CUSTODY AGREEMENT
This AGREEMENT, dated as of ______ __, 1998, by and between XXXXX
VALUE FUND INC., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Maryland, and STAR BANK, N.A., a national banking association (the "Custodian").
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, the Fund desires that its Securities and cash be held and
administered by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Fund is an open-end management investment company registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Custodian represents that it is a bank having the
qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(i) of the 1940 Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made, the
Fund and the Custodian hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases, unless
the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1.1. "Authorized Person" means any Officer or other person duly authorized
by resolution of the Board of Directors to give Oral Instructions and Written
Instructions on behalf of the Fund and named in Exhibit A hereto or in such
resolutions of the Board
of Directors, certified by an Officer, as may be received by the Custodian from
time to time.
1.2. "Board of Directors" shall mean the Directors from time to time
serving under the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, as from time to time
amended.
1.3. "Book-Entry System" shall mean a federal book-entry system as provided
in Subpart O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFR
Part 350, or in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are
substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
1.4. "Business Day" shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day by
The New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Fund computes
the net asset value of Shares of the Fund.
1.5. "Fund Custody Account" shall mean any of the accounts in the name of
the Fund, which is provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.6. "NASD" shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
1.7. "Officer" shall mean the Chairman, President, any Vice President, any
Assistant Vice President, the Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer,
or any Assistant Treasurer of the Fund.
1.8. "Oral Instructions" shall mean instructions orally transmitted to and
accepted by the Custodian because such instructions are: (i) reasonably believed
by the Custodian to have been given by an Authorized Person, (ii) recorded and
kept
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among the records of the Custodian made in the ordinary course of business and
(iii) orally confirmed by the Custodian. The Fund shall cause all Oral
Instructions to be confirmed by Written Instructions prior to the end of the
next Business Day. If such Written Instructions confirming Oral Instructions are
not received by the Custodian prior to a transaction, it shall in no way affect
the validity of the transaction or the authorization thereof by the Fund. If
Oral Instructions vary from the Written Instructions which purport to confirm
them, the Custodian shall notify the Fund of such variance but such Oral
Instructions will govern unless the Custodian has not yet acted.
1.9. "Proper Instructions" shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions. Proper Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when
deemed appropriate by both parties.
1.10. "Securities Depository" shall mean The Depository Trust Company and
(provided that Custodian shall have received a copy of a resolution of the Board
of Directors, certified by an Officer, specifically approving the use of such
clearing agency as a depository for the Fund) any other clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), which acts as
a system for the central handling of Securities where all Securities of any
particular class or series of an issuer deposited within the system are treated
as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by bookkeeping entry without
physical delivery of the Securities.
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1.11. "Securities" shall include, without limitation, common and preferred
stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities or other
obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or other instruments or
documents representing rights to receive, purchase or subscribe for the same, or
evidencing or representing any other rights or interests therein, or any similar
property or assets that the Custodian has the facilities to clear and to
service.
1.12. "Shares" shall mean the shares of common stock issued by the Fund.
1.13. "Sub-Custodian" shall mean and include (i) any branch of a "U.S.
Bank," as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, (ii) any
"Eligible Foreign Custodian," as that term is defined in Rule 17f-5 under the
1940 Act, having a contract with the Custodian which the Custodian has
determined will provide reasonable care of assets of the Fund based on the
standards specified in Section 3.3 below. Such contract shall include provisions
that provide: (i) for indemnification or insurance arrangements (or any
combination of the foregoing) such that the Fund will be adequately protected
against the risk of loss of assets held in accordance with such contract; (ii)
that the Fund's assets will not be subject to any right, charge, security
interest, lien or claim of any kind in favor of the Sub-Custodian or its
creditors except a claim of payment for their safe custody or administration, in
the case of cash deposits, liens or rights in favor of creditors of the
Sub-Custodian arising under
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bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar laws; (iii) that beneficial ownership for the
Fund's assets will be freely transferable without the payment of money or value
other than for safe custody or administration; (iv) that adequate records will
be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to the Fund or as being held
by a third party for the benefit of the Funds; (v) that the Fund's independent
public accountants will be given access to those records or confirmation of the
contents of those records; and (vi) that the Fund will receive periodic reports
with respect to the safekeeping of the Fund's assets, including, but not limited
to, notification of any transfer to or from the Fund's account or a third party
account containing assets held for the benefit of the Fund. Such contract may
contain, in lieu of any or all of the provisions specified above, such other
provisions that the Custodian determines will provide, in their entirety, the
same or a greater level of care and protection for Fund assets as the specified
provisions, in their entirety.
1.14. "Written Instructions" shall mean (i) written communications actually
received by the Custodian and signed by an Authorized Person, or (ii)
communications by telex or any other such system from one or more persons
reasonably believed by the Custodian to be Authorized Persons, or (iii)
communications between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that
the use of such devices and the procedures for the use thereof shall have been
approved by resolutions of the Board of Directors, a copy of which, certified by
an Officer, shall have been delivered to the Custodian.
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ARTICLE II.
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
2.1. Appointment. The Fund hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian as
custodian of all Securities and cash owned by or in the possession of the Fund
at any time during the period of this Agreement.
2.2. Acceptance. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such custodian
and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth.
2.3. Documents to be Furnished. The following documents, including any
amendments thereto, will be provided contemporaneously with the execution of the
Agreement to the Custodian by the Fund:
a. A copy of the Articles of Incorporation of the Fund certified by
the Secretary;
b. A copy of the Bylaws of the Fund certified by the Secretary;
c. A copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Fund
appointing the Custodian, certified by the Secretary;
d. A copy of the then current Prospectus of the Fund; and
e. A certification of the Chairman or President and the Secretary of
the Fund setting forth the names and signatures of the current
Officers of the Fund and other Authorized Persons.
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2.4. Notice of Appointment of Dividend and Transfer Agent. The Fund agrees
to notify the Custodian in writing of the appointment, termination or change in
appointment of any Dividend and Transfer Agent of the Fund.
ARTICLE III.
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
3.1. Segregation. All Securities and non-cash property held by the
Custodian for the account of the Fund (other than Securities maintained in a
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System) shall be physically segregated from
other Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian and
shall be identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.2. Fund Custody Account. The Custodian shall open and maintain in its
trust department a custody account in the name of the Fund, subject only to
draft or order of the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry
all Securities, cash and other assets of the Fund which are delivered to it.
3.3. Appointment of Agents. (a) In its discretion, the Custodian may
appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to act as Securities Depositories or as
sub-custodians to hold Securities and cash of the Fund and to carry out such
other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine, provided, however, that
the appointment of any such agents and maintenance of any Securities and cash of
the Fund shall be at the Custodian's expense and shall not relieve the Custodian
of any of its obligations or liabilities under this Agreement.
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(b) If, after the initial approval of Sub-Custodians by the Board of
Directors in connection with this Agreement, the Custodian wishes
to appoint other Sub-Custodians to hold property of the Fund, it
will so notify the Fund and provide it with information
reasonably necessary to determine any such new Sub-Custodian's
eligibility under Rule 17f-5 under the 1940 Act, including a copy
of the proposed agreement with such Sub-Custodian. The Fund shall
at the meeting of the Board of Directors next following receipt
of such notice and information give a written approval or
disapproval of the proposed action.
(c) The Agreement between the Custodian and each Sub-Custodian acting
hereunder shall contain the required provisions set forth in Rule
17f-5(a)(1)(iii).
(d) At the end of each calendar quarter, the Custodian shall provide
written reports notifying the Board of Directors of the placement
of the Securities and cash of the Fund with a particular
Sub-Custodian and of any material changes in the Fund's
arrangements. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as may
be required to withdraw assets of the Fund from any Sub-Custodian
that has ceased to meet the requirements of Rule 17f-5 under the
1940 Act.
(e) With respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.3, the
Custodian hereby warrants to the Fund that it agrees to exercise
reasonable care, prudence and
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diligence such as a person having responsibility for the
safekeeping of property of the Fund. The Custodian further
warrants that the Fund's assets will be subject to reasonable
care, based on the standards applicable to custodians in the
relevant market, if maintained with each Sub-Custodian, after
considering all factors relevant to the safekeeping of such
assets, including, without limitation: (i) the Sub-Custodian's
practices, procedures, and internal controls, for certificated
securities (if applicable), the method of keeping custodial
records, and the security and data protection practices; (ii)
whether the Sub-Custodian has the requisite financial strength to
provide reasonable care for Fund assets; (iii) the
Sub-Custodian's general reputation and standing and, in the case
of a Securities Depository, the Securities Depository's operating
history and number of participants; and (iv) whether the Fund
will have jurisdiction over and be able to enforce judgments
against the Sub-Custodian, such as by virtue of the existence of
any offices of the Sub-Custodian in the United States or the
Sub-Custodian's consent to service of process in the United
States.
(f) The Custodian shall establish a system to monitor the
appropriateness of maintaining the Fund's assets with a
particular Sub-Custodian and the contract governing the Fund's
arrangements with such Sub-Custodian.
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3.4. Delivery of Assets to Custodian. The Fund shall deliver, or cause to
be delivered, to the Custodian all of the Fund's Securities, cash and other
assets, including (a) all payments of income, payments of principal and capital
distributions received by the Fund with respect to such Securities, cash or
other assets owned by the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement,
and (b) all cash received by the Fund for the issuance, at any time during such
period, of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities,
cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.5. Securities Depositories and Book-Entry Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Fund in a Securities Depository or in
a Book-Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Prior to a deposit of Securities of the Fund in any Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian a resolution of the Board of Directors, certified by an
Officer, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on an on-going
basis to deposit in such Securities Depository or Book-Entry
System all Securities eligible for deposit therein and to make
use of such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the
extent possible and practical in connection with its performance
hereunder, including, without limitation, in connection with
settlements of purchases and sales of Securities, loans
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of Securities, and deliveries and returns of collateral
consisting of Securities.
(b) Securities of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository shall be kept in an account ("Depository Account") of
the Custodian in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository
which includes only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary,
custodian or otherwise for customers.
(c) The records of the Custodian with respect to Securities of the
Fund maintained in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository
shall, by book-entry, identify such Securities as belonging to
the Fund.
(d) If Securities purchased by the Fund are to be held in a
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall
pay for such Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Book-Entry System or Securities Depository that such Securities
have been transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect
such payment and transfer for the account of the Fund. If
Securities sold by the Fund are held in a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such
Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System
or Securities Depository that payment for such Securities has
been transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making
of an entry on the records of the
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Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of
the Fund.
(e) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with copies of any report
(obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository in which Securities of the Fund are kept) on the
internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding
Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository.
(f) Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to a
Fund resulting (i) from the use of a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository by reason of any negligence or willful
misconduct on the part of Custodian or any Sub-Custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above or any of its or their
employees, or (ii) from failure of Custodian or any such
Sub-Custodian to enforce effectively such rights as it may have
against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. At its
election, the Fund shall be subrogated to the rights of the
Custodian with respect to any claim against a Book-Entry System
or Securities Depository or any other person from any loss or
damage to the Fund arising from the use of such Book-Entry System
or Securities Depository, if and to the extent that the Fund has
not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
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3.6. Disbursement of Moneys from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from the Fund Custody
Account but only in the following cases:
(a) For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only in
accordance with Section 4.1 of this Agreement and only (i) in the
case of Securities (other than options on Securities, futures
contracts and options on futures contracts), against the delivery
to the Custodian (or any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to
Section 3.3 above) of such Securities registered as provided in
Section 3.9 below or in proper form for transfer, or if the
purchase of such Securities is effected through a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 3.5 above; (ii) in the case of
options on Securities, against delivery to the Custodian (or such
Sub-Custodian) of such receipts as are required by the customs
prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, against
delivery to the Custodian (or such Sub-Custodian) of evidence of
title thereto in favor of the Fund or any nominee referred to in
Section 3.9 below; and (iv) in the case of repurchase or reverse
repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund and a bank
which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or between the
Fund and a primary dealer in U.S.
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Government securities, against delivery of the purchased
Securities either in certificate form or through an entry
crediting the Custodian's account at a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository with such Securities;
(b) In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set
forth in Section 3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the Fund;
(c) For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions
declared by the Fund;
(d) In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in
Section 5.1 below;
(e) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Fund,
including but not limited to the following payments for the
account of the Fund: interest; taxes; administration, investment
advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian,
trustee and legal fees; and other operating expenses of the Fund;
in all cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or
in part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
(f) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the 1934 Act and a member of the NASD, relating to
compliance with rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of
any registered national securities exchange (or of any similar
organization or organizations) regarding escrow
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or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
(g) For transfer in accordance with the provision of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar
organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in
connection with transactions by the Fund;
(h) For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other
interest-bearing account with any banking institution (including
the Custodian), which deposit or account has a term of one year
or less; and
(i) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt, in addition
to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Directors, certified by an Officer, specifying the amount and
purpose of such payment, declaring such purpose to be a proper
corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such
payment is to be made.
3.7. Delivery of Securities from Fund Custody Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver Securities from the
Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases:
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(a) Upon the sale of Securities for the account of the Fund but only
against receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or
cashiers check or bank credit;
(b) In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 3.5 above;
(c) To an offeror's depository agent in connection with tender or
other similar offers for Securities of the Fund; provided that,
in any such case, the cash or other consideration is to be
delivered to the Custodian;
(d) To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name
of the Fund, the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or of any nominee or nominees of
any of the foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number
of certificates or other evidence representing the same aggregate
face amount or number of units; provided that, in any such case,
the new Securities are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(e) To the broker selling Securities, for examination in accordance
with the "street delivery" custom;
(f) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment
of the issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to provisions for
conversion contained in such Securities, or pursuant to any
deposit agreement,
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including surrender or receipt of underlying Securities in
connection with the issuance or cancellation of depository
receipts; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities and
cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(g) Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or
reverse repurchase agreement entered into by the Fund;
(h) In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the
exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new
Securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(i) For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of the
Fund, but only against receipt of such collateral as the Fund
shall have specified to the Custodian in Proper Instructions;
(j) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but only against
receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
(k)) Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Fund;
(l) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the 1934 Act and a member of the NASD, relating to
compliance with the
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rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or
organizations) regarding escrow or other arrangements in
connection with transactions by the Fund;
(m) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement
among the Fund, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to
compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar
organization or organizations) regarding account deposits in
connection with transactions by the Fund; or
(n) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt, in
addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Directors, certified by an Officer, specifying the
Securities to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which
such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to
whom delivery of such Securities shall be made.
3.8. Actions Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless otherwise instructed
by the Trust, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for the
Fund:
(a) Subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments to which the Fund is
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entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the securities
business;
(b) Present for payment and, subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on
a timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which may
mature or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become
payable;
(c) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments;
(d) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for
Securities in definitive form;
(e) Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates
of ownership under the federal income tax laws or the laws or
regulations of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in
effect, and prepare and submit reports to the Internal Revenue
Service ("IRS") and to the Fund at such time, in such manner and
containing such information as is prescribed by the IRS;
(f) Hold for the Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities
held therein, through a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, all rights and similar securities issued with respect
to Securities of the Fund; and
(g) In general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper
Instructions, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution,
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purchase, transfer and other dealings with Securities and assets
of the Fund.
3.9. Registration and Transfer of Securities. All Securities held for the
Fund that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the
Custodian in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in a
Book-Entry System if eligible therefor. All other Securities held for the Fund
may be registered in the name of the Fund, the Custodian, or any Sub-Custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or in the name of any nominee of any of
them, or in the name of a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any
nominee of either thereof. The Fund shall furnish to the Custodian appropriate
instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver in proper form for
transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees hereinabove referred
to or in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any
Securities registered in the name of the Fund.
3.10. Records. (a) The Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate
records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the Funds,
including (i) journals or other records of original entry containing an itemized
daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and all
receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records) reflecting
(A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical possession, (C) monies
and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together with a record
of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral), (D)
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dividends and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and interest
receivable; and (iii) canceled checks and bank records related thereto. The
Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Fund as the Fund shall
reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including, but not
limited to, Section 31 of the 1940 Act and Rule 31a-2 promulgated thereunder.
(b) All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i)
be maintained in a form acceptable to the Fund and in compliance
with rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, (ii) be the property of the Fund and at all times
during the regular business hours of the Custodian be made
available upon request for inspection by duly authorized
officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees or agents
of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (iii) if required
to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act, be preserved
for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2 under the 0000 Xxx.
3.11. Fund Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Fund with
a daily activity statement and a summary of all transfers to or from the Fund
Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least monthly and from
time to time, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund with a detailed statement of
the Securities and moneys held by the Custodian and the Sub-Custodians for the
Fund under this Agreement.
3.12. Other Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall provide the Fund with
such reports, as the Fund may reasonably
21
request from time to time, on the internal accounting controls and procedures
for safeguarding Securities, which are employed by the Custodian or any
Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above.
3.13. Proxies and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all proxies
relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of the Fund, to be
promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
promptly deliver to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and
all notices relating to such Securities.
3.14. Information on Corporate Actions. The Custodian shall promptly
deliver to the Fund all information received by the Custodian and pertaining to
Securities being held by the Fund with respect to optional tender or exchange
offers, calls for redemption or purchase, or expiration of rights as described
in the Standards of Service Guide attached as Exhibit B. If the Fund desires to
take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or other similar
transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least five Business Days
prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action. The Fund will
provide or cause to be provided to the Custodian all relevant information for
any Security which has unique put/option provisions at least five Business Days
prior to the beginning date of the tender period.
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ARTICLE IV.
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
4.1. Purchase of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities for
the Fund, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying
(a) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any) or other units purchased, (c) the date of purchase and
settlement, (d) the purchase price per unit, (e) the total amount payable upon
such purchase, and (f) the name of the person to whom such amount is payable.
The Custodian shall upon receipt of such Securities purchased by the Fund pay
out of the moneys held for the account of the Fund the total amount specified in
such Written Instructions to the person named therein. The Custodian shall not
be under any obligation to pay out moneys to cover the cost of a purchase of
Securities for the Fund, if in the Fund Custody Account there is insufficient
cash available to the Fund.
4.2. Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
In any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities for the Fund
is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the Securities purchased but
in the absence of specified Written Instructions to so pay in advance, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such Securities to the same extent as
if the Securities had been received by the Custodian.
23
4.3. Sale of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by the Fund,
Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a) the
name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any), or other units sold, (c) the date of sale and settlement, (d)
the sale price per unit, (e) the total amount payable upon such sale, and (f)
the person to whom such Securities are to be delivered. Upon receipt of the
total amount payable to the Fund as specified in such Written Instructions, the
Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the person specified in such Written
Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment in such
form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and arrange for
payment in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in Securities.
4.4. Delivery of Securities Sold. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or any
other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver
Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally
accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of
final payment therefor. In any such case, the Fund shall bear the risk that
final payment for such Securities may not be made or that such Securities may be
returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the person to whom they
were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability for any for the
foregoing.
24
4.5. Payment for Securities Sold, etc. In its sole discretion and from time
to time, the Custodian may credit the Fund Custody Account, prior to actual
receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the sale of Securities
which it has been instructed to deliver against payment, (ii) proceeds from the
redemption of Securities or other assets of the Fund, and (iii) income from
cash, Securities or other assets of the Fund. Any such credit shall be
conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may be
reversed if final payment is not actually received in full. The Custodian may,
in its sole discretion and from time to time, permit the Fund to use funds so
credited to the Fund Custody Account in anticipation of actual receipt of final
payment. Any such funds shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by the
Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt of all final payments in
anticipation of which funds were credited to the Fund Custody Account.
4.6. Advances by Custodian for Settlement. The Custodian may, in its sole
discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Fund to facilitate the
settlement of the Fund's transactions in the Fund Custody Account. Any such
advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by Custodian.
ARTICLE V.
REDEMPTION OF FUND SHARES
5.1. Transfer of Funds. From such funds as may be available for the purpose
in the Fund Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying
that the funds are
25
required to redeem Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall wire each amount
specified in such Proper Instructions to or through such bank as the Fund may
designate with respect to such amount in such Proper Instructions.
5.2. No Duty Regarding Paying Banks. The Custodian shall not be under any
obligation to effect payment or distribution by any bank designated in Proper
Instructions given pursuant to Section 5.1 above of any amount paid by the
Custodian to such bank in accordance with such Proper Instructions.
ARTICLE VI.
SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including
Securities maintained in a Depository Account,
(a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and a member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to
compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and
of any registered national securities exchange (or the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract market), or
of any similar organization or organizations, regarding escrow or
other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund,
26
(b) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with
securities options purchased or written by the Fund or in
connection with financial futures contracts (or options thereon)
purchased or sold by the Fund,
(c) which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by the
Fund,
(d) for purposes of compliance by the Fund with requirements under
the 1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by
registered investment companies in connection with reverse
repurchase agreements and when-issued, delayed delivery and firm
commitment transactions, and
(e) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution
of the Board of Directors, certified by an Officer, setting forth
the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring
such purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
ARTICLE VII.
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
7.1. Standard of Care. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement, and shall
be without liability to the Fund for any loss, damage, cost, expense (including
attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim unless such loss, damage,
27
cost, expense, liability or claim arises from negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct on its part or on the part of any Sub-Custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and
may act upon advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability
for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. The
Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of any action taken or omitted by the
Custodian pursuant to advice of counsel. The Custodian shall not be under any
obligation at any time to ascertain whether the Fund is in compliance with the
1940 Act, the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the Fund's Articles of
Incorporation or bylaws, or its investment objectives and policies as then in
effect.
7.2. Actual Collection Required. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or
considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to the Fund or any money
represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the payment of money,
until the Custodian or its agents actually receive such cash or collect on such
instrument.
7.3. No Responsibility for Title, etc. So long as and to the extent that it
is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title
thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.4. Limitation on Duty to Collect. Custodian shall not be required to
enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due
and payable with respect to Securities
28
held for the Fund if such Securities are in default or payment is not made after
due demand or presentation.
7.5. Reliance Upon Documents and Instructions. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing
received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall
be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions and any Written Instructions
actually received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.6. Express Duties Only. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations
whatsoever except such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in
this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement
against the Custodian.
7.7. Co-operation. The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary
information, to the entity or entities appointed by the Fund to keep the books
of account of the Fund and/or compute the value of the assets of the Fund. The
Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as the Fund may from time to
time request to enable the Fund to obtain, from year to year, favorable opinions
from the Fund's independent accountants with respect to the Custodian's
activities hereunder in connection with (a) the preparation of the Fund's
reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other reports required by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and (b) the fulfillment by the Fund of any
other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
29
ARTICLE VIII.
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1. Indemnification by Fund. The Fund shall indemnify and hold harmless
the Custodian and any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, and
any nominee of the Custodian or of such Sub-Custodian, from and against any
loss, damage, cost, expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements),
liability (including, without limitation, liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities
and/or banking laws) or claim arising directly or indirectly (a) from the fact
that Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, or (b) from any
action or inaction by the Custodian or such Sub-Custodian (i) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Fund, or (ii) upon Proper
Instructions, or (c) generally, from the performance of its obligations under
this Agreement or any sub-custody agreement with a Sub-Custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such
Sub-Custodian shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such
loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim arising from the Custodian's or
such Sub-Custodian's negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
8.2. Indemnification by Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold
harmless the Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense (including
attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability (including without limitation,
liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933, the 1934 Act,
30
the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities and/or banking laws) or claim
arising from the negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the Custodian or
any Sub-Custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or any nominee of the
Custodian or of such Sub-Custodian.
8.3. Indemnity to be Provided. If the Fund requests the Custodian to take
any action with respect to Securities, which may, in the opinion of the
Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee becoming liable for the
payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Custodian shall
not be required to take such action until the Fund shall have provided indemnity
therefor to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to the Custodian.
8.4. Security. If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to the Fund for
any purpose, either at the Fund's request or as otherwise contemplated in this
Agreement, or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee incurs, in
connection with its performance under this Agreement, any loss, damage, cost,
expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim
(except such as may arise from its or its nominee's negligence, bad faith or
willful misconduct), then, in any such event, any property at any time held for
the account of the Fund shall be security therefor, and should the Fund fail
promptly to repay or indemnify the Custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to
utilize available cash of the Fund and to dispose of other assets of the Fund to
the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement or indemnification.
31
ARTICLE IX.
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither the Custodian nor the Fund shall be liable for any failure or delay
in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or caused,
directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power
failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable
control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian in the event of a failure
or delay (i) shall not discriminate against the Fund in favor of any other
customer of the Custodian in making computer time and personnel available to
input or process the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) shall
use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such failure or delay.
ARTICLE X.
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
10.1. Effective Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of its
execution and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated as
hereinafter provided.
10.2. Termination. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by
giving to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such
termination, which shall be not less than sixty (60) days after the date of the
giving of such notice. If a successor custodian shall have been appointed by the
Board of Directors, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance
by the successor custodian, on such specified date of termination (a) deliver
directly to the successor custodian all Securities (other than Securities held
in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the Fund
and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (b) transfer any Securities held in
a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to an account of or for the benefit
of the Fund at the successor custodian, provided that the Fund shall have paid
to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the payment or
reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. Upon such delivery and
transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this
Agreement. The Fund may at any time immediately terminate this Agreement in the
event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
regulatory authorities or upon the happening of a like event at the direction of
an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent jurisdiction.
10.3. Failure to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian is
not designated by the Fund on or before the date of termination specified
pursuant to Section 10.1 above, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to a bank or
33
trust company of its own selection, which (a) is a "bank" as defined in the 1940
Act and (b) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits as shown on its
then most recent published report of not less than $25 million, all Securities,
cash and other property held by Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer
to an account of or for the Fund at such bank or trust company all Securities of
the Fund held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such
delivery and transfer, such bank or trust company shall be the successor
custodian under this Agreement and the Custodian shall be relieved of all
obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI.
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation as agreed upon from time to
time by the Fund and the Custodian. The fees and other charges in effect on the
date hereof and applicable to the Fund are set forth in Exhibit C attached
hereto.
ARTICLE XII.
NOTICES
Unless otherwise specified herein, all demands, notices, instructions, and
other communications to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent
or delivered to the recipient at the address set forth after its name
hereinbelow:
To the Fund:
------------
Xxxxx Value Fund, Inc.
c/o Countrywide Fund Services, Inc.
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, 00xx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attention: Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
34
To Custodian:
-------------
Star Bank, N.A.
000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, M.L. 0000
Xxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attention: Mutual Fund Custody Services
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
or at such other address as either party shall have provided to the other by
notice given in accordance with this Article XII. Writing shall include
transmissions by or through teletype, facsimile, central processing unit
connection, on-line terminal and magnetic tape.
ARTICLE XIII.
MISCELLANEOUS
13.1. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
13.2. References to Custodian. The Trust shall not circulate any printed
matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written
approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the prospectus or
statement of additional information for the Fund and such other printed matter
as merely identifies Custodian as custodian for the Fund. The Fund shall submit
printed matter requiring approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing
sufficient time for review by Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline
for printing.
13.3. No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto to exercise, and no
delay by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any right hereunder shall not
preclude the
35
exercise of any other right, and the remedies provided herein are cumulative and
not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
13.4. Amendments. This Agreement cannot be changed orally and no amendment
to this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by an instrument in
writing executed by the parties hereto.
13.5. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
13.6. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or
impaired thereby.
13.7. Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors
and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by
either party hereto without the written consent of the other party hereto.
13.8. Headings. The headings of sections in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered in its name and on
36
its behalf by its representatives thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day
and year first above written.
ATTEST: XXXXX VALUE FUND, INC.
______________________________ By:_____________________________
President
ATTEST: STAR BANK, N.A.
______________________________ By:____________________________
37
EXHIBIT A
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons
authorized by the Fund to administer the Fund Custody Account.
Authorized Persons Specimen Signatures
------------------ -------------------
Chairman: ______________________
President/Treasurer: ______________________
Secretary: ______________________
Vice President: ______________________
Assistant Secretary: ______________________
Assistant Treasurer: ______________________
Transfer Agent/Fund Accountant Employees:
Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx ______________________
M. Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx ______________________
00
XXXXXXXX X
----------
Star Bank, N.A.
Standards of Service Guide
Star Bank, N.A. is committed to providing superior quality service to all
customers and their agents at all times. We have compiled this guide as a tool
for our clients to determine our standards for the processing of security
settlements, payment collection,a nd capital change transactions. Deadlines
recited in this guide represent the times required for Star Bank to guarantee
processing. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in settlement at our
client's risk. In all cases, Star Bank will make every effort to compete all
processing on a timely basis.
Star Bank is a direct participant of the Depository Trust Company, a direct
member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the Bankers Trust
Company as its agent for ineligible and foreign securities.
For corporate reorganizations, Star Bank utilizes SEI's Reorg Source,
Financial Information, Inc., XCITEK_ DTC Important Notices, and the Wall Street
Journal.
For bond calls and mandatory puts, Star Bank utilizes SEI's Bond source,
Xxxxx Information Systems, Standard & Poor's Corporation, and DTC Important
Notices. Star Bank will not notify clients of optional put opportunities.
Any securities delivered free to Star Bank or its agents must be received
three (3) business days prior to any payment or settlement in order for the Star
Bank standards of service to apply.
Should you have any questions regarding the information contained in this
guide, please feel free to contact your account representative.
The information contained in this Standards of Service Guide is
subject to change. Should any changes be made Star Bank will
provide you with an updated copy of its Standards of Service
Guide.
39
EXHIBIT C
STAR BANK, N.A.
Domestic Custody Fee Schedule
Xxxxx Value Fund, Inc.
Star Bank, N.A., as Custodian, will receive monthly compensation for services
according to the terms of the following Schedule:
I. Portfolio Transaction Fees:
(a) For each repurchase agreement trade not executed
by Star Bank, N.A............................................ $ 7.00
(b) For each portfolio transaction processed through
DTC or Federal Reserve....................................... $ 9.00
(c) For each portfolio transaction processed through
our New York custodian...................................... $25.00
(d) For each GNMA/Amortized Security
Purchase.......................................................$ 16.00
(e) For each GNMA Prin/Int Paydown, GNMA Sales.................... $ 8.00
(f) For each option/future contract written,
exercised or expired................................... $ 40.00
(g) For each Cedel/Euroclear transaction....................... $ 80.00
(h) For each Disbursement (Fund expenses only).................... $ 5.00
A transaction is a purchase/sale of a security, free receipt/free delivery
(excludes initial conversion), maturity, tender or exchange.
II. Aggregate Market Value Fee
Based upon an annual rate of: Million
-------
.0003 (3.0 Basis Points) on First $20
.0002 (2.0 Basis Points) on Next $20
.00015 (1.5 Basis Points) on Balance
III. Monthly Minimum Fee $300.00
IV. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
The only out-of-pocket expenses charged to your account will be shipping
fees or transfer fees.
V. Earnings Credits
On a monthly basis any earnings credits generated from uninvested custody
balances will be applied against any cash management service fees
generated. Earnings credits are based on a Cost of Funds Tiered Earnings
Credit Rate.
