME (R6) |  | ATTN MUTUAL FUND ACCOUNTING-H221 |
|  |  | 711 HIGH ST |
|  |  | DES MOINES IA 50392-0001 |

---

**Management Ownership**

As of May 30, 2025, the Board Members and officers of the Funds, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of any class of any of the Funds.

------

**PORTFOLIO MANAGER DISCLOSURE**

(as provided by the Investment Advisors)

This section contains information about portfolio managers and the other accounts they manage, their compensation, and their ownership of securities. The "Ownership of Securities" tables reflect the portfolio managers' beneficial ownership, which means a direct or indirect pecuniary interest. For some portfolio managers, this includes beneficial ownership of Fund shares through participation in an employee benefit program that invests in Principal Funds, Inc. For information about potential material conflicts of interest, see Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices - Allocation of Trades.

This section lists information about PGI's portfolio managers first. Next, the section includes information about the sub-advisors' portfolio managers alphabetically by sub-advisor.

Information in this section is as of August 31, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

**Advisor: Principal Global Investors, LLC (Principal Asset Allocation Portfolio Managers)**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** |
| | **Total Number<br>of Accounts** | **Total Assets<br>in the Accounts** | **Number of <br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** | **Total Assets of the<br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** |
| **Jessica S. Bush:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Jessica S. Bush:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Jessica S. Bush:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Jessica S. Bush:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Jessica S. Bush:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 2 | $5.5 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $3.3 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| **Jessica Jin**<sup>(1)</sup>: Global Macro Fund | **Jessica Jin**<sup>(1)</sup>: Global Macro Fund | **Jessica Jin**<sup>(1)</sup>: Global Macro Fund | **Jessica Jin**<sup>(1)</sup>: Global Macro Fund | **Jessica Jin**<sup>(1)</sup>: Global Macro Fund |
| Registered investment companies |  |  |  |  |
| Other pooled investment vehicles |  |  |  |  |
| Other accounts |  |  |  |  |
| **Benjamin E. Rotenberg:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Benjamin E. Rotenberg:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Benjamin E. Rotenberg:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Benjamin E. Rotenberg:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **Benjamin E. Rotenberg:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 2 | $5.5 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $3.3 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| **Yesim Tokat-Acikel**<sup>(1)</sup>**:** Global Macro Fund |  |  |  |  |
| Registered investment companies |  |  |  |  |
| Other pooled investment vehicles |  |  |  |  |
| Other accounts |  |  |  |  |
| **May Tong:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **May Tong:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **May Tong:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **May Tong:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds | **May Tong:** Diversified Real Asset and Global Multi-Strategy Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 2 | $5.5 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $3.3 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Information as of May 30, 2025.

------

**Compensation**

PGI offers the Funds' investment team a competitive compensation structure that is evaluated annually relative to other global asset management firms to ensure its continued competitiveness and alignment with industry best practices. The objective of the structure is to offer market competitive compensation that aligns individual and team contributions with firm and client performance objectives in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and business results.

Compensation for each Fund's investment team is comprised of base salary and variable incentive components. As team members advance in their careers, the variable component increases in its proportion commensurate with responsibility levels. The variable component is designed to reinforce delivery of investment performance, firm performance, team collaboration, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, client retention, and client satisfaction. Investment performance is measured on a pre-tax basis against relative client benchmarks and peer groups over one-year, three-year, and five-year periods, calculated quarterly, reinforcing a longer-term orientation.

Payments under the variable incentive plan may be in the form of cash or a combination of cash and deferred compensation. The amount of variable compensation delivered in the form of deferred compensation depends on the size of an individual's incentive award as it relates to a tiered deferral schedule. Deferred compensation is required to be invested into Principal Financial Group ("PFG") restricted stock units and funds managed by the team via a co-investment program. Both payment vehicles are subject to a three-year vesting schedule. The overall measurement framework and the deferred component are well aligned with our desired focus on clients' objectives (e.g., co-investment), alignment with PFG stakeholders, and talent retention.

In addition to deferred compensation obtained through their compensation programming, team members have investments acquired through their participation in PFG's employee stock purchase plan, retirement plans, and direct personal investments. It should be noted that PFG's retirement plans and deferred compensation plans generally utilize its non-registered group separate accounts or commingled vehicles rather than the traditional mutual funds. However, in each instance these vehicles are managed in lockstep alignment with the mutual funds (i.e., "clones").

**Ownership of Securities**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **PFI Funds Managed by Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Securities Owned by the Portfolio Manager** |
| Jessica S. Bush | Diversified Real Asset | $100001 - $500000 |
| Jessica S. Bush | Global Multi-Strategy | $50001 - $100000 |
| Jessica Jin<sup>(1)</sup> | Global Macro |  |
| Benjamin E. Rotenberg | Diversified Real Asset | $100001 - $500000 |
| Benjamin E. Rotenberg | Global Multi-Strategy | $100001 - $500000 |
| Yesim Tokat-Acikel<sup>(1)</sup> | Global Macro |  |
| May Tong | Diversified Real Asset | $50001 - $100000 |
| May Tong | Global Multi-Strategy | $100001 - $500000 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Information as of May 30, 2025.

------

**Advisor: Principal Global Investors, LLC (Principal Edge Portfolio Managers)**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** |
| | **Total Number<br>of Accounts** | **Total Assets<br>in the Accounts** | **Number of <br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** | **Total Assets of the<br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** |
| **Lauren Choi:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Lauren Choi:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Lauren Choi:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Lauren Choi:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Lauren Choi:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $56.3 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 34 | $3.5 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Daniel R. Coleman:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Daniel R. Coleman:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Daniel R. Coleman:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Daniel R. Coleman:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds | **Daniel R. Coleman:** Edge MidCap and Small-MidCap Dividend Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 4 | $15.0 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $357.4 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 45 | $4.6 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Theodore Jayne:** Edge MidCap Fund | **Theodore Jayne:** Edge MidCap Fund | **Theodore Jayne:** Edge MidCap Fund | **Theodore Jayne:** Edge MidCap Fund | **Theodore Jayne:** Edge MidCap Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 2 | $4.9 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 9 | $928.6 million | 0 | $0 |
| **Sarah E. Radecki:** Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund | **Sarah E. Radecki:** Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund | **Sarah E. Radecki:** Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund | **Sarah E. Radecki:** Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund | **Sarah E. Radecki:** Small-MidCap Dividend Income Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 2 | $10.1 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $357.4 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 35 | $3.6 billion | 0 | $0 |

---

**Compensation**

PGI offers the Funds' investment team a competitive compensation structure that is evaluated annually relative to other global asset management firms to ensure its continued competitiveness and alignment with industry best practices. The objective of the structure is to offer market competitive compensation that aligns individual and team contributions with firm and client performance objectives in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and business results.

Compensation for each Fund's investment team is comprised of base salary and variable incentive components. As team members advance in their careers, the variable component increases in its proportion commensurate with responsibility levels. The variable component is designed to reinforce delivery of investment performance, firm performance, team collaboration, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, client retention, and client satisfaction. Investment performance is measured on a pre-tax basis against relative client benchmarks and peer groups over one-year, three-year, and five-year periods, calculated quarterly, reinforcing a longer-term orientation.

Payments under the variable incentive plan may be in the form of cash or a combination of cash and deferred compensation. The amount of variable compensation delivered in the form of deferred compensation depends on the size of an individual's incentive award as it relates to a tiered deferral schedule. Deferred compensation is required to be invested into Principal Financial Group ("PFG") restricted stock units and funds managed by the team via a co-investment program. Both payment vehicles are subject to a three-year vesting schedule. The overall measurement framework and the deferred component are well aligned with our desired focus on clients' objectives (e.g., co-investment), alignment with PFG stakeholders, and talent retention.

In addition to deferred compensation obtained through their compensation programming, team members have investments acquired through their participation in PFG's employee stock purchase plan, retirement plans, and direct personal investments. It should be noted that PFG's retirement plans and deferred compensation plans generally utilize its non-registered group separate accounts or commingled vehicles rather than the traditional mutual funds. However, in each instance these vehicles are managed in lockstep alignment with the mutual funds (i.e., "clones").

------

**Ownership of Securities**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **PFI Funds Managed by Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Securities Owned by the Portfolio Manager** |
| Lauren Choi  | Edge MidCap | $100001 - $500000 |
| Lauren Choi | Small-MidCap Dividend Income | $100001 - $500000 |
| Daniel R. Coleman | Edge MidCap | Over $1,000,000 |
| Daniel R. Coleman | Small-MidCap Dividend Income | Over $1,000,000 |
| Theodore Jayne | Edge MidCap | $100001 - $500000 |
| Sarah E. Radecki | Small-MidCap Dividend Income | Over $1,000,000 |

---

------

**Advisor: Principal Global Investors, LLC (Principal Equities Portfolio Managers)**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** |
| | **Total Number<br>of Accounts** | **Total Assets<br>in the Accounts** | **Number of <br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** | **Total Assets of the<br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** |
| **Tiffany N. Lavastida:** International Small Company Fund | **Tiffany N. Lavastida:** International Small Company Fund | **Tiffany N. Lavastida:** International Small Company Fund | **Tiffany N. Lavastida:** International Small Company Fund | **Tiffany N. Lavastida:** International Small Company Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 1 | $42.8 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 2 | $1.6 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 14 | $1.3 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **K. William Nolin:** Blue Chip Fund  | **K. William Nolin:** Blue Chip Fund  | **K. William Nolin:** Blue Chip Fund  | **K. William Nolin:** Blue Chip Fund  | **K. William Nolin:** Blue Chip Fund  |
| Registered Investment Companies | 5 | $29.3 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 4 | $3.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 81 | $16.9 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Tyler O'Donnell:** International Equity Index Fund | **Tyler O'Donnell:** International Equity Index Fund | **Tyler O'Donnell:** International Equity Index Fund | **Tyler O'Donnell:** International Equity Index Fund | **Tyler O'Donnell:** International Equity Index Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 19 | $38.6 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 3 | $52.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 4 | $2.9 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Brian W. Pattinson:** International Small Company Fund | **Brian W. Pattinson:** International Small Company Fund | **Brian W. Pattinson:** International Small Company Fund | **Brian W. Pattinson:** International Small Company Fund | **Brian W. Pattinson:** International Small Company Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 3 | $2.2 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 3 | $2.2 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 39 | $4.4 billion | 2 | $532.8 million |
| **Tom Rozycki:** Blue Chip Fund | **Tom Rozycki:** Blue Chip Fund | **Tom Rozycki:** Blue Chip Fund | **Tom Rozycki:** Blue Chip Fund | **Tom Rozycki:** Blue Chip Fund |
| Registered Investment Companies | 5 | $29.3 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 4 | $3.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 81 | $16.9 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Aaron J. Siebel:** International Equity Index Fund | **Aaron J. Siebel:** International Equity Index Fund | **Aaron J. Siebel:** International Equity Index Fund | **Aaron J. Siebel:** International Equity Index Fund | **Aaron J. Siebel:** International Equity Index Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 23 | $41.9 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 3 | $52.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 5 | $3.9 billion | 0 | $0 |

---

**Compensation**

PGI offers the Funds' investment team a competitive compensation structure that is evaluated annually relative to other global asset management firms to ensure its continued competitiveness and alignment with industry best practices. The objective of the structure is to offer market competitive compensation that aligns individual and team contributions with firm and client performance objectives in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and business results.

Compensation for each Fund's investment team is comprised of base salary and variable incentive components. As team members advance in their careers, the variable component increases in its proportion commensurate with responsibility levels. The variable component is designed to reinforce delivery of investment performance, firm performance, team collaboration, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, client retention, and client satisfaction. Investment performance is measured on a pre-tax basis against relative client benchmarks and peer groups over one-year, three-year, and five-year periods, calculated quarterly, reinforcing a longer-term orientation.

Payments under the variable incentive plan may be in the form of cash or a combination of cash and deferred compensation. The amount of variable compensation delivered in the form of deferred compensation depends on the size of an individual's incentive award as it relates to a tiered deferral schedule. Deferred compensation is required to be invested into Principal Financial Group ("PFG") restricted stock units and funds managed by the team via a co-investment program. Both payment vehicles are subject to a three-year vesting schedule. The overall measurement framework and the deferred component are well aligned with our desired focus on clients' objectives (e.g., co-investment), alignment with PFG stakeholders, and talent retention.

------

In addition to deferred compensation obtained through their compensation programming, team members have investments acquired through their participation in PFG's employee stock purchase plan, retirement plans, and direct personal investments. It should be noted that PFG's retirement plans and deferred compensation plans generally utilize its non-registered group separate accounts or commingled vehicles rather than the traditional mutual funds. However, in each instance these vehicles are managed in lockstep alignment with the mutual funds (i.e., "clones").

**Ownership of Securities**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **PFI Funds Managed by Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Securities Owned by the Portfolio Manager** |
| Tiffany N. Lavastida | International Small Company | $100001 - $500000 |
| K. William Nolin | Blue Chip | Over $1,000,000 |
| Tyler O'Donnell | International Equity Index | $1 - $10000 |
| Brian W. Pattinson | International Small Company | Over $1,000,000 |
| Tom Rozycki | Blue Chip | Over $1,000,000 |
| Aaron J. Siebel | International Equity Index | $1 - $10000 |

---

------

**Advisor: Principal Global Investors, LLC (Principal Fixed Income Portfolio Managers)**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** |
| | **Total Number<br>of Accounts** | **Total Assets<br>in the Accounts** | **Number of <br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** | **Total Assets of the<br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** |
| **Jeff Callahan:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Jeff Callahan:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Jeff Callahan:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Jeff Callahan:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Jeff Callahan:** Bond Market Index Fund |
| Registered Investment Companies | 1 | $2.3 billion  | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 3 | $12.7 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| **James Noble:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Noble:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Noble:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Noble:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Noble:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund |
| Registered Investment Companies | 3 | $1.2 billion  | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 3 | $30.6 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 12 | $653.2 million | 0 | $0 |
| **Darryl Trunnel:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Darryl Trunnel:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Darryl Trunnel:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Darryl Trunnel:** Bond Market Index Fund | **Darryl Trunnel:** Bond Market Index Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 4 | $2.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 13 | $15.9 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 11 | $1.2 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **James Welch:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Welch:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Welch:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Welch:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund | **James Welch:** Opportunistic Municipal Fund |
| Registered Investment Companies | 3 | $1.2 billion  | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 3 | $30.6 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 12 | $653.2 million | 0 | $0 |

---

**Compensation**

PGI offers the Funds' investment team a competitive compensation structure that is evaluated annually relative to other global asset management firms to ensure its continued competitiveness and alignment with industry best practices. The objective of the structure is to offer market competitive compensation that aligns individual and team contributions with firm and client performance objectives in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and business results.

Compensation for each Fund's investment team is comprised of base salary and variable incentive components. As team members advance in their careers, the variable component increases in its proportion commensurate with responsibility levels. The variable component is designed to reinforce delivery of investment performance, firm performance, team collaboration, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, client retention, and client satisfaction. Investment performance is measured on a pre-tax basis against relative client benchmarks and peer groups over one-year, three-year, and five-year periods, calculated quarterly, reinforcing a longer-term orientation.

Payments under the variable incentive plan may be in the form of cash or a combination of cash and deferred compensation. The amount of variable compensation delivered in the form of deferred compensation depends on the size of an individual's incentive award as it relates to a tiered deferral schedule. Deferred compensation is required to be invested into Principal Financial Group ("PFG") restricted stock units and funds managed by the team via a co-investment program. Both payment vehicles are subject to a three-year vesting schedule. The overall measurement framework and the deferred component are well aligned with our desired focus on clients' objectives (e.g., co-investment), alignment with PFG stakeholders, and talent retention.

In addition to deferred compensation obtained through their compensation programming, team members have investments acquired through their participation in PFG's employee stock purchase plan, retirement plans, and direct personal investments. It should be noted that PFG's retirement plans and deferred compensation plans generally utilize its non-registered group separate accounts or commingled vehicles rather than the traditional mutual funds. However, in each instance these vehicles are managed in lockstep alignment with the mutual funds (i.e., "clones").

------

**Ownership of Securities**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **PFI Funds Managed by Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Securities Owned by the Portfolio Manager** |
| Jeff Callahan | Bond Market Index  | $1 - $10000 |
| James Noble | Opportunistic Municipal | $100001 - $500000 |
| Darryl Trunnel | Bond Market Index | $1 - $10000 |
| James Welch | Opportunistic Municipal | $100001 - $500000 |

---

------

**Sub-Advisor: Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** |
| | **Total Number<br>of Accounts** | **Total Assets<br>in the Accounts** | **Number of <br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** | **Total Assets of the<br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** |
| **Emily Foshag:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund  | **Emily Foshag:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund  | **Emily Foshag:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund  | **Emily Foshag:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund  | **Emily Foshag:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund  |
| Registered investment companies | 1 | $13.7 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $52.9 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 0 | $0 | 0 | $0 |
| **Alex Mottershead:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund | **Alex Mottershead:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund | **Alex Mottershead:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund | **Alex Mottershead:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund | **Alex Mottershead:** Global Listed Infrastructure Fund |
| Registered investment companies | 1 | $13.7 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 1 | $52.9 million | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 0 | 0 | 0 | $0 |

---

**Compensation**

Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC offers the Funds' investment team a competitive compensation structure that is evaluated annually relative to other global asset management firms to ensure its continued competitiveness and alignment with industry best practices. The objective of the structure is to offer market competitive compensation that aligns individual and team contributions with firm and client performance objectives in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and business results.

Compensation for each Fund's investment team is comprised of base salary and variable incentive components. As team members advance in their careers, the variable component increases in its proportion commensurate with responsibility levels. The variable component is designed to reinforce delivery of investment performance, firm performance, team collaboration, regulatory compliance, operational excellence, client retention, and client satisfaction. Investment performance is measured on a pre-tax basis against relative client benchmarks and peer groups over one-year, three-year, and five-year periods, calculated quarterly, reinforcing a longer-term orientation.

Payments under the variable incentive plan may be in the form of cash or a combination of cash and deferred compensation. The amount of variable compensation delivered in the form of deferred compensation depends on the size of an individual's incentive award as it relates to a tiered deferral schedule. Deferred compensation is required to be invested into Principal Financial Group ("PFG") restricted stock units and funds managed by the team via a co-investment program. Both payment vehicles are subject to a three-year vesting schedule. The overall measurement framework and the deferred component are well aligned with our desired focus on clients' objectives (e.g., co-investment), alignment with PFG stakeholders, and talent retention.

In addition to deferred compensation obtained through their compensation programming, team members have investments acquired through their participation in PFG's employee stock purchase plan, retirement plans, and direct personal investments. It should be noted that PFG's retirement plans and deferred compensation plans generally utilize its non-registered group separate accounts or commingled vehicles rather than the traditional mutual funds. However, in each instance these vehicles are managed in lockstep alignment with the mutual funds (i.e., "clones").

**Ownership of Securities**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **PFI Funds Managed by Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Securities Owned by the Portfolio Manager** |
| Emily Foshag  | Global Listed Infrastructure | $500001 - $1000000 |
| Alex Mottershead | Global Listed Infrastructure | $50001 - $100000 |

---

------

**Sub-Advisor: Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** | **Other Accounts Managed** |
| | **Total Number<br>of Accounts** | **Total Assets<br>in the Accounts** | **Number of <br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** | **Total Assets of the<br>Accounts that base the Advisory Fee on Performance** |
| **Fernando ("Fred") Diaz:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Fernando ("Fred") Diaz:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Fernando ("Fred") Diaz:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Fernando ("Fred") Diaz:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Fernando ("Fred") Diaz:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 6 | $1.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 9 | $4.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 75 | $7.7 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Roberto Giangregorio:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Roberto Giangregorio:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Roberto Giangregorio:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Roberto Giangregorio:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Roberto Giangregorio:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 6 | $1.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 9 | $4.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 75 | $7.7 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **L. Phillip Jacoby, IV:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **L. Phillip Jacoby, IV:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **L. Phillip Jacoby, IV:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **L. Phillip Jacoby, IV:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **L. Phillip Jacoby, IV:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 6 | $1.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 9 | $4.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 75 | $7.7 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Manu Krishnan:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Manu Krishnan:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Manu Krishnan:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Manu Krishnan:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Manu Krishnan:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 6 | $1.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 9 | $4.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 75 | $7.7 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Mark A. Lieb:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Mark A. Lieb:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Mark A. Lieb:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Mark A. Lieb:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Mark A. Lieb:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 6 | $1.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 9 | $4.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 75 | $7.7 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Kevin Nugent:** Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund  | **Kevin Nugent:** Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund  | **Kevin Nugent:** Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund  | **Kevin Nugent:** Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund  | **Kevin Nugent:** Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Fund  |
| Registered investment companies | 6 | $1.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 9 | $4.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 75 | $7.7 billion | 0 | $0 |
| **Satomi Yarnell:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Satomi Yarnell:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Satomi Yarnell:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Satomi Yarnell:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds | **Satomi Yarnell:** Capital Securities and Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income Funds |
| Registered investment companies | 6 | $1.4 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other pooled investment vehicles | 9 | $4.8 billion | 0 | $0 |
| Other accounts | 75 | $7.7 billion | 0 | $0 |

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**Compensation**

Spectrum Asset Management offers investment professionals a competitive compensation structure that is evaluated relative to other asset management firms to ensure the firm's continued competitiveness and alignment with industry best practices. The objective of the structure is to align individual and team contributions with client performance objectives in a manner that is consistent with industry standards and business results.

Compensation for investment professionals at all levels is comprised of base salary and variable incentive components. As team members advance in their careers, the variable component increases in its proportion commensurate with responsibility levels. The incentive component is aligned with the performance and goals of the firm. Salaries are established based on a benchmark of salary levels of relevant asset management firms, taking into account each portfolio manager's position and responsibilities, experience, contribution to client servicing, compliance with firm policies and procedures and regulatory requirements, work ethic, seniority and length of service, and contribution to the overall functioning of the organization. Spectrum attempts to award all compensation in a manner that promotes sound risk management principles. Base salaries are fixed, but are subject to periodic adjustments, usually on an annual basis.

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The variable incentive is in the form of a discretionary bonus and may represent a significant proportion of an individual's total annual compensation. Discretionary bonuses are determined quarterly and are based on a methodology used by senior management that takes into consideration several factors, including but not necessarily limited to those listed below:

• Changes in overall firm assets under management. (Portfolio managers are not directly incentivized to increase assets ("AUM"), although they are indirectly compensated as a result of an increase in AUM.)

• Portfolio performance (on a pre-tax basis) relative to benchmarks measured annually.

• Contribution to client servicing.

• Compliance with firm policies and procedures and regulatory requirements.

• Work ethic.

• Seniority and length of service.

• Contribution to overall functioning of organization.

**Ownership of Securities**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Portfolio Manager** | **PFI Funds Managed by Portfolio Manager** | **Dollar Range of Securities Owned by the Portfolio Manager** |
| Fernando ("Fred") Diaz | Capital Securities |  |
| Fernando ("Fred") Diaz | Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income |  |
| Roberto Giangregorio | Capital Securities |  |
| Roberto Giangregorio | Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | $50001 - $100000 |
| L. Phillip Jacoby, IV | Capital Securities |  |
| L. Phillip Jacoby, IV | Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | $500001 - $1000000 |
| Manu Krishnan | Capital Securities |  |
| Manu Krishnan | Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | $500001 - $1000000 |
| Mark A. Lieb | Capital Securities |  |
| Mark A. Lieb | Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | Over $1,000,000 |
| Kevin Nugent | Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income |  |
| Satomi Yarnell | Capital Securities |  |
| Satomi Yarnell | Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income |  |

---

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**APPENDIX A – DESCRIPTION OF BOND RATINGS**

<u>Moody's Investors Service, Inc. Rating Definitions:</u>

Long-Term Obligation Ratings

Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term obligation rating scales are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risk of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default or impairment.<sup>1</sup>

<sup>1</sup> *For certain structured finance, preferred stock and hybrid securities in which payment default events are either not defined or do not match investor's expectations for timely payment, the ratings reflect the likelihood of impairment and the expected financial loss in the event of impairment.*

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Aaa: | Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit risk. |
| Aa: | Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. |
| A: | Obligations rated A are considered upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk. |
| Baa: | Obligations rated Baa are subject to moderate credit risk. They are considered medium-grade and as such may possess certain speculative characteristics. |
| Ba: | Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk. |
| B: | Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to high credit risk. |
| Caa: | Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk. |
| Ca: | Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest. |
| C: | Obligations rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest. |

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **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. Additionally, a "(hyb)" indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, issuers, financial companies, and securities firms.\* |

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**\***By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.

SHORT-TERM NOTES: Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default or impairment on contractual financial obligations and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default. Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:

Issuers rated Prime-1 (or related supporting institutions) have a superior ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

Issuers rated Prime-2 (or related supporting institutions) have a strong ability to repay short-term debt obligations.

Issuers rated Prime-3 (or related supporting institutions) have an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.

Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.

US MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM DEBT: The Municipal Investment Grade (MIG) scale is used to rate US municipal bonds of up to three years maturity. MIG ratings are divided into three levels - MIG 1 through MIG 3 - while speculative grade short-term obligations are designated SG.

MIG 1 denotes superior credit quality, afforded excellent protection from established cash flows, highly reliable liquidity support, or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing.

MIG 2 denotes strong credit quality with ample margins of protection, although not as large as in the preceding group.

MIG 3 notes are of acceptable credit quality. Liquidity and cash-flow protection may be narrow and market access for refinancing is likely to be less well-established.

SG denotes speculative-grade credit quality and may lack sufficient margins of protection.

A - 1

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<u>Description of S&P Global Ratings' Credit Rating Definitions:</u>

S&P Global's credit rating, both long-term and short-term, is a forward-looking opinion of the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This assessment takes into consideration the creditworthiness of guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation.

The credit rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security, inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor.

The ratings are statements of opinion as of the date they are expressed furnished by the issuer or obtained by S&P Global Ratings from other sources S&P Global Ratings considers reliable. S&P Global Ratings does not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability of, such information, or for other circumstances.

The ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations:

• Likelihood of payment - capacity and willingness of the obligor to meet its financial commitment on an obligation in accordance with the terms of the obligation;

• Nature of and provisions of the financial obligation;

• Protection afforded by, and relative position of, the financial obligation in the event of bankruptcy, reorganization, or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and other laws affecting creditor's rights.

LONG-TERM CREDIT RATINGS:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| AAA: | Obligations rated 'AAA' have the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is extremely strong. |
| AA: | Obligations rated 'AA' differ from the highest-rated issues only in small degree. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is very strong. |
| A: | Obligations rated 'A' have a strong capacity to meet financial commitment on the obligation although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. |
| BBB: | Obligations rated 'BBB' exhibit adequate protection parameters; however, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to meet financial commitment on the obligation. |
| BB, B, CCC,<br>CC and C: | Obligations rated 'BB', 'B', 'CCC', 'CC', and 'C' are regarded, on balance, as having significant speculative characteristics. 'BB' indicates the lowest degree of speculation and 'C' the highest degree of speculation. While such obligations will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.  |
| BB: | Obligations rated 'BB' are 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: | Obligations rated 'B' are more vulnerable to nonpayment than '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 this capacity. |
| CCC: | Obligations rated 'CCC' are 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. If adverse business, financial, or economic conditions occur, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
| CC: | Obligations rated 'CC' are currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The 'CC' rating is used when a default has not yet occurred but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of anticipated time to default. |
| C: | The rating 'C' is highly vulnerable to nonpayment, the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared to higher rated obligations.  |
| D: | Obligations rated 'D' are in default, or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The rating will also be used upon filing for bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default is a virtual certainty. If an obligation is subject to a distressed exchange offer the rating is lowered to 'D'. |

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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: Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient information on which to base a rating or that S&P Global Ratings does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.

A - 2

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SHORT-TERM CREDIT RATINGS: Ratings are graded into four categories, ranging from 'A-1' for the highest quality obligations to 'D' for the lowest.

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| A-1: | This is the highest category. 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: | Issues carrying this designation are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of the 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: | Issues carrying this designation exhibit adequate capacity to meet their financial obligations. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the obligor to meet it financial commitment on the obligation. |
| B: | Issues rated 'B' are regarded as vulnerable and have significant speculative characteristics. The obligor has capacity to meet financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial obligations. |
| C: | This rating is assigned to short-term debt obligations that are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet its financial commitment on the obligation. |
| D: | This rating indicates that the issue is either in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the 'D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The rating will also be used upon filing for bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default is a virtual certainty. If an obligation is subject to a distressed debt restructuring the rating is lowered to 'D'. |

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MUNICIPAL SHORT-TERM NOTE RATINGS: S&P Global Ratings rates U.S. municipal notes with a maturity of less than three years as follows:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| SP-1: | A strong capacity to pay principal and interest. Issues that possess a very strong capacity to pay debt service is given a "+" designation. |
| SP-2: | A satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest, with some vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the terms of the notes. |
| SP-3: | A speculative capacity to pay principal and interest. |
| D: | Assigned upon failure to pay the note when due, completion of a distressed debt restructuring, or the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty.  |

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A - 3

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**APPENDIX B – PRICE MAKE UP SHEET**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Class A** | | |
| **Maximum Offering Price Calculation** | | |
|  | NAV | Maximum Offering Price |
|  | (1-Sales Charge Percentage) | Maximum Offering Price |
| **Fund** |  |  |
| Blue Chip | $44.17 | $46.74 |
|  | (1-.0550) | $46.74 |
| Diversified Real Asset | $11.62 | $12.07 |
|  | (1-.0375) | $12.07 |
| Edge MidCap | $13.15 | $13.92 |
|  | (1-.0550) | $13.92 |
| Global Multi-Strategy | $10.92 | $11.35 |
|  | (1-.0375) | $11.35 |
| Opportunistic Municipal | $9.82 | $10.20 |
|  | (1-.0375) | $10.20 |
| Small-MidCap Dividend Income | $19.19 | $20.31 |
|  | (1-.0550) | $20.31 |
| Spectrum Preferred and Capital Securities Income | $9.31 | $9.67 |
|  | (1-.0375) | $9.67 |

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B - 1

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**APPENDIX C – PROXY VOTING POLICIES**

The proxy voting policies applicable to each Fund appear in the following order:

The proxy voting policy for the Principal Funds is first, followed by PGI's proxy voting policy, and followed by the proxy voting policies for the sub-advisors, alphabetically.

C - 1

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures For**

**Principal Funds, Inc. ("PFI")**

**Principal Variable Contracts Funds, Inc.("PVC")**

**Principal Exchange-Traded Funds ("PETF")**

(each a "Fund" and together "the Principal Funds")

The Board has delegated responsibility for decisions regarding proxy voting for securities held by each Fund to Principal Global Investors ("PGI") or to the Fund's sub-advisor, as appropriate. PGI and each sub-advisor will vote such proxies in accordance with its proxy policies and procedures, which have been reviewed by the Fund's Board. Any material changes to the proxy policies and procedures will be submitted to the Board for approval.

Funds that operate as funds of funds invest in shares of other Funds of PFI and PETF. PGI is authorized to vote proxies related to the underlying funds. If an underlying fund holds a shareholder meeting, in order to avoid any potential conflict of interest, PGI will vote shares of such fund on any proposal submitted to the fund's shareholders in the same proportion as the votes of other shareholders of the underlying fund.

For Funds that participate in a securities lending program, the voting rights for securities that are loaned are transferred to the borrower. Therefore, the lender (i.e., a Fund) is not entitled to vote the loaned securities, unless it recalls those securities. Those managing the Fund's investments may recall securities for voting purposes when they reasonably believe the ability to vote such securities outweighs the additional revenue received if such securities were not recalled.

The Funds have a policy prohibiting investment in PFG securities except for those Funds that track an index and are permitted to do so under SEC no-action relief. If any such securities are owned in any of the Funds' portfolios, the Investment Adviser will vote according to third-party guidelines. PGI has a policy to not buy securities of affiliated entities in the portfolios they manage.

Further, for PVC, Principal Life votes each Fund's shares allocated to each of its registered separate accounts and attributable to variable annuity contracts or variable life insurance policies participating in the separate accounts. The shares are voted in accordance with instructions received from contract holders, policy owners, participants, and annuitants. Other shares of each Fund held by each separate account, including shares for which no timely voting instructions are received, are voted in proportion to the instructions that are received with respect to contracts or policies participating in that separate account. Principal Life will vote the shares based upon the instructions received from contract owners, regardless of the number of contract owners who provide such instructions. A potential effect of this proportional voting is that a small number of contract owners may determine the outcome of a shareholder vote if only a small number of contract owners provide voting instructions. Shares of each of the Funds held in the general account of Principal Life or in the unregistered separate accounts are voted in proportion to the instructions that are received with respect to contracts and policies participating in its registered and unregistered separate accounts. If Principal Life determines, under applicable law, that a Fund's shares held in one or more separate accounts or in its general account need not be voted according to the instructions that are received, it may vote those Fund shares in its own right. Shares held by retirement plans are voted in accordance with the governing documents of the plans.

Each quarter, the adviser or sub-adviser must provide to the Principal Funds:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Written affirmation that all proxies voted during the preceding calendar quarter, other than those specifically identified by the adviser or sub-adviser, were voted in a manner consistent with the adviser's or sub-adviser's voting policies and procedures. In order to monitor the potential effect of conflicts of interest of an adviser or sub-adviser, the adviser or sub-adviser will identify any proxies the adviser or sub-adviser voted in a manner inconsistent with its policies and procedures. The adviser or sub-adviser shall list each vote, explain why the adviser or sub-adviser voted in a manner contrary to its policies and procedures, state whether the adviser or sub-adviser's vote was consistent with the recommendation to the adviser or sub-adviser of a third-party and, if so, identify the third-party; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Written notification of any material changes to the adviser's or sub-adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures made during the preceding calendar quarter.

Annually, the adviser or sub-adviser must provide to the Principal Funds, no later than July 31, their proxy voting data for each vote cast during the 12-month period ended June 30 for each Fund portfolio or portion of Fund portfolio for which it serves as investment adviser, in a format acceptable to Fund management.

For Public Distribution in the U.S. For Institutional, Professional, Qualified and/or Wholesale Investor Use Only in Other Permitted Jurisdictions as defined by local laws and regulations

**Principal Global Investors, LLC** 

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

APRIL 2025

**Introduction**

Principal Global Investors, LLC (doing business as Principal Asset Management) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act"). As a registered investment adviser, Principal Asset Management has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of its clients. Principal Asset Management recognizes that this duty requires it to vote client securities, for which it has voting power on the applicable record date, in a timely manner and make voting decisions that are in the best interests of its clients. This document, the Principal Asset Management Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the "Policy"), is intended to comply with the requirements of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 applicable to the voting of the proxies of both US and non- US issuers on behalf of clients of Principal Asset Management who have delegated such authority and discretion.

**Relationship between investment strategy, sustainable investing, and proxy voting**

Principal Asset Management has a fiduciary duty to make investment decisions that are in its clients' best interests to maximize the value of their shares. Proxy voting is an important part of the process through which Principal Asset Management can support strong corporate governance structures, shareholder rights and transparency. Principal Asset Management also believes a company's positive environmental and social practices may reduce risk and, in turn, influence the value of a company. Principal Asset Management may take these factors into consideration, alongside other non-sustainability factors, when voting proxies in its effort to seek the best economic outcome for its clients. Shareholder proposals often address matters that are in direct conflict with the opinions of company management. As a result, we believe additional scrutiny is required and, therefore, all shareholder proposals are escalated to the investment teams for a final voting decision.

**Roles and responsibilities**

**Role of the Proxy Voting Committee**

Principal Asset Management Proxy Voting Committee (the "Proxy Voting Committee") shall (i) oversee the voting of proxies and the Proxy Advisory Firm, (ii) where necessary, make determinations as to how to instruct the vote on certain specific proxies, (iii) verify ongoing compliance with the Policy, (iv) review the business practices of the Proxy Advisory Firm and (v) evaluate, maintain, and review the Policy on an annual basis. The Proxy Voting Committee is comprised of representatives of each investment team. Representatives from Principal Asset Management Risk, Legal, Operations, and Compliance will be available to advise the Proxy Voting Committee as non-voting members. The Proxy Voting Committee may designate one or more of its members to oversee specific, ongoing compliance with respect to the Policy and may designate personnel to instruct the vote on proxies on behalf the Principal Asset Management clients.

The Proxy Voting Committee shall meet at least four times per year, and as necessary to address special situations.

Principal Asset Management is a DBA (doing business as) name of Principal Global Investors, LLC ("PGI"). For purposes of this Charter, "Principal Asset Management" refers specifically to PGI and Principal Real Estate Investors, LLC.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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For Public Distribution in the U.S. For Institutional, Professional, Qualified and/or Wholesale Investor Use Only in Other Permitted Jurisdictions as defined by local laws and regulations

**Role of portfolio management**

While the Proxy Voting Committee establishes the Guidelines and Procedures, the Proxy Voting Committee does not direct votes for any client except in certain cases where a conflict of interest exists. Each investment team is responsible for determining how to vote proxies for those securities held in the portfolios their team manages. All investment team members also have an obligation to raise all potential conflicts of interest while executing their proxy voting responsibilities (refer to the Conflicts of Interest for specifics). While investment teams generally vote consistently with the Guidelines, there may be instances where their vote deviates from the Guidelines. In those circumstances, the investment team will work within the Exception Process. In some instances, the same security may be held by more than one investment team. In these cases, Principal Asset Management may vote differently on the same matter for different accounts as determined by each investment team.

**Proxy voting guidelines**

The Proxy Voting Committee and Chief Investment Officer, on an annual basis, or more frequently as needed, will establish a working group to review draft proxy voting guidelines recommended to the Committee ("Draft Guidelines"). The Guidelines working group will collect feedback and propose Draft Guidelines for adoption by the Committee. Each investment team maintains autonomy to select the most correlated Guidelines for their strategies. Collectively, these guidelines will constitute the current Proxy Voting Guidelines of Principal Asset Management and may change from time to time (the "Guidelines"). The Proxy Voting Committee has the obligation to determine that, in general, voting proxies pursuant to the Guidelines is in the best interests of clients. Exhibit A (Proxy Voting Philosophy Summary) provides an overview of our current philosophy underlying our three core Guidelines; Base, Sustainable and Board Aligned. Full overviews of each of these custom Guidelines are maintained and available.

There may be instances where proxy votes will not be in accordance with the Guidelines. Clients may instruct Principal Asset Management to utilize a different set of guidelines, request specific deviations, or directly assume responsibility for the voting of proxies. In addition, Principal Asset Management may deviate from the Guidelines on an exception basis if the investment team or Principal Asset Management has determined that it is in the best interest of clients in a particular strategy to do so. Any such a deviation will comply with the Exception Process which shall include a written record setting out the rationale for the deviation.

The subject of the proxy vote may not be covered in the Guidelines. In situations where the Guidelines do not provide a position, Principal Asset Management will consider the relevant facts and circumstances of a particular vote and then vote in a manner Principal Asset Management believes to be in the clients' bests interests. In such circumstances, the analysis will be documented in writing and periodically presented to the Proxy Voting Committee. To the extent that the Guidelines do not cover potential voting issues, Principal Asset Management may consider the spirit of the Guidelines and instruct the vote on such issues as it believes to be in the best interests of the client.

**Use of proxy advisory firms**

Principal Asset Management has retained one or more third-party proxy service provider(s) (the "Proxy Advisory Firm") to provide recommendations for proxy voting guidelines, information on shareholder meeting dates and proxy materials, translate proxy materials printed in a foreign language, provide research on proxy proposals, operationally process votes in accordance with the Guidelines on behalf of the clients for whom Principal Asset Management has proxy voting responsibility, and provide reports concerning the proxies voted ("Proxy Voting Services"). Although Principal Asset Management has retained the Proxy Advisory Firm for Proxy Voting Services, Principal Asset Management remains responsible for proxy voting decisions. Principal Asset Management has designed the Policy to oversee and evaluate the Proxy Advisory Firm, including with respect to the matters described below, to support its voting in accordance with this Policy.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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For Public Distribution in the U.S. For Institutional, Professional, Qualified and/or Wholesale Investor Use Only in Other Permitted Jurisdictions as defined by local laws and regulations

**Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firms**

Prior to the selection of any new Proxy Advisory Firm and annually thereafter or more frequently if deemed necessary by Principal Asset Management, the Proxy Voting Committee will consider whether the Proxy Advisory Firm: (a) has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues and provide the Proxy Voting Services the Proxy Advisory Firm has been engaged to provide and (b) can make its recommendations in an impartial manner, in consideration of the best interests of Principal Asset Management's clients, and consistent with its voting policies. Such considerations may include, depending on the Proxy Voting Services provided, the following: (i) periodic sampling of votes pre-populated by the Proxy Advisory Firm's systems as well as votes cast by the Proxy Advisory Firm to review that the Guidelines adopted by Principal Asset Management are being followed; (ii) onsite visits to the Proxy Advisory Firm office and/or discussions with the Proxy Advisory Firm to determine whether the Proxy Advisory Firm continues to have the capacity and competency to carry out its proxy obligations to Principal Asset Management (iii) a review of those aspects of the Proxy Advisory Firm's policies, procedures, and methodologies for formulating voting recommendations that Principal Asset Management considers material to Proxy Voting Services, including factors considered, with a particular focus on those relating to identifying, addressing and disclosing potential conflicts of interest (including potential conflicts related to the provision of Proxy Voting Services, activities other than Proxy Voting Services, and those presented by affiliation such as a controlling shareholder of the Proxy Advisory Firm) and monitoring that materially current, accurate, and complete information is used in creating recommendations and research; (iv) requiring the Proxy Advisory Firm to notify Principal Asset Management if there is a substantive change in the Proxy Advisory Firm's policies and procedures or otherwise to business practices, including with respect to conflicts, information gathering and creating voting recommendations and research, and reviewing any such change(s); (v) a review of how and when the Proxy Advisory Firm engages with, and receives and incorporates input from, issuers, the Proxy Advisory Firm's clients and other third-party information sources; (vi) assessing how the Proxy Advisory Firm considers factors unique to a specific issuer or proposal when evaluating a matter subject to a shareholder vote; (vii) in case of an error made by the Proxy Advisory Firm, discussing the error with the Proxy Advisory Firm and determining whether appropriate corrective and preventive action is being taken; and (viii) assessing whether the Proxy Advisory Firm appropriately updates its methodologies, guidelines, and voting recommendations on an ongoing basis and incorporates input from issuers and Proxy Advisory Firm clients in the update process. In evaluating the Proxy Advisory Firm, Principal Asset Management may also consider the adequacy and quality of the Proxy Advisory Firm's staffing, personnel, and/or technology.

**Procedures for voting proxies**

To increase the efficiency of the voting process, Principal Asset Management utilizes the Proxy Advisory Firm to act as its voting agent for its clients' holdings. Issuers initially send proxy information to the clients' custodians.

Principal Asset Management instructs these custodians to direct proxy related materials to the Proxy Advisory Firm. The Proxy Advisory Firm provides Principal Asset Management with research related to each resolution. Principal Asset Management analyzes relevant proxy materials on behalf of their clients and seek to instruct the vote of proxies in accordance with the Guidelines. A client may direct Principal Asset Management to vote for such client's account differently in applying the Policy and the Guidelines. Principal Asset Management may also agree to follow a client's individualized proxy voting guidelines or otherwise agree with a client on particular voting considerations. Principal Asset Management seeks to vote (or refrain from voting) proxies for its clients in a manner determined to be in their best financial interests. In some cases, Principal Asset Management may determine that it is in the best interests of clients to refrain from exercising the clients' proxy voting rights. Principal Asset Management may determine that voting is not in the best interests of a client and refrain from voting if the costs, including the opportunity costs, of voting would, in the view of Principal Asset Management, exceed the expected benefits of voting to the client.

**Procedures for proxy issues within the guidelines**

Where the Guidelines address the proxy matter being voted on, the Proxy Advisory Firm will generally process all proxy votes in accordance with the Guidelines. In the case of Shareholder Proposals for actively held securities, all ballots will be escalated to the applicable investment team to make a case-by-case determination of the vote decision. The applicable investment team may provide instructions to vote such Shareholder Proposals contrary to the Guidelines if the Exception Process is followed. In certain cases, a client may have elected to have Principal Asset Management administer a custom policy which is unique to the client. If Principal Asset Management is also responsible for the administration of such a custom policy, the procedures documented here generally will also be applicable (except for the specific policy differences), excluding reporting and disclosure procedures.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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**Procedures for proxy issues outside the guidelines**

To the extent that the Guidelines do not cover potential voting issues, the Proxy Advisory Firm will seek direction from Principal Asset Management. Principal Asset Management may consider the spirit of the Guidelines and instruct the vote on such issues in a manner believed to be in the best interests of the client and in consideration of our policies covering Conflicts of Interest.

**Securities lending**

Some clients may have entered into securities lending arrangements with agent lenders to generate additional revenue. If a client participates in such lending, the client will need to inform Principal Asset Management as part of their contract with Principal Asset Management if they require Principal Asset Management to take actions in regard to voting securities that have been lent. If not commemorated in such agreement nor dictated by regulatory requirements, Principal Asset Management will not recall securities and as such, they will not have an obligation to direct the proxy voting of lent securities.

In the case of lending, Principal Asset Management maintains one share for each company security out on loan by the client. Principal Asset Management will vote the remaining share in these circumstances.

As noted above, where Principal Asset Management does not receive timely information, Principal Asset Management or the Proxy Advisory Firm may be unable to vote. This is more likely to occur when securities are on loan.

**Regional variances in proxy voting**

Principal Asset Management utilizes the Policy and Guidelines for both US and non-US clients, and there are some significant differences between voting U.S. company proxies and voting non-U.S. company proxies. For U.S. companies, it is usually relatively easy to vote proxies, as the proxies are typically received automatically and may be voted by mail or electronically. In most cases, the officers of a U.S. company soliciting a proxy act as proxies for the company's shareholders.

With respect to non-U.S. companies, we make reasonable efforts to vote most proxies and follow a similar process to those in the U.S. However, in some cases it may be both difficult and costly to vote proxies due to local regulations, customs or other requirements or restrictions, and such circumstances and expected costs may outweigh any anticipated economic benefit of voting. The major difficulties and costs may include: (i) appointing a proxy; (ii) obtaining reliable information about the time and location of a meeting; (iii) obtaining relevant information about voting procedures for foreign shareholders; (iv) restrictions on trading securities that are subject to proxy votes (share-blocking periods); (v) arranging for a proxy to vote locally in person; (vi) fees charged by custody banks for providing certain services with regard to voting proxies; and (vii) foregone income from securities lending programs. In certain instances, it may be determined by Principal Asset Management that the anticipated economic benefit outweighs the expected cost of voting. Principal Asset Management intends to make their determination on whether to vote proxies of non-U.S. companies on a case- by-case basis. In doing so, Principal Asset Management shall evaluate market requirements and impediments, including the difficulties set forth above, for voting proxies of companies in each country. Principal Asset Management periodically reviews voting logistics, including costs and other voting difficulties, on a client by client, and country by country basis, in order to determine if there have been any material changes that would affect Principal Asset Management's determinations and procedures.

**Conflicts of interest**

Principal Asset Management recognizes that, from time to time, potential conflicts of interest may exist. We adhere to a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct to guide our interactions as a fiduciary for client assets. Investment Management personnel also adhere to applicable regulatory requirements, state, and federal applicable laws and guidance.

Conflicts may occur across a spectrum of interactions and relationships that are likely inherent with a large financial services organization with a complex range of products and services. To avoid any perceived or actual conflict of interest, the procedures set forth below have been established for use when Principal Asset Management encounters a potential conflict to ensure that its voting decisions are based on maximizing shareholder value and are not the product of a conflict.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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**Addressing conflicts of interest – self disclosure**

The investment management team must act in the client's best interest and must safeguard against the inappropriate influence of proxy votes. Investment personnel have a responsibility to escalate potential and actual conflicts of interest to Principal Asset Management Legal and/or Compliance for assessment. Examples of potential conflicts include but are not limited to outreach from: individuals within the broader Principal enterprise and affiliates; clients; lenders or providers of Principal and affiliates; and family, friends, or other personal or professional relations where there is an intent to direct, influence, or coordinate a vote. This excludes outreach from the issuer directly and outreach by third parties engaged on the issuer's behalf as customary/usual and in the ordinary course of the Issuer's business with the purpose of providing additional relevant research and information to be used in making a vote determination. Similarly, outreach from internal peer investment teams is also excluded. Principal Asset Management's investment philosophy may involve regular engagement with management of an asset which may involve vote topics. Such engagements will adhere to regulatory and other industry applicable requirements.

**Vote guideline exception process**

Individual investment teams may seek unique goals on behalf of clients invested in differing strategy types. There may be instances in which Principal Asset Management votes ballots that contradict one another. This does not constitute a potential conflict but is a biproduct of autonomy of philosophies. To facilitate this obligation and avoid conflicts, we have a defined process that allows for voting contrary to the selected Guidelines.

The following Exception Process must be used when (i) voting contrary to the Guidelines, (ii) voting on matters where there is an actual or potential conflict of interest, and (iii) where the Guidelines do not cover the vote at issue and a potential conflict is identified.

Exception Process: Prior to directing a vote to which this process applies, the relevant investment team must complete and submit a report to Principal Asset Management Compliance setting out: (i) the name of the security, (ii) the issue up for vote, (iii) a summary of the Guidelines' recommendation, the nature of the actual or potential conflict of interest, or statement as to why the investment team believes the Guidelines do not cover the vote at issue, each as applicable, (iv) the vote requested and the rationale for voting against the Guidelines' recommendation, or steps taken to mitigate the actual or potential conflict of interest, or the rationale for a vote not covered by the Guidelines, each as applicable. The member of the investment team requesting an exception has an affirmative obligation to disclose any known personal or business relationship that could affect the voting of the applicable proxy and must attest to compliance with Principal Asset Management's Code of Ethics. The Exception Process requires sign-off from both the covering Analyst and the Portfolio Manager prior to putting forward the exception for additional review. Principal Asset Management Compliance will approve or deny the exception in consultation, if deemed necessary, with Legal.

If Principal Asset Management Compliance determines that there is no material conflict, the Guidelines may be overridden. If Principal Asset Management Compliance determines that a material conflict exists or may exist, Compliance will refer the issue to the Proxy Voting Committee. The Proxy Voting Committee will consider the facts and circumstances of the pending proxy vote and the potential or actual material conflict and decide by a majority vote as to how to vote the proxy – i.e., whether to permit or deny the exception.

In considering requests under the Exception Process. the proxy vote and potential material conflict of interest, the Proxy Voting Committee may review the following factors (among others):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The percentage of outstanding securities of the issuer held on behalf of clients by Principal Asset Management.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The nature of the relationship of the issuer with the Principal Asset Management, its affiliates, its executive officers, or the investment team personnel.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Whether there has been any attempt to directly or indirectly influence the investment team's decision (whether by internal or external/third parties);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Whether the direction of the proposed vote would appear to benefit Principal Asset Management or a related party; and/or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Whether an objective decision to vote in a certain way will still create a strong appearance of a conflict.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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**Votes ineligible for the exception process**

To mitigate potential conflicts of interest, for any proxy votes specific to Principal Financial Group common stock (ticker: PFG), the Exception Process is not applicable.

In the case of any proprietary electronically traded funds ("ETFs"), mutual funds, or other comingled proprietary vehicles, Principal Asset Management will vote in the same proportion as all other voting shareholders of the underlying fund/vehicle, which is referred to as echo voting, and the Exception Process is not applicable. This voting is provided by the Proxy Advisory Firm. If echo voting is not available or operationally feasible, Principal Asset Management may abstain from voting.

**Proxy advisory firm**

If the Proxy Advisory Firm itself has a conflict and thus is unable to provide a recommendation, the investment team may vote in accordance with the recommendation of another independent service provider, if available. If a recommendation from an independent service provider other than the Proxy Advisory Firm is not available, the investment team will follow the Exception Process. Principal Asset Management Compliance will review the form and, if Compliance determines that there is no material conflict mandating a decision from the Proxy Voting Committee, the investment team may instruct the Proxy Advisory Firm to vote the proxy issue as it determines it is in the best interest of clients. If Principal Asset Management Compliance determines that a material conflict exists or may exist, Compliance will refer the issue to the Proxy Voting Committee for consideration as outlined above.

**Availability of proxy voting information and recordkeeping**

**Disclosure**

Principal Asset Management publicly discloses proxy voting results on our website: Principal Asset Management Vote Disclosure. The interactive voting dashboard allows for dynamic disclosure of the manner in which votes were cast, including details related to (i) votes against management, (ii) abstentions, (iii) vote rationale, and (iii) voting metrics. For more information, clients may contact Principal Asset Management for details related to how Principal Asset Management has voted with respect to securities held in the Client's account. On request, Principal Asset Management will provide clients with a summary of Principal Asset Management's proxy voting guidelines, process and policies and will inform the clients how they can obtain a copy of the complete Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures upon request. Additional disclosure regarding Principal Asset Management's proxy voting is provided in Part 2A of its Form ADV.

**Recordkeeping**

Principal Asset Management will keep records of the following items: (i) the Guidelines, (ii) the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures; (iii) proxy statements received regarding client securities (unless such statements are available on the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (EDGAR) system); (iv) records of votes they cast on behalf of clients, which may be maintained by a Proxy Advisory Firm if it undertakes to provide copies of those records promptly upon request; (v) written records of written client requests for proxy voting information and responses from Principal Asset Management (whether a client's request was oral or in writing); (vi) any documents prepared by Principal Asset Management that were material to making a decision how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision; (vii) a record of any testing conducted on any Proxy Advisory Firm's votes; (viii) materials collected and reviewed by Principal Asset Management as part of its due diligence of the Proxy Advisory Firm; (ix) a copy of each version of the Proxy Advisory Firm's policies and procedures provided to Principal Asset Management; and (x) the minutes of the Proxy Voting Committee meetings. All records referenced above will be kept in an easily accessible place for at least the length of time required by local regulation and custom, or six years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, whichever is longer. We maintain the vast majority of these records electronically.

**Appendix**

**Proxy voting philosophy**

Principal Asset Management's Proxy Voting Philosophy is built on an unwavering commitment of creating long- term value for our shareholders and investing in businesses sharing this commitment. While we think setting and executing corporate policies should generally rest with a company's board of directors and executive management, we also think shareholders play a critical role in holding these parties accountable. We take this responsibility seriously. Our policy is implemented globally, taking into consideration the relevant legal and regulatory requirements in each region.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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**Our philosophy is structured around four key themes:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Board structure and composition

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Board oversight of risk and strategy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Board oversight of executive selection and compensation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Shareholder rights and protections

The positions described below should be understood as principles underlying our general philosophy and not as strict requirements to be followed with respect to each and every proxy vote.

**Board structure, composition, and accountability**

The philosophy of our active investment teams: Our clients, as shareholders, own the corporation. Boards of directors are accountable to them. Corporate management, in turn, is accountable to its board. As investors, we need to be comfortable delegating trust and responsibility to these parties – and these parties should have the appropriate discretion to manage a company's affairs with an awareness of the company's particular circumstances. We guide our proxy voting in this area to help ensure our clients are invested in companies with trustworthy and effective boards. Examples of relevant principals underlying this philosophy include but are not limited to:

**Independence** – A majority of board members are expected to be substantially independent from the company – not company executives, not key customers or suppliers, and not executives who sit on one another's boards. Non-independent board members should be prohibited from serving on key board committees such as audit, compensation, nominating and governance. In addition, board leadership should be independent of company management either through an independent chair or lead independent director with sufficient authority.

**Board composition and selection** – A board must possess the fully array of skills and experience necessary to oversee and guide the company it serves. We expect boards to curate an inventory of necessary skills and experiences and ensure full representation across the board. For new board members, boards should recruit unbiased slates of candidates who reflect the skills needed by the board.

**Board size** – A board should bring a wide range of relevant perspectives, incorporate skills aligning with business needs, and include enough members to ensure sufficient levels of independence for key committees.

**Capacity and commitments of board members** – Board members should demonstrate a capacity to fulfill their roles and a commitment to the responsible discharge of their duties. This includes attendance of at least 75% of board meetings and participation in no more than four other public company boards.

**Accountability** – As shareholder representatives, board members should be held to a high standard with their performance assessed on a regular basis. As such, shareholders should have the right to vote on the entire slate of directors on an annual basis.

**Board oversight of risk and strategy**

The philosophy of our active investment teams: The oversight, guidance, and support a board of directors provides to a management team is critical to the execution of its long-term corporate strategy and ultimately, the creation of shareholder value. We expect boards to assist in identifying material risks to the company's strategy, disclosure practices, and execution and to provide risk mitigation insight and monitoring. Examples of relevant principles underlying this philosophy include but are not limited to:

**Capital structure** – Increases in authorized shares outstanding are generally accepted if the proposed authorization results in an increase in shares authorized of 10% or less over a 2-year period. Proposals to create, modify, or issue common and preferred stock are generally accepted if the rights of the issuance are not superior to the rights of the current shareholders, subject to the principal that the authorization increase is limited to 10% of less over a 2-year period.

**Mergers and acquisitions** – We expect boards to actively review potential targets and offers, assessing all such activities with shareholder value creation as the primary consideration. As investors, we recognize all merger and acquisition proposals are unique and should be assessed on their individual merit, including the deal premium, strategic rationale and possibility of competing offers.

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**Auditors** – A board of directors should oversee the company's third-party auditor to ensure an independent and accurate assessment of the company's financial position is being portrayed. This should include a regular review of auditor qualifications, independence and competency.

**Climate reporting** – We expect boards and managements to assess financially material climate risks to the business and, when relevant, provide the disclosure necessary for a reasonable investor to make informed decisions regarding potential impacts upon shareholder value.

**Board oversight of executive selection and compensation**

The philosophy of our active investment teams: A key aspect of a board of directors' governance responsibility is the support, selection and assessment of the management team. Boards should hold executives to clear value creation and be willing to make changes to management when shareholder value creation falls short of reasonable potential. Boards should also create and maintain formal succession plans to ensure continuity and minimize key person risk. Examples of relevant principles underlying this philosophy include but are not limited to:

**Executive pay** – A board should have a clear philosophy on executive pay and maintain an independent compensation committee focused on attracting and retaining executives who will drive shareholder value over time. Executives' pay and long-term performance should align executives with shareholders through measures of financial performance relative to financial targets aligned with value generation, and the performance of relevant peers. Likewise, we expect the board of directors to be aligned with shareholders through financial incentives and share ownership.

**Stock based compensation** – We support the use of share-based incentive plans intended to increase the share ownership by management and align shareholder interests with management. Such plans should take into consideration the dollar cost of the plans to shareholders and the appropriateness of financial targets included in the plans. However, we believe that retroactive re-pricing of underwater options is indicative of poor corporate governance and will generally vote in opposition to a repricing scheme.

**Say on pay frequency** – In order to ensure alignment between pay and performance, we support annual advisory votes to approve executive compensation.

**Executive selection and succession** – We expect a board of directors to carry out a thorough executive selection process considering a range of qualified candidates with a variety of skills and backgrounds. It is ultimately the responsibility of a board to select the candidate they think will best generate long-term value for shareholders.

**Shareholder rights and protections**

The philosophy of our active investment teams: As investors, we view the protection of shareholder rights as integral to proper corporate governance and think major corporate changes require prior shareholder approval. We also recognize there are costs associated with shareholder proposals and think ownership thresholds are appropriate in many circumstances. We oppose all structural impediments to increasing shareholder value.

Examples of relevant principles underlying this philosophy include but are not limited to:

**Shareholder rights plans "Poison Pills"** – We generally oppose the use of poison pills unless a "pill" is approved by shareholders and does not hamper value creation.

**Supermajority voting** – A majority vote of shareholders should be sufficient to approve items such as bylaws and acquisitions. Supermajority requirements have the potential to erode the rights of minority shareholders and are viewed negatively.

**Unequal voting rights** – We support equal voting rights and think voting power should be allocated in direct proportion to the shareholders' equity ownership. Accordingly, we believe that dual share classes generally present more disadvantages than advantages to long-term investors and will generally vote against proposals to create or continue such structures. Notable exceptions include Real Estate Investment Trusts.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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**Shareholder rights** – We think shareholders generally have the right to nominate directors, call special meetings and act without holding a meeting in certain circumstances. However, we also recognize there is potential for abuse and therefore support reasonable ownership thresholds.

**Capital structure** – The decision to issue or repurchase stock, issue debt or split shares is made by a board presumably with the intent of improving the overall capital structure, investing in growth, reaching a broader investment audience, enhancing shareholder value, and/or managing challenging liquidity/leverage circumstances. As such, we review these decisions on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the degree of dilution and impact on liquidity. Proposals to create, modify or issue common and preferred stock are generally accepted if the rights of the issuance are not superior to the rights of current shareholders subject to the principal that an authorization increase is limited to 10% or less over a 2-year period.

**A note on shareholder proposals**

Shareholder Proposals are often company specific making a one-size fits all approach to voting suboptimal. For that reason, shareholder proposals are escalated to the active investment teams for case-by-case analysis and decision making. Voting decisions are made by weighing the financial materiality of the proposal against any opposing rationale from company management, with the ultimate determination driven by the economic best interest of shareholders. While votes are generally cast consistently across the investment teams, there may be situations where portfolio managers holding the same security disagree on what is in the best interests of their shareholders.

**Passive strategy voting**

Our passively managed strategies follow the same voting philosophy as our actively managed strategies. In the absence of a determination by our active investment teams, our passive strategies will typically vote in alignment with management. We think managements and boards of directors should have comprehensive insights into the company's long-term strategy and operations. This insight puts them in a sound position to determine the financial materiality of proposals and their alignment with the economic interest of shareholders in the absence of an evaluation by our active teams.

We execute this philosophy through our Proxy Voting Guidelines as overseen by our Proxy Voting committee. Strategies are aligned to one of our custom Guidelines - Base, Sustainable and Board Aligned. We provide clients with transparency into our voting history and rationale via our interactive website. In most strategies, clients may also choose to vote their own shares or request a custom set of vote guidelines aligning with their own specific requirements.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

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**Important Information**

This material covers general information only and does not take account of any investor's investment objectives or financial situation and should not be construed as specific investment advice, a recommendation, or be relied on in any way as a guarantee, promise, forecast or prediction of future events regarding an investment or the markets in general. The opinions and predictions expressed are subject to change without prior notice. The information presented has been derived from sources believed to be accurate; however, we do not independently verify or guarantee its accuracy or validity. Any reference to a specific investment or security does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold such investment or security, nor an indication that the investment manager or its affiliates has recommended a specific security for any client account. Subject to any contrary provisions of applicable law, the investment manager and its affiliates, and their officers, directors, employees, agents, disclaim any express or implied warranty of reliability or accuracy and any responsibility arising in any way (including by reason of negligence) for errors or omissions in the information or data provided.

This material is not intended for distribution to or use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

This document is intent for use in: • **The United States** by Principal Global Investors, LLC, which is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. • **Europe** by Principal Global Investors (Ireland) Limited, 70 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, D02 R296, Ireland. Principal Global Investors (Ireland) Limited is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Clients that do not directly contract with Principal Global Investors (Europe) Limited ("PGIE") or Principal Global Investors (Ireland) Limited ("PGII") will not benefit from the protections offered by the rules and regulations of the Financial Conduct Authority or the Central Bank of Ireland, including those enacted under MiFID II. Further, where clients do contract with PGIE or PGII, PGIE or PGII may delegate management authority to affiliates that are not authorised and regulated within Europe and in any such case, the client may not benefit from all protections offered by the rules and regulations of the Financial Conduct Authority, or the Central Bank of Ireland. In Europe, this document is directed exclusively at Professional Clients and Eligible Counterparties and should not be relied upon by Retail Clients (all as defined by the MiFID). • **United Kingdom** by Principal Global Investors (Europe) Limited, Level 1, 1 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7 JB, registered in England, No. 03819986, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"). • **United Arab Emirates** by Principal Investor Management (DIFC) Limited, an entity registered in the Dubai International Financial Centre and authorized by the Dubai Financial Services Authority as an Authorised Firm, in its capacity as distributor / promoter of the products and services of Principal Asset Management. This document is delivered on an individual basis to the recipient and should not be passed on or otherwise distributed by the recipient to any other person or organization. • **Singapore** by Principal Global Investors (Singapore) Limited (ACRA Reg.No.199603735H), which is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and is directed exclusively at institutional investors as defined by the Securities and Futures Act 2001. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. • **Australia** by Principal Global Investors (Australia) Limited (ABN 45 102 488 068, AFS Licence No. 225385), which is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and is only directed at wholesale clients as defined under Corporations Act 2001. • This document is marketing material and is issued in **Switzerland** by Principal Global Investors (Switzerland) GmbH. • **Hong Kong SAR (China)** by Principal Asset Management Company (Asia) Limited, which is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission. This document has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission. • **Other APAC Countries/ Jurisdictions**, this material is issued for Institutional Investors only (or professional/sophisticated/qualified investors, as such term may apply in local jurisdictions) and is delivered on an individual basis to the recipient and should not be passed on, used by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

Insurance products and plan administrative services provided through Principal Life Insurance Co. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities offered through Principal Securities, Inc., 800-547-7754, Member SIPC and/or independent broker/dealers. Principal Life, Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. and Principal Securities are members of the Principal Financial Group<sup>®</sup>, Des Moines, IA 50392.

Principal Asset Management<sup>SM</sup> is a trade name of Principal Global Investors, LLC.

Principal Global Investors, LLC (PGI) is registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a commodity trading advisor (CTA), a commodity pool operator (CPO) and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA). PGI advises qualified eligible persons (QEPs) under CFTC Regulation 4.7.© 2025 Principal Financial Services, Inc. Principal<sup>®</sup>, Principal Financial Group<sup>®</sup>, Principal Asset Management, and Principal and the logomark design are registered trademarks and service marks of Principal Financial Services, Inc., a Principal Financial Group company, in various countries around the world and may be used only with the permission of Principal Financial Services, Inc.

Principal Global Investors, LLC

**BlackRock Investment Stewardship**

Global Principles

Effective as of January 2024

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Contents** | |
| Introduction to BlackRock | 3 |
| Philosophy on investment stewardship | 3 |
| Shareholder rights | 3 |
| Key themes | 5 |
| Boards and directors | 6 |
| Auditors and audit-realted issues | 8 |
| Capital structure, mergers, asset sales and other special transactions | 9 |
| Executive compensation | 10 |
| Material sustainability-related risks and opportunities | 10 |
| Other corporate governance matters and shareholder protections | 13 |
| Shareholder proposals | 13 |
| BlackRock's oversight of our investment stewardship activities | 14 |
| Vote execution | 15 |
| Voting Choice | 15 |
| Conflicts management policies and procedures | 16 |
| Securities Lending | 17 |
| Voting guidelines | 18 |
| Reporting and vote transparency | 18 |

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*The purpose of this document is to provide an overarching explanation of BlackRock's approach globally to our responsibilities as a shareholder on behalf of our clients, our expectations of companies, and our commitments to clients in terms of our own governance and transparency.*

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**Introduction to BlackRock**

BlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. We manage assets on behalf of institutional and individual clients, across a full spectrum of investment strategies, asset classes, and regions. Our client base includes pension plans, endowments, foundations, charities, official institutions, insurers, and other financial institutions, as well as individuals around the world.

**Philosophy on investment stewardship**

As part of our fiduciary duty to our clients, we consider it one of our responsibilities to promote sound corporate governance as an informed, engaged shareholder on their behalf. At BlackRock, this is the responsibility of the BlackRock Investment Stewardship (BIS) team.

In our experience, sound governance is critical to the success of a company, the protection of investors' interests, and long-term financial value creation. We take a constructive, long-term approach with companies and seek to understand how they are managing the drivers of risk and financial value creation in their business models. We have observed that well-managed companies will effectively evaluate and address risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses, which supports durable, long-term financial value creation. As one of many minority shareholders, BlackRock cannot – and does not try to – direct a company's strategy or its implementation.

**Shareholder rights**

We believe that there are certain fundamental rights attached to shareholding. Shareholders should have the right to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Elect, remove, and nominate directors, approve the appointment of the auditor, and amend the corporate charter or by-laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Vote on key board decisions that are material to the protection of their investment, including but not limited to, changes to the purpose of the business, dilution levels and pre-emptive rights, and the distribution of income and capital structure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Access sufficient and timely information on material governance, strategic, and business matters to make informed decisions.

In our view, shareholder voting rights should be proportionate to economic ownership—the principle of "one share, one vote" helps to achieve this balance.

Consistent with these shareholder rights, BlackRock monitors and provides feedback to companies in our role as stewards of our clients' assets. Investment stewardship is how we use our voice as an investor to promote sound corporate governance and business practices that support the ability of companies to deliver long-term financial performance for our clients. We do this through engagement with companies, proxy voting on behalf of those clients who have given us authority, and participating in market-level dialogue to improve corporate governance standards.

Engagement is an important mechanism for providing feedback on company practices and disclosures, particularly where our observations indicate that they could be enhanced to support a company's ability to deliver financial performance. Similarly, it provides us with an opportunity to hear directly from company boards and management on how they believe their actions are aligned with the long-term economic interests of shareholders. Engagement with companies may also inform our proxy voting decisions.

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As a fiduciary, we vote in the long-term economic interests of our clients. Generally, we support the recommendations of the board of directors and management. However, there may be instances where we vote against the election of directors or other management proposals, or support shareholder proposals. For instance, we may vote against management recommendations where we are concerned that the board may not be acting in the long-term economic interests of shareholders, or disclosures do not provide sufficient information to assess how material, strategic risks and opportunities are being managed. Our regional proxy voting guidelines are informed by our market-specific approach and standards of corporate governance best practices.

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**Key themes**

While accepted standards and norms of corporate governance can differ between markets, in our experience, there are certain globally-applicable fundamental elements of governance that contribute to a company's ability to create long-term financial value for shareholders. These global themes are set out in this overarching set of principles (the "Principles"), which are anchored in transparency and accountability. At a minimum, it is our view that companies should observe the accepted corporate governance standards in their domestic market and we ask that, if they do not, they explain how their approach better supports durable, long-term financial value creation.

**These Principles cover seven key subjects:**

● Boards and directors

● Auditors and audit-related issues

● Capital structure, mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions

● Executive compensation

● Material sustainability-related risks and opportunities

● Other corporate governance matters and shareholder protections

● Shareholder proposals

Our regional and market-specific <u>voting guidelines</u> explain how these Principles inform our voting decisions in relation to common ballot items for shareholder meetings in those markets. Alongside the Principles and regional voting guidelines, BIS publishes our <u>engagement priorities</u> which reflect the <u>five themes</u> on which we most frequently engage companies, where they are relevant, as these can be a source of material business risk or opportunity. Collectively, these BIS policies set out the core elements of corporate governance that guide our investment stewardship efforts globally and within each market, including when engaging with companies and voting at shareholder meetings. The BIS policies are applied on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the context within which a company is operating.

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**Boards and directors** 

We believe that an effective and well-functioning board that has appropriate governance structures to facilitate oversight of a company's management and strategic initiatives is critical to the long-term financial success of a company and the protection of shareholders' economic interests. In our view, a strong board can be a competitive advantage to a company, providing valuable oversight of and perspectives to management on the most important decisions in support of long-term financial performance. As part of their responsibilities, board members have a fiduciary duty to shareholders to oversee the strategic direction, operations, and risk management of a company. For this reason, BIS sees engagement with and the election of directors as one of our most important responsibilities. Disclosure of material risks that may affect a company's long-term strategy and financial value creation, including material sustainability-related factors when relevant, is essential for shareholders to appropriately understand and assess how effectively management is identifying, managing, and mitigating such risks.

The board should establish and maintain a framework of robust and effective governance mechanisms to support its oversight of the company's strategy and operations consistent with the long-term economic interests of investors. There should be clear descriptions of the role of the board and the committees of the board and how directors engage with and oversee management. We look to the board to articulate the effectiveness of these mechanisms in overseeing the management of business risks and opportunities and the fulfillment of the company's purpose and strategy.

Where a company has not adequately disclosed and demonstrated that its board has fulfilled these corporate governance and risk oversight responsibilities, we will consider voting against the election of directors who, on our assessment, have particular responsibility for the issues. We assess director performance on a case-by-case basis and in light of each company's circumstances, taking into consideration their governance, business practices that support durable, long-term financial value creation, and performance. Set out below are ways in which boards and directors can demonstrate a commitment to acting in the long-term economic interests of all shareholders.

**Regular accountability through director elections**

It is our view that directors should stand for election on a regular basis, ideally annually. In our experience, annual director elections allow shareholders to reaffirm their support for board members and/or hold them accountable for their decisions in a timely manner. When board members are not elected annually, in our experience, it is good practice for boards to have a rotation policy to ensure that, through a board cycle, all directors have had their appointment re-confirmed, with a proportion of directors being put forward for election at each annual general meeting.

**Effective board composition**

Regular director elections also give boards the opportunity to adjust their composition in an orderly way to reflect developments in the company's strategy and the market environment. In our view, it is beneficial for new directors to be brought onto the board periodically to refresh the group's thinking, while supporting both continuity and appropriate succession planning. We consider the average overall tenure of the board, and seek a balance between the knowledge and experience of longer-serving directors and the fresh perspectives of directors who joined more recently. We encourage companies to regularly review the effectiveness of their board (including its size), and assess directors nominated for election in the context of the composition of the board as a whole. In our view, the company's assessment should consider a number of factors, including each director's independence and time commitments, as well as the diversity and relevance of director experiences and skillsets, and how these factors may contribute to the financial performance of the company.

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Similarly, there should be a sufficient number of independent directors, free from conflicts of interest or undue influence from connected parties, to ensure objectivity in the decision-making of the board and its ability to oversee management. Common impediments to independence may include but are not limited to:

● Current or recent employment at the company or a subsidiary

● Being, or representing, a shareholder with a substantial shareholding in the company

● Interlocking directorships

● Having any other interest, business, or other relationship which could, or could reasonably be perceived to, materially interfere with a director's ability to act in the best interests of the company and shareholders.

In our experience, boards are most effective at overseeing and advising management when there is a senior, independent board leader. This director may chair the board, or, where the chair is also the CEO (or is otherwise not independent), be designated as a lead independent director. The role of this director is to enhance the effectiveness of the independent members of the board through shaping the agenda, ensuring adequate information is provided to the board, and encouraging independent director participation in board deliberations. The lead independent director or another appropriate director should be available to meet with shareholders in those situations where an independent director is best placed to explain and contextualize a company's approach.

There are matters for which the board has responsibility that may involve a conflict of interest for executives or for affiliated directors, or require additional focus. It is our view that objective oversight of such matters is best achieved when the board forms committees comprised entirely of independent directors. In many markets, these committees of the board specialize in audit, director nominations, and compensation matters. An ad hoc committee might also be formed to decide on a special transaction, particularly one involving a related party, or to investigate a significant adverse event.

When nominating directors to the board, we look to companies to provide sufficient information on the individual candidates so that shareholders can assess the capabilities and suitability of each individual nominee and their fit within overall board composition. These disclosures should give an understanding of how the collective experience and expertise of the board, as well as the particular skill-sets of individual directors, aligns with the company's long-term strategy and business model. Highly qualified, engaged directors with professional characteristics relevant to a company's business and strategy enhance the ability of the board to add value and be the voice of shareholders in board discussions.

It is in this context that we are interested in diversity in the board room. We see it as a means to promoting diversity of thought and avoiding "group think" when the board advises and oversees management. This position is based on our view that diversity of perspective and thought – in the board room, in the management team, and throughout the company – leads to better long-term economic outcomes for companies. Academic research has revealed correlations between specific dimensions of diversity and effects on decision-making processes and outcomes.<sup>1</sup> In our experience, greater diversity in the board room can contribute to more robust discussions and more innovative and resilient decisions. Over time, greater diversity in the board room can also promote greater diversity and resilience in the leadership team, and the workforce more broadly. That diversity can enable companies to develop businesses that better address the needs of the customers and communities they serve.

We ask boards to disclose how diversity is considered in board composition, including professional characteristics, such as a director's industry experience, specialist areas of expertise and geographic location; as well as demographic characteristics such as gender, race/ethnicity, and age.

<sup>1</sup> For a discussion on the different impacts of diversity see: McKinsey Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters," May 2022; Harvard Business Review, "Diverse Teams Feel Less Comfortable – and That's Why They Perform Better," September 2016; "Do Diverse Directors Influence DEI Outcomes," September 2022.

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We look to understand a board's diversity in the context of a company's domicile, market capitalization, business model, and strategy. Increasingly, we see the most effective boards nominating directors from diverse backgrounds which helps ensure boards can more effectively understand the company's customers, employees, and communities. We note that in many markets, policymakers have set board gender diversity goals which we may discuss with companies, particularly if there is a risk their board composition may be misaligned. Self-identified board demographic diversity can usefully be disclosed in aggregate, consistent with local law. We encourage boards to aspire to meaningful diversity of membership, while recognizing that building a strong, diverse board can take time.

**Sufficient capacity**

As the role and expectations of a director are increasingly demanding, directors must be able to commit an appropriate amount of time to board and committee matters. It is important that directors have the capacity to meet all of their responsibilities - including when there are unforeseen events – and therefore, they should not take on an excessive number of roles that would impair their ability to fulfill their duties.

**Auditors and audit-related issues**

BlackRock recognizes the critical importance of financial statements, which should provide a true and fair picture of a company's financial condition. Accordingly, the assumptions made by management and reviewed by the auditor in preparing the financial statements should be reasonable and justified.

The accuracy of financial statements, inclusive of financial and non-financial information as required or permitted under market-specific accounting rules, is of paramount importance to BlackRock. Investors increasingly recognize that a broader range of risks and opportunities have the potential to materially impact financial performance. Over time, we anticipate investors and other users of company reporting will increasingly seek to understand and scrutinize the assumptions underlying financial statements, particularly those that pertain to the impact of the transition to a low-carbon economy on a company's business model and asset mix. We recognize that this is an area of evolving practice and note that international standards setters, such asthe International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Board and the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), continue to develop their guidance to companies.<sup>2</sup>

In this context, audit committees, or equivalent, play a vital role in a company's financial reporting system by providing independent oversight of the accounts, material financial and, where appropriate to the jurisdiction, non-financial information and internal control frameworks. Moreover, in the absence of a dedicated risk committee, these committees can provide oversight of Enterprise Risk Management systems.<sup>3</sup> In our view, effective audit committee oversight strengthens the quality and reliability of a company's financial statements and provides an important level of reassurance to shareholders.

We hold members of the audit committee or equivalent responsible for overseeing the management of the audit function. Audit committees or equivalent should have clearly articulated charters that set out their responsibilities and have a rotation plan in place that allows for a periodic refreshment of the committee membership to introduce fresh perspectives to audit oversight. We recognize that audit committees will rely on management, internal audit, and the independent auditor in fulfilling their responsibilities but look to committee members to demonstrate they have relevant expertise to monitor and oversee the audit process and related activities.

<sup>2</sup> IFRS, "IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information", June 2023, and IAASB, "IAASB Launches Public Consultation on Landmark Proposed Global Sustainability Assurance Standard", August 2023.

<sup>3</sup>Enterprise risk management is a process, effected by the entity's board of directors, management, and other personnel, applied in strategy setting and across the enterprise, designed to identify potential events that may affect the entity, and manage risk to be within the risk appetite, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the achievement of objectives. (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), Enterprise Risk Management — Integrated Framework, September 2004, New York, NY, updated in 2017. Please see: https://www.coso.org/SitePages/Home.aspx).

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We take particular note of unexplained changes in reporting methodology, cases involving significant financial restatements, or ad hoc notifications of material financial weakness. In this respect, audit committees should provide timely disclosure on the remediation of Key and Critical Audit Matters identified either by the external auditor or internal audit function.

The integrity of financial statements depends on the auditor being free of any impediments to being an effective check on management. To that end, it is important that auditors are, and are seen to be, independent. Where an audit firm provides services to the company in addition to the audit, the fees earned should be disclosed and explained. Audit committees should have in place a procedure for assessing annually the independence of the auditor and the quality of the external audit process.

Comprehensive disclosure provides investors with a sense of the company's long-term operational risk management practices and, more broadly, the quality of the board's oversight. The audit or risk committee, should periodically review the company's risk assessment and risk management policies and the significant risks and exposures identified by management, the internal auditors or the independent auditors and management's steps to address them. In the absence of detailed disclosures, we may reasonably conclude that companies are not adequately managing risk.

**Capital structure, mergers, asset sales, and other special transactions**

The capital structure of a company is critical to shareholders as it impacts the value of their investment and the priority of their interest in the company relative to that of other equity or debt investors. Pre-emptive rights are a key protection for shareholders against the dilution of their interests.

Effective voting rights are basic rights of share ownership and a core principle of effective governance. Shareholders, as the residual claimants, have the strongest interest in protecting the financial value of the company, and voting rights should match economic exposure, i.e. one share, one vote.

In principle, we disagree with the creation of a share class with equivalent economic exposure and preferential, differentiated voting rights. In our view, this structure violates the fundamental corporate governance principle of proportionality and results in a concentration of power in the hands of a few shareholders, thus disenfranchising other shareholders and amplifying any potential conflicts of interest. However, we recognize that in certain markets, at least for a period of time, companies may have a valid argument for listing dual classes of shares with differentiated voting rights. In our view, such companies should review these share class structures on a regular basis or as company circumstances change. Additionally, they should seek shareholder approval of their capital structure on a periodic basis via a management proposal at the company's shareholder meeting. The proposal should give unaffiliated shareholders the opportunity to affirm the current structure or establish mechanisms to end or phase out controlling structures at the appropriate time, while minimizing costs to shareholders.

In assessing mergers, asset sales, or other special transactions, BlackRock's primary consideration is the long-term economic interests of our clients as shareholders. Boards proposing a transaction should clearly explain the economic and strategic rationale behind it. We will review a proposed transaction to determine the degree to which it can enhance long-term shareholder value. We find long-term investors like our clients typically benefit when proposed transactions have the unanimous support of the board and have been negotiated at arm's length. We may seek reassurance from the board that the financial interests of executives and/or board members in a given transaction have not adversely affected their ability to place shareholders' interests before their own. Where the transaction involves related parties, the recommendation to support should come from the independent directors, a best practice in most markets, and ideally, the terms should have been assessed through an independent appraisal process. In addition, it is good practice that it be approved by a separate vote of the non-conflicted parties.

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As a matter of sound governance practice, shareholders should have a right to dispose of company shares in the open market without unnecessary restriction. In our view, corporate mechanisms designed to limit shareholders' ability to sell their shares are contrary to basic property rights. Such mechanisms can serve to protect and entrench interests other than those of the shareholders. In our view, shareholders are broadly capable of making decisions in their own best interests. We encourage any so-called "shareholder rights plans" proposed by a board to be subject to shareholder approval upon introduction and periodically thereafter.

**Executive compensation**

In most markets, one of the most important roles for a company's board of directors is to put in place a compensation structure that incentivizes and rewards executives appropriately. There should be a clear link between variable pay and operational and financial performance. Performance metrics should be stretching and aligned with a company's strategy and business model. BIS does not have a position on the use of sustainability-related criteria in compensation structures, but in our view, where companies choose to include these components, they should be adequately disclosed, material to the company's strategy, and as rigorous as other financial or operational targets. Long-term incentive plans should encompass timeframes that 1) are distinct from annual executive compensation structures and metrics, and 2) encourage the delivery of strong financial results over a period of years. Compensation committees should guard against contractual arrangements that would entitle executives to material compensation for early termination of their employment. Finally, pension contributions and other deferred compensation arrangements should be reasonable, in light of market practices.

We are not supportive of one-off or special bonuses unrelated to company or individual performance. Where discretion has been used by the compensation committee or its equivalent, we expect disclosure relating to how and why the discretion was used, and how the adjusted outcome is aligned with the interests of shareholders. We acknowledge that the use of peer group evaluation by compensation committees can help ensure competitive pay; however, we are concerned when the rationale for increases in total compensation at a company is solely based on peer benchmarking, rather than a rigorous measure of outperformance. We encourage companies to clearly explain how compensation outcomes have rewarded performance.

We encourage boards to consider building clawback provisions into incentive plans such that companies could clawback compensation or require executives to forgo awards when compensation was based on faulty financial statements or deceptive business practices. We also favor recoupment from or the foregoing of the grant of any awards by any senior executive whose behavior caused material financial harm to shareholders, material reputational risk to the company, or resulted in a criminal investigation, even if such actions did not ultimately result in a material restatement of past results.

Non-executive directors should be compensated in a manner that is commensurate with the time and effort expended in fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Additionally, these compensation arrangements should not risk compromising directors' independence or aligning their interests too closely with those of the management, whom they are charged with overseeing.

We use third party research, in addition to our own analysis, to evaluate existing and proposed compensation structures. BIS may signal concerns through not supporting management's proposals to approve compensation, where they are on the agenda. We may also vote against members of the compensation committee or equivalent board members for poor compensation practices or structures.

**Material sustainability-related risks and opportunities**

It is our view that well-managed companies will effectively evaluate and manage material sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses. As with all risks and opportunities in a company's business model, appropriate oversight of material sustainability considerations is a core component of having an effective governance framework, which supports durable, long-term financial value creation.

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Robust disclosure is essential for investors to effectively evaluate companies' strategy and business practices related to material sustainability-related risks and opportunities. Long-term investors like our clients can benefit when companies demonstrate that they have a resilient business model through disclosures that cover governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets, including industry-specific metrics. The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards, IFRS S1 and S2,<sup>4</sup> provide companies with a useful guide to preparing this disclosure. The standards build on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework and the standards and metrics developed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), which have converged under the ISSB. We recognize that companies may phase in reporting aligned with the ISSB standards over several years. We also recognize that some companies may report using different standards, which may be required by regulation, or one of a number of voluntary standards. In such cases, we ask that companies highlight the metrics that are industry- or company-specific.

We note that climate and other sustainability-related disclosures often require companies to collect and aggregate data from various internal and external sources. We recognize that the practical realities of data collection and reporting may not line up with financial reporting cycles and companies may require additional time after their fiscal year-end to accurately collect, analyze, and report this data to investors. That said, to give investors time to assess the data, we encourage companies to produce climate and other sustainability-related disclosures sufficiently in advance of their annual meeting, to the best of their abilities.

Companies may also choose to adopt or refer to guidance on sustainable and responsible business conduct issued by supranational organizations such as the United Nations or the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Further, industry initiatives on managing specific operational risks may provide useful guidance to companies on best practices and disclosures. We find it helpful to our understanding of investment risk when companies disclose any relevant global climate and other sustainability-related standards adopted, the industry initiatives in which they participate, any peer group benchmarking undertaken, and any assurance processes to help investors understand their approach to sustainable and responsible business practices. We will express any concerns through our voting where a company's actions or disclosures do not seem adequate in light of the materiality of the business risks.

**Climate and nature-related risk**

While companies in various sectors and geographies may be affected differently by climate-related risks and opportunities, the low-carbon transition is an investment factor that can be material for many companies and economies around the globe.

We seek to understand, from company disclosures and engagement, the strategies companies have in place to manage material risks to, and opportunities for, their long-term business model associated with a range of climate-related scenarios, including a scenario in which global warming is limited to well below 2°C, considering global ambitions to achieve a limit of 1.5°C. As one of many shareholders, and typically a minority one, BlackRock does not tell companies what to do. It is the role of the board and management to set and implement a company's long-term strategy to deliver long-term financial returns.

Our research shows that the low-carbon transition is a structural shift in the global economy that will be shaped by changes in government policies, technology, and consumer preferences, which may be material for many companies.<sup>5</sup> Yet the path to a low-carbon economy is deeply uncertain and uneven, with different parts of the economy moving at different speeds. BIS recognizes that it can be challenging for companies to predict the impact of climate-related risk and opportunity on their businesses and operating environments. Many companies are assessing how to navigate the low-carbon transition while delivering long-term value to investors. In this context, we encourage companies to publicly disclose, consistent with their business model and sector, how

<sup>4</sup> The objective of IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information is to require an entity to disclose information about its sustainability-related risks and opportunities that is useful to primary users of general-purpose financial reports in making decisions relating to providing resources to the entity. The objective of IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures is to require an entity to disclose information about its climate-related risks and opportunities that is useful to primary users of general-purpose financial reports in making decisions relating to providing resources to the entity.

<sup>5</sup> BlackRock Investment Institute, "Tracking the low-carbon transition", July 2023.

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they intend to deliver long-term financial performance through the transition to a low-carbon economy. Where available, we appreciate companies publishing their transition plan.<sup>6</sup>

Consistent with the ISSB standards, we are better able to assess preparedness for the low-carbon transition when companies disclose short-, medium- and long-term targets, ideally science-based where these are available for their sector, for scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reductions and to demonstrate how their targets are consistent with the long-term financial interests of their investors.

While we recognize that regulators in some markets are moving to mandate certain disclosures, at this stage, we view scope 3 emissions differently from scopes 1 and 2, given methodological complexity, regulatory uncertainty, concerns about double-counting, and lack of direct control by companies. We welcome disclosures and commitments companies choose to make regarding scope 3 emissions and recognize these are provided on a good-faith basis as methodology develops. Our publicly available <u>commentary</u> provides more information on our approach to climate-related risks and opportunities.

In addition to climate-related risks and opportunities, the management of nature-related factors is increasingly a component of some companies' ability to generate durable, long-term financial returns for shareholders, particularly where a company's strategy is heavily reliant on the availability of natural capital, or whose supply chains are exposed to locations with nature-related risks. We look for such companies to disclose how they manage any reliance and impact on, as well as use of, natural capital, including appropriate risk oversight and relevant metrics and targets, to understand how these factors are integrated into strategy. We will evaluate these disclosures to inform our view of how a company is managing material nature-related risks and opportunities, as well as in our assessment of relevant shareholder proposals. Our publicly available <u>commentary</u> provides more information on our approach to natural capital.<sup>7</sup>

**Key stakeholder interests**

In order to advance long-term shareholders' interests, companies should consider the interests of the various parties on whom they depend for their success over time. It is for each company to determine their key stakeholders based on what is material to their business and long-term financial performance. For many companies, key stakeholders include employees, business partners (such as suppliers and distributors), clients and consumers, regulators, and the communities in which they operate.

As a long-term shareholder on behalf of our clients, we find it helpful when companies disclose how they have identified their key stakeholders and considered their interests in business decision-making. In addition to understanding broader stakeholder relationships, BIS finds it helpful when companies consider the needs of their workforce today, and the skills required for their future business strategy. We are also interested to understand the role of the board, which is well positioned to ensure that the approach taken is informed by and aligns with the company's strategy and purpose.

Companies should articulate how they address material adverse impacts that could arise from their business practices and affect critical relationships with their stakeholders. We encourage companies to implement, to the extent appropriate, monitoring processes (often referred to as due diligence) to identify and mitigate potential adverse impacts and grievance mechanisms to remediate any actual adverse material impacts. In our view, maintaining trust within these relationships can contribute to a company's long-term success.

<sup>6</sup> We have observed that more companies are developing such plans, and public policy makers in a number of markets are signaling their intentions to require them. We view transition plans (TPs) as a method for a company to both internally assess and externally communicate long-term strategy, ambition, objectives, and actions to create financial value through the global transition towards a low-carbon economy. While many initiatives across jurisdictions outline a framework for TPs, there is no consensus on the key elements these plans should contain. We view useful disclosure as that which communicates a company's approach to managing financially material, business relevant risks and opportunities – including climate-related risks – to deliver long-term financial performance, thus enabling investors to make more informed decisions.

<sup>7</sup> Given the growing awareness of the materiality of these issues for certain businesses, enhanced reporting on a company's natural capital dependencies and impacts would aid investors' understanding. In our view, the final recommendations of the <u>Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures</u> may prove useful to some companies. We recognize that some companies may report using different standards, which may be required by regulation, or one of a number of other private sector standards.

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**Other corporate governance matters and shareholder protections**

In our view, shareholders have a right to material and timely information on the financial performance and viability of the companies in which they invest. In addition, companies should publish information on the governance structures in place and the rights of shareholders to influence these structures. The reporting and disclosure provided by companies help shareholders assess the effectiveness of the board's oversight of management and whether investors' economic interests have been protected. We believe shareholders should have the right to vote on key corporate governance matters, including changes to governance mechanisms, to submit proposals to the shareholders' meeting, and to call special meetings of shareholders.

**Corporate form** 

In our view, it is the responsibility of the board to determine the corporate form that is most appropriate given the company's purpose and business model.<sup>8</sup> Companies proposing to change their corporate form to a public benefit corporation or similar entity should put it to a shareholder vote if not already required to do so under applicable law. Supporting documentation from companies or shareholder proponents proposing to alter the corporate form should clearly articulate how the interests of shareholders and different stakeholders would be impacted as well as the accountability and voting mechanisms that would be available to shareholders. As a fiduciary on behalf of clients, we generally support management proposals if our analysis indicates that shareholders' economic interests are adequately protected. Relevant shareholder proposals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

**Shareholder proposals**

In most markets in which BlackRock invests on behalf of clients, shareholders have the right to submit proposals to be voted on by shareholders at a company's annual or extraordinary meeting, as long as eligibility and procedural requirements are met. The matters that we see put forward by shareholders address a wide range of topics, including governance reforms, capital management, and improvements in the management or disclosure of sustainability-related risks.

BlackRock is subject to legal and regulatory requirements in the U.S. that place restrictions and limitations on how BlackRock can interact with the companies in which we invest on behalf of our clients, including our ability to submit shareholder proposals. We can vote, on behalf of clients who authorize us to do so, on proposals put forth by others.

When assessing shareholder proposals, we evaluate each proposal on its merit, with a singular focus on its implications for long-term financial value creation by that company. We believe it is helpful for companies to disclose the names of the proponent or organization that has submitted or advised on the proposal. We consider the business and economic relevance of the issue raised, as well as its materiality and the urgency with which our experience indicates it should be addressed. We would not support proposals that we believe would result in over-reaching into the basic business decisions of the company. We take into consideration the legal effect of the proposal, as shareholder proposals may be advisory or legally binding depending on the jurisdiction, while others may make requests that would be deemed illegal in a given jurisdiction.

Where a proposal is focused on a material business risk that we agree needs to be addressed and the intended outcome is consistent with long-term financial value creation, we will look to the board and management to demonstrate that the company has met the intent of the request made in the shareholder proposal. Where our analysis and/or engagement indicate an opportunity for improvement in the company's approach to the issue, we may support shareholder proposals that are reasonable and not unduly prescriptive or constraining on management.

<sup>8</sup> Corporate form refers to the legal structure by which a business is organized.

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We recognize that some shareholder proposals bundle topics and/or specific requests and include supporting statements that explain the reasoning or objectives of the proponent. In voting on behalf of clients, we do not submit or edit proposals or the supporting statements – we must vote yes or no on the proposal as phrased by the proponent. Therefore, when we vote in support of a proposal, we are not necessarily endorsing every element of the proposal or the reasoning, objectives, or supporting statement of the proponent. We may support a proposal for different reasons from those put forth by the proponent, when we believe that, overall, it can advance our clients' long-term financial interests. We would normally explain to the company our rationale for supporting such proposals.

Alternatively, or in addition, we may vote against the election of one or more directors if, in our assessment, the board has not responded sufficiently or with an appropriate sense of urgency. We may also support a proposal if management is on track, but we believe that voting in favor might accelerate efforts to address a material risk.

**BlackRock's oversight of its investment <br>stewardship activities**

**Oversight**

BlackRock maintains three regional advisory committees (Stewardship Advisory Committees) for a) the Americas; b) Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and c) Asia-Pacific, generally consisting of senior BlackRock investment professionals and/or senior employees with practical boardroom experience. The regional Stewardship Advisory Committees review and advise on amendments to BIS regional proxy voting guidelines (the Guidelines) covering markets within each respective region. The advisory committees do not determine voting decisions, which are the responsibility of BIS.

In addition to the regional Stewardship Advisory Committees, the Investment Stewardship Global Oversight Committee (Global Oversight Committee) is a risk-focused committee, comprised of senior representatives from various BlackRock investment teams, a senior legal representative, the Global Head of Investment Stewardship (Global Head), and other senior executives with relevant experience and team oversight. The Global Committee does not determine voting decisions, which are the responsibility of BIS.

The Global Head has primary oversight of the activities of BIS, including voting in accordance with the Guidelines, which require the application of professional judgment and consideration of each company's unique circumstances. The Global Committee reviews and approves amendments to these Principles. The Global Committee also reviews and approves amendments to the regional Guidelines, as proposed by the regional Stewardship Advisory Committees.

In addition, the Global Committee receives and reviews periodic reports regarding the votes cast by BIS, as well as updates on material process issues, procedural changes, and other risk oversight considerations. The Global Committee reviews these reports in an oversight capacity as informed by the Guidelines.

BIS carries out engagement with companies, executes proxy votes, and conducts vote operations (including maintaining records of votes cast) in a manner consistent with the relevant Guidelines. BIS also conducts research on corporate governance issues and participates in industry discussions to contribute to and keep abreast of important developments in the corporate governance field. BIS may utilize third parties for certain of the foregoing activities and performs oversight of those third parties. BIS may raise complicated or particularly controversial matters for internal discussion with the relevant investment teams and governance specialists for discussion and guidance prior to making a voting decision.

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**Vote execution**

BlackRock votes on proxy issues when our clients authorize us to do so. When BlackRock has been authorized to vote on behalf of our clients, we carefully consider proxies submitted to funds and other fiduciary account(s) (Fund or Funds) for which we have voting authority. BlackRock votes (or refrains from voting) proxies for each Fund for which we have voting authority based on our evaluation of the alignment of the voting items with the long-term economic interests of our clients, in the exercise of our independent business judgment, and without regard to the relationship of the issuer of the proxy (or any shareholder proponent or dissident shareholder) to the Fund, the Fund's affiliates (if any), BlackRock or BlackRock's affiliates, or BlackRock employees (see "Conflicts management policies and procedures," below).

When exercising voting rights, BIS will normally vote on specific proxy issues in accordance with the Guidelines for the relevant market, as well as the Global Principles. The Guidelines are reviewed annually and are amended consistent with changes in the local market practice, as developments in corporate governance occur, or as otherwise deemed advisable by the applicable Stewardship Advisory Committees. BIS analysts may, in the exercise of their professional judgment, conclude that the Guidelines do not cover the specific matter upon which a proxy vote is required or that an exception to the Guidelines would be in the long-term economic interests of BlackRock's clients.

In the uncommon circumstance of there being a vote with respect to fixed income securities or the securities of privately held issuers, the decision generally will be made by a Fund's portfolio managers and/or BIS based on an assessment of the particular transactions or other matters at issue.

In certain markets, proxy voting involves logistical issues which can affect BIS' ability to vote such proxies, as well as the desirability of voting such proxies. These issues include, but are not limited to: i) untimely notice of shareholder meetings; ii) restrictions on a foreigner's ability to exercise votes; iii) requirements to vote proxies in person; iv) "share-blocking" (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); v) potential difficulties in translating the proxy; vi) regulatory constraints; and vii) requirements to provide local agents with unrestricted powers of attorney to facilitate voting instructions. We are not supportive of impediments to the exercise of voting rights such as share-blocking or overly burdensome administrative requirements.

As a consequence, BlackRock votes proxies in these situations on a "best-efforts" basis. In addition, BIS may determine that it is generally in the interests of BlackRock's clients not to vote proxies (or not to vote our full allocation) if the costs (including but not limited to opportunity costs associated with share-blocking constraints) associated with exercising a vote are expected to outweigh the benefit the client would derive by voting on the proposal.

Active portfolio managers have full discretion to vote the shares in the Funds they manage based on their analysis of the economic impact of a particular ballot item on their investors. Portfolio managers may, from time to time, reach differing views on how to maximize economic value with respect to a particular investment. Therefore, portfolio managers may, and sometimes do, vote shares in the Funds under their management differently from BIS or from one another. However, because BlackRock's clients are mostly long-term investors with long-term economic goals, ballots are generally cast in a uniform manner.

**Voting Choice** 

BlackRock offers a <u>Voting Choice</u> program, which provides eligible clients with more opportunities to participate in the proxy voting process where legally and operationally viable. BlackRock Voting Choice aims to make proxy voting easier and more accessible for eligible clients.

Voting Choice is currently available for eligible clients invested in certain institutional pooled funds in the U.S., UK, Ireland, and Canada that utilize equity index investment strategies, as well as eligible clients in certain institutional pooled funds in the U.S., UK, and Canada that use systematic active equity (SAE) strategies. Currently, this includes over 650 pooled investment funds, including equity index funds and SAE investment

BlackRock Investment Stewardship&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Global Principles \| 15

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funds. In addition, institutional clients in separately managed accounts (SMAs) continue to be eligible for BlackRock Voting Choice regardless of their investment strategies.<sup>9</sup>

As a result, the shares attributed to BlackRock in company share registers may be voted differently depending on whether our clients have authorized BIS to vote on their behalf, have authorized BIS to vote in accordance with a third-party policy, or have elected to vote shares in accordance with their own policy. Agreements with our clients to allow them greater control over their voting, including which policies they have selected, will be treated confidentially consistent with our treatment of similar client agreements.

**Conflicts management policies and procedures**

BIS maintains policies and procedures that seek to prevent undue influence on BlackRock's proxy voting activity. Such influence might stem from any relationship between the investee company (or any shareholder proponent or dissident shareholder) and BlackRock, BlackRock's affiliates, a Fund or a Fund's affiliates, or BlackRock employees. The following are examples of sources of perceived or potential conflicts of interest:

● BlackRock clients who may be issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions

● BlackRock business partners or third parties who may be issuers of securities or proponents of shareholder resolutions

● BlackRock employees who may sit on the boards of public companies held in Funds managed by BlackRock

● Significant BlackRock, Inc. investors who may be issuers of securities held in Funds managed by BlackRock

● Securities of BlackRock, Inc. or BlackRock investment funds held in Funds managed by BlackRock

● BlackRock, Inc. board members who serve as senior executives or directors of public companies held in Funds managed by BlackRock

BlackRock has taken certain steps to mitigate perceived or potential conflicts including, but not limited to, the following:

● Adopted the Guidelines which are designed to advance our clients' long-term economic interests in the companies in which BlackRock invests on their behalf

● Established a reporting structure that separates BIS from employees with sales, vendor management, or business partnership roles. In addition, BlackRock seeks to ensure that all engagements with corporate issuers, dissident shareholders or shareholder proponents are managed consistently and without regard to BlackRock's relationship with such parties. Clients or business partners are not given special treatment or differentiated access to BIS. BIS prioritizes engagements based on factors including, but not limited to, our need for additional information to make a voting decision or our view on the likelihood that an engagement could lead to positive outcome(s) over time for the economic value of the company. Within the normal course of business, BIS may engage directly with BlackRock clients, business partners and/or third parties, and/or with employees with sales, vendor management, or business partnership roles, in discussions regarding our approach to stewardship, general corporate governance matters, client reporting needs, and/or to otherwise ensure that proxy-related client service levels are met

<sup>9</sup> Read more about BlackRock Voting Choice on our <u>website</u>.

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● Determined to engage, in certain instances, an independent third-party voting service provider to make proxy voting recommendations as a further safeguard to avoid potential conflicts of interest, to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements, or as may be otherwise required by applicable law. In such circumstances, the independent third-party voting service provider provides BlackRock with recommendations, in accordance with the Guidelines, as to how to vote such proxies. BlackRock uses an independent third-party voting service provider to make proxy voting recommendations for shares of BlackRock, Inc. and companies affiliated with BlackRock, Inc. BlackRock may also use an independent third-party voting service provider to make proxy voting recommendations for:

opublic companies that include BlackRock employees on their boards of directors

opublic companies of which a BlackRock, Inc. board member serves as a senior executive or a member of the board of directors

opublic companies that are the subject of certain transactions involving BlackRock Funds

opublic companies that are joint venture partners with BlackRock, and

opublic companies when legal or regulatory requirements compel BlackRock to use an independent third-party voting service provider

In selecting an independent third-party voting service provider, we assess several characteristics, including but not limited to: independence, an ability to analyze proxy issues and make recommendations in the economic interest of our clients in accordance with the Guidelines, reputation for reliability and integrity, and operational capacity to accurately deliver the assigned recommendations in a timely manner. We may engage more than one independent third-party voting service provider, in part to mitigate potential or perceived conflicts of interest at a single voting service provider. The Global Committee appoints and reviews the performance of the independent third-party voting service providers, generally on an annual basis.

**Securities lending**

When so authorized, BlackRock acts as a securities lending agent on behalf of Funds. Securities lending is a well-regulated practice that contributes to capital market efficiency. It also enables funds to generate additional returns while allowing fund providers to keep fund expenses lower.

With regard to the relationship between securities lending and proxy voting, BlackRock cannot vote shares on loan and may determine to recall them for voting, as guided by our fiduciary responsibility to act in our clients' financial interests. While this has occurred in a limited number of cases, the decision to recall securities on loan as part of BlackRock's securities lending program in order to vote is based on an evaluation of various factors that include, but are not limited to, assessing potential securities lending revenue alongside the potential long-term financial value to clients of voting those securities (based on the information available at the time of recall consideration).<sup>10</sup> BIS works with colleagues in the Securities Lending and Risk and Quantitative Analysis teams to evaluate the costs and benefits to clients of recalling shares on loan.

In almost all instances , BlackRock anticipates that the potential long-term financial value to the Fund of voting shares would be less than the potential revenue the loan may provide the Fund. However, in certain instances, BlackRock may determine, in our independent business judgment as a fiduciary, that the value of voting outweighs the securities lending revenue loss to clients and would therefore recall shares to be voted in those instances.

<sup>10</sup> Recalling securities on loan can be impacted by the timing of record dates. In the U.S., for example, the record date of a shareholder meeting typically falls before the proxy statements are released. Accordingly, it is not practicable to evaluate a proxy statement, determine that a vote has a material impact on a fund and recall any shares on loan in advance of the record date for the annual meeting. As a result, managers must weigh independent business judgement as a fiduciary, the benefit to a fund's shareholders of recalling loaned shares in advance of an estimated record date without knowing whether there will be a vote on matters which have a material impact on the fund (thereby forgoing potential securities lending revenue for the fund's shareholders) or leaving shares on loan to potentially earn revenue for the fund (thereby forgoing the opportunity to vote).

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Periodically, BlackRock reviews our process for determining whether to recall securities on loan in order to vote and may modify it as necessary.

**Voting guidelines**

The voting guidelines published for each region/country in which we vote are intended to summarize BlackRock's general philosophy and approach to issues that may commonly arise in the proxy voting context in each market where we invest. The Guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive. BIS applies the Guidelines on a case-by-case basis, in the context of the individual circumstances of each company and the specific issue under review. As such, the Guidelines do not indicate how BIS will vote in every instance. Rather, they reflect our view about corporate governance issues generally, and provide insight into how we typically approach issues that commonly arise on corporate ballots. As previously discussed, the Guidelines should be read in conjunction with the Principles and engagement priorities. Collectively, these "BIS policies" set out the core elements of corporate governance that guide our investment stewardship efforts globally and within each market, including when engaging with companies and voting at shareholder meetings. The BIS policies are applied on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the context within which a company is operating.

**Reporting and vote transparency**

We are committed to transparency in the stewardship work we do on behalf of clients. We inform clients about our engagement and voting policies and activities through direct communication and through disclosure on our <u>website</u>. Each year we publish an annual report that provides a global overview of our investment stewardship engagement and voting activities and a voting spotlight that summarizes our voting over a proxy year.<sup>11</sup> Additionally, we make public our regional proxy voting guidelines for the benefit of clients and the companies in which we invest on their behalf. We also publish commentaries to share our perspective on market developments and emerging key themes.

At a more granular level, on a quarterly basis, we publish our vote record for each company that held a shareholder meeting during the period, showing how BIS voted on each proposal and providing our rationale for any votes against management proposals or on shareholder proposals. For shareholder meetings where a vote might be high profile or of significant interest to clients, we may publish a vote bulletin after the meeting, disclosing and explaining our vote on key proposals. We also publish a quarterly list of all companies with which we engaged and the key topics addressed in the engagement meeting.

In this way, we help inform our clients about the work we do on their behalf in promoting the governance and business practices that support durable, long-term financial value creation.

<sup>11</sup> The proxy year runs from July 1 to June 30.

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Want to know more?

<u>blackrock.com/stewardship</u> \| <u>contactstewardship@blackrock.com</u>

This document is provided for information and educational purposes only. Investing involves risk, including the loss of principal.

Prepared by BlackRock, Inc.©2024 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. **BLACKROCK** is a trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.

**CLEARBRIDGE INVESTMENTS**

**Proxy Voting Policy** 

December 2023

**ClearBridge Investments Limited (CIL)**

**ClearBridge RARE Infrastructure International Pty Limited (CBI RIIPL)** 

**ClearBridge Investments (North America) Pty Limited (CINA)**

(the above entities are referred to as "ClearBridge" for the purposes of this policy.)

Document Owner: Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance

This document is confidential and is only intended for the purposes of the above entities. This document may only be provided to third parties with the express prior written approval of the Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance. No recipient is authorised to pass this document or its contents on to any other person whatsoever or reproduce it by any means. All intellectual property contained in this document remains the property of the above entities and any rights in relation to this intellectual property are not intended to be diluted by the distribution of this document.

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**CLEARBRIDGE INVESTMENTS** 

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

I.Types of Accounts for Which ClearBridge Votes Proxies

II.General Guidelines

III.How ClearBridge Votes

IV.Conflicts of Interest

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest and for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Third Party Proxy Voting Firm – Conflicts of Interest

V.Voting Policy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Election of Directors

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Proxy Contests

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Auditors

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D.Proxy Contest Defenses

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E.Tender Offer Defenses

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F.Miscellaneous Governance Provisions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;G.Capital Structure

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;H.Executive and Director Compensation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I.State/Country of Incorporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J.Mergers and Corporate Restructuring

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;K.Social and Environmental Issues

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L.Miscellaneous

VI.Other Considerations

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Share Blocking

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Securities on Loan

VII.Disclosure of Proxy Voting

VIII.Recordkeeping and Oversight

ClearBridge Investments

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**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

**I.TYPES OF ACCOUNTS FOR WHICH CLEARBRIDGE VOTES PROXIES**

ClearBridge votes proxies for each client for which it has investment discretion unless the investment management agreement provides that the client or other authorized party (e.g., a trustee or named fiduciary of a plan) is responsible for voting proxies.

**II.GENERAL GUIDELINES**

In voting proxies, we are guided by general fiduciary principles. Our goal is to act prudently, solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of the accounts we manage. We attempt to provide for the consideration of all factors that could affect the value of the investment and will vote proxies in the manner that we believe will be consistent with efforts to maximize shareholder values.

**III.HOW CLEARBRIDGE VOTES**

Section V of these policies and procedures sets forth certain stated positions. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a stated position, we generally vote in accordance with the stated position. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is a list of factors set forth in Section V that we consider in voting on such issue, we consider those factors and vote on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above. In the case of a proxy issue for which there is no stated position or list of factors that we consider in voting on such issue, we vote on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the general principles set forth above. We may utilize an external service provider to provide us with information and/or a recommendation with regard to proxy votes but we are not required to follow any such recommendations. The use of an external service provider does not relieve us of our responsibility for the proxy vote.

For routine matters, we usually vote according to our policy or the external service provider's recommendation, although we are not obligated to do so and each individual portfolio management team may vote contrary to our policy or the recommendation of the external service provider. If a matter is non-routine, e.g., management's recommendation is different than that of the external service provider and ClearBridge is a significant holder or it is a significant holding for ClearBridge, the issues will be highlighted to the appropriate Investment teams. Different Investment teams may vote differently on the same issue, depending upon their assessment of clients' best interests.

ClearBridge's policies are reviewed annually and its proxy voting process is overseen and coordinated by its Proxy Committee.

**IV.CONFLICTS OF INTEREST**

In furtherance of ClearBridge's goal to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, ClearBridge follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between ClearBridge's interests and those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients. We also take into consideration relevant regulatory guidance, eg, ASIC Regulatory Guide 128.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest**

ClearBridge relies on the following to seek to identify conflicts of interest with respect to proxy voting:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.ClearBridge's employees are periodically reminded of their obligation (i) to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of ClearBridge with respect to voting proxies on behalf of client accounts both as a result of their personal relationships or personal or business relationships relating to another Franklin Resources, Inc. ("Franklin") business unit, and (ii) to bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of ClearBridge's Chief Compliance Officer.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.ClearBridge's finance area maintains and provides to ClearBridge Compliance and proxy voting personnel an up- to-date list of all client relationships that have historically accounted for or are projected to account for greater than 1% of ClearBridge's net revenues.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.As a general matter, ClearBridge takes the position that relationships between a non- ClearBridge Franklin unit and an issuer (*e.g.*, investment management relationship between an issuer and a non- ClearBridge Franklin affiliate) do not present a conflict of interest for ClearBridge in voting proxies with respect to such issuer because ClearBridge operates as an independent business unit from other Franklin business units and because of the existence of informational barriers between ClearBridge and certain other Franklin business units. As noted above, ClearBridge employees are under an obligation to bring such conflicts of interest, including conflicts of interest which may arise because of an attempt by another Franklin business unit or non- ClearBridge Franklin officer or employee to influence proxy voting by ClearBridge to the attention of ClearBridge Compliance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.A list of issuers with respect to which ClearBridge has a potential conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of client accounts will be maintained by ClearBridge proxy voting personnel. ClearBridge will not vote proxies relating to such issuers until it has been determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method for resolving the conflict of interest has been agreed upon and implemented, as described in Section IV below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.Procedures for Assessing Materiality of Conflicts of Interest and for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.ClearBridge maintains a Proxy Committee which, among other things, reviews and addresses conflicts of interest brought to its attention. The Proxy Committee is comprised of such ClearBridge personnel (and others, at ClearBridge's request), as are designated from time to time. The current members of the Proxy Committee are set forth in the Proxy Committee's Terms of Reference.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.All conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined in Section IV.A. must be brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee for resolution. A proxy issue that will be voted in accordance with a stated ClearBridge position on such issue or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party generally is not brought to the attention of the Proxy Committee for a conflict of interest review because ClearBridge's position is that any conflict of interest issues are resolved by voting in accordance with a pre-determined policy or in accordance with the recommendation of an independent third party.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.The Proxy Committee will determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict is likely to influence, or appear to influence, ClearBridge's decision-making in voting the proxy. All materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. A written record of all materiality determinations made by the Proxy Committee will be maintained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.If it is determined by the Proxy Committee that a conflict of interest is not material, ClearBridge may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.If it is determined by the Proxy Committee that a conflict of interest is material, the Proxy Committee will determine an appropriate method to resolve such conflict of interest before the proxy affected by the conflict of interest is voted. Such determination shall be based on the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. Such methods may include:

\*disclosing the conflict to clients and obtaining their consent before voting;

\*suggesting to clients that they engage another party to vote the proxy on their behalf;

\*in the case of a conflict of interest resulting from a particular employee's personal relationships, removing such employee from the decision-making process with respect to such proxy vote; or

\*such other method as is deemed appropriate given the particular facts and circumstances, including the importance of the proxy issue, the nature of the conflict of interest, etc. \*

A written record of the method used to resolve a material conflict of interest shall be maintained.

______________________<br>\* Especially in the case of an apparent, as opposed to actual, conflict of interest, the Proxy Committee may resolve such conflict of interest by satisfying itself that ClearBridge's proposed vote on a proxy issue is in the best interest of client accounts and is not being influenced by the conflict of interest.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.Third Party Proxy Voting Firm - Conflicts of Interest**

With respect to a third-party proxy voting firm described herein, the Proxy Committee will periodically review and assess such firm's policies, procedures and practices with respect to the disclosure and handling of conflicts of interest.

**V.VOTING POLICY**

These are policy guidelines that can always be superseded, subject to the duty to act solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of accounts, by the investment management professionals responsible for the account holding the shares being voted. There may be occasions when different Investment teams vote differently on the same issue. In addition, in the case of Taft-Hartley clients, ClearBridge will comply with a client direction to vote proxies in accordance with Institutional Shareholder Services' (ISS) PVS Proxy Voting Guidelines, which ISS represents to be fully consistent with AFL-CIO guidelines.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.Election of Directors**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We withhold our vote from a director nominee who:

\*attended less than 75 percent of the company's board and committee meetings without a valid excuse (illness, service to the nation/local government, work on behalf of the company)

\*received more than 50 percent withheld votes of the shares cast at the previous board election, and the company has failed to address the issue as to why

\*is a member of the company's audit committee, when excessive non-audit fees were paid to the auditor, or there are chronic control issues and an absence of established effective control mechanisms

\*is a member of the company's compensation committee if the compensation committee ignore a say on pay proposal that a majority of shareholders opposed

\*is a member of the company's nominating committee and there is no gender diversity on the board (or those currently proposed for election to the board do not meet that criterion).

\*is a member of the company's nominating committee and there is no racial/ethnic diversity on the board (or those currently proposed for election to the board do not meet that criterion).<sup>1</sup>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote on a case-by-case basis in the following circumstances:

\**Significant Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emitters* - we will generally vote against the Chair of the board and the Chair of the responsible committee for companies that are significant GHG emitters in cases where the company is not taking the minimum steps needed to understand, assess, and mitigate risks related to climate change to the company and the larger economy. Minimum steps include detailed disclosure of climate-related risks, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD); and, at this time, "appropriate" GHG emissions reductions targets (i.e., short- term and medium-term GHG reduction targets or net zero by 2050 GHG reduction targets).

\**Lack of Progress Towards Addressing Emissions* - we may decide to vote against the Chair of the board and relevant Directors in connection with our net zero commitment if we determine that insufficient progress has been made towards addressing emissions. Such a vote against the Chair and Directors would be one of the final steps in our net zero escalation policy. A vote against the Chair and Directors would only be considered after extensive direct engagement with the company and where there is insufficient progress being made via engagement after several years. ***This vote would be placed on an ad hoc basis and only upon our specific request.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote for all other director nominees.

<sup>1</sup> This position only applies to Anglo markets which is defined as US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Chairman and CEO is the Same Person.

We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals that would require the positions of the Chairman and CEO to be held by different persons. We would generally vote FOR such a proposal unless there are compelling reasons to vote against the proposal, including:

\*designation of a lead director

\*majority of independent directors (supermajority)

\*all independent key committees

\*size of the company (based on market capitalization)

\*established governance guidelines

\*company performance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Majority of Independent Directors

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board be comprised of a majority of independent directors. Generally, that would require that the director have no connection to the company other than the board seat. In determining whether an independent director is truly independent (e.g. when voting on a slate of director candidates), we consider certain factors including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: whether the director or his/her company provided professional services to the company or its affiliates either currently or in the past year; whether the director has any transactional relationship with the company; whether the director is a significant customer or supplier of the company; whether the director is employed by a foundation or university that received significant grants or endowments from the company or its affiliates; and whether there are interlocking directorships.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for shareholder proposals that request that the board audit, compensation and/or nominating committees include independent directors exclusively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Stock Ownership Requirements

We vote against shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director, or to remain on the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Term of Office

We vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of independent directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Subject to subparagraphs 2, 3, and 4 below, we vote for proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals to limit and against proposals to eliminate entirely director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote against indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.We vote for only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage noted in subparagraph 3 above in cases when a director's or officer's legal defense was unsuccessful if: (1) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, *and* (2) if only the director's legal expenses would be covered.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Director Qualifications

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote case-by-case on proposals that establish or amend director qualifications. Considerations include how reasonable the criteria are and to what degree they may preclude dissident nominees from joining the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote against shareholder proposals requiring two candidates per board seat.

ClearBridge Investments

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.Proxy Contests**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections

We vote on a case-by-case basis in contested elections of directors. Considerations include: chronology of events leading up to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (incumbents and dissidents); for incumbents, whether the board is comprised of a majority of outside directors; whether key committees (i.e.: nominating, audit, compensation) comprise solely of independent outsiders; discussion with the respective Portfolio Manager(s).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to provide full reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest. Considerations include: identity of persons who will pay solicitation expenses; cost of solicitation; percentage that will be paid to proxy solicitation firms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.Auditors**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Ratifying Auditors

We vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company's financial position or there is reason to believe the independent auditor has not followed the highest level of ethical conduct. Specifically, we will vote to ratify auditors if the auditors only provide the company audit services and such other audit-related and non-audit services the provision of which will not cause such auditors to lose their independence under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Financial Statements and Director and Auditor Reports

We generally vote for management proposals seeking approval of financial accounts and reports and the discharge of management and supervisory board members, unless there is concern about the past actions of the company's auditors or directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Remuneration of Auditors

We vote for proposals to authorize the board or an audit committee of the board to determine the remuneration of auditors, unless there is evidence of excessive compensation relative to the size and nature of the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Indemnification of Auditors

We vote against proposals to indemnify auditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.Proxy Contest Defenses**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals to classify the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.We vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Cumulative Voting

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.If plurality voting is in place for uncontested director elections, we vote for proposals to permit or restore cumulative voting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.If majority voting is in place for uncontested director elections, we vote against cumulative voting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.If plurality voting is in place for uncontested director elections, and proposals to adopt both cumulative voting and majority voting are on the same slate, we vote for majority voting and against cumulative voting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Majority Voting

We vote for non-binding and/or binding resolutions requesting that the board amend a company's by-laws to stipulate that directors need to be elected with an affirmative majority of the votes cast, provided that it does not conflict with the state law where the company is incorporated. In addition, all resolutions need to provide for a carve-out for a plurality vote standard when there are more nominees than board seats (i.e. contested election). In addition, ClearBridge strongly encourages companies to adopt a post-election director resignation policy setting guidelines for the company to follow to promptly address situations involving holdover directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals that provide shareholders with the ability to call special meetings, taking into account a minimum ownership threshold of 10 percent (and investor ownership structure, depending on bylaws).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.Advance Notice Proposals

We vote on advance notice proposals on a case-by-case basis, giving support to those proposals which allow shareholders to submit proposals as close to the meeting date as reasonably possible and within the broadest window possible.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.Amendment of By-Laws

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals giving the board exclusive authority to amend the by-laws.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals giving the board the ability to amend the by-laws in addition to shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.Article Amendments (not otherwise covered by ClearBridge Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures)

We review on a case-by-case basis all proposals seeking amendments to the articles of association.

We vote for article amendments if:

\*shareholder rights are protected;

\*there is negligible or positive impact on shareholder value;

\*management provides adequate reasons for the amendments; and

\*the company is required to do so by law (if applicable).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.Tender Offer Defenses**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Poison Pills

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals to redeem a company's poison pill. Considerations include: when the plan was originally adopted; financial condition of the company; terms of the poison pill.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals to ratify a poison pill. Considerations include: sunset provision - poison pill is submitted to shareholders for ratification or rejection every 2 to 3 years; shareholder redemption feature -10% of the shares may call a special meeting or seek a written consent to vote on rescinding the rights plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Fair Price Provisions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for fair price proposals, as long as the shareholder vote requirement embedded in the provision is no more than a majority of disinterested shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Greenmail

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company's ability to make greenmail payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote on a case-by-case basis on anti-greenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Unequal Voting Rights

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against dual class exchange offers.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote against dual class re-capitalization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.White Knight/Squire Placements

We vote for shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock issues.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**F.Miscellaneous Governance Provisions**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Confidential Voting

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: in the case of a contested election, management is permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting subject to the proviso for contested elections set forth in sub-paragraph A.1. above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Equal Access

We vote for shareholder proposals that would allow significant company shareholders equal access to management's proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees, and in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Bundled Proposals

We vote on a case-by-case basis on bundled or "conditioned" proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, we examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders' best interests and therefore not in the best interests of the beneficial owners of accounts, we vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, we support such proposals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Shareholder Advisory Committees

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee. Considerations include: rationale and cost to the firm to form such a committee. We generally vote against such proposals if the board and key nominating committees are comprised solely of independent/outside directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Other Business

We vote for proposals that seek to bring forth other business matters.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Adjourn Meeting

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals that seek to adjourn a shareholder meeting in order to solicit additional votes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Lack of Information

We vote against proposals if a company fails to provide shareholders with adequate information upon which to base their voting decision.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**G.Capital Structure**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Common Stock Authorization

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue, except as described in paragraph 2 below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Subject to paragraph 3, below we vote for the approval requesting increases in authorized shares if the company meets certain criteria:

\*company has already issued a certain percentage (i.e., greater than 50%) of the company's allotment

\*the proposed increase is reasonable (i.e., less than 150% of current inventory) based on an analysis of the company's historical stock management or future growth outlook of the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote on a case-by-case basis, based on the input of affected Portfolio Managers, if holding is greater than 1% of an account.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends

We vote on a case-by-case basis on management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the split does not result in an increase of authorized but unissued shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the shares needed for the split.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Reverse Stock Splits

We vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split, provided that the reverse split does not result in an increase of authorized but unissued shares of more than 100% after giving effect to the shares needed for the reverse split.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Blank Check Preferred Stock

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals to create, authorize or increase the number of shares with regard to blank check preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution and other rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals to create "declawed" blank check preferred stock (stock that cannot be used as a takeover defense).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote for proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.We vote for proposals requiring a shareholder vote for blank check preferred stock issues.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Adjust Par Value of Common Stock

We vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Preemptive Rights

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals seeking to establish them and consider the following factors:

\*size of the Company

\*characteristics of the size of the holding (holder owning more than 1% of the outstanding shares)

\*percentage of the rights offering (rule of thumb less than 5%).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote on a case-by-case basis for shareholder proposals seeking the elimination of pre-emptive rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Debt Restructuring

We vote on a case-by-case basis for proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt-restructuring plan. Generally, we approve proposals that facilitate debt restructuring.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.Share Repurchase Programs

We vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.Dual-Class Stock

We vote for proposals to eliminate dual-class structures, unless a company has a stated policy that stipulates that the dual class structure will be eliminated in a period not to exceed 5 years from its initial public offering.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.Issue Stock for Use with Rights Plan

We vote against proposals that increase authorized common stock for the explicit purpose of implementing a shareholder rights plan (poison pill).

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.Debt Issuance Requests

When evaluating a debt issuance request, the issuing company's present financial situation is examined. The main factor for analysis is the company's current debt-to-equity ratio, or gearing level. A high gearing level may incline markets and financial analysts to downgrade the company's bond rating, increasing its investment risk factor in the process. A gearing level up to 100 percent is considered acceptable.

We vote for debt issuances for companies when the gearing level is between zero and 100 percent.

We view on a case-by-case basis proposals where the issuance of debt will result in the gearing level being greater than 100 percent. Any proposed debt issuance is compared to industry and market standards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.Financing Plans

We generally vote for the adopting of financing plans if we believe they are in the best economic interests of shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**H.Executive and Director Compensation**

In general, we vote for executive and director compensation plans, with the view that viable compensation programs reward the creation of stockholder wealth by having high payout sensitivity to increases in shareholder value. Certain factors, however, such as repricing underwater stock options without shareholder approval, would cause us to vote against a plan. Additionally, in some cases we would vote against a plan deemed unnecessary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Amendments that Place a Cap on Annual Grant or Amend Administrative Features

We vote for plans that simply amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Amendments to Added Performance-Based Goals

We vote for amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.Amendments to Increase Shares and Retain Tax Deductions Under OBRA

We vote for amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) the Internal Revenue Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.Approval of Cash or Cash-and-Stock Bonus Plans

We vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Expensing of Options

We vote for proposals to expense stock options on financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on all shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information. Considerations include: cost and form of disclosure. We vote for such proposals if additional disclosure is relevant to shareholder's needs and would not put the company at a competitive disadvantage relative to its industry.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote on a case-by-case basis on all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Reports to Assess the Feasibility of Including Sustainability as a Performance Metric

We vote in favor of non-binding proposals for reports on the feasibility of including sustainability as a performance metric for senior executive compensation.

We have a policy of voting to reasonably limit the level of options and other equity- based compensation arrangements available to management to reasonably limit shareholder dilution and management compensation. For options and equity-based compensation arrangements, we vote FOR proposals or amendments that would result in the available awards being less than 10% of fully diluted outstanding shares (i.e. if the combined total of shares, common share equivalents and options available to be awarded under all current and proposed compensation plans is less than 10% of fully diluted shares). In the event the available awards exceed the 10% threshold, we would also consider the % relative to the common practice of its specific industry (e.g. technology firms). Other considerations would include, without limitation, the following:

\*compensation committee comprised of independent outside directors

\*maximum award limits

\*repricing without shareholder approval prohibited

\*3-year average burn rate for company

\*plan administrator has authority to accelerate the vesting of awards

\*shares under the plan subject to performance criteria.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Golden Parachutes

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for shareholder proposals to have golden parachutes submitted for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote on a case-by-case basis on all proposals to ratify or cancel golden parachutes. Considerations include: the amount should not exceed 3 times average base salary plus guaranteed benefits; golden parachute should be less attractive than an ongoing employment opportunity with the firm.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Golden Coffins

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for shareholder proposals that request a company not to make any death benefit payments to senior executives' estates or beneficiaries or pay premiums in respect to any life insurance policy covering a senior executive's life ("golden coffin"). We carve out benefits provided under a plan, policy or arrangement applicable to a broader group of employees, such as offering group universal life insurance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for shareholder proposals that request shareholder approval of survivor benefits for future agreements that, following the death of a senior executive, would obligate the company to make payments or awards not earned.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Anti-Tax Gross-up Policy

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals that ask a company to adopt a policy whereby it will not make, or promise to make, any tax gross-up payment to its senior executives, except for tax gross-ups provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company generally, such as relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy; we also vote for proposals that ask management to put gross-up payments to a shareholder vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote against proposals where a company will make, or promise to make, any tax gross-up payment to its senior executives without a shareholder vote, except for tax gross-ups provided pursuant to a plan, policy, or arrangement applicable to management employees of the company generally, such as relocation or expatriate tax equalization policy.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)

We vote for proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is "excessive" (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.Employee Stock Purchase Plans

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for qualified plans where all of the following apply:

\*the purchase price is at least 85 percent of fair market value

\*the offering period is 27 months or less

\*the number of shares allocated to the plan is five percent or less of outstanding shares.

If the above do not apply, we vote on a case-by-case basis.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for non-qualified plans where all of the following apply:

\*all employees of the company are eligible to participate (excluding 5 percent or more beneficial owners)

\*there are limits on employee contribution (ex: fixed dollar amount)

\*there is a company matching contribution with a maximum of 25 percent of an employee's contribution

\*there is no discount on the stock price on purchase date (since there is a company match).

If the above do not apply, we vote against the non-qualified employee stock purchase plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.401(k) Employee Benefit Plans

We vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.Stock Compensation Plans

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for stock compensation plans which provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote on a case-by-case basis for stock compensation plans which do not provide a dollar-for-dollar cash for stock exchange using a quantitative model.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.Directors Retirement Plans

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against retirement plans for non-employee directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for shareholder proposals to eliminate retirement plans for non-employee directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.Management Proposals to Reprice Options

We vote against management proposals seeking approval to reprice options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.Shareholder Proposals Regarding Executive and Director Pay

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against shareholder proposals seeking to set absolute levels on compensation or otherwise dictate the amount or form of compensation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote against shareholder proposals requiring director fees be paid in stock only.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote against shareholder proposals to eliminate vesting of options and restricted stock on change of control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.We vote for shareholder proposals to put option repricing to a shareholder vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.We vote for shareholder proposals that call for a non-binding advisory vote on executive pay ("say-on-pay"). Company boards would adopt a policy giving shareholders the opportunity at each annual meeting to vote on an advisory resolution to ratify the compensation of the named executive officers set forth in the proxy statement's summary compensation table.

ClearBridge Investments

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.We vote "annual" for the frequency of say-on-pay proposals rather than once every two or three years.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;g.We vote on a case-by-case basis for all other shareholder proposals regarding executive and director pay, taking into account company performance, pay level versus peers, pay level versus industry, and long term corporate outlook.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.Management Proposals on Executive Compensation

For non-binding advisory votes on executive officer compensation, when management and the external service provider agree, we vote for the proposal. When management and the external service provider disagree, the proposal becomes a refer item. In the case of a Refer item, the factors under consideration will include the following:

\*company performance over the last 1, 3, and 5-year periods on a total shareholder return basis

\*performance metrics for short- and long-term incentive programs

\*CEO pay relative to company performance (is there a misalignment)

\*tax gross-ups to senior executives

\*change-in-control arrangements

\*presence of a clawback provision, ownership guidelines, or stock holding requirements for senior executives

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.Stock Retention / Holding Period of Equity Awards

We vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals asking companies to adopt policies requiring senior executives to retain all or a significant (>50 percent) portion of their shares acquired through equity compensation plans, either:

\*while employed and/or for one to two years following the termination of their employment; or

\*for a substantial period following the lapse of all other vesting requirements for the award, with ratable release of a portion of the shares annually during the lock-up period

The following factors will be taken into consideration:

\*Whether the company has any holding period, retention ratio, or named executive officer ownership requirements currently in place

\*Actual stock ownership of the company's named executive officers

\*Policies aimed at mitigating risk taking by senior executives

\*Pay practices at the company that we deem problematic

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**I.State/Country of Incorporation**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Voting on State Takeover Statutes

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals to opt out of state freeze-out provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals to opt out of state disgorgement provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Voting on Re-incorporation Proposals

We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to change a company's state or country of incorporation. Considerations include: reasons for re-incorporation (i.e. financial, restructuring, etc); advantages/benefits for change (i.e. lower taxes); compare the differences in state/country laws governing the corporation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Control Share Acquisition Provisions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals to amend the charter to include control share acquisition provisions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals to opt out of control share acquisition statutes unless doing so would enable the completion of a takeover that would be detrimental to shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote for proposals to restore voting rights to the control shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.We vote for proposals to opt out of control share cashout statutes.

ClearBridge Investments

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**J.Mergers and Corporate Restructuring**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Mergers and Acquisitions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on mergers and acquisitions. Considerations include: benefits/advantages of the combined companies (i.e. economies of scale, operating synergies, increase in market power/share, etc.); offer price (premium or discount); change in the capital structure; impact on shareholder rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Corporate Restructuring

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on corporate restructuring proposals involving minority squeeze outs and leveraged buyouts. Considerations include: offer price, other alternatives/offers considered and review of fairness opinions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Spin-offs

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on spin-offs. Considerations include the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Asset Sales

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on asset sales. Considerations include the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Liquidations

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on liquidations after reviewing management's efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Appraisal Rights

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Changing Corporate Name

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals to change the "corporate name", unless the proposed name change bears a negative connotation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.Conversion of Securities

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals regarding conversion of securities. Considerations include the dilution to existing shareholders, the conversion price relative to market value, financial issues, control issues, termination penalties, and conflicts of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.Stakeholder Provisions

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals that ask the board to consider non-shareholder constituencies or other non-financial effects when evaluating a merger or business combination.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**K.Social and Environmental Issues**

When considering environmental and social (E&S) proposals, we have an obligation to vote proxies in the best interest of our clients, considering both shareholder value as well as societal impact.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Sustainability Reporting

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals seeking greater disclosure on the company's environmental, social & governance policies and practices;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals that would require companies whose annual revenues are at least $5 billion to prepare a sustainability report. All others will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

ClearBridge Investments

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Diversity & Equality

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for proposals supporting nomination of most qualified candidates, inclusive of a diverse pool of women and people of color, to the Board of Directors and senior management levels;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for proposals requesting comprehensive disclosure on board diversity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote for proposals requesting comprehensive disclosure on employee diversity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.We vote for proposals requesting comprehensive reports on gender and racial pay disparity;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.We vote for proposals seeking to amend a company's EEO statement or diversity policies to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Climate Risk Disclosure

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for climate proposals that are not overly prescriptive seeking more disclosure on financial, physical or regulatory risks related to climate change and/or how the company measures and manages such risks;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote for climate proposals that are not overly prescriptive requesting a report/disclosure of goals on GHG emissions reduction targets from company operations and/or products;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Case-by-case E&S proposals (examples)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Animal welfare policies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Human rights and related company policies

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.Talent acquisition and retention policies; we generally support proposals that enable a company to recruit, support and retain talent in a globally competitive world

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.Operations in high-risk or sensitive areas

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.Product integrity and marketing

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.Proposals asking a company to conduct an independent racial equity and/or civil rights audit, which we generally support but vote on a case-by-case basis given the variability in the language.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**L.Miscellaneous**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Charitable Contributions

We vote against proposals to eliminate, direct or otherwise restrict charitable contributions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Political Contributions

We will vote in favor of non-binding proposals for reports on corporate lobbying and political contributions.

In general, we vote on a case-by-case basis on other shareholder proposals pertaining to political contributions. In determining our vote on political contribution proposals we consider, among other things, the following:

\*does the company have a political contributions policy publicly available

\*how extensive is the disclosure on these documents

\*what oversight mechanisms the company has in place for approving/reviewing political contributions and expenditures

\*does the company provide information on its trade association expenditures

\*total amount of political expenditure by the company in recent history.

ClearBridge Investments

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Operational Items

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote against proposals to provide management with the authority to adjourn an annual or special meeting absent compelling reasons to support the proposal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote against proposals to reduce quorum requirements for shareholder meetings below a majority of the shares outstanding unless there are compelling reasons to support the proposal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.We vote for by-law or charter changes that are of a housekeeping nature (updates or corrections).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.We vote for management proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the proposed change is unreasonable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.We vote against shareholder proposals to change the date/time/location of the annual meeting unless the current scheduling or location is unreasonable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;f.We vote against proposals to approve other business when it appears as voting item.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Routine Agenda Items

In some markets, shareholders are routinely asked to approve:

\*the opening of the shareholder meeting

\*that the meeting has been convened under local regulatory requirements

\*the presence of a quorum

\*the agenda for the shareholder meeting

\*the election of the chair of the meeting

\*regulatory filings

\*the allowance of questions

\*the publication of minutes

\*the closing of the shareholder meeting.

We generally vote for these and similar routine management proposals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Allocation of Income and Dividends

We generally vote for management proposals concerning allocation of income and the distribution of dividends, unless the amount of the distribution is consistently and unusually small or large.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Stock (Scrip) Dividend Alternatives

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.We vote for most stock (scrip) dividend proposals.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.We vote against proposals that do not allow for a cash option unless management demonstrates that the cash option is harmful to shareholder value.

ClearBridge has determined that registered investment companies, particularly closed end investment companies, raise special policy issues making specific voting guidelines frequently inapplicable. To the extent that ClearBridge has proxy voting authority with respect to shares of registered investment companies, ClearBridge shall vote such shares in the best interest of client accounts and subject to the general fiduciary principles set forth herein without regard to the specific voting guidelines set forth in Section V. A. through L.

The voting policy guidelines set forth herein will be reviewed annually and may be changed by ClearBridge in its sole discretion.

ClearBridge Investments

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**VI.OTHER CONSIDERATIONS**

In certain situations, ClearBridge may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client because ClearBridge believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting shares is outweighed by countervailing considerations. Examples of situations in which ClearBridge may determine not to vote proxies on behalf of a client include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.Share Blocking**

Proxy voting in certain countries requires "share blocking." This means that shareholders wishing to vote their proxies must deposit their shares shortly before the date of the meeting (e.g., one week) with a designated depositary. During the blocking period, shares that will be voted at the meeting cannot be sold until the meeting has taken place and the shares have been returned to client accounts by the designated depositary. In deciding whether to vote shares subject to share blocking, ClearBridge will consider and weigh, based on the particular facts and circumstances, the expected benefit to clients of voting in relation to the detriment to clients of not being able to sell such shares during the applicable period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.Securities on Loan**

Certain clients of ClearBridge, such as an institutional client or a mutual fund for which ClearBridge acts as a sub-adviser, may engage in securities lending with respect to the securities in their accounts. ClearBridge typically does not direct or oversee such securities lending activities. To the extent feasible and practical under the circumstances, ClearBridge will request that the client recall shares that are on loan so that such shares can be voted if ClearBridge believes that the expected benefit to the client of voting such shares outweighs the detriment to the client of recalling such shares (e.g., foregone income). The ability to timely recall shares for proxy voting purposes typically is not entirely within the control of ClearBridge and requires the cooperation of the client and its other service providers. Under certain circumstances, the recall of shares in time for such shares to be voted may not be possible due to applicable proxy voting record dates and administrative considerations.

**VII.DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING**

ClearBridge employees may not disclose to others outside of ClearBridge (including employees of other Franklin business units) how ClearBridge intends to vote a proxy absent prior approval from ClearBridge's Chief Compliance Officer, except that a ClearBridge investment professional may disclose to a third party (other than an employee of another Franklin business unit) how s/he intends to vote without obtaining prior approval from ClearBridge's Chief Compliance Officer if (1) the disclosure is intended to facilitate a discussion of publicly available information by ClearBridge personnel with a representative of a company whose securities are the subject of the proxy, (2) the company's market capitalization exceeds $1 billion and (3) ClearBridge has voting power with respect to less than 5% of the outstanding common stock of the company.

If a ClearBridge employee receives a request to disclose ClearBridge's proxy voting intentions to, or is otherwise contacted by, another person outside of ClearBridge (including an employee of another Franklin business unit) in connection with an upcoming proxy voting matter, he/she should immediately notify ClearBridge's Chief Compliance Officer.

If a Portfolio Manager wants to take a public stance with regards to a proxy, s/he must consult with ClearBridge's Chief Compliance Officer before making or issuing a public statement.

ClearBridge Investments

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**VIII.RECORDKEEPING AND OVERSIGHT**

ClearBridge shall maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:

\*a copy of these policies and procedures;

\*a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

\*a copy of each proxy solicitation (including proxy statements) and related materials with regard to each vote;

\*documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;

\*a copy of each written client request for information on how ClearBridge voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by ClearBridge to any (written or oral) client request for information on how ClearBridge voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client.

Such records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than six years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in an appropriate office of the ClearBridge adviser.

To the extent that ClearBridge is authorized to vote proxies for a United States Registered Investment Company, ClearBridge shall maintain such records as are necessary to allow such fund to comply with its recordkeeping, reporting and disclosure obligations under applicable laws, rules and regulations.

In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, ClearBridge may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements and votes cast if the third party provides an undertaking to provide the documents promptly upon request.

ClearBridge Investments

**CoreCommodity Management, LLC**

**Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

October 2023

Issued July 2011

Revised May 2013

November 2014

October 2015

October 2016

October 2017

April 2018

October 2019

October 2020

October 2021

October 2022

***Supersedes all previous Compliance Policies regarding this subject matter***

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CoreCommodity Management, LLC ("CoreCommodity") may be responsible for voting on shareholder proxies and may do so only in accordance with the following Proxy Voting Procedures, in the best interest of a client and as agreed to by the advisory client.

**GENERAL GUIDELINES**

CoreCommodity relies on Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"), a privately-held company, which is owned by ISS HoldCo. Inc. ("HoldCo"), to research, vote and record all proxy ballots for Accounts over which CoreCommodity has proxy voting authority. On February 25, 2021 Deutsche Borse acquired an approximate 80% stake in HoldCo with the remainder owned by a combination of limited partnerships controlled by Genstar Capital LLC, a private equity firm based in San Francisco, CA and ISS management., CoreCommodity has adopted the ISS Sustainability U.S. Proxy Voting Guidelines. In voting proxies, CoreCommodity is guided by general fiduciary principles. CoreCommodity 's goal is to act prudently, solely in the best interest of the beneficial owners of the accounts it manages. CoreCommodity does not necessarily have an obligation to vote every proxy; for example CoreCommodity may forego voting proxies if the Account no longer holds the position at the time of the vote, or the cost of voting (such as in the case of a vote regarding a foreign issuer that requires being physically present to vote) outweighs the anticipated benefit to the Account. Similarly, in jurisdictions which permit "share blocking" or require additional documentation to vote proxies (such as a power of attorney), or require additional disclosure of ownership, CoreCommodity may choose to refrain from voting. CoreCommodity only votes the proxies delivered to it from custodians and generally does not vote proxies for shares that are out on loan to third parties, and generally will not seek to recall such shares in order to vote them.

**How CoreCommodity Votes**

CoreCommodity votes proxies in accordance with the ISS recommendations, and has informed ISS to vote in accordance with these recommendations unless otherwise specified by CoreCommodity. A portfolio manager may request that shares under his management be voted differently from the ISS recommendations, if he believes that such a vote would be in the best interest of the client(s). Such vote requests will be subject to the conflict of interest review described below.

**Conflicts Of Interest**

In furtherance of CoreCommodity's goal to vote proxies in the best interests of clients, CoreCommodity follows procedures designed to identify and address material conflicts that may arise between CoreCommodity's interests and those of its clients before voting proxies on behalf of such clients. **Only votes which are not in accordance with the ISS recommendations are subject to these conflicts of interest procedures.**

**Procedures for Identifying Conflicts of Interest**

CoreCommodity relies on the following to seek to identify conflicts of interest:

• CoreCommodity Associated Persons are under an obligation (i) to be aware of the potential for conflicts of interest on the part of CoreCommodity with respect to voting proxies on behalf of client accounts both as a result of a CoreCommodity Associated Person's personal relationships and due to special circumstances that may arise during the conduct of CoreCommodity's business, and (ii) to bring conflicts of interest of which they become aware to the attention of CoreCommodity's Compliance Officer.

• CoreCommodity is deemed to have a material conflict of interest in voting proxies relating to issuers that are clients of CoreCommodity and that have historically accounted for or are projected to account for a material percentage of CoreCommodity's annual revenues.

• CoreCommodity shall not vote proxies relating to issuers on such list on behalf of client accounts until it has been determined that the conflict of interest is not material or a method for resolving such conflict of interest has been agreed upon and implemented, as described below.

CoreCommodity

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**Procedures for Assessing Conflicts of Interest and for Addressing Material Conflicts of Interest**

All conflicts of interest identified pursuant to the procedures outlined above must be brought to the attention of the Compliance Officer for resolution. The Compliance Officer will work with appropriate CoreCommodity personnel to determine whether a conflict of interest is material. A conflict of interest will be considered material to the extent that it is determined that such conflict has the potential to influence CoreCommodity's decision-making in voting the proxy. A conflict of interest shall be deemed material in the event that the issuer that is the subject of the proxy has a client relationship with CoreCommodity of the type described above. All other materiality determinations will be based on an assessment of the particular facts and circumstances. The Compliance Officer shall maintain a written record of all materiality determinations.

If it is determined that a conflict of interest is not material, CoreCommodity may vote proxies notwithstanding the existence of the conflict.

If it is determined that a conflict of interest is material, the Compliance Officer will work with appropriate CoreCommodity personnel to agree upon a method to resolve such conflict of interest before voting proxies affected by the conflict of interest. Such methods may include:

• disclosing the conflict to clients and obtaining their consent before voting;

• suggesting to clients that they engage another party to vote the proxy on their behalf; or

• such other method as is deemed appropriate under the circumstances given the nature of the conflict.

**Record Keeping And Oversight**

CoreCommodity shall maintain the following records relating to proxy voting:

• a copy of these policies and procedures;

• a copy of each proxy form (as voted);

• a copy of each proxy solicitation (including proxy statements) and related materials with regard to each vote;

• documentation relating to the identification and resolution of conflicts of interest;

• a copy of each written client request for information on how CoreCommodity voted proxies on behalf of the client, and a copy of any written response by CoreCommodity to any (written or oral) client request for information on how CoreCommodity voted proxies on behalf of the requesting client.

Such records shall be maintained and preserved in an easily accessible place for a period of not less than five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such record, the first two years in CoreCommodity's office.

In lieu of keeping copies of proxy statements, CoreCommodity may rely on proxy statements filed on the EDGAR system as well as on third party records of proxy statements and votes cast if the third party provides an undertaking to provide the documents promptly upon request.

**MONITORING**

These Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures will be reviewed on a periodic basis. As part of the review, CoreCommodity will (i) review the capacity and competency of ISS, including the ability of ISS to make recommendations based upon materially accurate information, and (ii) consider any changes at ISS that may create new conflicts of interest, in each case as deemed necessary by CoreCommodity to ensure that CoreCommodity, acting through ISS, continues to vote proxies in the best interests of clients. Part of such review may include the periodic sampling of proxy votes made by ISS on behalf of CoreCommodity, generally or with respect to particular types of proposals, as deemed necessary by CoreCommodity. CoreCommodity may arrange with ISS that ISS will update CoreCommodity of business changes that CoreCommodity considers relevant (i.e., with respect to ISS' capacity and competency to provide proxy voting advice) and conflicts policies and procedures.

CoreCommodity

**Crabel Capital Management, LLC**

**Proxy Voting Policy**

**Effective July 2024**

Under Rule 206(4)-6 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, it is a fraudulent, deceptive or manipulative course of business for an adviser to exercise voting authority with respect to client securities, unless the adviser (i) has adopted and implemented written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that the adviser votes proxies in the best interests of its clients, (ii) has described its proxy voting policies and procedures to clients and offered to provide a copy of its proxy voting policies to clients upon request and (iii) has disclosed how clients may obtain information about how the adviser has voted proxies for the clients' accounts.

Crabel Capital Management, LLC ("Crabel" or the "Firm") primary operates as a commodity pool operator and commodity trading adviser trading commodity interests (e.g., futures, options on futures, swaps, foreign exchange spot and forwards, and NDFs) for its clients. Trading of equities (which are subject to proxy voting obligations) is a minimal part of the Firm's trading strategies and is predominately only done for the Crabel Funds. As the majority of instruments traded by the Firm do not give rise to proxy voting obligations and the Firm's trading strategies are not influenced by equity shareholder matters (i.e., the Firm's trading is short-term, systematic / algorithmic based on criteria unrelated to matters subject to proxy voting), Crabel has reasonably determined that there is no economic benefit to vote on proxy matters and therefore will not vote with respect to equities held for its clients.

**MACQUARIE ASSET MANAGEMENT**

**<u>Global Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures</u>**

**March 2025**

**<u>Introduction</u>**

Macquarie Asset Management ("MAM") is the asset management division of Macquarie Group. MAM is an integrated asset manager across public and private markets offering a diverse range of capabilities, including real assets, real estate, credit, equities and multi-asset solutions. These Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (the "Procedures") are utilized by the following companies<sup>1</sup> within MAM:

–Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust ("MIMBT"): MIMBT is a registered investment adviser with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") pursuant to the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, (the "Advisers Act"). MIMBT is headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, USA and consists of the following series of entities: Delaware Management Company, Macquarie Investment Management Advisers, Delaware Capital Management, Delaware Investments Fund Advisers, Macquarie Asset Advisers, Macquarie Alternative Strategies, Macquarie Private Fund Advisers and CPG Fund Advisers.

–Macquarie Investment Management Global Limited ("MIMGL"): MIMGL holds an Australian financial services licence and is also a registered investment adviser with the SEC pursuant to the Advisers Act. MIMGL is headquartered in Sydney, Australia.

–Macquarie Investment Management Europe S.A. ("MIME S.A."): MIME S.A. is authorized and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier ("CSSF") in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. MIME S.A. has an application pending to become a registered investment adviser with the SEC pursuant to the Advisers Act. MIME S.A. is headquartered in Luxembourg.

–Macquarie Investment Management Austria Kapitalanlage AG ("MIMAK"): MIMAK is authorized and regulated by the Financial Markets Authority ("FMA") in Austria and is also a registered investment adviser with the SEC pursuant to the Advisers Act. MIMAK is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.

–Macquarie Investment Management Europe Limited ("MIMEL"): MIMEL is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") in the United Kingdom. MIMEL is also a registered investment adviser with the SEC pursuant to the Advisers Act. MIMEL is headquartered in London, England.

–MIMBT and its series, MIMGL, MIME S.A., MIMAK, and MIMEL are referred to herein as MAM.

These Procedures apply to MAM's public markets business. MAM provides investment advisory and portfolio management services to various types of clients such as registered and unregistered commingled funds, defined benefit plans, defined contribution plans, private and public pension funds, foundations, endowment funds and other types of institutional investors. Pursuant to the terms of an investment management agreement between MAM and its client or as a result of some other type of specific delegation by the client, MAM is often given the authority and discretion to exercise the securityholder's right to vote on company and shareholder resolutions (referred to herein as "proxy" or "proxies") relating to the underlying securities held in such client portfolios managed by MAM. Also, clients sometimes ask MAM to give voting advice on certain proxies without delegating full responsibility to MAM to vote proxies on behalf of the client. Clients also have the option to retain the responsibility to vote proxies for their portfolio securities and occasionally clients will ask MAM to vote proxies pursuant to a client's proxy voting policy. Additionally, there are instances where MAM may delegate proxy voting responsibility to third-party asset managers who have been retained by MAM to sub-advise portfolio assets via multi-manager funds or otherwise. Such third-party asset managers would vote proxies pursuant to their own proxy voting policies and guidelines under MAM's oversight.

<sup>1</sup> The list of companies noted within these Procedures does not include every asset management entity within the MAM organization. For inquiries regarding the proxy voting policies of MAM companies not included above, please contact such MAM entity or your MAM representative for more details.

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In cases where MAM has been delegated the responsibility to vote or provide advice on proxies, MAM has developed the following Procedures in order to ensure that MAM votes proxies or gives proxy voting advice that MAM believe is in the best interests of its clients. Typically, the investment management agreement between MAM and a client will fully and fairly disclose the terms of MAM's role in proxy voting and such agreement will demonstrate the client's informed consent on such proxy voting authority.

**<u>Procedures for Voting Proxies</u>**

MAM has established a Proxy Voting Committee (the "Committee") that is responsible for overseeing MAM's proxy voting process. The Committee typically consists of the following persons in MAM: (i) at least five portfolio management representatives; (ii) one representative from Fund Administration; (iii) one representative from Data Operations; (iv) one representative from Compliance;(v) one representative from the Legal Department; and (vi) various at-large member(s). The person(s) representing each department on the Committee may change from time to time. The Committee will meet as necessary to help MAM fulfill its duties to vote proxies for clients, but in any event, will meet at least quarterly to discuss various proxy voting issues. The Committee may meet in person, by video conference, and/or telephonically and may also conduct business via email or by other electronic communication.

One of the main responsibilities of the Committee is to review and approve the Procedures on a yearly basis or as otherwise necessary. When reviewing the Procedures, the Committee looks to see if the Procedures are designed to allow MAM to vote proxies in a manner consistent with the goals of voting in the best interests of clients and maximizing the value of the underlying shares being voted on by MAM. The Committee will also review the Procedures to make sure that they comply with any new rules promulgated by the SEC, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission ("ASIC"), the CSSF, the FMA, the FCA, the European Securities and Markets Authority ("ESMA"), or other relevant regulatory bodies or as otherwise necessary under applicable law. After the Procedures are approved by the Committee, MAM will vote proxies or give advice on voting proxies generally in accordance with such Procedures and MAM's Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines"). The Guidelines are also reviewed and approved on a yearly basis or as otherwise necessary.

In order to facilitate the actual process of voting proxies, MAM retains the following proxy advisory firms (as of the date of these Procedures) for various services: Institutional Shareholder Services ("ISS"); Glass Lewis & Co., including its Australian subsidiary CGI Glass Lewis (together, "Glass Lewis"); and Ownership Matters ("OM"). ISS, Glass Lewis, OM, and any other proxy advisory firms utilized by MAM are collectively referred to as "Proxy Advisor" within these Procedures. Also, certain clients may request that MAM utilize the client's preferred proxy advisory firm from time to time and as agreed to by the parties.

The Proxy Advisor and/or the client's custodian monitor corporate events in connection with MAM's client accounts. After receiving the proxy statements, Proxy Advisor will review the proxy issues and recommend a vote in accordance with MAM's Guidelines. When the Guidelines state that a proxy issue will be decided on a case-by-case basis, Proxy Advisor's custom research team will look at the relevant facts and circumstances and research the issue to provide MAM with a recommendation as to how the proxy should be voted in accordance with the parameters described in the Guidelines. If the Guidelines do not address a particular proxy issue, Proxy Advisor will similarly look at the relevant facts and circumstances and research the issue to provide a recommendation as to how the proxy should be voted. In limited cases where Proxy Advisor is unable to provide research and a proxy vote recommendation for a portfolio company, MAM will be solely responsible for researching the proxy and voting the proxy.

Proxy Advisor's proxy voting research recommendations are made available to the applicable portfolio management teams within MAM to review and evaluate prior to the corresponding shareholder meeting. As described further below in the "Proxy Voting Guidelines" section, there will be times when a MAM portfolio management team believes that the best interests of the client will be better served if MAM votes a proxy counter to Proxy Advisor's research recommendation under the Guidelines. In these cases, the portfolio management team will document the rationale for their votes and provide such rationale to the Committee or the Committee's delegates for its records. The Committee and its delegates are responsible for reviewing the rationale for these votes to assure that it provides a reasonable basis for any vote.

After a proxy has been voted, Proxy Advisor will create a record of the vote in order to help MAM comply with its duties listed under "Availability of Proxy Voting Information and Recordkeeping" below. If a client provides MAM with its own instruction on a given proxy vote for their portfolio, MAM will forward the client's instruction to Proxy Advisor who will vote the client's proxy pursuant to the client's instruction.

MAM will attempt to vote every proxy which they or their agents receive when a client has given MAM the authority and direction to vote such proxies. However, there are situations in which MAM may not be able to process a proxy or

Macquarie Asset Management

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the cost of processing such proxies would be high and/or exceed the expected benefits to the client. Examples of such situations include, but are not limited to: MAM may not have sufficient time to process a vote because MAM or its agents received a proxy statement in an untimely manner; MAM generally retains voting rights in respect of securities lent or pledged as collateral but may in certain situations be unable to vote a proxy, for example in relation to a security that is on loan pursuant to a securities lending program; or casting a vote on a security could involve additional costs such as hiring a translator or hiring an agent or traveling to the site of the shareholder meeting to vote the proxy in person. Use of a Proxy Advisor and relationships with multiple custodians can help to mitigate a situation where MAM is unable to vote a proxy.

**<u>Company Management Recommendations</u>**

When conducting a fundamental analysis to determine whether to invest in a particular company, one of the factors MAM may consider is the quality and depth of the company's management. As a result, MAM generally believes that recommendations of management on any issue (particularly routine issues) should be given a fair amount of weight in determining how proxy issues should be voted. Thus, on many issues, MAM's votes are cast in accordance with the recommendations of the company's management. However, MAM may vote against management's position when it runs counter to the Guidelines, and MAM will also vote against management's recommendation when MAM believes such position is not in the best interests of MAM's clients.

MAM's investment teams often engage with companies as part of their regular investment processes. These engagements are typically strategic in nature and provide additional insights into the company's management quality, business drivers, financial strategy, future business prospects, and other factors that the investment team believes are material to the company's business. In connection with these engagements, MAM portfolio management teams retain the ability to discuss upcoming proxy votes with company management.

In those instances where MAM votes against management's recommendation and the proxy result is contrary to MAM's vote, the portfolio management team that manages the security has the ability to escalate the matter with company management and/or reduce the team's holdings in the company or divest from the position in its entirety. Each portfolio management team is responsible for determining whether there is a need to escalate based on the facts and circumstances of the issue.

**<u>Conflicts of Interest</u>**

As a matter of policy, the Committee and any other officers, directors, employees and affiliated persons of MAM may not be influenced by outside sources who have interests which conflict with the interests of MAM's clients when voting proxies for such clients. However, in order to ensure that MAM votes proxies in the best interests of the client, MAM has established various systems described below to properly deal with a material conflict of interest.

Most of the proxies which MAM receives on behalf of its clients are voted in accordance with the Guidelines. As stated above, these Procedures (including the Guidelines) are reviewed and approved by the Committee annually and at other necessary times. The custom Guidelines are then utilized by Proxy Advisor going forward to provide recommendations on how to vote client proxies. The Committee approves the Guidelines only after it has determined that the Guidelines are designed to help MAM vote proxies in a manner consistent with the goal of voting in the best interests of its clients. Since the Guidelines are pre-determined by the Committee, application of the Guidelines by MAM's portfolio management teams when voting proxies after reviewing the proxy and research provided by Proxy Advisor should in most instances adequately address any potential conflicts of interest.

If MAM becomes aware of a conflict of interest in an upcoming proxy vote, the proxy vote will generally be referred to the Committee or the Committee's delegates for review. If the portfolio management team for such proxy intends to vote in accordance with Proxy Advisor's recommendation pursuant to our Guidelines, then no further action is needed to be taken by the Committee. If the MAM portfolio management team is considering voting a proxy contrary to Proxy Advisor's research recommendation under the Guidelines, the Committee or its delegates will assess the proposed vote to determine if it is reasonable. The Committee or its delegates will also assess whether any business or other material relationships between MAM and a portfolio company (unrelated to the ownership of the portfolio company's securities) could have influenced an inconsistent vote on that company's proxy. If the Committee or its delegates determines that the proposed proxy vote is unreasonable or unduly influenced by a conflict, the portfolio management team will be required to vote the proxy in accordance with Proxy Advisor's research recommendation or abstain from voting. Except as permitted by law, MAM will not vote in relation to related party securities on proposals in which MAM has an interest other than as an investor. Generally, MAM will abstain from voting on proposals related to Macquarie Group Limited ("MGL") or on entities controlled by MGL.

Macquarie Asset Management

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In connection with its advisory business, MAM may also act as an investment adviser to a "fund of funds" in which a fund ("MAM Fund") may invest in underlying funds affiliated with MAM ("Underlying Affiliated Fund") as part of its investment strategy. If an Underlying Affiliated Fund has a shareholder meeting, MAM will typically seek to vote the MAM Fund's interests in the Underlying Affiliated Fund in the same proportion as the proxy votes cast by all of the other shareholders of the Underlying Affiliated Fund. This is known as "echo voting" and is designed to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

**<u>Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firm</u>**

The Committee and appropriate MAM personnel are responsible for overseeing Proxy Advisor's proxy voting activities for MAM's clients. MAM will conduct periodic due diligence of Proxy Advisor that will include: (i) Proxy Advisor's conflict of interest procedures and any other pertinent procedures or representations from Proxy Advisor in an attempt to ensure that Proxy Advisor will make research recommendations for voting proxies in an impartial manner and in the best interests of MAM's clients; (ii) the adequacy and quality of Proxy Advisor's staffing, personnel, and technology; (iii) the methodologies, guidelines, sources and factors underlying Proxy Advisor's voting recommendations; (iv) whether Proxy Advisor has an effective process for seeking timely input from issuers, its clients and other third parties and how that input is incorporated into Proxy Advisor's methodologies, guidelines and proxy voting recommendations; (v) how Proxy Advisor ensures that it has complete, accurate and up-to-date information about each proxy voting matter and updates its research accordingly; (vi) reviewing whether Proxy Advisor has undergone any recent, material organizational or business changes; and (vii) a review of Proxy Advisor's general compliance with the terms of its agreement with MAM.

**<u>Availability of Proxy Voting Information and Recordkeeping</u>**

Clients of MAM will be directed to their client service representative to obtain information from MAM on how their securities were voted. At the beginning of a new relationship with a client, MAM will typically provide clients with a concise summary of MAM's proxy voting process and will inform clients that they can obtain a copy of the complete Procedures upon request. Existing clients will also be provided with the above information as agreed with the client.

Where required by applicable law, MAM will also retain records regarding proxy voting on behalf of clients. MAM will typically keep records of the following items: (i) the Procedures; (ii) proxy statements received regarding client securities (via hard copies held by Proxy Advisor or electronic filings from the company's respective regulatory filing system); (iii) records of votes cast on behalf of MAM's clients (via Proxy Advisor); (iv) records of a client's written request for information on how MAM voted proxies for the client, and any MAM written response to an oral or written client request for information on how MAM voted proxies for the client; and (v) any documents prepared by MAM that were material to making a decision as to how to vote or that memorialized the basis for that decision.

**<u>Proxy Voting Guidelines</u>**

The Proxy Voting Guidelines summarize MAM's positions on various issues and give a general indication as to how MAM will vote proxies on each issue. The Proxy Voting Committee has reviewed the Guidelines and determined that voting proxies pursuant to the Guidelines should be in the best interests of the client and should align with the goal of maximizing the value of the client's investments.

For certain clients, MAM may also need to take into account additional factors outside of the Guidelines that will influence how MAM analyzes and votes proxies. For example, proxy votes made by MAM for a client with specialized investment objectives and strategies may take into account additional research and factors that may lead a portfolio management team to vote a proxy in a different manner. In these situations, MAM may also develop one-off proxy voting guidelines for such client. In addition, the location of a portfolio company may also necessitate MAM having to review additional research and factors in order to account for local laws and standards when voting proxies.

Moreover, the list of Guidelines may not include all potential voting issues. To the extent that the Guidelines do not cover potential voting issues, MAM will vote on such issues in a manner that MAM believes promotes the best interests of the client.

Although MAM will usually vote proxies in accordance with these Guidelines, each MAM portfolio management team reserves the right to vote certain issues counter to the Guidelines if, after a review of the matter, the team believes that a client's best interests would be served by such a vote. In all cases, the MAM portfolio management team responsible for voting proxies on behalf of a client will have the final decision on how to vote proxies, subject to these Procedures. Given MAM's "boutique" structure with different portfolio management teams managing their own investment strategies, there is a possibility that a portfolio holding that is held across multiple MAM investment strategies may have a proxy that is voted differently by each strategy's respective portfolio managers in certain

Macquarie Asset Management

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circumstances. In all such cases, MAM's portfolio managers will seek to vote such proxies in a manner that they believe is in the best interests of their clients.

To the extent that management of a portfolio company or another company shareholder would like to engage with MAM on a particular proxy statement, the company or shareholder should reach out to the MAM portfolio management team who holds the applicable company security on behalf of its clients. MAM will consider any additional information provided by the company or shareholder regarding an upcoming proxy and analyze such information along with prior research provided by Proxy Advisor before coming to a decision on how to vote an applicable proxy.

Clients may request that their client services representative provide them with a further information in regards to these Procedures / Guidelines and information on how their securities were voted by MAM.

Macquarie Asset Management

**GOTHAM ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC**

**Proxy Voting and Class Actions**

As of 2024

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.<u>Purpose</u>**

In order to comply with Rule 206(4)-6 of the Investment Advisers Act, Gotham has adopted written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that Gotham's voting determinations with respect to Client securities are made in the best interest of the Client (considering its investment strategy) and do not place Gotham's own interests ahead of the interests of its Client. The Investment Advisers Act also requires disclosure to Clients with respect to obtaining information on how their securities were voted and Gotham's guidelines for voting Client securities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.<u>Proxy Policies and Procedures</u>**

Gotham employs a value-based investment program for its Clients that is generally passive and agnostic on corporate control and other management issues that are presented to shareholders for approval ("proxies"). Nevertheless, at present, Gotham generally votes proxies for its Clients in accordance with the procedures below. These procedures may be modified with respect to certain Clients, provided that such Client agrees to such arrangement. For example, certain SMA Clients vote their own proxies pursuant to their investment management agreement. Gotham votes Client securities using Proxy Exchange, an electronic voting platform provided by ISS. Proxy Exchange retains a record of proxy votes for each Client.

When Gotham votes proxies, it seeks to do so in the best interests of its Clients considering their investment strategy and must not place its own interests ahead of the interests of its Clients. Accordingly, Gotham generally votes Client securities in conformity with the recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. **("ISS")**. ISS is a neutral third party that issues recommendations based on its own internal guidelines and research. ISS retains a record of all of its recommendations. Gotham believes that the retention of ISS to provide advice with respect to proxy voting is an efficient and effective means to assist Gotham in complying with its fiduciary duties to its Clients, and also provides a means to avoid any impact on voting decisions that might arise from any conflicts of interests between Gotham and its Clients.

When it votes proxies, Gotham may, however, vote Client securities in a manner that is inconsistent with ISS' recommendations when Gotham believes it is in the best interest of its Clients and such a vote does not create an impermissible conflict of interest between Gotham and its Clients. In such a case, Gotham will keep a record of why ISS' recommendation was not in the Client's best interest and information supporting Gotham's decision.

Gotham also may determine not to vote a particular proxy if it determines that abstaining or not voting is in the best interests of its Client. In making such a determination, Gotham will consider various factors including, but not limited to, whether:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)the resolution of the proxy is not relevant to the Client's investment;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)Gotham believes the cost of voting the proxy outweighs the potential benefit to the Client derived from voting;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)a proxy is received with respect to securities that are no longer held in a Client account;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)the terms of a securities lending agreement prevent Gotham from voting a loaned security;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(v)Gotham (or Proxy Exchange) receives proxy materials without sufficient time to reach an informed voting decision and vote the proxies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vi)ISS does not have a recommendation; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(vii)the terms of the security or any related agreement or applicable law preclude Gotham from voting.

The Firm will generally vote in the same manner for all Clients holding a particular security, subject to the investment objectives and best interests of each Client.

Gotham Asset Management, LLC

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In order to verify that proxy votes are cast in accordance with Clients' best interests and our proxy voting procedures, Legal & Compliance will periodically (but no less often than annually) sample proxy votes to review whether they complied with the Firm's proxy voting policy and procedures.

The Firm will also periodically review ISS' capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues. In this regard, Gotham may consider relevant factors, including whether ISS, among other things:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Has sufficient resources, such as ISS' staffing, personnel and/or technology;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Has an effective process for seeking input from issuers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Has adequate disclosures as to it methodologies;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Has adequate policies and procedures to address conflicts of interest; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Has adequate processes to identify potential factual errors, incompleteness or methodological weakness.

Finally, the Firm will review the adequacy of Gotham's policies and procedures to ensure they have been formulated reasonably and implemented effectively, including whether they continue to be reasonably designed to ensure that Gotham casts votes on behalf of its Clients in the best interest of such Clients.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.<u>Conflicts of Interest</u>**

Supervised Persons must inform Legal & Compliance if they become aware of any material conflict of interest between the Firm and a Client or between Clients with respect to a proxy vote. Conflicts may also exist due to positions held by Supervised Persons in their personal trading accounts. Since the Firm generally votes in accordance with ISS' recommendations, Gotham believes that generally no conflicts of interest will impact Gotham's vote. When voting Client securities in a manner that is inconsistent with ISS' recommendations, Gotham will review any conflicts of interest that are identified.

Legal & Compliance will attempt to resolve the conflict of interest before the Firm votes. In the event that the material conflict of interest cannot be reasonably resolved prior to voting, the Firm will take steps designed to ensure that a decision to vote the proxy was based on the Firm's determination of the Client's best interest and was not the product of the conflict. The Firm will disclose and obtain consent of the Client to the extent required under applicable law.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.<u>Reporting and Disclosure Procedures</u>**

Gotham generally does not disclose proxy votes on behalf of a Client to any other Client. To the extent that Gotham serves as a sub-adviser to another adviser, Gotham may provide proxy voting records to such adviser, if requested. Proxy votes on behalf of Mutual Funds and the ETF are disclosed annually on their respective Form N-PX.

The Firm will include in its Brochure a summary of this proxy voting policy. Each Client may request a copy of this proxy voting policy, ISS' proxy voting guidelines, and records of how such Client's securities were voted by making a written request to:

Gotham Asset Management, LLC

825 Third Avenue, Suite 1750

New York, NY 10022

Attention: Legal & Compliance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.<u>Recordkeeping</u>**

The Firm maintains records of: (a) this proxy voting policy; (b) all proxy statements and materials the Firm receives on behalf of Clients unless such materials are readily available from the SEC via EDGAR; (c) all proxy votes that are made on behalf of the Clients; (d) all written requests from Clients regarding voting history; and (e) all responses (written and oral) to Clients' requests. Such records are available to the impacted Client upon request. To fulfill some of these recordkeeping requirements, the Firm may rely on information stored on Proxy Exchange (or the predecessor system used by the Firm), Firm e-mail or other third party service providers.

Gotham Asset Management, LLC

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**F.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Class ActionSettlement Procedures; Opt-Outs</u>**

The Firm hasretaineda third-party service provider to monitor and file claims in class action settlements on behalf of certain Clients, including the Private Funds, the Mutual Funds and certain SMAs. TheGC/CCOand Chief Financial Officer oversee this process. Any compensation received from such settlements shall be distributed pro rata to the Clients based on the percentage of the relevant holding owned by each Client.

In certain cases, the Firm may elect to "opt-out" of securities class action cases and pursue litigation against an issuer directly. This will generally be done in situations where a Client or the Firm feels the potential benefit to a Client or the Firm outweighs the costs and burdens of litigation.

Gotham Asset Management, LLC

Graham Capital Management, L.P.

**GRAHAM CAPITAL LLP**

**Proxy Voting Policy**

October 2022

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**<u>PROXY VOTING AND CLASS ACTIONS</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.General**

Graham has adopted policies and procedures (the "Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures") which have been designed to ensure that Graham complies with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 and Rule 204-2(c)(2) under the Advisers Act, and reflect Graham's commitment to vote all Client securities for which it exercises voting authority in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Client. Employees who have the authority to vote Client securities must familiarize themselves with and strictly adhere to Graham's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures.

Although the Advisers Act does not obligate advisers to adopt policies and procedures in respect of participating in class actions, in its capacity as a fiduciary to its Clients Graham has nonetheless adopted such policies and procedures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures**

Graham has selected and retained ISS Governance Services to assist in the proxy voting process. The CCO manages Graham's relationship with ISS. The CCO ensures that ISS votes all proxies according to Graham's general guidance, and retains all required documentation associated with proxy voting.

Graham has approved a list of proxy voting guidelines that ISS generally follows when recommending how to vote on particular proxies. The following guidelines reflect ISS' general approach on certain key proxy proposals; however, these guidelines represent only a small number of proposals and the guidelines are much broader in scope and more detailed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Auditor Ratification</u>. ISS generally recommends to vote FOR proposals to ratify auditors except where (i) the auditor has a financial interest or association with the company, (ii) there is reason to believe the auditor has rendered an opinion that is neither accurate nor indicative of the company's financial position, (iii) poor accounting practices have been identified that rise to a serious level of concern or (iv) fees for non-audit services are excessive;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Board of Directors</u>. ISS generally recommends to vote FOR director nominees except where (i) the board lacks accountability coupled with sustained poor performance relative to peers, (ii) the board demonstrates a lack of responsiveness (e.g., in responding to shareholder proposals, takeover offers, issues that resulted in one or more directors receiving more than 50% withhold/against votes, etc.), (iii) there are defects in the composition of the board (e.g., unacceptable attendance at board and committee meetings, directors serve on excessive number of boards of other companies, etc.), and (iv) the board lacks sufficient controls or features to ensure its independence;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Capital Structure Changes</u>. ISS generally recommends to vote (i) FOR proposals to increase the number of shares where the primary purpose is to issue shares in connection with a transaction on the same ballot, (ii) AGAINST proposals to increase the number of shares of a class with superior voting rights, (iii) AGAINST proposals to increase the number of shares if a vote for a reverse stock split is on the same ballot, and (iv) AGAINST proposals to create a new class of common stock, except under certain conditions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Executive Compensation</u>. ISS Generally recommends to vote (i) AGAINST advisory votes on executive compensation if there is a significant misalignment between CEO pay and company performance, the company maintains problematic pay practices or the board exhibits a significant level of poor communications and responsiveness to shareholders, (ii) AGAINST/WITHHOLD from the members of the compensation committee or full board as applicable where there is no management-say-on pay item on the ballot, and in other instances, and (iii) AGAINST an equity plan if there is a performance misalignment and the CEO's pay is skewed towards non-performance based equity awards.

Portfolio Managers that wish to deviate from ISS's proxy recommendations must provide the CCO with a written explanation of the reason for the deviation, as well as a representation that the employee and Graham are not conflicted in making the chosen voting decision.

Graham Capital Management, L.P.

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Because Graham generally will vote proxies based upon the recommendations of ISS, there is little to no risk of a conflict of interest arising. However, in instances that might involve a conflict of interest between Graham and its Clients, such as where a portfolio manager wishes to deviate from ISS's recommendation or such other instances as Graham may determine, the CCO, in conjunction with the compliance committee as appropriate, will review the relevant facts and determine whether or not a material conflict of interest may arise due to business, personal or family relationships of Graham, its owners, its employees or its affiliates, with persons having an interest in the outcome of the vote. If a material conflict exists, Graham will take steps to ensure that its voting decision is based on the best interests of the Client and is not a product of the conflict. Graham shall keep appropriate records demonstrating how such conflicts were resolved.

ISS will retain, on Graham's behalf, the following information in connection with each proxy vote:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Issuer's name;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The security ticker symbol or CUSIP, as applicable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The shareholder meeting date;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The number of shares that Graham voted;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A brief identification of the matter voted on;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Whether the matter was proposed by the Issuer or a security holder;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Whether Graham cast a vote;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• How Graham cast its vote (for the proposal, against the proposal, or abstain); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Whether Graham cast its vote with or against management.

With respect to each registered investment company for which Graham provides discretionary sub-advisory services, Graham will provide each fund with a copy of Graham's proxy voting policy. In addition, when requested, Graham will provide such funds with information concerning Graham's proxy voting policy and voting results as required to enable such funds to file periodic proxy voting reports.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.Class Actions**

As a fiduciary, Graham always seeks to act in the best interest of its Clients, with good faith, loyalty, and due care. Accordingly, with respect to class actions involving any Graham Funds, Graham will determine whether the fund will (a) participate in a recovery achieved through a class action, (b) opt out of the class action and separately pursue its own remedy, or (c) opt out of the class action and not pursue its own remedy. Graham's legal department oversees the completion of Proof of Claim forms and any associated documentation the submission of such documents to the claim administrator, and the receipt of any recovered monies. Graham will maintain documentation associated with participation in class actions by any Graham Funds. Consistent with its procedures for selecting and monitoring service providers and its fiduciary obligation to Clients, Graham may utilize third-party service providers to facilitate the processing and administration of class action claims.

Graham, for itself or on behalf of its funds, generally does not serve as the lead plaintiff in class actions because the costs of such participation typically exceed any extra benefits that accrue to lead plaintiffs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.Disclosures to Investors**

Graham includes a description of its policies and procedures regarding proxy voting and class actions in Part 2 of the Form ADV, along with a statement that investors can contact Graham to obtain a copy of these policies and procedures and information about how Graham voted proxies.

Any request for information about proxy voting or class actions should be promptly forwarded to the CCO, who will respond to any such requests.

As a matter of policy, Graham does not disclose how it expects to vote on upcoming proxies. Additionally, Graham does not disclose the way it voted proxies to unaffiliated third parties without a legitimate need to know such information.

Graham Capital Management, L.P.

**LOOMIS, SAYLES & COMPANY** 

**Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures**

March 24, 2022

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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**1. GENERAL** 

**A.Introduction.**

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P. ("Loomis Sayles") will vote proxies of the securities held in its clients' portfolios on behalf of each client that has delegated proxy voting authority to Loomis Sayles as investment adviser. Loomis Sayles has adopted and implemented these policies and procedures ("Proxy Voting Procedures") to ensure that, where it has voting authority, proxy matters are handled in the best interests of clients, in accordance with Loomis Sayles' fiduciary duty, and all applicable law and regulations. The Proxy Voting Procedures, as implemented by the Loomis Sayles Proxy Committee (as described below), are intended to support good corporate governance, including those corporate practices that address environmental and social issues ("ESG Matters"), in all cases with the objective of protecting shareholder interests and maximizing shareholder value.

Loomis Sayles uses the services of third parties (each a "Proxy Voting Service" and collectively the "Proxy Voting Services"), to provide research, analysis and voting recommendations and to administer the process of voting proxies for those clients for which Loomis Sayles has voting authority. Any reference in these Proxy Voting Procedures to a "Proxy Voting Service" is a reference either to the Proxy Voting Service that provides research, analysis and voting recommendations to Loomis Sayles or to the Proxy Voting Service that administers the process of voting proxies for Loomis Sayles or to both, as the context may require. Loomis Sayles will generally follow its express policy with input from the Proxy Voting Service that provides research, analysis and voting recommendations to Loomis Sayles unless the Proxy Committee determines that the client's best interests are served by voting otherwise.

**B.General Guidelines.**

The following guidelines will apply when voting proxies on behalf of accounts for which Loomis Sayles has voting authority.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.Client's Best Interests.** The Proxy Voting Procedures are designed and implemented in a way that is reasonably expected to ensure that proxy matters are conducted in the best interests of clients. When considering the best interests of clients, Loomis Sayles has determined that this means the best investment interest of its clients as shareholders of the issuer. To protect its clients' best interests, Loomis Sayles has integrated the consideration of ESG Matters into its investment process. The Proxy Voting Procedures are intended to reflect the impact of these factors in cases where they are material to the growth and sustainability of an issuer. Loomis Sayles has established its Proxy Voting Procedures to assist it in making its proxy voting decisions with a view toward enhancing the value of its clients' interests in an issuer over the period during which it expects its clients to hold their investments. Loomis Sayles will vote against proposals that it believes could adversely impact the current or future market value of the issuer's securities during the expected holding period. Loomis Sayles also believes that protecting the best interests of clients requires the consideration of potential material impacts of proxy proposals associated with ESG Matters.

For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding any other provisions of these Proxy Voting Procedures, in all instances in which Loomis Sayles votes proxies on behalf of clients that are employee benefit plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), Loomis Sayles (a) will act solely in accordance with the economic interest of the plan and its participants and beneficiaries, and (b) will not subordinate the interests of the participants and beneficiaries in their retirement income or financial benefits under the plan to any other objective, or promote benefits or goals unrelated to those financial interests of the plan's participants and beneficiaries.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.Client Proxy Voting Policies.** Rather than delegating proxy voting authority to Loomis Sayles, a client may (a) retain the authority to vote proxies on securities in its account; (b) delegate voting authority to another party; or (c) instruct Loomis Sayles to vote proxies according to a policy that differs from the Proxy Voting Procedures. Loomis Sayles will honor any of these instructions if the instruction is agreed to in writing by Loomis Sayles in its investment management agreement with the client. If Loomis Sayles incurs additional costs or expenses in following any such instruction, it may request payment for such additional costs or expenses from the client.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.Stated Policies.** In the interest of consistency in voting proxies on behalf of its clients where appropriate, Loomis Sayles has adopted policies that identify issues where Loomis Sayles will (a) generally vote in favor of a proposal; (b) generally vote against a proposal; (c) generally vote as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service; and (d) specifically consider its vote for or against a proposal. However, these policies are guidelines and each vote may be cast differently than the stated policy, taking into consideration all relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the vote. In certain cases where the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service and the recommendation of the issuer's management are the same, the vote will generally be cast as recommended and will not be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Proxy Committee. In cases where the portfolio manager of an account that holds voting securities of an issuer or the analyst covering the issuer or its securities recommends a vote, the proposal(s) will be voted according to these recommendations after a review for any potential conflicts of interest is conducted and will not be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Proxy Committee. There may be situations where Loomis Sayles casts split votes despite the stated policies. For example, Loomis Sayles may cast a split vote when different clients may be invested in strategies with different investment objectives, or when different clients may have different economic interests in the outcome of a particular proposal. Loomis Sayles also may cast a split vote on a particular proposal when its investment teams have differing views regarding the impact of the proposal on their clients' investment interests.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**4.Abstentions and Other Exceptions.** Loomis Sayles' general policy is to vote rather than abstain from voting on issues presented, unless the Proxy Committee determines, pursuant to its best judgment, that the client's best interests require abstention. However, in the following circumstances Loomis Sayles may not vote a client's proxy:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Proxy Committee has concluded that voting would have no meaningful, identifiable economic benefit to the client as a shareholder, such as when the security is no longer held in the client's portfolio or when the value of the portfolio holding is insignificant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The Proxy Committee has concluded that the costs of or disadvantages resulting from voting outweigh the economic benefits of voting. For example, in some non-US jurisdictions, the sale of securities voted may be legally or practically prohibited or subject to some restrictions for some period of time, usually between the record and meeting dates ("share blocking"). Loomis Sayles believes that the loss of investment flexibility resulting from share blocking generally outweighs the benefit to be gained by voting. Information about share blocking is often incomplete or contradictory. Loomis Sayles relies on the client's custodian and on its Proxy Voting Service to identify share blocking jurisdictions. To the extent such information is wrong, Loomis Sayles could fail to vote shares that could have been voted without loss of investment flexibility, or could vote shares and then be prevented from engaging in a potentially beneficial portfolio transaction.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Administrative requirements for voting proxies in certain foreign jurisdictions (which may be imposed a single time or may be periodic), such as providing a power of attorney to the client's local sub-custodian, cannot be fulfilled due to timing of the requirement, or the costs required to fulfill the administrative requirements appear to outweigh the benefits to the client of voting the proxy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The client, as of the record date, has loaned the securities to which the proxy relates and Loomis Sayles has concluded that it is not in the best interest of the client to recall the loan or is unable to recall the loan in order to vote the securities<sup>1</sup>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• The client so directs Loomis Sayles.

The Proxy Committee will generally vote against, rather than abstain from voting on, ballot issues where the issuer does not provide sufficient information to make an informed decision. In addition, there may be instances where Loomis Sayles is not able to vote proxies on a client's behalf, such as when ballot delivery instructions have not been processed by a client's custodian, when the Proxy Voting Service has not received a ballot for a client's account (e.g., in cases where the client's shares have been loaned to a third party), when proxy materials are not available in English, and under other circumstances beyond Loomis Sayles' control.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**5.Oversight.** All issues presented for shareholder vote are subject to the oversight of the Proxy Committee, either directly or by application of this policy. All non-routine issues will generally be considered directly by the

<sup>1</sup> Loomis Sayles does not engage in securities lending. However, some clients do opt to lend securities, availing themselves of their custodians' services.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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Proxy Committee and, when necessary, the investment professionals responsible for an account holding the security, and will be voted in the best investment interests of the client. All routine "for" and "against" issues will be voted according to this policy unless special factors require that they be considered by the Proxy Committee and, when necessary, the investment professionals responsible for an account holding the security.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**6.Availability of Procedures.** Loomis Sayles publishes these Proxy Voting Procedures, as updated from time to time, on its public website, www.loomissayles.com, and includes a description of its Proxy Voting Procedures in Part 2A of its Form ADV. Upon request, Loomis Sayles also provides clients with a copy of its Proxy Voting Procedures.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**7.Disclosure of Vote.** Loomis Sayles makes certain disclosures regarding its voting of proxies in the aggregate (not specific as to clients) on its website, www.loomissayles.com. For mutual funds that it manages, Loomis Sayles is required by law to make certain disclosures regarding its voting of proxies annually. This information is also available on the Loomis Sayles website. Additionally, Loomis Sayles will, upon request by a client, provide information about how each proxy was voted with respect to the securities in that client's account. Loomis Sayles' policy is not to disclose a client's proxy voting records to third parties except as required by applicable law and regulations.

**C.Proxy Committee.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**1.Proxy Committee.** Loomis Sayles has established a Proxy Committee. The Proxy Committee is composed of senior representatives from firm investment teams and members of the Legal and Compliance Department, and other employees of Loomis Sayles as needed. In the event that any member is unable to participate in a meeting of the Proxy Committee, he or she may designate another individual to act on his or her behalf. A vacancy in the Proxy Committee is filled by the prior member's successor in position at Loomis Sayles or a person of equivalent experience. Each portfolio manager of an account that holds voting securities of an issuer or the analyst covering the issuer or its securities may be an ad hoc member of the Proxy Committee in connection with voting proxies of that issuer. Voting determinations made by the Proxy Committee generally will be memorialized electronically (e.g., by email).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2.Duties.** The Proxy Committee's specific responsibilities include the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.developing, authorizing, implementing and updating the Proxy Voting Procedures, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)annually reviewing the Proxy Voting Procedures to ensure consistency with internal policies and regulatory agency policies, including determining the continuing adequacy of the Proxy Voting Procedures to confirm that they have been formulated reasonably and implemented effectively, including whether they continue to be reasonably designed to ensure that proxy votes are cast in clients' best interest,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)annually reviewing existing voting guidelines and developing of additional voting guidelines to assist in the review of proxy proposals, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)annually reviewing the proxy voting process and addressing any general issues that relate to proxy voting;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.overseeing the proxy voting process, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)overseeing the vote on proposals according to the predetermined policies in the voting guidelines,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)directing the vote on proposals where there is reason not to vote according to the predetermined policies in the voting guidelines or where proposals require special consideration,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)consulting with the portfolio managers and analysts for the accounts holding the security when necessary or appropriate, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)periodically sampling or engaging an outside party to sample proxy votes to ensure they comply with the Proxy Voting Procedures and are cast in accordance with the clients' best interests;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.engaging and overseeing third-party vendors that materially assist Loomis Sayles with respect to proxy voting, such as the Proxy Voting Services, including:

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)determining and periodically reassessing whether, as relevant, the Proxy Voting Service has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues by considering:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)the adequacy and quality of the Proxy Voting Service's staffing, personnel and technology,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)whether the Proxy Voting Service has adequately disclosed its methodologies in formulating voting recommendations, such that Loomis Sayles can understand the factors underlying the Proxy Voting Service's voting recommendations,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)the robustness of the Proxy Voting Service's policies and procedures regarding its ability to ensure that its recommendations are based on current, materially complete and accurate information, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)the Proxy Voting Service's policies and procedures regarding how it identifies and addresses conflicts of interest, including whether the Proxy Voting Service's policies and procedures provide for adequate disclosure of its actual and potential conflicts of interest with respect to the services it provides to Loomis Sayles.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)providing ongoing oversight of the Proxy Voting Services to ensure that proxies continue to be voted in the best interests of clients and in accordance with these Proxy Voting Procedures and the determinations and directions of the Proxy Committee,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)receiving and reviewing updates from the Proxy Voting Services regarding relevant business changes or changes to the Proxy Voting Services' conflict policies and procedures, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iv)in the event that the Proxy Committee becomes aware that a recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service was based on a material factual error (including materially inaccurate or incomplete information): investigating the error, considering the nature of the error and the related recommendation, and determining whether the Proxy Voting Service has taken reasonable steps to reduce the likelihood of similar errors in the future; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;further developing and/or modifying these Proxy Voting Procedures as otherwise appropriate or necessary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**3.Standards.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.When determining the vote of any proposal for which it has responsibility, the Proxy Committee shall vote in the client's best interests as described in section 1(B)(1) above. In the event a client believes that its other interests require a different vote, Loomis Sayles shall vote as the client instructs if the instructions are provided as required in section 1(B)(2) above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.When determining the vote on any proposal, the Proxy Committee shall not consider any benefit to Loomis Sayles, any of its affiliates, any of its or their clients or service providers, other than benefits to the owner of the securities to be voted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.If Loomis Sayles becomes aware of additional information relevant to the voting of a shareholder meeting after a vote has been entered but before the applicable voting deadline has passed, it will consider whether or not such information impacts the vote determination entered, and if necessary, use reasonable efforts to change the vote instruction.

**D.Conflicts of Interest.**

Loomis Sayles has established policies and procedures to ensure that proxy votes are voted in its clients' best interests and are not affected by any possible conflicts of interest. First, except in certain limited instances, Loomis Sayles votes in accordance with its pre-determined policies set forth in these Proxy Voting Procedures. Second, where these Proxy Voting Procedures allow for discretion, Loomis Sayles will generally consider the recommendations of the Proxy Voting Service in making its voting decisions. However, if the Proxy Committee determines that the Proxy Voting Service's recommendation is not in the best interests of the firm's clients, then the Proxy Committee may use its discretion to vote against the Proxy Voting Service's recommendation, but only after taking the following steps: (1) conducting a review for any material conflict of interest Loomis Sayles may have, and (2) if any material conflict is found to exist, excluding anyone at Loomis Sayles who is subject to that conflict of interest from participating in the voting decision in any way. However, if deemed necessary or appropriate by the Proxy Committee after full disclosure of any conflict, that person may provide information, opinions or recommendations on any proposal to the Proxy Committee. In such event, prior to directing any vote, the Proxy

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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Committee will make reasonable efforts to obtain and consider information, opinions and recommendations from or about the opposing position.

**E.Recordkeeping.**

Proxy voting books and records are maintained in an easily accessible place for a period of five years, the first two in an appropriate office of Loomis Sayles.

**2. PROXY VOTING** 

**A.Introduction**

Loomis Sayles has established certain specific guidelines intended to achieve the objective of the Proxy Voting Procedures: to support good corporate governance, including ESG Matters, in all cases with the objective of protecting shareholder interests and maximizing shareholder value.

**B.Board of Directors**

Loomis Sayles believes that an issuer's independent, qualified board of directors is the foundation of good corporate governance. Loomis Sayles supports proxy proposals that reflect the prudent exercise of the board's obligation to provide leadership and guidance to management in fulfilling its obligations to its shareholders. As an example, it may be prudent not to disqualify a director from serving on a board if they participated in affiliated transactions if all measures of independence and good corporate governance were met.

<u>Annual Election of Directors</u>: Vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.

<u>Chairman and CEO are Separate Positions</u>: Vote for proposals that require the positions of chairman and CEO to be held by different persons.

<u>Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote against proposals concerning director and officer indemnification and liability protection that limit or eliminate entirely director and officer liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care, or that would expand coverage beyond legal expenses to acts such as gross negligence that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligations than mere carelessness.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote for only those proposals that provide such expanded coverage in cases when a director's or officer's legal defense was unsuccessful if (i) the director or officer was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that the director or officer reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (ii) if the director's or officer's legal expenses only would be covered.

<u>Director Nominees in Contested Elections</u>: Votes in a contested election of directors or a "vote no" campaign must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: (1) long-term financial performance of the issuer relative to its industry; management's track record; (2) background to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (both slates); (3) evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and (4) stock ownership positions.

<u>Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for proposals involving routine matters such as election of directors, provided that at least two-thirds of the directors would be independent, as determined by the Proxy Voting Service, and affiliated or inside nominees do not serve on any key board committee, defined as the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and/or Governance Committees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote against nominees that are CFOs of the subject company. Generally, vote against nominees that the Proxy Voting Service has identified as not acting in the best interests of shareholders (e.g., due to over-

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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boarding, risk management failures, a lack of diversity, etc.). Vote against nominees that have attended less than 75% of board and committee meetings, unless a reasonable cause (e.g., health or family emergency) for the absence is noted and accepted by the Proxy Voting Service and the board. Vote against affiliated or inside nominees who serve on a key board committee (as defined above). Vote against affiliated and inside nominees if less than two-thirds of the board would be independent. Vote against Governance or Nominating Committee members if both the following are true: a) there is no independent lead or presiding director; and b) the position of CEO and chairman are not held by separate individuals. Generally, vote against Audit Committee members if auditor ratification is not proposed, except in cases involving: (i) investment company board members, who are not required to submit auditor ratification for shareholder approval pursuant to Investment Company Act of 1940 rules; or (ii) any other issuer that is not required by law or regulation to submit a proposal ratifying the auditor selection. Vote against Compensation Committee members when Loomis Sayles or the Proxy Voting Service recommends a vote against the issuer's "say on pay" advisory vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Generally, vote against all members of a board committee and not just the chairman or a representative thereof in situations where the Proxy Voting Service finds that the board committee has not acted in the best interests of shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D.Vote as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service when directors are being elected as a slate and not individually.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E.When electing directors for any foreign-domiciled issuer to which the Proxy Voting Service believes it is reasonable to apply U.S. governance standards, we generally will vote in accordance with our policies set forth in (A) through (D) above. When electing directors for any other foreign-domiciled issuers, a recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed in lieu of the above stipulations.

<u>Independent Audit, Compensation and Nominating and/or Governance Committees</u>: Vote for proposals requesting that the board Audit, Compensation and/or Nominating and/or Governance Committees include independent directors exclusively.

<u>Independent Board Chairman</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for shareholder proposals that generally request the board to adopt a policy requiring its chairman to be "independent" (based on some reasonable definition of that term) with respect to any issuer whose enterprise value is, according to the Proxy Voting Service, greater than or equal to $10 billion.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote such proposals on a case-by-case basis when, according to the Proxy Voting Service, the issuer's enterprise value is less than $10 billion.

<u>Multiple Directorships</u>: Generally vote against a director nominee who serves as an executive officer of any public company while serving on more than two total public company boards and any other director nominee who serves on more than five total public company boards, unless a convincing argument to vote for that nominee is made by the Proxy Voting Service, in which case, the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed.

<u>Staggered Director Elections</u>: Vote against proposals to classify or stagger the board.

<u>Stock Ownership Requirements</u>: Generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director, or to remain on the board.

<u>Term of Office</u>: Vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors.

**C.Ratification of Auditor**

Loomis Sayles generally supports proposals for the selection or ratification of independent auditors, <u>subject</u> to consideration of various factors such as independence and reasonableness of fees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Generally vote for proposals to ratify auditors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote against ratification of auditors where an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company's financial position.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.In general, if non-audit fees amount to 35% or more of total fees paid to a company's auditor we will vote against ratification and against the members of the Audit Committee unless the Proxy Voting Service states that the fees were disclosed and determined to be reasonable. In such instances, the recommendation of the Proxy Voting service will generally be followed.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D.Vote against ratification of auditors and vote against members of the Audit Committee where it is known that an auditor has negotiated an alternative dispute resolution procedure.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E.Vote against ratification of auditors if the Proxy Voting Service indicates that a vote for the ratification of auditors it is not in the best long term interest of shareholders.

**D.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Remuneration and Benefits**

Loomis Sayles believes that an issuer's compensation and benefit plans must be designed to ensure the alignment of executives' and employees' interests with those of its shareholders.

<u>401(k) Employee Benefit Plans</u>: Vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.

<u>Compensation Plans</u>: Proposals with respect to compensation plans generally will be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Compensation in the Event of a Change in Control</u>: Votes on proposals regarding executive compensation in the event of a change in control of the issuer will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Director Related Compensation</u>: Vote proposals relating to director compensation, that are required by and comply with applicable laws (domestic or foreign) or listing requirements governing the issuer, as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Employee Stock Ownership Plans ("ESOPs")</u>: Vote for proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is "excessive" (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares), in which case the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed.

<u>Golden Coffins</u>: Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals relating to the obligation of an issuer to provide remuneration or awards to survivors of executives payable upon such executive's death.

<u>Golden and Tin Parachutes</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for shareholder proposals to have golden (top management) and tin (all employees) parachutes submitted for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes.

<u>OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act)-Related Compensation Proposals</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for proposals to amend shareholder-approved plans to include administrative features or place a cap on the annual grants any one participant may receive to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote for amendments to add performance goals to existing compensation plans to comply with the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Vote for cash or cash-and-stock bonus plans to exempt the compensation from taxes under the provisions of Section 162(m) of OBRA.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D.Votes on amendments to existing plans to increase shares reserved and to qualify the plan for favorable tax treatment under the provisions of Section 162(m) should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay Including Executive Compensation Advisory Resolutions ("Say on Pay")</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Generally, vote for shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Review on a case-by-case basis (1) all shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay and (2) all advisory resolutions on executive pay other than shareholder resolutions to permit such advisory resolutions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Vote against proposals to link all executive or director variable compensation to performance goals.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D.Vote for an annual review of executive compensation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;E.Non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation will be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F.For foreign domiciled issuers where a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation is proposed concurrently with a binding vote on executive compensation, and the recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service is the same for each proposal, a vote will be entered as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Share Retention by Executives</u>: Generally vote against shareholder proposals requiring executives to retain shares of the issuer for fixed periods unless the board and the Proxy Voting Service recommend voting in favor of the proposal.

<u>Stock Option Plans</u>: A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed using the following as a guide:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote against stock option plans which expressly permit repricing of underwater options.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote against proposals to make all stock options performance based.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Vote against stock option plans that could result in an earnings dilution above the company specific cap considered by the Proxy Voting Service.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D.Vote for proposals that request expensing of stock options.

**E.Capital Structure Management Issues**

<u>Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock</u>: Vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.

<u>Authority to Issue Shares</u>: Vote for proposals by boards to authorize the issuance of shares (with or without preemptive rights) to the extent the size of the proposed issuance in proportion to the issuer's issued ordinary share capital is consistent with industry standards and the recommendations of the issuer's board and the Proxy Voting Service are in agreement. Proposals that do not meet the above criteria will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Blank Check Preferred Authorization</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for proposals to create blank check preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover defense or carry superior voting rights, and expressly states conversion, dividend, distribution and other rights.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote for shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock placements, other than those shares issued for the purpose of raising capital or making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Review proposals to increase the number of authorized blank check preferred shares on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Common Stock Authorization</u>: Vote against proposed common stock authorizations that increase the existing authorization by more than 100% unless a clear need for the excess shares is presented by the company. A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed.

<u>Greenshoe Options (French issuers only)</u>: Vote for proposals by boards of French issuers in favor of greenshoe options that grant the issuer the flexibility to increase an over-subscribed securities issuance by up to 15% so long as such increase takes place on the same terms and within thirty days of the initial issuance, provided that the recommendation of the issuer's board and the Proxy Voting Service are in agreement. Proposals that do not meet the above criteria will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Reverse Stock Splits</u>: Vote for management proposals to reduce the number of outstanding shares available through a reverse stock split.

<u>Share Cancellation Programs</u>: Vote for management proposals to reduce share capital by means of cancelling outstanding shares held in the issuer's treasury.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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<u>Share Repurchase Programs</u>: Vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.

<u>Stock Distributions, Splits and Dividends</u>: Generally vote for management proposals to increase common share authorization, provided that the increase in authorized shares following the split or dividend is not greater than 100 percent of existing authorized shares.

**F.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mergers, Asset Sales and Other Special Transactions**

Proposals for transactions that have the potential to affect the ownership interests and/or voting rights of the issuer's shareholders, such as mergers, asset sales and corporate or debt restructuring, will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on (1) whether the best economic result is being created for shareholders, (2) what changes in corporate governance will occur, (3) what impact they will have on shareholder rights, (4) whether the proposed transaction has strategic merit for the issuer, and (5) other factors as noted in each section below, if any.

<u>Asset Sales</u>: Votes on asset sales will be determined on a case-by-case basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of inefficiencies.

Conversion of Debt Instruments: Votes on the conversion of debt instruments will be considered on a case-by-case basis after the recommendation of the relevant Loomis Sayles equity or fixed income analyst is obtained.

<u>Corporate Restructuring</u>: Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeeze-outs, leveraged buyouts, spin-offs, liquidations, and asset sales will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Debt Restructurings</u>: Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to issue shares as part of a debt-restructuring plan. Consider the following issues:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Dilution - How much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any future earnings be?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Change in Control - Will the transaction result in a change in control of the company?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Bankruptcy – Loomis Sayles' Corporate Actions Department is responsible for consents related to bankruptcies and debt holder consents related to restructurings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;D.Potential Conflicts of Interest – For example, clients may own securities at different levels of the capital structure; in such cases, Loomis Sayles will exercise voting or consent rights for each such client based on that client's best interests, which may differ from the interests of other clients.

<u>Delisting a Security</u>: Proposals to delist a security from an exchange will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Fair Price Provisions</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for fair price proposals, as long as the shareholder vote requirement embedded in the provision is no more than a majority of disinterested shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote for shareholder proposals to lower the shareholder vote requirement in existing fair price provisions.

<u>Greenmail</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for proposals to adopt anti-greenmail charter or bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company's ability to make greenmail payments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Review anti-greenmail proposals on a case-by-case basis when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Vote for proposals to eliminate an anti-greenmail bylaw if the recommendations of management and the Proxy Voting Service are in agreement. If they are not in agreement, review and vote such proposals on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Liquidations</u>: Proposals on liquidations will be voted on a case-by-case basis after reviewing relevant factors including but not necessarily limited to management's efforts to pursue other alternatives, the appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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<u>Mergers and Acquisitions</u>: Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, generally taking into account relevant factors including but not necessarily limited to: anticipated financial and operating benefits; offer price (cost vs. premium); prospects of the combined companies; how the deal was negotiated; golden parachutes; financial benefits to current management; and changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.

<u>Poison Pills</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company's poison pill.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Review on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill.

<u>Reincorporation Provisions</u>: Proposals to change a company's domicile will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Right</u> to Adjourn: Vote for the right to adjourn in conjunction with a vote for a merger or acquisition or other proposal, and vote against the right to adjourn in conjunction with a vote against a merger or acquisition or other proposal.

<u>Spin-offs</u>: Votes on spin-offs will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on relevant factors including but not necessarily limited to the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.

<u>Tender Offer Defenses</u>: Proposals concerning tender offer defenses will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

**G.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shareholder Rights**

Loomis Sayles believes that issuers have a fundamental obligation to protect the rights of their shareholders. Pursuant to its fiduciary duty to vote shares in the best interests of its clients, Loomis Sayles considers proposals relating to shareholder rights based on whether and how they affect and protect those rights.

<u>Appraisal Rights</u>: Vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.

<u>Bundled Proposals</u>: Review on a case-by-case basis bundled or "conditioned" proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders' best interests, vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, support such proposals.

<u>Confidential Voting</u>: Vote for shareholder proposals that request corporations to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: in the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived. Vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.

<u>Counting Abstentions</u>: Votes on proposals regarding counting abstentions when calculating vote proposal outcomes will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Cumulative Voting</u>: Vote for proposals to permit cumulative voting, except where the issuer already has in place a policy of majority voting.

<u>Equal Access</u>: Vote for shareholder proposals that would allow significant company shareholders equal access to management's proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees, and in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.

<u>Exclusive Forum Provisions</u>: Vote against proposals mandating an exclusive forum for any shareholder lawsuits. Vote against the members of the issuer's Governance Committee in the event of a proposal mandating an exclusive forum without shareholder approval.

<u>Independent Proxy</u>: Vote for proposals to elect an independent proxy to serve as a voting proxy at shareholder meetings.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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<u>Majority Voting</u>: Vote for proposals to permit majority rather than plurality or cumulative voting for the election of directors/trustees.

<u>Preemptive Rights</u>: Votes with respect to preemptive rights generally will be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service subject to the Common Stock Authorization requirements above.

<u>Proxy Access</u>: A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed with regard to proposals intended to grant shareholders the right to place nominees for director on the issuer's proxy ballot ("Proxy Access"). Vote for such proposals when they require the nominating shareholder(s) to hold, in aggregate, at least 3% of the voting shares of the issuer for at least three years, and be allowed to nominate up to 25% of the nominees. All other proposals relating to Proxy Access will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.

<u>Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.Vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause and proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.

<u>Shareholder Advisory Committees</u>: Proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Shareholder Rights Regarding Special Meetings</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote for proposals that set a threshold of 10% of the outstanding voting stock as a minimum percentage allowable to call a special meeting of shareholders. Vote against proposals that increase or decrease the threshold from 10%.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.

<u>Supermajority Shareholder Voting Requirements</u>: Vote for all proposals to replace supermajority shareholder voting requirements with simple majority shareholder voting requirements, subject to applicable laws and regulations. Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.

<u>Unequal Voting Rights</u>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.Vote against dual class exchange offers and dual class recapitalizations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.Vote on a case-by-case basis on proposals to eliminate an existing dual class voting structure.

Written Consent: Vote for proposals regarding the right to act by written consent when the Proxy Voting Service recommends a vote for the proposal. Proposals regarding the right to act by written consent where the Proxy Voting Service recommends a vote against will be sent to the Proxy Committee for determination. Generally vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.

**H.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Environmental and Social Matters**

Loomis Sayles has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of its clients.

Loomis Sayles believes good corporate governance, including those practices that address ESG Matters, is essential to the effective management of a company's financial, litigation and reputation risk, the maximization of its long-term economic performance and sustainability, and the protection of its shareholders' best interests, including the maximization of shareholder value.

Proposals on environmental and social matters cover a wide range of issues, including environmental and energy practices and their impacts, labor matters, diversity and human rights. These proposals may be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service or may, in the determination of the Proxy Committee, be reviewed on a

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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case-by-case basis if the Proxy Committee believes that a particular proposal (i) could have a material impact on an industry or the growth and sustainability of an issuer; (ii) is appropriate for the issuer and the cost to implement would not be excessive; (iii) is appropriate for the issuer in light of various factors such as reputational damage or litigation risk; or (iv) is otherwise appropriate for the issuer.

Loomis Sayles will consider whether such proposals are likely to enhance the value of the client's investments after taking into account the costs involved, pursuant to its fiduciary duty to its clients.

Climate Reporting: Generally vote for proposals requesting the issuer produce a report, at reasonable expense, on the issuer's climate policies. A recommendation against such proposals by the Proxy Voting Service will be considered by the Proxy Committee.

Workplace Diversity Reporting: Generally vote for proposals requesting the issuer produce a report, at reasonable expense, on the issuer's workforce diversity or equity policies and/or performance. A recommendation against such proposals by the Proxy Voting Service will be considered by the Proxy Committee.

**I.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General Corporate Governance**

Loomis Sayles has a fiduciary duty to its clients with regard to proxy voting matters, including routine proposals that do not present controversial issues. The impact of proxy proposals on its clients' rights as shareholders must be evaluated along with their potential economic benefits.

<u>Changing Corporate Name</u>: Vote for management proposals to change the corporate name.

<u>Charitable and Political Contributions and Lobbying Expenditures</u>: Votes on proposals regarding charitable contributions, political contributions, and lobbying expenditures, should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Proposals of UK issuers concerning political contributions will be voted for if the issuer states that (a) it does not intend to make any political donations or incur any expenditures in respect to any political party in the EU; and (b) the proposal is submitted to ensure that the issuer does not inadvertently breach the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 and sections 366 and 367 of the Companies Act 2006.

<u>Delivery of Electronic Proxy Materials</u>: Vote for proposals to allow electronic delivery of proxy materials to shareholders.

<u>Disclosure of Prior Government Service</u>: Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals to disclose a list of employees previously employed in a governmental capacity.

<u>Financial Statements</u>: Generally, proposals to accept and/or approve the delivery of audited financial statements shall be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service. In certain non-US jurisdictions where local regulations and/or market practices do not require the release of audited financial statements in advance of custodian vote deadlines (e.g., Korea), and the Proxy Voting Service has not identified any issues with the company's past financial statements or the audit procedures used, then Loomis Sayles shall vote for such proposals.

<u>Non-Material Miscellaneous Bookkeeping Proposals</u>: A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed regarding miscellaneous bookkeeping proposals of a non-material nature.

Ratification of Board and/or Management Acts: Generally, proposals concerning the ratification or approval of the acts of the board of directors and/or management of the issuer for the past fiscal year shall be voted as recommended by the Proxy Voting Service.

<u>Reimbursement of Proxy Contest Defenses</u>: Generally, proposals concerning all proxy contest defense cost reimbursements should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Reimbursement of Proxy Solicitation Expenses</u>: Proposals to provide reimbursement for dissidents waging a proxy contest should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

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<u>State Takeover Statutes</u>: Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freeze out provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, anti-greenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).

<u>Technical Amendments to By-Laws</u>: A recommendation of the Proxy Voting Service will generally be followed regarding technical or housekeeping amendments to by-laws or articles designed to bring the by-laws or articles into line with current regulations and/or laws.

<u>Transaction of Other Business</u>: Vote against proposals asking for authority to transact open-ended other business without any information provided by the issuer at the time of voting.

<u>Transition Manager Ballots</u>: Any ballot received by Loomis Sayles for a security that was held for a client by a Transition Manager prior to Loomis Sayles' management of the client's holdings will be considered on a case-by case basis by the Proxy Committee (without the input of any Loomis Sayles analyst or portfolio manager) if such security is no longer held in the client's account with Loomis Sayles.

**J.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Investment Company Matters**

<u>Election of Investment Company Trustees</u>: Vote for nominees who oversee fewer than 60 investment company portfolios. Vote against nominees who oversee 60 or more investment company portfolios that invest in substantially different asset classes (e.g., if the applicable portfolios include both fixed income funds and equity funds). Vote on a case-by-case basis for or against nominees who oversee 60 or more investment company portfolios that invest in substantially similar asset classes (e.g., if the applicable portfolios include only fixed income funds or only equity funds). These policies will be followed with respect to funds advised by Loomis Sayles and its affiliates, as well as funds for which Loomis Sayles acts as subadviser and other third parties.

<u>Mutual Fund Distribution Agreements</u>: Votes on mutual fund distribution agreements should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Investment Company Fundamental Investment Restrictions</u>: Votes on amendments to an investment company's fundamental investment restrictions should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

<u>Investment Company Investment Advisory Agreements</u>: Votes on investment company investment advisory agreements should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

.

Loomis, Sayles & Company, L.P.

Los Angeles Capital Management LLC

**LOS ANGELES CAPITAL** 

**Proxy Policy**

Rev. May 21, 2024

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Table of Contents** | **Table of Contents** | **Table of Contents** | **Table of Contents** |
| ***I.*** |  | ***Introduction*** | ***3*** |
| ***II.*** |  | ***Proxy Policy Statement*** | ***3*** |
|  | A. | Proxy Voting Guidelines | 3 |
|  | B. | Limitations | 4 |
|  | C. | Special Considerations | 4 |
| ***III.*** |  | ***Responsibility and Oversight*** | ***5*** |
| ***IV.*** |  | ***Proxy Voting Procedures*** | ***5*** |
|  | A. | Materiality | 5 |
|  | B. | Conflicts of Interest | 5 |
|  | C. | Disclosure | 6 |
|  | D. | Recordkeeping | 6 |

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Los Angeles Capital

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**I.Introduction**

Los Angeles Capital Management LLC ("Los Angeles Capital" or the "Firm") has adopted and implemented policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, in accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") Rule 206(4) - 6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act") and its obligations under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). Los Angeles Capital provides investment advisory or sub-advisory services to various types of institutional clients. When clients give Los Angeles Capital the authority to vote proxies held in their client accounts such authority is specified in the advisory contract or other governing agreements.

**II.Proxy Policy Statement**

Los Angeles Capital has retained Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC ("Glass Lewis") an unaffiliated third-party, to act as an independent proxy voting agent. Glass Lewis provides proxy analysis, voting recommendations and administration, recordkeeping, and manages other operational and reporting matters of the proxy voting process. If at any time a material conflict arises in connection with the Firm voting proxies for a client account, it would be resolved in the best interest of the client.

When Los Angeles Capital is given proxy voting authority together with a client's voting policy, the Firm oversees compliance with such policy. When the client elects to use the Firm's standard proxy guidelines, the Firm will vote in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Firm's Proxy Committee ("Committee"). The Committee has approved the use of Glass Lewis' market-based U.S. and Global guidelines<sup>1</sup>, as may be modified from time to time (the "Firm's Guidelines"). Clients with specific proxy voting goals may direct the Firm to apply a thematic set of proxy guidelines developed by Glass Lewis or provide the Firm with an alternative set of custom guidelines for use in voting proxies for the client's account.

**A.Proxy Voting Guidelines**

On an annual basis, the Committee reviews the Firm's Guidelines. Members of the Committee also selectively review a sampling of the voting recommendations and the related proxy materials in determining whether to modify the approved Firm Guidelines.

Where the Firm has proxy voting authority, the Firm ultimately retains the right to cast each vote on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the applicable proxy guidelines including any contractual obligations or the specific voting policy of the particular portfolio as well as all relevant facts and circumstances including information that might be gathered from sources beyond Glass Lewis. Management of issuers, as well as other interested parties, will sometimes release supplemental information (after the proxy statement) that relates to a pending proxy vote. Glass Lewis and the Firm will not always be able to consider such additional information depending on when it is released.

In the event there is a disagreement with the Glass Lewis analysis as to a particular vote, the Committee will determine whether it is appropriate to vote contrary to the Glass Lewis analysis provided that such decision is consistent with the approved guideline. In the rare circumstance that the Committee believes it is in the best interest of a client to vote contrary to an approved guideline, the Committee will seek client consent prior to placing a vote that is contrary to such approved guideline(s).

Los Angeles Capital recognizes that a client may issue specific directives regarding how particular proxy issues are to be voted for the client's portfolio holdings. The Firm requires that the advisory or sub-advisory contract specify such instructions, including instructions as to how those votes will be managed, particularly where they differ from the Firm's Guidelines.

<sup>1</sup> https://www.glasslewis.com/voting-policies-current/

Los Angeles Capital

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It is unlikely that serious conflicts of interest will arise in the context of the Firm's proxy voting because the Firm does not engage in other financial businesses such as brokerage, managing or advising public companies, underwriting, or investment banking. Nevertheless, should a conflict of interest arise in connection with proxy voting or Glass Lewis, such conflict will be handled as described below under Section IV B, "Conflicts of Interest." As a matter of policy, the Firm and its employees are required to put the interests of clients ahead of their own.

**B.Limitations**

In limited circumstances, the Firm may elect to abstain from voting or may be unable to vote a client's proxy. These circumstances include:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Where the Firm concludes that the effect on shareholder's economic interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Where the securities related to the vote participate in a ***securities lending program*** and are out on loan. In many cases, where a client directs the securities lending, Los Angeles Capital may not be aware when the security is out on loan and thus may not be able to recall the security before the record date, subject to the Sepcial Considerations outlined below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Where the related securities are issued in a country that participates in ***share blocking*** because it is disruptive to the management of the portfolio.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Where multiple global custodian accounts roll up into one ***omnibus sub-custodian account***. In the specific markets where this may occur, the account managed by Los Angeles Capital is not registered individually. Therefore, if ballots are voted differently for the underlying accounts, the omnibus vote is considered split and is rejected.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Where in the Firm's judgement the ***unjustifiable costs***<sup>2</sup> or disadvantages of voting the proxy would exceed the anticipated benefit of voting (e.g., certain non-U.S. securities).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Where a required ***Power of Attorney*** is not on file or it is not feasible to get one on file.

**C.Special Considerations** 

Certain accounts may warrant specialized treatment in voting proxies. Contractual stipulations, individual client direction, and special guideline arrangements will dictate how voting will be done in these cases.

**Mutual Funds**

Where the Firm votes proxies for a mutual fund that it sub-advises, unless otherwise directed and agreed with such fund and its adviser, the proxies typically will be voted in accordance with the Firm's proxy guidelines. Proxies of a mutual fund's portfolio companies may be voted in accordance with resolutions or other instructions from an authorized person of the fund.

**ERISA Accounts**

The Department of Labor ("DOL") rules emphasize that a fiduciary's duties extend to management of shareholder rights including with respect to proxy voting. Responsibilities for voting ERISA accounts include: the duty of loyalty, prudence, compliance with the plan, as well as a duty to avoid prohibited transactions. The DOL rules require voting with a focus on relevant risk-return factors and not voting in a manner that sacrifices investment returns or takes on risks that promote benefits or goals unrelated to the interests of participants and beneficiaries. Where the Firm has authority to vote proxies for an ERISA account, the Firm employs the Firm's Guidelines unless otherwise specifically directed by the ERISA plan fiduciary. Where the Firm has authority to vote proxies for a commingled fund that is an ERISA plan asset fund, the Firm employs the Firm's Guidelines.

<sup>2</sup> The Department of Labor has indicated that such costs include, but are not limited to, expenditures related to developing proxy resolutions, proxy voting services and the analysis of the likely net effect of a particular issue on the economic value of the plan's investment. Fiduciaries must take into consideration whether the exercise of its rights to vote a proxy is expected to have an effect on the economic value of the plan's investment that will outweigh the costs of exercising such rights. With respect to proxies for shares of foreign corporations, a fiduciary, in deciding whether to purchase shares of a foreign corporation, should consider whether any additional difficulty and expense in voting such shares is reflected in their market price.

Los Angeles Capital

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**Securities Lending Program**

Certain situations where Los Angeles Capital may recall securities on loan to vote proxies, if operationally feasible, include: (i) where Los Angeles Capital deems a holding materially significant, (ii) where Los Angeles Capital is directing the securities lending, or (iii) where a client has made arrangements with its custodian to permit standing instructions for the recall of securities out on loan and Los Angeles Capital has agreed to implement the standing instructions.

**III.Responsibility and Oversight** 

The Committee was established to provide oversight to the proxy voting process and is responsible for developing, implementing, and updating the Firm's proxy policy, reviewing approving, and/or formulating the Firm's Guidelines, selecting and overseeing the third-party proxy vendor, identifying any conflicts of interest, determining the votes for issues it elects to vote independently from, or that cannot be voted by, Glass Lewis, monitoring legislative and corporate governance developments surrounding proxy issues, and meeting to discuss any material issues regarding the proxy voting process. The Committee meets annually and as necessary to fulfill its obligations.

As part of the Committee's ongoing oversight of its third-party proxy vendor, the Committee considers (i) the adequacy and quality of the proxy vendor's staffing and personnel; (ii) the presence of conflicts and processes to address those conflicts; (iii) the robustness of the proxy vendor's policies and procedures for ensuring that its recommendations are based on current and accurate information; and (iv) any other appropriate considerations as to the nature and quality of the proxy vendor's services. In addition, Compliance conducts periodic reviews of ballots voted by the proxy vendor to ensure they are in line with proxy voting procedures.

In cases where the Committee votes a proxy ballot it may conduct research internally and/or use the resources of an independent research consultant or use information from any of the following sources: legislative materials, studies of corporate governance and other proxy voting issues, reports by issuers' management on pending proxy votes, and/or published analyses of shareholder and management proposals. In such voting circumstances, two votes from voting members of the Committee or one voting member of the Committee and an internal legal counsel are required.

Los Angeles Capital's Operations Department handles the day-to-day administration of the proxy voting process.

**IV.Proxy Voting Procedures** 

Glass Lewis provides for the timely execution of specified proxy votes on the Firm's behalf, which includes complete account set-up, vote execution, reporting, recordkeeping, and compliance with ERISA.

Los Angeles Capital's responsibility for voting proxies is generally determined by the obligations set forth under each client's Investment Management Agreement, Limited Partnership Agreement, Prospectus, Trust Agreement or other legal documentation governing the account. Voting ERISA client proxies is a fiduciary act of plan asset management that must be performed by the adviser or delegated to a sub-adviser unless the voting right is retained by a named fiduciary of the plan. If an advisory or sub-advisory contract or similar document states that Los Angeles Capital does not have the authority to vote client proxies, then voting is the responsibility of some other named fiduciary.

While Los Angeles Capital will accept direction from clients on specific proxy issues for their account, the Firm reserves the right to maintain its standard position on all other client accounts for which the Firm has proxy voting authority.

**A.Materiality**

The Committee has designated certain materiality thresholds for situations in which the Committee may vote independently from Glass Lewis or may take separate actions in regard to securities lending limitations. Materiality thresholds are monitored daily and are escalated to the Committee for review.

**B.Conflicts of Interest**

Los Angeles Capital attempts to minimize the risks of conflicts and reviews the Conflict of Interest Statement prepared by Glass Lewis on an annual basis.

Los Angeles Capital

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If Glass Lewis identifies a potential conflict of interest between it and a publicly held company, it will disclose the relationship on the relevant proxy paper research report. In these situations, members of the Committee will review the proxy paper research report and vote the proxy in accordance with the Committee charter.

If an unforeseen conflict requires specialized treatment, alternate measures may be taken, up to and including having Glass Lewis refrain from writing a proxy paper research report and abstaining from making a voting recommendation on the company. In this scenario Glass Lewis would procure a substitute research report from an alternative qualified provider, and the Committee may be required to research and vote the proxy.

If the Committee identifies a potential material conflict of interest between Los Angeles Capital or an affiliated person of the Firm and the issuer whose ballot is being voted, the client whose account holds the shares of such issuer will be notified. If no directive on how to vote is issued by the client, the Committee will vote in such a way that, in the Committee's opinion, fairly addresses the conflict in the best interest of the client.

**C.Disclosure** 

Los Angeles Capital will provide all clients with a copy of the Firm's current proxy policies and procedures upon request. In addition, clients may request, at any time, a copy of the Firm's voting records for their respective account(s) by making a formal request to Los Angeles Capital. Los Angeles Capital will make this information available to a client upon its request within a reasonable time. For further information, please contact a member of Operations at operations@lacapm.com.

Los Angeles Capital generally will not disclose how it intends to vote on behalf of a client account except as required by applicable law but may disclose such information to a client regarding their portfolio who itself may decide or may be required to make public such information. Los Angeles Capital will not disclose past votes or share amounts voted except: (i) for a valid business purpose as determined in the discretion of the Chief Compliance Officer or Chief Legal Officer, (ii) to the respective client, (iii) as required on Form N-PX related to Say-on-Pay votes, or (iv) as otherwise required by law.

**D.Recordkeeping**

**ERISA Accounts**

Los Angeles Capital's maintains access to proxy voting records (both procedures and actions taken in individual situations) to enable the named fiduciary to determine whether Los Angeles Capital is fulfilling its obligations. Such records may be maintained via Glass Lewis' electronic system. Retention may include: (1) issuer name and meeting; (2) issues voted on and record of the vote; (3) number of shares eligible to be voted on the record date; (4) number of shares voted; and (5) where appropriate, cost-benefit analyses.

**Duration**

Proxy voting books and records will be maintained in an easily accessible place for at least five years from the end of the fiscal year during which the last entry was made on such records. For the first two years, the records are fully accessible in Los Angeles Capital's office and electronically.

Los Angeles Capital

**Newton Investment Management North America, LLC** 

**Proxy Voting Summary effective as of October 31, 2023**

**Policy Statement**

As a fiduciary and to meet its obligations as an SEC registered investment adviser, Newton owes its clients a duty As a fiduciary and to meet its obligations as an SEC registered investment adviser, Newton Investment Management North America, LLC ("Newton"), a subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon, ("BNY Mellon") owes its clients a duty of care and a duty of loyalty with respect to all services undertaken on the client's behalf including (where applicable) the exercise of voting rights.

This summary describes Newton's approach to exercising voting rights, where discretion over the voting decisions has been delegated to Newton by its clients and where Newton provides guidance on exercising voting rights in securities that Newton has recommended to clients on a non-discretionary basis, e.g. model accounts.

Where applicable, Newton will use its best efforts to exercise voting rights as part of its authority to manage, acquire and dispose of account assets. With respect of funds, i.e. registered investment companies, UCITS or AIFs, which Newton manages and/or sub-advises, Newton will exercise voting rights under this Policy pursuant to an authority granted under the applicable client agreements.

Newton will exercise voting rights in a prudent and diligent manner and in the best interests of clients.

**Voting Guidelines**

Newton has established overarching voting guidelines which inform our ultimate voting decision, based on guidance established by internationally recognized governance principles including the OECD Corporate Governance Principles, the ICGN Global Governance Principles, the UK Investment Association's Principles of Remuneration, and the UK Corporate Governance Code, in addition to other local governance codes.

We have used the services of an independent voting service provider to translate these guidelines into explicit voting actions forming a bespoke voting policy for Newton. This policy will be applied to all our votable holdings, enabling a universal approach to our voting while allowing us to deploy in-depth case-by-case analysis from Newton's stewardship team for those issuers and/or proposals which merit greater focus due to the materiality of our investment or the importance of the issue at hand (e.g., shareholder resolution, corporate action, related-party transactions). In these instances, communication with or input from the wider investment team may be sought, as well as, if relevant, engagement with the company. The stewardship team retains the ultimate discretion to deviate the vote instruction from Newton's bespoke policy's recommendation.

Our active approach to voting means that our voting decisions reflect our investment rationale and take into consideration engagement activity and the company's approach to relevant codes, market practices and regulations. These are applied to the company's unique situation, while also taking into account any explanations offered for why the company has adopted a certain position or policy.

Newton seeks to make proxy voting decisions that are in the best long-term financial interests of its clients and which seek to support investor value creation by supporting proposals that are consistent with our corporate governance views and investment case.

In general, voting decisions are taken consistently across all Newton's clients that are invested in the same underlying company. This is in line with Newton's investment process that focuses on the long-term success of the investee company. Further, it is Newton's intention to exercise voting rights in all circumstances where it retains voting authority.

**Voting Procedures**

All voting opportunities are communicated to Newton by way of an electronic voting platform.

The Responsible Investment team reviews all resolutions for matters of concern. Any such contentious issues identified may be referred to the appropriate global fundamental equity analyst or portfolio manager for comment. Where an issue remains contentious, Newton may also decide to confer or engage with the company or other relevant stakeholders.

An electronic voting service is employed to submit voting decisions. Each voting decision is submitted via the electronic voting service by a member of the Responsible Investment team but can only be executed by way of an alternate member of the team approving the vote within the same system.

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Members of certain BNY Mellon operations teams are responsible for administrative elements surrounding the exercise of voting rights by ensuring the right to exercise clients' votes is available and that these votes are exercised.

**Voting Service Providers**

Newton utilizes an independent voting service provider for the purposes of managing upcoming meetings and instructing voting decisions via its electronic platform, and for providing research. Its voting recommendations are not routinely followed; it is only in the event that we recognize a potential material conflict of interest that the recommendation of our external voting service provider will be applied.

Newton's external voting provider is subject to the requirements set by Newton's Vendor Management Oversight Group. As such, regular due diligence meetings are held, which includes reviewing its operational performance, service quality, and robustness of research and its internal controls, including management of its potential material conflicts of interest. In addition, and along with its other clients, Newton participates in consultations that seek specific feedback on proxy voting matters. This helps ensure alignment of interest between Newton's expectations and the voting recommendations provided by the external provider.

**Conflicts of Interest** 

Where Newton acts as a proxy for its clients, a conflict could arise between Newton, the investee company and/or a client when exercising voting rights. Newton has in place procedures for ensuring potential material conflicts of interests are mitigated, while its clients' voting rights are exercised in their best interests. Newton seeks to avoid potential material conflicts of interest through the application of the proxy voting guidelines in an objective and consistent manner across client accounts, based on, as applicable, internal, and external research and recommendations provided by third party proxy advisory services and without consideration of any Newton client relationship factors, among other considerations.

Where a potential material conflict of interest exists between Newton, the underlying company and/or a client, the voting recommendations of an independent third-party proxy service provider will be applied.

**Disclosures and Reporting**

Newton publishes various items related to it's approach, engagements and proxy voting decisions. Newton's Proxy Voting Policy and procedures is also summarized in its Form ADV, which is filed with the SEC and furnished to clients. Upon request, Newton will provide clients with information on how their proxies were voted by Newton.

In addition, Newton will submit any applicable regulatory filings related to its proxy voting approach and decisions as required.

**Securities Lending**

Newton does not engage in securities lending on behalf of its clients; this activity is at the discretion of individual clients.

**Controls, Record Keeping and Auditing**

Records are kept of all voting decisions, including evidence of the submission and approval process, which are subject to external audit. In addition, the Corporate Actions team reports monthly on critical risk indicators in relation to voting matters.

Newton Investment Management

Nuveen Proxy Voting Policy

**Policy Purpose and Statement**

Proxy voting is the primary means by which shareholders may influence a publicly traded company's governance and operations and thus create the potential for value and positive long-term investment performance. When an SEC registered investment adviser has proxy voting authority, the adviser has a fiduciary duty to vote proxies in the best interests of its clients and must not subrogate its clients' interests to its own. In their capacity as fiduciaries and investment advisers, Nuveen Asset Management, LLC ("NAM"), Teachers Advisors, LLC ("TAL") and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC ("TCIM"), (each an "Adviser" and, collectively, the "Advisers"), vote proxies for the Portfolio Companies held by their respective clients, including investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles, institutional and retail separate accounts, and other clients as applicable. The Advisers have adopted this Policy, the Nuveen Proxy Voting Guidelines, and the Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy for voting the proxies of the Portfolio Companies they manage. The Advisers leverage the expertise and services of an internal group referred to as Nuveen's Stewardship Group to administer the Advisers' proxy voting. The Stewardship Group adheres to the Advisers' Proxy Voting Guidelines which are reasonably designed to ensure that the Advisers vote client securities in the best interests of the Advisers' clients.

<br>Applicability

This Policy applies to employees of Nuveen acting on behalf of Nuveen Asset Management, LLC, ("NAM"),Teachers Advisors, LLC, ("TAL") and TIAA-CREF Investment Management, LLC ("TCIM"), each an "Adviser" and collectively referred to as the "Advisers"

Policy Statement

Proxy voting is a key component of a Portfolio Company's corporate governance program and is the primary method for exercising shareholder rights and influencing the Portfolio Company's behavior. Nuveen makes informed voting decisions in compliance with Rule 206(4)-6 (the "Rule") of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended (the "Advisers Act"), and applicable laws and regulations, (e.g., the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, "ERISA").

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**Enforcement**

As provided in the TIAA Code of Business Conduct, all employees are expected to comply with applicable laws and regulations, as well as the relevant policies, procedures and compliance manuals that apply to Nuveen's business activities. Violation of this Policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

**Terms and Definitions**

***Advisory Personnel*** includes the Adviser's portfolio managers and research analysts.

***Proxy Voting Guidelines*** *(the ''Guidelines'')* are a set of pre-determined principles setting forth the manner in which the Advisers intend to vote on specific voting categories, and serve to assist clients, Portfolio Companies, and other interested parties in understanding how the Advisers intend to vote on proxy-related matters. The Guidelines are not exhaustive and do not necessarily dictate how the Advisers will ultimately vote with respect to any proposal or resolution. While the Guidelines are developed, maintained, and implemented by the Stewardship Group, and reviewed by the Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee, the portfolio managers of the Advisers maintain the ultimate decision-making authority with respect to how proxies will be voted.

***Portfolio Company*** includes any publicly traded operating company held in an account that is managed by an Adviser. For the avoidance of doubt, Portfolio Company excludes investment companies.

**Policy Requirements**

Investment advisers, in accordance with the Rule, are required to (i) adopt and implement written policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interest of clients, and address resolution of material conflicts that may arise, (ii) describe their proxy voting procedures to their clients and provide copies on request, and (iii) disclose to clients how they may obtain information on how the Advisers voted their proxies.

The Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee (the "Committee"), the Advisers, the Stewardship Group and Nuveen Compliance are subject to the respective requirements outlined below under Roles and Responsibilities.

Although it is the general policy to vote all applicable proxies received in a timely fashion with respect to securities selected by an Adviser for current clients, the Adviser may refrain from voting in certain circumstances where such voting would be disadvantageous, materially burdensome or impractical, or otherwise inconsistent with the overall best interest of clients.

**Roles and Responsibilities**

Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee

The purpose of the Committee is to establish a governance framework to oversee the proxy voting activities of the Advisers in accordance with the Policy. The Committee's voting members will be comprised from Research, the Advisers, and the Stewardship Group. Non-voting members will be comprised from Nuveen Legal, Nuveen Compliance, Nuveen Advisory Product, and Nuveen Investment Risk. The Committee may invite others on a standing, routine and/or an ad hoc basis to attend Committee meetings. The CCOs of CREF/TC Funds and the Nuveen Funds shall be standing, non- voting invitees. The Committee has delegated responsibility for the implementation and ongoing administration of the Policy to the Stewardship Group, subject to the Committee's ultimate oversight and responsibility as outlined in the Committee's Proxy Voting Charter.

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Advisers

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Advisory Personnel maintain the ultimate decision-making authority with respect to how proxies will be voted, unless otherwise instructed by a client, and may determine to vote contrary to the Guidelines and/or a vote recommendation of the Stewardship Group if such Advisory Personnel determines it is in the best interest of the Adviser's clients to do so. The rationale for all such contrary vote determinations will be documented and maintained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.When voting proxies for different groups of client accounts, Advisory Personnel may vote proxies held by the respective client accounts differently depending on the facts and circumstances specific to such client accounts. The rationale for all such vote determinations will be documented and maintained.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Advisory Personnel must comply with the Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy with respect to potential material conflicts of interest.

Nuveen Stewardship Group

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Performs day-to-day administration of the Advisers' proxy voting processes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Seeks to vote proxies in adherence to the Guidelines, which have been constructed in a manner intended to align with the best interests of clients. In applying the Guidelines, the Stewardship Group, on behalf of the Advisers, takes into account several factors, including, but not limited to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Input from Advisory Personnel

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Third party research

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Specific Portfolio Company context, including environmental, social and governance practices, and financial performance.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Assists in the development of securities lending recall protocols in cooperation with the Securities Lending Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Performs Form N-PX filings in accordance with regulatory requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.Delivers copies of the Advisers' Policy to clients and prospective clients upon request in a timely manner, as appropriate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.Assists with the disclosure of proxy votes as applicable on corporate websites and elsewhere as required by applicable regulations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.Prepares reports of proxies voted on behalf of the Advisers' investment company clients to their Boards or committees thereof, as applicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.Performs an annual vote reconciliation for review by the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.Arranges the annual service provider due diligence, including a review of the service provider's potential conflicts of interests, and presents the results to the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.Facilitates quarterly Committee meetings, including agenda and meeting minute preparation.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.Complies with the Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy with respect to potential material conflicts of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.Creates and retains certain records in accordance with Nuveen's Record Management program.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.Oversees the proxy voting service provider with respect to its responsibilities, including making and retaining certain records as required under applicable regulation.

Nuveen Compliance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Seeks to ensure proper disclosure of Advisers' Policy to clients as required by regulation or otherwise.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Seeks to ensure proper disclosure to clients of how they may obtain information on how the Advisers voted their proxies.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.Assists the Stewardship Group with arranging the annual service provider due diligence and presenting the results to the Committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.Monitors for compliance with this Policy and retains records relating to its monitoring activities pursuant to Nuveen's Records Management program.

Nuveen Legal

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Provide legal guidance as requested.

**Governance**

Review and Approval

This Policy will be reviewed at least annually and will be updated sooner if substantive changes are necessary. The Policy Owner, the Committee and the NEFI Compliance Committee are responsible for the review and approval of this Policy.

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Implementation

Nuveen has established the Committee to provide centralized management and oversight of the proxy voting process administered by the Stewardship Group for the Advisers in accordance with its Proxy Voting Committee Charter and this Policy.

Exceptions

Any request for a proposed exception or variation to this Policy will be submitted to the Committee for approval and reported to the appropriate governance committee(s), where appropriate.

**Related Documents**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee Charter

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Nuveen Proxy Voting Guidelines

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Nuveen Proxy Voting Conflicts of Interest Policy and Procedures

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Nuveen Policy Statement on Responsible Investing

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Policy Adoption Date | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;February 3, 2020 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective Date of Current Policy/Last Date Reviewed | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;July 29, 2024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Governance | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;NEFI Compliance Committee |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Policy Owner | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nuveen Proxy Voting Committee |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Policy Leader | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nuveen Compliance |

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G-3250864P-E1123W

**PICTET ASSET MANAGEMENT**

**RESPONSIBLE INVESTMENT POLICY**

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**5. PROXY VOTING**

**5.1 Scope**

The following principles are used to define the securities eligible for proxy voting<sup>10</sup>:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For actively managed funds, we aim to vote on 100% of equity holdings.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For passively managed funds, we aim to vote on companies representing 80% of underlying benchmarks by weight<sup>11</sup>. This target may be revised upwards or downwards for specific strategies depending on factors such as portfolio size, geography or market capitalization.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• For segregated accounts, including mandates and third-party (i.e. sub-advisory) mutual funds man-aged by Pictet Asset Management, clients who delegate the exercise of voting rights to us have the choice between Pictet Asset Management's voting guidelines or their own voting guidelines.

**5.2 Purpose**

The overarching purpose of our voting is to protect and promote the rights and long-term interests of our clients as shareholders. We consider it our responsibility to engage with and challenge companies' management to ensure that the issuers we invest in on our clients' behalf are well-run, adhere to their strategy and deliver shareholder value. We aim to support a strong culture of corporate governance, effective management of environmental and social issues and comprehensive reporting according to credible standards.

**5.3 Voting Guidelines**

In line with our Active Ownership Guidelines on Corporate Governance<sup>12</sup>, our proxy voting guidelines uphold generally accepted standards for well-governed companies They address the way companies are directed and controlled and cover the central pillars of corporate governance including board & management, executive remuneration, risk control & reporting, and investors' rights. Given that the long-term interests of shareholders are the paramount objective, we do not always support the management of companies and may vote against management from time to time. We also reserve the right to deviate from our voting guidelines to take into account company-specific circumstances.

The complete version of these guidelines can be found under the following links:

https://www.issgovernance.com/file/policy/active/specialty/Sustainability-International-Voting-Guide-lines.pdf

https://www.issgovernance.com/file/policy/active/specialty/Sustainability-US-Voting-Guidelines.pdf

Pictet Asset Management's voting guidelines are reviewed every year and adapted as appropriate to reflect the specificities of certain regions and/or ownership structures.

**5.4 Research & Decision Making**

To assist us in performing our proxy voting responsibilities, Pictet Asset Management uses the services of third-party specialists to provide research and to facilitate the execution of voting decisions at all relevant company meetings worldwide.

Third-party specialists are tasked with collecting meeting notices for all holdings and researching the implications of every resolution according to voting guidelines defined by Pictet Asset Management. All recommendations are communicated to relevant investment teams and the ESG team.

Pictet Asset Management retains full discretion over all voting decisions and always reserves the right to deviate from third-party voting recommendations, on a case-by-case basis, in order to act in the best interests of our clients. Such divergences may be initiated by investment teams or by the ESG team and must be supported by written rationale.

In instances when consensus cannot be reached between the investments teams and ESG team, the decision is escalated to relevant Chief Investment Officers (CIOs) and, if necessary, the Head of Investments.

**5.5 Security Lending**

Security lending can impair our ability to execute our voting rights. As a result, investment teams wishing to exercise full voting rights have two options:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Recalling shares on loan on a case-by-case basis

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Removing a portfolio from the securities lending pool

<sup>9</sup> See section 5.6 for more information on Shareholder Resolutions.

<sup>10</sup> This activity does not include indirect investments through third-party funds that we invest in on behalf of our clients, where we expect those managers to exercise their votes according to their own policy and report accordingly to relevant Pictet Asset Management entities.

<sup>11</sup> We do not exercise voting rights in share blocking markets across passive strategies.

<sup>12</sup> See *Appendix D* for further details on Active Ownership Guidelines on Corporate Governance.

Pictet Asset Management

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**5.6 Shareholder Resolutions**

Shareholder resolutions at Annual General Meetings (AGMs)/Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) are evaluated in accordance with Pictet Asset Management's voting guidelines. Evaluations are based on their own merits and are supported when they would improve the company's corporate governance or business profile at a reasonable cost.

Pictet Asset Management does not usually assume the role of an activist investor and does not initiate shareholder resolutions or shareholder groups. However, Pictet Asset Management may consider supporting the submission of shareholder resolutions initiated by third-parties, or joining shareholder groups, based on the following criteria:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• How would the proposal enhance or protect shareholder value in the short-term and long-term?

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Liquidity and other technical issues that may impact specific portfolios, such as a share blocking period between the submission and the general assembly.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Legal and compliance issues (such as concert party action or transparency requirements relating to ownership size).

Supporting the submission of a shareholder resolution, including the number of shares and corresponding accounts earmarked to support the submission, is subject to agreement by relevant investment teams and the ESG team. In cases where no consensus is reached, the decision is escalated to the relevant Chief Investment Officer and, if necessary, the Head of Investments.

Pictet Asset Management

**PROXY VOTING POLICY**

**Record Currency Management Limited**

**June 2024**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **TABLE OF CONTENTS** | **TABLE OF CONTENTS** |
| **Table of Contents** | 1 |
| General Policy  | 2 |

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**General Policy**

Record Currency Management (Record) does not trade any instrument which attracts voting rights and as such its Proxy Voting Policy is that it does not cast any votes.

Should any instrument traded contain voting rights, then it is Record's policy not to cast any vote.

**SPECTRUM ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.** 

**Policy on Proxy Voting**

For Investment Advisory Clients

2024

**GENERAL POLICY** 

Spectrum, an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, acts as investment advisor for various types of client accounts (e.g. employee benefit plans, governmental plans, mutual funds, insurance company separate accounts, corporate pension plans, endowments and foundations). While Spectrum receives few proxies for the preferred shares it manages, Spectrum nonetheless will, when delegated the authority by a client, vote these shares per the following policy voting standards and processes:

**<u>STANDARDS:</u>** 

Spectrum's standards aim to ensure the following in keeping with the best interests of its clients:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• That Spectrum act solely in the interest of its clients in providing for ultimate long-term stockholder value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• That Spectrum act without undue influence from individuals or groups who may have an economic interest in the outcome of a proxy vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• That the custodian bank is aware of our fiduciary duty to vote proxies on behalf of others – Spectrum relies on the best efforts of the custodian bank to deliver all proxies we are entitled to vote.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• That Spectrum will exercise its right to vote all proxies on behalf of its clients (or permit clients to vote their interest, as the case(s) may be).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• That Spectrum will implement a reasonable and sound basis to vote proxies.

**<u>PROCESSES:</u>** 

A.Following ISS' Recommendations

Spectrum has selected Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) to assist it with its proxy voting responsibilities. Spectrum follows ISS Standard Proxy Voting guidelines (the "Guidelines"). The Guidelines embody the positions and factors Spectrum generally considers important in casting proxy votes. They 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, and various shareholder proposals. Recognizing the complexity and fact-specific nature of many corporate governance issues, the Guidelines often do not direct a particular voting outcome, but instead identify factors ISS considers in determining how the vote should be cast.

In connection with each proxy vote, ISS prepares a written analysis and recommendation (an "ISS Recommendation") that reflects ISS's application of Guidelines to the particular proxy issues. Where the Guidelines do not direct a particular response and instead list relevant factors, the ISS Recommendation will reflect ISS's own evaluation of the factors. Spectrum may on any particular proxy vote decide to diverge from the Guidelines or an ISS Recommendation. In such cases, our procedures require: (i) the requesting Portfolio Manager to set forth the reasons for their decision; (ii) the approval of the Chief Investment Officer; (iii) notification to the Compliance Department and other appropriate Principal Global Investors personnel; (iv) a determination that the decision is not influenced by any conflict of interest; and (v) the creation of a written record reflecting the process.

Spectrum generally votes proxies in accordance with ISS' recommendations. When Spectrum follows ISS' recommendations, it need not follow the conflict of interest procedures in Section B, below.

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From time to time ISS may have a business relationship or affiliation with one or more issuers held in Spectrum client accounts, while also providing voting recommendations on these issuers' securities. Because this practice may present a conflict of interest for ISS, Spectrum's Chief Compliance Officer will require from ISS at least annually additional information, or a certification that ISS has adopted policies and procedures to detect and mitigate such conflicts of interest in issuing voting recommendations. Spectrum may obtain voting recommendations from two proxy voting services as an additional check on the independence of the ISS' voting recommendations.

B.Disregarding ISS' Recommendations

Should Spectrum determine not to follow ISS' recommendation for a particular proxy, Spectrum will use the following procedures for identifying and resolving a material conflict of interest and will use the Proxy Voting Guidelines (below) in determining how to vote. The Report for Proxy Vote(s) against ISS Recommendation(s), Exhibit A hereto, shall be completed in each such instance.

Spectrum will classify proxy vote issues into three broad categories: Routine Administrative Items, Special Interest Issues, and Issues Having the Potential for Significant Economic Impact. Once the Senior Portfolio Manager has analyzed and identified each issue as belonging in a particular category and disclosed the conflict of interests to affected clients and obtained their consents prior to voting, Spectrum will cast the client's vote(s) in accordance with the philosophy and decision guidelines developed for that category. New and unfamiliar issues are constantly appearing in the proxy voting process. As new issues arise, we will make every effort to classify them among the three categories below. If we believe it would be informative to do so, we may revise this document to reflect how we evaluate such issues.

Due to timing delays, logistical hurdles and high costs associated with procuring and voting international proxies, Spectrum has elected to approach international proxy voting on the basis of achieving "best efforts at a reasonable cost."

As a fiduciary, Spectrum owes its clients an undivided duty of loyalty. We strive to avoid even the appearance of a conflict that may compromise the trust our clients have placed in it. This is true with respect to proxy voting and thus Spectrum has adopted the following procedures for addressing potential or actual conflicts of interest.

<u>Identifying a Conflict of Interest</u>. There may be a material conflict of interest when Spectrum votes a proxy solicited by an issuer whose retirement plan or fund we manage or with whom Spectrum, an affiliate, or an officer or director of Spectrum or of an affiliate has any other material business or personal relationship that may affect how we vote the issuer's proxy. To avoid any perceived material conflict of interest, the following procedures have been established for use when Spectrum encounters a potential material conflict to ensure that voting decisions are based on a clients' best interest and are not the product of a material conflict.

<u>Monitoring for Conflicts of Interest</u>. All employees of Spectrum are responsible for monitoring for conflicts of interest and referring any that may be material to the CCO for resolution. At least annually, the CCO will take reasonable steps to evaluate the nature of Spectrum's material business relationships (and those of its affiliates) with any company whose preferred securities are held in client accounts (a "portfolio company") to assess which, if any, could give rise to a conflict of interest. CCO's review will focus on the following three categories:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Business Relationships – The CCO will consider whether Spectrum (or an affiliate) has a substantial business relationship with a portfolio company or a proponent of a proxy proposal relating to the portfolio company (e.g., an employee group), such that failure to vote in favor of management (or the proponent) could harm the adviser's relationship with the company (or proponent). For example, if Spectrum manages money for the portfolio company or an employee group, manages pension assets, leases office space from the company, or provides other material services to the portfolio company, the CCO will review whether such relationships may give rise to a conflict of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Personal Relationships – The CCO will consider whether any senior executives or portfolio managers (or similar persons at Spectrum's affiliates) have a personal relationship with other proponents of proxy proposals, participants in proxy contests, corporate directors, or candidates for directorships that might give rise to a conflict of interest.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Familial Relationships – The CCO will consider whether any senior executives or portfolio managers (or similar persons at Spectrum's affiliates) have a familial relationship relating to a portfolio company (e.g., a spouse or other relative who serves as a director of a portfolio company, is a candidate for such a position, or is employed by a portfolio company in a senior position).

Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.

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In monitoring for conflicts of interest, the CCO will consider all information reasonably available to it about any material business, personal, or familial relationship involving Spectrum (and its affiliates) and a portfolio company, including the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• A list of clients that are also public companies, which is prepared and updated by the Operations Department and retained in the Compliance Department.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Publicly available information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Information generally known within Spectrum.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Information actually known by senior executives or portfolio managers. When considering a proxy proposal, investment professionals involved in the decision-making process must disclose any potential material conflict that they are aware of to the CCO prior to any substantive discussion of a proxy matter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Information obtained periodically from those persons whom the CCO reasonably believes could be affected by a conflict arising from a personal or familial relationship (e.g., portfolio managers, senior management).

The CCO may, at his discretion, assign day-to-day responsibility for monitoring for conflicts to a designated person. With respect to monitoring of affiliates, the CCO in conjunction with PGI's CCO may rely on information barriers between Spectrum and its affiliates in determining the scope of its monitoring of conflicts involving affiliates.

<u>Determining Whether a Conflict of Interest is "Material"</u> – On a regular basis, CCO will monitor conflicts of interest to determine whether any may be "material" and therefore should be referred to PGI for resolution. The SEC has not provided any specific guidance as to what types of conflicts may be "material" for purposes of proxy voting, so therefore it would be appropriate to look to the traditional materiality analysis under the federal securities laws, i.e., that a "material" matter is one that is reasonably likely to be viewed as important by the average shareholder.

Whether a conflict may be material in any case will, of course, depend on the facts and circumstances. However, in considering the materiality of a conflict, Spectrum will use the following two-step approach:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Financial Materiality – The most likely indicator of materiality in most cases will be the dollar amount involved with the relationship in question. For purposes of proxy voting, it will be presumed that a conflict is not material unless it involves at least 5% of Spectrum's annual revenues or a minimum dollar amount of $1,000,000. Different percentages or dollar amounts may be used depending on the nature and degree of the conflict (e.g., a higher number if the conflict arises through an affiliate rather than directly with Spectrum).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.Non-Financial Materiality – A non-financial conflict of interest might be material (e.g., conflicts involving personal or familial relationships) and should be evaluated based on the facts and circumstances of each case.

If the CCO has any question as to whether a particular conflict is material, it should presume the conflict to be material and refer it to the PGI's CCO for resolution. As in the case of monitoring conflicts, the CCO may appoint a designated person or subgroup of Spectrum's investment team to determine whether potential conflicts of interest may be material.

<u>Resolving a Material Conflict of Interest</u> – When an employee of Spectrum refers a potential material conflict of interest to the CCO, the CCO will determine whether a material conflict of interest exists based on the facts and circumstances of each particular situation. If the CCO determines that no material conflict of interest exists, no further action is necessary and the CCO will notify management accordingly. If the CCO determines that a material conflict exists, CCO must disclose the conflict to affected clients and obtain consent from each as to the manner in which Spectrum proposes to vote.

Clients may obtain information about how we voted proxies on their behalf by contacting Spectrum's Compliance Department.

Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.

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**<u>PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES</u>** 

**CATEGORY I: <u>Routine Administrative Items</u>** 

<u>Philosophy</u>: Spectrum is willing to defer to management on matters of a routine administrative nature. We feel management is best suited to make those decisions which are essential to the ongoing operation of the company and which do not have a major economic impact on the corporation and its shareholders. Examples of issues on which we will normally defer to management's recommendation include:

1. selection of auditors

2. increasing the authorized number of common shares

3. election of unopposed directors

**CATEGORY II: <u>Special Interest Issues</u>** 

<u>Philosophy</u>: While there are many social, political, environmental and other special interest issues that are worthy of public attention, we do not believe the corporate proxy process is the appropriate arena in which to achieve gains in these areas. Our primary responsibility in voting proxies is to provide for the greatest long-term value for Spectrum's clients. We are opposed to proposals which involve an economic cost to the corporation, or which restrict the freedom of management to operate in the best interest of the corporation and its shareholders. However, in general we will abstain from voting on shareholder social, political and environmental proposals because their long-term impact on share value cannot be calculated with any reasonable degree of confidence.

**CATEGORY III: <u>Issues Having the Potential for Significant Economic Impact</u>** 

<u>Philosophy</u>: Spectrum is not willing to defer to management on proposals which have the potential for major economic impact on the corporation and the value of its shares. We believe such issues should be carefully analyzed and decided by the owners of the corporation. Presented below are examples of issues which we believe have the potential for significant economic impact on shareholder value.

1.<u>Classification of Board of Directors</u>. Rather than electing all directors annually, these provisions stagger a board, generally into three annual classes, and call for only one-third to be elected each year. Staggered boards may help to ensure leadership continuity, but they also serve as defensive mechanisms. Classifying the board makes it more difficult to change control of a company through a proxy contest involving election of directors. In general, we vote on a case by case basis on proposals for staggered boards, but generally favor annual elections of all directors.

2.<u>Cumulative Voting of Directors</u>. Most corporations provide that shareholders are entitled to cast one vote for each director for each share owned - the one share, one vote standard. The process of cumulative voting, on the other hand, permits shareholders to distribute the total number of votes they have in any manner they wish when electing directors. Shareholders may possibly elect a minority representative to a corporate board by this process, ensuring representation for all sizes of shareholders. Outside shareholder involvement can encourage management to maximize share value. We generally support cumulative voting of directors.

3.<u>Prevention of Greenmail</u>. These proposals seek to prevent the practice of "greenmail", or targeted share repurchases by management of company stock from individuals or groups seeking control of the company. Since only the hostile party receives payment, usually at a substantial premium over the market value of its shares, the practice discriminates against all other shareholders. By making greenmail payments, management transfers significant sums of corporate cash to one entity, most often for the primary purpose of saving their jobs. Shareholders are left with an asset-depleted and often less competitive company. We think that if a corporation offers to buy back its stock, the offer should be made to all shareholders, not just to a select group or individual. We are opposed to greenmail and will support greenmail prevention proposals.

Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.

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4.<u>Supermajority Provisions</u>. These corporate charter amendments generally require that a very high percentage of share votes (70-81%) be cast affirmatively to approve a merger, unless the board of directors has approved it in advance. These provisions have the potential to give management veto power over merging with another company, even though a majority of shareholders favor the merger. In most cases we believe requiring supermajority approval of mergers places too much veto power in the hands of management and other minority shareholders, at the expense of the majority shareholders, and we oppose such provisions.

5.<u>Defensive Strategies</u>. These proposals will be analyzed on a case by case basis to determine the effect on shareholder value. Our decision will be based on whether the proposal enhances long-term economic value.

6.<u>Business Combinations or Restructuring</u>. These proposals will be analyzed on a case by case basis to determine the effect on shareholder value. Our decision will be based on whether the proposal enhances long-term economic value.

7.<u>Executive and Director Compensation</u>. These proposals will be analyzed on a case by case basis to determine the effect on shareholder value. Our decision will be based on whether the proposal enhances long-term economic value.

Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.

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|:---|
| **<u>Exhibit A to Proxy Policy</u>** |
| **<u>Report for Proxy Vote(s) Against ISS Recommendation(s)</u>** |
| This form should be completed in instances in which Spectrum Portfolio Manager(s) decide to vote against ISS recommendations. |
| **1. Security Name / Symbol:** |

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**2. Issue up for vote:**

**3. Summary of ISS recommendation (see attached full ISS recommendation:**

**4. Reasons for voting against ISS recommendation (supporting documentation may be attached):**

**5. Determination of potential conflicts (if any):**

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| |
|:---|
| **6. Contacted Compliance Department: Yes / No** |
| Name of individual contacted: |
| Date: |

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| |
|:---|
| **7. Contacted other Spectrum portfolio managers who have position in same security: Yes / No** |
| Name of individual contacted: |
| Date: |

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| |
|:---|
| **8. Portfolio Manager Signature:** |
| Date: |
| Portfolio Manager Name: |
| Portfolio Manager Signature\*: |
| Date: |
| Portfolio Manager Name: |

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\*Note: All Portfolio Managers who manage portfolios that hold relevant security must sign.

Spectrum Asset Management, Inc.

**WELLINGTON MANAGEMENT**

**Global Proxy Policy and Procedures** 

September 15, 2023

**INTRODUCTION**

Wellington Management has adopted and implemented policies and procedures it believes are reasonably designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best interests of clients for which it exercises proxy-voting discretion.

The purpose of this document is to outline Wellington Management's approach to executing proxy voting. Wellington Management's Proxy Voting Guidelines (the "Guidelines"), which are contained in a separate document, set forth broad guidelines and positions on common issues that Wellington Management uses for voting proxies. The

Guidelines set out our general expectations on how we vote rather than rigid rules that we apply without consideration of the particular facts and circumstances.

**STATEMENT OF POLICY**

Wellington Management:

1)Votes client proxies for clients that have affirmatively delegated proxy voting authority, in writing, unless we have arranged in advance with a particular client to limit the circumstances in which the client would exercise voting authority, or we determine that it is in the best interest of one or more clients to refrain from voting a given proxy.

2)Seeks to vote proxies in the best financial interests of the clients for which we are voting.

3)Identifies and resolves all material proxy-related conflicts of interest between the firm and our clients in the best interests of the client.

**RESPONSIBILITY AND OVERSIGHT**

The Proxy Voting Team monitors regulatory requirements with respect to proxy voting and works with the firm's Legal and Compliance Group and the Investment Stewardship Committee to develop practices that implement those requirements. The Proxy Voting Team also acts as a resource for portfolio managers and investment research analysts on proxy matters as needed. Day-to-day administration of the proxy voting process is the responsibility of the Proxy Voting Team. The Investment Stewardship Committee a senior, cross-functional group of experienced professionals, is responsible for oversight of the implementation of the Global Proxy Policy and Procedures, review and approval of the Guidelines, and identification and resolution of conflicts of interest. The Investment Stewardship Committee reviews the Guidelines as well as the Global Proxy Policy and Procedures annually.

**PROCEDURES**

**Use of Third-Party Voting Agent**

Wellington Management uses the services of a third-party voting agent for research and to manage the administrative aspects of proxy voting. We view third-party research as an input to our process. Wellington Management complements the research provided by its primary voting agent with research from other firms.

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Our primary voting agent processes proxies for client accounts and maintains records of proxies voted. For certain routine issues, as detailed below, votes may be instructed according to standing instructions given to our primary voting agent, which are based on the Guidelines.

We manually review instances where our primary voting agent discloses a material conflict of interest of its own, potentially impacting its research outputs. We perform oversight of our primary voting agent, which involves regular service calls and an annual due diligence exercise, as well as regular touchpoints in the normal course of business.

**Receipt of Proxy**

If a client requests that Wellington Management vote proxies on its behalf, the client must instruct its custodian bank to deliver all relevant voting materials to Wellington Management or its designated voting agent in a timely manner.

**Reconciliation**

Proxies for public equity securities received by electronic means are matched to the securities eligible to be voted, and a reminder is sent to custodians/trustees that have not forwarded the proxies due. This reconciliation is performed at the ballot level. Although proxies received for private equity securities, as well as those received in non-electronic format for any securities, are voted as received, Wellington Management is not able to reconcile these ballots and does not notify custodians of non-receipt; Wellington Management is only able to reconcile ballots where clients have consented to providing holdings information with its provider for this purpose.

**Proxy Voting Process**

Our approach to voting is investment-led and serves as an influential component of our engagement and escalation strategy. The Investment Stewardship Committee, a cross-functional group of experienced professionals, oversees Wellington Management's activities with regards to proxy voting practices.

Routine issues that can be addressed by the proxy voting guidance below are voted by means of standing instructions communicated to our primary voting agent. Some votes warrant analysis of specific facts and circumstances and therefore are reviewed individually. We examine such vote sources including internal research notes, third-party voting research and company engagement. While manual votes are often resolved by investment research teams, each portfolio manager is empowered to make a final decision for their relevant client portfolio(s), absent a material conflict of interest. Proactive portfolio manager input is sought under certain circumstances, which may include consideration of position size and proposal subject matter and nature. Where portfolio manager input is proactively sought, deliberation across the firm may occur. This collaboration does not prioritize consensus across the firm above all other interests but rather seeks to inform portfolio managers' decisions by allowing them to consider multiple perspectives. Portfolio managers may occasionally arrive at different voting conclusions for their clients, resulting in different decisions for the same vote. Voting procedures and the deliberation that occurs before a vote decision are aligned with our role as active owners and fiduciaries for our clients.

**Material Conflict of Interest Identification and Resolution Processes**

Further detail on our management of conflicts of interest can be found in our Stewardship Conflicts of Interest Policy, available on our website.

**OTHER CONSIDERATIONS**

In certain instances, Wellington Management may be unable to vote or may determine not to vote a proxy on behalf of one or more clients. While not exhaustive, the following are potential instances in which a proxy vote might not be entered.

Wellington Management

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**Securities Lending**

Clients may elect to participate in securities lending Such lending may impact their ability to have their shares voted. Under certain circumstances, and where practical considerations allow, Wellington Management may determine that the anticipated value of voting could outweigh the benefit to the client resulting from use of securities for lending and recommend that a client attempt to have its custodian recall the security to permit voting of related proxies. We do not borrow shares for the sole purpose of exercising voting rights.

**Share Blocking and Re-Registration**

Certain countries impose trading restrictions or requirements regarding re-registration of securities held in omnibus accounts in order for shareholders to vote a proxy. The potential impact of such requirements is evaluated when determining whether to vote such proxies.

**Lack of Adequate Information, Untimely Receipt of Proxy Materials, or Excessive Costs**

Wellington Management may abstain from voting a proxy when the proxy statement or other available information is inadequate to allow for an informed vote; the proxy materials are not delivered in a timely fashion; or, in Wellington Management's judgment, the costs of voting exceed the expected benefits to clients (included but not limited to instances such as when powers of attorney or consularization or the disclosure of client confidential information are required).

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION**

Wellington Management maintains records related to proxies pursuant to Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (the "Advisers Act"), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"), and other applicable laws. In addition, Wellington Management discloses voting decisions through its website, including the rationale for votes against management.

Wellington Management provides clients with a copy of its Global Proxy Policy and Procedures, as well as the Voting Guidelines, upon written request. In addition, Wellington Management will provide specific client information relating to proxy voting to a client upon written request.

Wellington Management

**WESTCHESTER CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC**

**Proxy and Corporate Action Voting** 

**Policies and Procedures** 

As Adopted October 2021

**I.<u>POLICY & DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY</u>**

Westchester Capital Management, LLC ("Adviser") acts as subadviser to The Merger Fund, The Merger Fund VL, Virtus Westchester Event-Driven Fund and Virtus Westchester Credit Event Fund (collectively, the "Virtus Subadvised Funds") and may act as subadviser for one or more additional funds from time-to-time (each a "Subadvised Fund" and together with the Virtus Subadvised Funds, the "Funds"). The Adviser has been delegated authority to vote proxies related to the Funds' portfolio holdings in accordance with these Proxy and Corporate Action Voting Policies and Procedures (the "Policy"). The Adviser has full authority to vote proxies and to act with respect to other shareholder or corporate actions on behalf of each Fund. Corporate actions may include, for example and without limitation, tender offers or exchanges, bankruptcy proceedings and class actions.

The Adviser shall consider each proxy proposal separately from all others. In that regard, the Adviser will seek to vote all proxies and act on all other actions in a timely manner as part of its full discretionary authority in accordance with this Policy. When voting proxies or acting with respect to corporate actions for the Funds, the Adviser's utmost concern is that all decisions be made solely in the best interest of each Fund. The Adviser manages Funds that pursue event-driven, merger-arbitrage and/or credit event strategies, which are generally designed to profit upon the completion of a merger, reorganization or other corporate event. When the Adviser determines that a proposal affects its investment thesis or a Fund's investment objectives or strategies, the Adviser will vote proxies in a manner consistent with its investment thesis and to seek to maximize the economic value of the investment for the Fund.

**II.<u>PURPOSE</u>**

The purpose of this Policy is to memorialize the procedures and policies adopted by the Adviser to enable it to comply with its fiduciary responsibilities to clients and the requirements of Rule 206(4)-6 under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended ("Advisers Act").

**III.<u>PROCEDURES</u>**

The Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer or his or her designee is ultimately responsible for ensuring that all proxies received by the Adviser are voted in accordance with this Policy and in a manner consistent with the Adviser's determination of each Fund's best interests. Although many proxy proposals can be voted in accordance with a Fund's established Guidelines (see Section V. below, "Guidelines"), the Adviser recognizes that some proposals require special consideration, which may dictate that the Adviser make an exception to the Guidelines.

The Chief Compliance Officer or his or her designee is also responsible for ensuring that all corporate action notices or requests which require shareholder action received by the Adviser are addressed in a timely manner and consistent action is taken for each Fund's account as appropriate.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.Conflicts of Interest**<sup>1</sup>

Where a proxy proposal raises a material conflict between the Adviser's interests and an interest of a Fund, the Adviser will resolve such a conflict in the manner described below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<u>Vote in Accordance with the Guidelines</u>. The Adviser shall vote in accordance with the Guidelines; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<u>Obtain Consent</u>. The Adviser will disclose the conflict to the Fund's investment adviser, and recommend a proposed vote on the proposal. The disclosure shall include information regarding the matter to be voted on, the nature of the Adviser's conflict such that the recipient of the information would be able to make an informed decision regarding the vote, and the basis of the Adviser's recommendation. If the Fund's investment adviser does not respond to such a conflict-disclosure request with a timely instruction, the Adviser may vote in accordance with the Adviser's recommendation or, in its discretion, abstain from voting the securities held by that Fund's account.

The Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer or his or her designee will review proxy proposals for conflicts of interest as part of the overall vote review process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.Resources**

The Adviser may retain third-party services to provide research, summary information and/or recommendations with respect to proposals on which the Adviser must vote on behalf of its Fund clients. The Adviser may also retain third-party service providers to assist with the ministerial act of voting proxies and reporting the Adviser's or a Fund's proxy voting record. The Adviser may reasonably rely on information or recommendations provided by such third parties.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.Limitations**

In certain circumstances, in accordance with a Fund's sub-investment advisory agreement (or other written directive) or where the Adviser has determined that it is in the Fund's best interest, the Adviser will not vote proxies received. The following are certain circumstances where the Adviser may limit its role in voting proxies:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<u>Fund Maintains Proxy Voting Authority</u>: Where a Fund specifies in writing that it will maintain the authority to vote proxies itself or that it has delegated the right to vote proxies to a third party, the Adviser will not vote the securities and will direct the relevant custodian to send the proxy material directly to the Fund. If any proxy material is received by the Adviser, it will promptly be forwarded to the Fund or specified third party. This limitation does not apply to any Funds currently.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<u>Terminated Account</u>: If the Adviser's investment advisory relationship with a Fund is terminated, the Adviser will cease voting proxies on behalf of that Fund as soon as reasonably practicable.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.<u>Limited Value or Effect</u>: If the Adviser determines that the value of a Fund's economic interest or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant, the Adviser may abstain from voting a Fund's proxies. The Adviser also will not generally vote proxies received for securities which are no longer held by the Fund's account.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.<u>Securities Lending Programs</u>: When securities are out on loan, they are transferred into the borrower's name and are voted by the borrower, in its discretion. However, if the Adviser has knowledge that an event will occur having a material effect on the Fund's investment in a loaned security, the Adviser will seek to call the loan in time to vote the securities or the Adviser will seek to enter into an arrangement which ensures that the proxies for such material events may be voted as the Adviser believes is in the Fund's best interests. There can be no assurance the Adviser will be able to call any loan in a manner that will allow the Adviser to vote on the related proposal in a timely manner.

<sup>1</sup> Due to the nature of the Adviser's business, its focus on a limited number of investment strategies, and its absence of affiliated entities engaged in other lines of business, it is not anticipated that material conflicts of interest will arise with any frequency.

Westchester Capital Management, LLC

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.<u>Unjustifiable Costs</u>: In certain circumstances, after doing a cost-benefit analysis, the Adviser may abstain from voting where the cost of voting a Fund's proxy would exceed any anticipated benefits to the Fund of the proxy proposal. For example, the Adviser may determine not to vote proxies regarding a non-material proposal that are provided only in a foreign language if voting the proxy would require the Fund to incur significant translation costs.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.Proxies Issued by Underlying Investment Companies**

To the extent a Fund invests in other investment companies that are not affiliated with the Fund in reliance on Section 12(d)(1)(E) or (F) of the 1940 Act ("Underlying Funds"), the Fund is required by the 1940 Act to handle proxies received from Underlying Funds in a certain manner. It is the policy of the Adviser to vote all proxies received from Underlying Funds in the same proportion that all other shares of the Underlying Funds are voted, or in accordance with instructions received from other shareholders of the Underlying Fund, pursuant to Section 12(d)(1)(E) or (F) of the 1940 Act.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.Periodic Reviews** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<u>Annual Compliance Review</u>: On an annual basis, the Adviser shall complete a review of the proxies voted during the prior year to determine if proxies were voted in a manner consistent with this Policy (the "Compliance Review"). The Compliance Review shall be completed by personnel of the Adviser that have no authority for voting decisions as part of the Adviser's process for voting proxies. The Compliance Review may be conducted using a random sampling of proxies voted by the Adviser during the period.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<u>Annual Review of Policy</u>: Each year, the Adviser's Chief Compliance Officer (or his or her designee) shall conduct a review of this Policy and make necessary changes to the Policy that arise out of the review, including any recommended updates to the established Guidelines (see Section V. below, "Guidelines"). As part of the Annual Review, the Chief Compliance Officer (or his or her designee) shall consider industry developments regarding proxy voting through such methods as it determines appropriate, including, for example, publications from the International Corporate Governance Network's Global Corporate Governance Principles and the Council of Institutional Investors' Corporate Governance Policies regarding common shareholder proposals. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

**IV.RECORD KEEPING**

In accordance with Rule 204-2 under the Advisers Act, the Adviser will maintain for the time periods set forth in the Rule (i) these proxy voting procedures and policies, and all amendments thereto; (ii) all proxy statements received regarding securities held by the Fund (provided however, that the Adviser may rely on the proxy statement filed on EDGAR as its records); (iii) a record of all votes cast on behalf of each Fund; (iv) records of all client requests for proxy voting information; (v) any documents prepared by the Adviser that were material to making a decision how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the decision; and (vi) all records relating to requests made to the Funds regarding conflicts of interest in voting the proxy.

The Adviser will describe in its Part II of Form ADV (or other brochure fulfilling the requirement of Rule 204-3) its proxy voting policies and procedures and will inform each Fund as to how they may obtain information on how the Adviser voted proxies with respect to securities held by each Fund. Clients may obtain information on how their securities were voted or a copy of the Adviser's Policies and Procedures by written request addressed to the Adviser. The Adviser will coordinate with each Fund to assist in the provision of all information required to be filed on Form N-PX.

**V.PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES** 

The following proxy voting guidelines (the "Guidelines") apply to each proposal on which the Adviser is authorized to act unless the Adviser determines that a different voting result is in the best interest of the Fund holding the securities to which the proposal relates.

These Guidelines are not intended to address every potential proposal that an Adviser may need to consider and are not in every instance intended to be construed as rigid voting rules. In respect of proposals that the Adviser determines are reasonably likely to have a material economic effect on a Fund's investment and that are not addressed below, the Adviser will generally vote in accordance with management's recommendations.

Westchester Capital Management, LLC

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The following Guidelines are grouped according to broad classifications for each type of proposal.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**A.Board of Directors**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of incumbent and board-nominated directors, unless any such director appears to have demonstrably failed to exercise reasonable business judgment or care or the Adviser determines that the director has failed to take action that is in the best interest of the issuer for which he or she serves as a Director.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of charter or bylaw amendments or other proposals that seek to expand the indemnification available to directors or otherwise limit their liability, but the Adviser may oppose such proposals if they would provide indemnity or limit liability for breaches of the duty of loyalty or care, intentional misconduct, or interested-director transactions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of proposals that call for directors to be elected by an affirmative majority of votes cast. The Adviser may vote against a proposal that requires majority voting in contested elections.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.The Adviser will generally vote against the imposition of supermajority voting requirements and will vote for proposals seeking the removal of supermajority voting requirements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.The Adviser will generally oppose proposals that seek to establish cumulative voting rights for shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.The Adviser will generally vote against shareholder proposals to impose age or term limits or to establish a mandatory retirement age for directors on a board or committee, to change the size of a board or committee, or to limit the pool of directors that can be chosen for a board or committee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.The Adviser will generally vote for the declassification of an existing "classified board" (i.e., one on which directors are divided into classes, each of which is elected on a staggered schedule). Similarly, the Adviser will generally vote against any proposal to implement a classified board.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.In contested director elections, the Adviser will vote proxies on a case-by-case basis evaluating factors including, but not limited to, qualifications of the nominees, reasons a dissident shareholder is pursuing a contested election, the nature of the dissident shareholder's concerns, and whether a change in the board would be likely to address the dissident shareholder's concerns.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.The Adviser will vote proxy access proposals (those that seek to provide shareholders with greater access to the ability to nominate directors) on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to, among other things, the economic and long-term interests of the Funds which holds the securities to which proposal relates.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**B.Auditors and Audit-Related Issues**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.The Adviser will typically vote in favor of the approval or ratification of a company's auditors, except it may withhold its vote in cases where management is seeking to replace the current auditors and there has been a dispute over audit policies or practices or disagreement regarding the company's recent financial statements.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**C.Proposals Regarding Changes to a Company's Capital Structure**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.The Adviser will typically oppose proposals to issue "blank check" preferred stock (preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion and/or other features), except in cases where the company has publicly stated that the blank check preferred shares will not be used for anti-takeover purposes or has identifiable legitimate financing objectives for the issuance of such blank check preferred shares.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.The Adviser will generally vote against proposals that seek to establish a class of common stock with separate or superior voting rights to existing common stock.

Westchester Capital Management, LLC

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.The Adviser will generally vote against proposals that would allow for the use of a poison pill and vote for proposals that would eliminate a company's ability to use a poison pill or restrict the conditions under which a poison pill may be used (e.g., by requiring shareholder approval).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.The Adviser will evaluate proposals to eliminate dual-class voting structures on a case-by-case basis and shall consider the costs associated with a restructuring of the current voting structure and the expected benefits to shareholders.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.The Adviser will oppose proposals requesting increases in authorized common or preferred stock where management provides no acceptable explanation for the expected use of or need for these additional shares or in cases where the Adviser determines that the additional stock is intended to be used to establish an anti-takeover mechanism for the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of stock splits or reverse stock splits if the proposal would not substantively impact the economic value or voting rights of the stock that would be impacted by the split.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**D.Compensation of Directors and Employees**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of stock incentive plans submitted for shareholder approval in order to qualify for favorable tax treatment under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, unless the Adviser determines that the performance criteria is inappropriate or poorly defined under the plan or that the maximum incentive payments are not excessive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of employee stock purchase plans that permit an issuer's employees to purchase stock of the issuer at a discount to market value.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.The Adviser will consider proposals regarding severance agreements that provide for compensation to management (golden parachutes) on a case-by-case basis taking into account the following considerations:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of proposals requesting that implementation of such arrangements be subject to shareholder approval;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of proposals requiring shareholder approval of plans in which the severance payment would exceed 300% of the executive's current salary and bonus (including equity compensation); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.For proposals regarding approval of proposed severance plans, the Adviser will evaluate such proposals on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration whether it considers the proposed plan to be in the best interests of shareholders, whether the compensation payable thereunder is comparable to similar plans of peer companies, whether such compensation is excessive, whether compensation is payable irrespective of the recipient's continued employment with the employer, and whether such plan may have the effect of rewarding management that has failed to effectively manage the company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of claw back proposals (those designed to seek recoupment of bonuses paid to company executives) regarding fraudulent or deceptive business practices.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**E.Political, Environmental or Social Issues**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.Proposals in this category typically request that the issuer disclose or amend certain business practices. The Adviser generally believes that these are "ordinary business matters" that are primarily the responsibility of the issuer's management and should be evaluated and approved primarily by the issuer's board of directors. Often, these proposals may address concerns with which the Adviser's personnel philosophically agree, but absent a compelling economic effect on shareholder value, the Adviser will typically abstain from voting on these proposals. This reflects the belief that regardless of the Adviser's (or its employees') perspective on an issue, these decisions should be the province of the issuer's management unless they have a significant, tangible effect on the value of an investment in the issuer and management has not been responsive to the matter.

Westchester Capital Management, LLC

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**F.Proposals Regarding Voting Procedures & Miscellaneous**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.The Adviser will generally vote for proposals that seek to establish or enhance the confidentiality of the shareholder voting process.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.The Adviser will generally vote in favor of proposals seeking to eliminate preemptive rights for shareholders. Although the Adviser generally supports elimination of preemptive rights, it may oppose the elimination of limited preemptive rights (for example, preemptive rights that are invoked on proposed secondary issuances in situations where the secondary issuance would result in more than an acceptable level of dilution of existing shareholder's rights).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.The Adviser will generally vote for proposals seeking to provide shareholders with the right to call a special meeting.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.The Adviser will generally vote against proposals that seek to establish "fair price" provisions in the event of a corporate takeover.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.The Adviser will generally vote against proposals that seek to permit "greenmail" (proposals that would allow a company to repurchase shares at a premium from a large shareholder who is seeking to take over a company through a proxy contest or other means).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.The Adviser will generally vote for proposals that seek to establish the date and location of a company's annual meeting.

Westchester Capital Management, LLC