Exhibit (g)
THIS
AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 31st day of October, 2005, by and between
THE PRIMARY TREND FUNDS, INC., a Wisconsin corporation (the
“Corporation”), and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking
association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America with its
principal place of business at Cincinnati, Ohio (the “Custodian”).
WHEREAS,
the Corporation is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
“1940 Act”), as an open-end management investment company, and is authorized to
issue shares of beneficial interest in separate series, with each such series representing
interests in a separate portfolio of securities and other assets;
WHEREAS,
the Custodian is a bank having the qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(1) of the
1940 Act;
WHEREAS,
the Corporation desires to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of the cash and
securities of each series of the Corporation listed on Exhibit C hereto (as amended
from time to time) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”); and
WHEREAS,
the Board of Directors of the Corporation has delegated to the Custodian the
responsibilities set forth in Rule 17f-5(c) under the 1940 Act and the Custodian is
willing to undertake the responsibilities and serve as the foreign custody manager for the
Corporation.
NOW,
THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants herein contained, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, do hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
CERTAIN
DEFINITIONS
Whenever
used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth
below unless the context otherwise requires:
|
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
Corporation’s corporate resolutions, as amended from time to time. |
|
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 Corporation computes the net asset value
of Shares of the Fund. |
|
1.5 |
“Eligible
Securities Depository” shall mean a system for the central handling of
securities as that term is defined in Rule 17f-4 and 17f-7 under the 1940 Act. |
|
1.6 |
“Fund
Custody Account” shall mean any of the accounts in the name of the Corporation,
which is provided for in Section 3.2 below. |
|
1.7 |
“IRS”
shall mean the Internal Revenue Service. |
|
1.8 |
“NASD”
shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. |
|
1.9 |
“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 Corporation. |
|
1.10 |
“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 any two Authorized Persons, (ii) recorded and kept among the records of the
Custodian made in the ordinary course of business, and (iii) orally confirmed by the
Custodian. The Corporation 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 Corporation. If Oral Instructions vary from the Written Instructions that purport to
confirm them, the Custodian shall notify the Corporation of such variance but such Oral
Instructions will govern unless the Custodian has not yet acted. |
|
1.11 |
“Proper
Instructions” shall mean Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. |
|
1.12 |
“SEC”
shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
|
1.13 |
“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 or its agents have the facilities to clear
and service. |
|
1.14 |
“Securities
Depository” shall mean The Depository Trust Company and any other clearing
agency registered with the SEC under Section 17A of the Securities 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. |
2
|
1.15 |
“Shares” shall
mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial interest issued by the Corporation
on account of the Fund. |
|
1.16 |
“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, and (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 be in
writing and 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 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
Fund; (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 a 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 in (i)-(vi)
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. |
|
1.17 |
“Written
Instructions” shall mean (i) written communications actually received by the
Custodian and signed by any two Authorized Persons, (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. |
3
ARTICLE II
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
|
2.1 |
Appointment.
The Corporation hereby 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, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the Custodian
hereby accepts such appointment and agrees to perform the services and duties set forth
in this Agreement. The services and duties of the Custodian shall be confined to those
matters expressly set forth herein, and no implied duties are assumed by or may be
asserted against the Custodian hereunder. |
|
2.2 |
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
Corporation: |
|
(a) |
A
copy of the Corporation’s corporate resolutions, certified by the
Secretary; |
|
(b) |
A
copy of the Corporation’s bylaws, certified by the Secretary; |
|
(c) |
A
copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Corporation appointing
the Custodian, certified by the Secretary; |
|
(d) |
A
copy of the current prospectus of the Fund (the “Prospectus”); |
|
(e) |
A
certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary of the
Corporation setting forth the names and signatures of the current Officers
of the Corporation and other Authorized Persons; and |
|
(f) |
An
executed authorization required by the Shareholder Communications Act of
1985, attached hereto as Exhibit E. |
|
2.3 |
Notice
of Appointment of Transfer Agent. The Corporation agrees to notify the Custodian in
writing of the appointment, termination or change in appointment of any 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, Eligible Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System) shall be physically segregated from other Securities and
non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian (including the Securities and
non-cash property of the other series of the Corporation) and shall be identified as
subject to this Agreement. |
|
3.2 |
Fund
Custody Accounts. As to each Fund, the Custodian shall open and maintain in its trust
department a custody account in the name of the Corporation coupled with 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 such Fund which are delivered to it. |
4
|
3.3 |
Appointment
of Agents. |
|
(a) |
In
its discretion, the Custodian may appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to
establish and maintain arrangements with (i) Eligible Securities
Depositories or (ii) members of the Sub-Custodian’s network 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. The Custodian shall be liable for the actions of any
Sub-Custodians (regardless of whether assets are maintained in the custody
of a Sub-Custodian, a member of its network or an Eligible Securities
Depository) appointed by it as if such actions had been done by the
Custodian. |
|
(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
Corporation 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. At the meeting of the Board of Directors next following
receipt of such notice and information, the Corporation shall give its
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(c)(2) under
the 1940 Act. |
|
(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 Sub-Custodian and of any material changes in the
Fund’s arrangements. Such reports shall include an analysis of the
custody risks associated with maintaining assets with any Eligible
Securities Depositories. The Custodian shall promptly take such steps as
may be required to withdraw assets of the Fund from any Sub-Custodian
arrangement that has ceased to meet the requirements of Rule 17f-5 or Rule
17f-7 under the 1940 Act, as applicable. |
|
(e) |
With
respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.3, the Custodian
hereby warrants to the Corporation that it agrees to exercise reasonable
care, prudence and 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 if
maintained with a 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), its method of keeping custodial
records, and its 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. |
5
|
(f) |
The
Custodian shall establish a system or ensure that its Sub-Custodian has
established a system to monitor (i) the appropriateness of maintaining the
Fund’s assets with a Sub-Custodian or members of a Sub-Custodian’s
network; (ii) the performance of the contract governing the Fund’s
arrangements with such Sub-Custodian or members of a Sub-Custodian’s
network; and (iii) the custody risks of maintaining assets with an
Eligible Securities Depository. |
|
(g) |
The
Custodian shall use reasonable commercial efforts to collect all income and
other payments with respect to foreign Securities to which the Fund shall
be entitled and shall credit such income, as collected, to the
Corporation. In the event that extraordinary measures are required to
collect such income, the Corporation and Custodian shall consult as to the
measurers and as to the compensation and expenses of the Custodian
relating to such measures. |
|
3.4 |
Delivery
of Assets to Custodian. The Corporation shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to
the Custodian all of the Fund’s Securities, cash and other investment assets,
including (i) 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 (ii) all cash received by the
Fund for the issuance 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) |
The
Custodian, on an on-going basis, shall deposit in a Securities Depository or
Book-Entry System all Securities eligible for deposit therein and shall
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 of Securities, and deliveries and returns
of collateral consisting of Securities. |
6
|
(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 Custodian to reflect such
transfer and payment for the account of the Fund. |
|
(e) |
The
Custodian shall provide the Corporation 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) |
Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Custodian shall be liable
to the Corporation for any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from (i)
the use of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository by reason of any
negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the Custodian or any
Sub-Custodian, or (ii) failure of the Custodian or any Sub-Custodian to
enforce effectively such rights as it may have against a Book-Entry System
or Securities Depository. At its election, the Corporation 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. |
|
(g) |
With
respect to its responsibilities under this Section 3.5 and pursuant to
Rule 17f-4 under the 1940 Act, the Custodian hereby warrants to the
Corporation that it agrees to (i) exercise due care in accordance
with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as a
securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain such assets, (ii) provide,
promptly upon request by the Corporation, such reports as are available
concerning the Custodian’s internal accounting controls and financial
strength, and (iii) require any Sub-Custodian to exercise due care in
accordance with reasonable commercial standards in discharging its duty as
a securities intermediary to obtain and thereafter maintain assets
corresponding to the security entitlements of its entitlement holders. |
7
|
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)
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 any
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 any
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
Corporation and a bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve System or
between the Corporation and a primary dealer in U.S. 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, director 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; |
8
|
(f) |
For
transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Corporation, 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 or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the Fund; |
|
(g) |
For
transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Corporation, 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, or cause the Sub-Custodian to release and deliver,
Securities from the Fund Custody Account but only in the following cases: |
|
(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, or 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; |
9
|
(e) |
To
the broker selling the 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, 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 Corporation 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 Corporation, 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 Corporation; |
|
(l) |
For
delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the
Corporation, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934
Act and a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with the 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
Corporation, 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; |
|
(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; or |
10
|
(o) |
To
brokers, clearing banks or other clearing agents for examination or trade
execution in accordance with market custom; provided that in any such case
the Custodian shall have no responsibility or liability for any loss
arising from the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment
for such securities except as may arise from the Custodian’s own
negligence or willful misconduct. |
|
3.8 |
Actions
Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless otherwise instructed by the Corporation, the
Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for the Fund: |
|
(a) |
Subject
to Section 9.4 below, collect on a timely basis all income and other
payments to which the Fund is entitled either by law or pursuant to custom
in the securities business; |
|
(b) |
Present
for payment and, subject to Section 9.4 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 IRS and the Corporation 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, purchase, transfer and other dealings with Securities and
other 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, a
Sub-Custodian or any nominee thereof, or in the name of a Book-Entry System, Securities
Depository or any nominee of either thereof. The records of the Custodian with respect to
foreign securities of the Fund that are maintained with a Sub-Custodian in an account
that is identified as belonging to the Custodian for the benefit of its customers shall
identify those securities as belonging to the Fund. The Corporation 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 referred to above or
in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, any Securities registered in
the name of the Fund. |
11
|
(a) |
The
Custodian shall maintain complete and accurate records with respect to
Securities, cash or other property held for the Fund, 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) 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 Corporation 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 Corporation and in compliance with the rules
and regulations of the SEC, (ii) be the property of the Corporation 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 Corporation and employees or agents of the SEC,
and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act,
be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2
under the 1940 Act. |
|
3.11 |
Fund
Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Corporation with a daily
activity statement and a summary of all transfers to or from each Fund Custody Account on
the day following such transfers. At least monthly, the Custodian shall furnish the
Corporation 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. As the Corporation may reasonably request from time to time,
the Custodian shall provide the Corporation with reports on the internal accounting
controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities which are employed by the Custodian
or any Sub-Custodian. |
12
|
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 Corporation such proxies, all
proxy soliciting materials and all notices relating to such Securities. With respect to
the foreign Securities, the Custodian will use reasonable commercial efforts to
facilitate the exercise of voting and other shareholder rights, subject to the laws,
regulations and practical constraints that may exist in the country where such securities
are issued. The Corporation acknowledges that local conditions, including lack of
regulation, onerous procedural obligations, lack of notice and other factors may have the
effect of severely limiting the ability of the Corporation to exercise shareholder
rights. |
|
3.14 |
Information
on Corporate Actions. The Custodian shall promptly deliver to the Corporation 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 Corporation desires to take action with respect to any tender offer,
exchange offer or other similar transaction, the Corporation shall notify the Custodian
at least five Business Days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action. The Corporation 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. |
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 (i) the name of the issuer
or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number
of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased,
(iii) the date of purchase and settlement, (iv) the purchase price per unit, (v) the
total amount payable upon such purchase, and (vi) 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 for
which such purchase was made. |
|
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 and in the absence of specified Written
Instructions to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such
payment. |
13
|
4.3 |
Sale
of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by the Fund, Written
Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (i) the name of the issuer
or writer of such Securities, and the title or other description thereof, (ii) the number
of shares, principal amount (and accrued interest, if any), or other units sold, (iii)
the date of sale and settlement, (iv) the sale price per unit, (v) the total amount
payable upon such sale, and (vi) 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. |
|
4.5 |
Payment
for Securities Sold. 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 Corporation to facilitate the settlement of a 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 relevant Fund
Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying that the funds are
required to redeem Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall wire each amount specified in
such Proper Instructions to or through such bank or broker-dealer as the Corporation may
designate. |
14
|
5.2 |
No
Duty Regarding Paying Banks. Once the Custodian has wired amounts to a bank or
broker-dealer pursuant to Section 5.1 above, the Custodian shall not be under any
obligation to effect any further payment or distribution by such bank or broker-dealer. |
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 Corporation, 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; |
|
(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. |
Each
segregated account established under this Article VI shall be established and maintained
for the Fund only. All Proper Instructions relating to a segregated account shall specify
the Fund.
15
ARTICLE VII
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
The
Custodian shall be compensated for providing the services set forth in this Agreement in
accordance with the fee schedule set forth on Exhibit D hereto (as amended from
time to time). The Custodian shall also be compensated for such out-of-pocket expenses
(e.g., telecommunication charges, postage and delivery charges, and reproduction charges)
as are reasonably incurred by the Custodian in performing its duties hereunder. The
Corporation shall pay all such fees and reimbursable expenses within 30 calendar days
following receipt of the billing notice, except for any fee or expense subject to a good
faith dispute. The Corporation shall notify the Custodian in writing within 30 calendar
days following receipt of each invoice if the Corporation is disputing any amounts in good
faith. The Corporation shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day
on which the parties agree to the amount to be paid. With the exception of any fee or
expense the Corporation is disputing in good faith as set forth above, unpaid invoices
shall accrue a finance charge of 1½% per month after the due date. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary, amounts owed by the Corporation to the Custodian shall only be
paid out of the assets and property of the particular Fund involved.
ARTICLE VIII
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
|
8.1 |
Representations
and Warranties of the Corporation. The Corporation hereby represents and warrants to
the Custodian, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing
throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
|
(a) |
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
|
(b) |
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the
Corporation in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a
valid and legally binding obligation of the Corporation, enforceable in
accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency,
reorganization, moratorium and other laws of general application affecting
the rights and remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
|
(c) |
It
is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all
applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained
all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now
conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment
binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract
binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or
performance of this Agreement. |
|
8.2 |
Representations
and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian hereby represents and warrants to the
Corporation, which representations and warranties shall be deemed to be continuing
throughout the term of this Agreement, that: |
16
|
(a) |
It
is duly organized and existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its
organization, with full power to carry on its business as now conducted,
to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder; |
|
(b) |
This
Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Custodian
in accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and
legally binding obligation of the Custodian, enforceable in accordance
with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium and other laws of general application affecting the rights and
remedies of creditors and secured parties; and |
|
(c) |
It
is conducting its business in compliance in all material respects with all
applicable laws and regulations, both state and federal, and has obtained
all regulatory approvals necessary to carry on its business as now
conducted; there is no statute, rule, regulation, order or judgment
binding on it and no provision of its charter, bylaws or any contract
binding it or affecting its property which would prohibit its execution or
performance of this Agreement. |
ARTICLE IX
CONCERNING
THE CUSTODIAN
|
9.1 |
Standard
of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable care in the performance of its
duties under this Agreement. The Custodian shall not be liable for any error of judgment
or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Corporation in connection with its
duties under this Agreement, except a loss arising out of or relating to the Custodian’s
(or a Sub-Custodian’s) refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement
(or any sub-custody agreement) or from its (or a Sub-Custodian’s) bad faith,
negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this Agreement
(or any sub-custody agreement). 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 Corporation of any action taken or omitted by the Custodian pursuant to advice of
counsel. |
|
9.2 |
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. |
|
9.3 |
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. |
17
|
9.4 |
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
held for the Fund if such Securities are in default or payment is not made after due
demand or presentation. |
|
9.5 |
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. |
|
9.6 |
Cooperation.
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to the entity or
entities appointed by the Corporation 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 Corporation may from time to time request to enable the Corporation to
obtain, from year to year, favorable opinions from the Corporation’s independent
accountants with respect to the Custodian’s activities hereunder in connection with
(i) the preparation of the Corporation’s reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any
other reports required by the SEC, and (ii) the fulfillment by the Corporation of any
other requirements of the SEC. |
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
|
10.1 |
Indemnification
by Corporation. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian, any
Sub-Custodian and any nominee thereof (each, an “Indemnified Party” and
collectively, the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all claims,
demands, losses, expenses and liabilities of any and every nature (including reasonable
attorneys’ fees) that an Indemnified Party may sustain or incur or that may be
asserted against an Indemnified Party by any person arising directly or indirectly (i)
from the fact that Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, (ii) from
any action taken or omitted to be taken by the Custodian or such Sub-Custodian (a) at the
request or direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Corporation, or (b) upon
Proper Instructions, or (iii) from the performance of its obligations under this
Agreement or any sub-custody agreement, provided that neither the Custodian nor any such
Sub-Custodian shall be indemnified and held harmless from and against any such claim,
demand, loss, expense or liability arising out of or relating to its refusal or failure
to comply with the terms of this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement), or from its
bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct in the performance of its duties under this
Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement). This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation
of the Corporation, its successors and assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this
Agreement. As used in this paragraph, the terms “Custodian”and “Sub-Custodian” shall
include their respective directors, officers and employees. |
18
|
10.2 |
Indemnification
by Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold harmless the Corporation from
and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of any and
every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Corporation may sustain
or incur or that may be asserted against the Corporation by any person arising out of any
action taken or omitted to be taken by an Indemnified Party as a result of the
Indemnified Party’s refusal or failure to comply with the terms of this Agreement
(or any sub-custody agreement), or from its bad faith, negligence or willful misconduct
in the performance of its duties under this Agreement (or any sub-custody agreement).
This indemnity shall be a continuing obligation of the Custodian, its successors and
assigns, notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement. As used in this paragraph,
the term “Corporation” shall include the Corporation’s directors, officers
and employees. |
|
10.3 |
Security.
If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to the Fund for any purpose, either at the
Corporation’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 claim, demand, loss, expense or liability (including reasonable
attorneys’ fees) (except such as may arise from its or its nominee’s bad faith,
negligence 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 such Fund and to dispose of other assets of such Fund to the extent necessary to
obtain reimbursement or indemnification. |
|
(a) |
Neither
party to this Agreement shall be liable to the other party for
consequential, special or punitive damages under any provision of this
Agreement. |
|
(b) |
The
indemnity provisions of this Article shall indefinitely survive the
termination and/or assignment of this Agreement. |
|
(c) |
In
order that the indemnification provisions contained in this Article shall
apply, it is understood that if in any case the indemnitor may be asked to
indemnify or hold the indemnitee harmless, the indemnitor shall be fully
and promptly advised of all pertinent facts concerning the situation in
question, and it is further understood that the indemnitee will use all
reasonable care to notify the indemnitor promptly concerning any situation
that presents or appears likely to present the probability of a claim for
indemnification. The indemnitor shall have the option to defend the
indemnitee against any claim that may be the subject of this
indemnification. In the event that the indemnitor so elects, it will so
notify the indemnitee and thereupon the indemnitor shall take over
complete defense of the claim, and the indemnitee shall in such situation
initiate no further legal or other expenses for which it shall seek
indemnification under this section. The indemnitee shall in no case
confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the
indemnitor will be asked to indemnify the indemnitee except with the
indemnitor’s prior written consent. |
19
ARTICLE XI
FORCE
MAJEURE
Neither
the Custodian nor the Corporation 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; acts of terrorism;
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 in the event of a failure or delay, the Custodian (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 XII
PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
The
Custodian agrees on behalf of itself and its directors, officers, and employees to treat
confidentially and as proprietary information of the Corporation, all records and other
information relative to the Corporation and prior, present, or potential shareholders of
the Corporation (and clients of said shareholders), and not to use such records and
information for any purpose other than the performance of its responsibilities and duties
hereunder, except (i) after prior notification to and approval in writing by the
Corporation, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld and may not be withheld
where the Custodian may be exposed to civil or criminal contempt proceedings for failure
to comply, (ii) when requested to divulge such information by duly constituted
authorities, or (iii) when so requested by the Corporation. Records and other information
which have become known to the public through no wrongful act of the Custodian or any of
its employees, agents or representatives, and information that was already in the
possession of the Custodian prior to receipt thereof from the Corporation or its agent,
shall not be subject to this paragraph.
Further,
the Custodian will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Corporation pursuant to
Title V of the Xxxxx-Xxxxx-Xxxxxx Act, as may be modified from time to time. In this
regard, the Custodian shall have in place and maintain physical, electronic and procedural
safeguards reasonably designed to protect the security, confidentiality and integrity of,
and to prevent unauthorized access to or use of, records and information relating to the
Corporation and its shareholders.
20
ARTICLE XIII
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
|
13.1 |
Effective
Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written above and
will continue in effect for a period of three (3) years. |
|
13.2 |
Termination.
Subsequent to the initial three-year term, this Agreement may be terminated by either
party upon giving 90 days prior written notice to the other party or such shorter period
as is mutually agreed upon by the parties. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement
may be terminated by any party upon the breach of the other party of any material term of
this Agreement if such breach is not cured within 15 days of notice of such breach to the
breaching party. In addition, the Corporation 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. |
|
13.3 |
Appointment
of Successor Custodian. 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 (i) 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 (ii) 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 Corporation shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and
other amounts to the payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. In
addition, the Custodian shall, at the expense of the Corporation, transfer to such
successor all relevant books, records, correspondence, and other data established or
maintained by the Custodian under this Agreement in a form reasonably acceptable to the
Corporation (if such form differs from the form in which the Custodian has maintained the
same, the Corporation shall pay any expenses associated with transferring the data to
such form), and will cooperate in the transfer of such duties and responsibilities,
including provision for assistance from the Custodian’s personnel in the
establishment of books, records, and other data by such successor. Upon such delivery and
transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement. |
|
13.4 |
Failure
to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian is not designated by the
Corporation on or before the date of termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian
shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust company of its own selection, which
bank or trust company (i) is a “bank” as defined in the 1940 Act, and (ii) has
aggregate capital, surplus and undivided profits as shown on its 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. In addition, under these circumstances, all books,
records and other data of the Corporation shall be returned to the Corporation. |
21
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
|
14.1 |
Compliance
with Laws. The Corporation retains primary responsibility for all compliance matters
relating to the Fund, including but not limited to compliance with the 1940 Act, the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Xxxxxxxx-Xxxxx Act of 2002, the USA Patriot Act of
2002 and the policies and limitations of the Fund relating to its portfolio investments
as set forth in its Prospectus and statement of additional information. The Custodian’s
services hereunder shall not relieve the Corporation of its responsibilities for assuring
such compliance or the Board of Director’s oversight responsibility with respect
thereto. |
|
14.2 |
Amendment.
This Agreement may not be amended or modified in any manner except by written agreement
executed by the Custodian and the Corporation, and authorized or approved by the Board of
Directors. |
|
14.3 |
Assignment.
This Agreement shall extend to and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective successors and assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be
assignable by the Corporation without the written consent of the Custodian, or by the
Custodian without the written consent of the Corporation accompanied by the authorization
or approval of the Board of Directors. |
|
14.4 |
Governing
Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
the State of Ohio, without regard to conflicts of law principles. To the extent that the
applicable laws of the State of Ohio, or any of the provisions herein, conflict with the
applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the latter shall control, and nothing herein shall
be construed in a manner inconsistent with the 1940 Act or any rule or order of the SEC
thereunder. |
|
14.5 |
No
Agency Relationship. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize or empower
either party to act as agent for the other party to this Agreement, or to conduct
business in the name, or for the account, of the other party to this Agreement. |
|
14.6 |
Services
Not Exclusive. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or restrict the Custodian from
providing services to other parties that are similar or identical to some or all of the
services provided hereunder. |
|
14.7 |
Invalidity.
Any provision of this Agreement which may be determined by competent authority to be
prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be
ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating
the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other
jurisdiction. In such case, the parties shall in good faith modify or substitute such
provision consistent with the original intent of the parties. |
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|
14.8 |
Notices.
Any notice required or permitted to be given by either party to the other shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been given on the date delivered personally or by
courier service, or three days after sent by registered or certified mail, postage
prepaid, return receipt requested, or on the date sent and confirmed received by
facsimile transmission to the other party’s address set forth below: |
|
Notice
to the Custodian shall be sent to: |
|
U.S.
Bank National Association 000 Xxxxxx Xxxxxx, X.X. XX-XX-X0XX
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000 Attention: Mutual Fund
Custody Services Facsimile: (000) 000-0000 |
|
and
notice to the Corporation shall be sent to: |
|
Xxxxxx
Investment Counsel 000 X. Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxxxx, XX 00000 |
|
14.9 |
Multiple
Originals. This Agreement may be executed on two or more counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed an original, but such counterparts
shall together constitute but one and the same instrument. |
|
14.10 |
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 exercise of any other right,
and the remedies provided herein are cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies
provided at law or in equity. |
|
14.11 |
References
to Custodian. The Corporation 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 Corporation 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. |
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by a duly
authorized officer on one or more counterparts as of the date first above written.
THE PRIMARY TREND FUNDS, INC. |
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. |
By: /s/ Xxxxx Xxxx |
By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxxxx |
Printed Name: Xxxxx Xxxx |
Printed Name: Xxx X. Xxxxxxx |
Title: President |
Title: Senior Vice President |
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