Exhibit (g)
THIS
AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of this 1st day of July, 2005, by and between The
Xxxxxxxx Mutual Funds, Inc., a Maryland business company (the “Company”) 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 Company 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; and
WHEREAS,
the Company desires to retain the Custodian to act as custodian of the cash and securities
of each series of the Company listed on Exhibit C hereto (as amended from time to
time) (each a “Fund” and collectively, the “Funds”).
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 Company’s bylaws, 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 Company 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
Company, which is provided for in Section 3.2 below. |
|
1.6 |
“IRS”
shall mean the Internal Revenue Service. |
|
1.7 |
“NASD”
shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. |
|
1.8 |
“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 Company. |
|
1.9 |
“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 Company 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 Company. If Oral Instructions vary from the Written
Instructions that purport to confirm them, the Custodian shall notify the Company of such
variance but such Oral Instructions will govern unless the Custodian has not yet acted. |
|
1.10 |
“Proper
Instructions” shall mean Oral Instructions or Written Instructions. |
|
1.11 |
“SEC”
shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
|
1.12 |
“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 service. |
|
1.13 |
“Securities Depository” shall mean The Depository 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
|
1.14 |
“Shares” shall mean, with respect to a Fund, the units of beneficial
interest issued by the Company on account of the Fund. |
|
1.15 |
“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. |
|
1.16 |
“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 Company 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 Company: |
|
(a) |
A
copy of the Company’s articles of incorporation, certified by the
Secretary; |
|
(b) |
A
copy of the Company’s bylaws, certified by the Secretary; |
|
(c) |
A
copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company appointing the
Custodian, certified by the Secretary; |
|
(d) |
A
copy of the current prospectus of the Fund (the “Prospectus”); and |
|
(e) |
A
certification of the Chairman or the President and the Secretary of the
Company setting forth the names and signatures of the current
Officers of the Company and other Authorized Persons. |
|
2.3 |
Notice of Appointment of Transfer Agent. The Company 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 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 Company) 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 Company department a custody account in the name of the Company 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 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. The Custodian shall be liable
for the actions of any Sub-Custodians appointed by it as if such actions had
been done by the Custodian. |
|
(b) |
If
the Custodian wishes to appoint one or more Sub-Custodians to hold property of
the Fund, it will so notify the Company 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 Company 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 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 Company 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 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. |
|
3.4 |
Delivery of Assets to Custodian. The Company 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. |
|
(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. |
6
|
(e) |
The
Custodian shall provide the Company 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 Company 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 Company 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 Company 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 Company, 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. |
|
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 Company and a bank which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System or between the Company 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; |
7
|
(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; |
|
(f) |
For
transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company,
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 Company,
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. |
8
|
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: |
|
(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; |
|
(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 Company shall have specified to the
Custodian in Proper Instructions; |
9
|
(j) |
For
delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the Fund requiring a
pledge of assets by the Company, 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 Company; |
|
(l) |
For
delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company,
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 Company,
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 Company, 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 Company at such time, in such manner and containing such information as
is prescribed by the IRS; |
10
|
(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 of any of them, or in the name of a
Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any nominee of either thereof. The Company
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. |
|
(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 Company 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 Company and in compliance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC, (ii) be the property of the Company 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
Company 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. |
11
|
3.11 |
Fund Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Company 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
Company 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 Company may reasonably request from time to
time, the Custodian shall provide the Company with reports on the internal accounting
controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities which are employed by the Custodian or
any Sub-Custodian. |
|
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 Company 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
Company 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 Company desires to take action with respect to any tender
offer, exchange offer or other similar transaction, the Company shall notify the Custodian
at least five Business Days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such
action. The Company 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. |
12
|
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. |
|
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. |
13
|
4.6 |
Advances by Custodian for Settlement. The Custodian may, in its sole discretion and
from time to time, advance funds to the Company 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
Company may designate. |
|
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 Company, 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 |
14
|
(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.
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
Company 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 Company shall notify the Custodian in writing within 30 calendar days
following receipt of each invoice if the Company is disputing any amounts in good faith.
The Company shall pay such disputed amounts within 10 calendar days of the day on which
the parties agree to the amount to be paid. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary,
amounts owed by the Company 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 Company. The Company 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 Company in
accordance with all requisite action and constitutes a valid and legally
binding obligation of the Company, 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. |
15
|
8.2 |
Representations and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian hereby represents
and warrants to the Company, 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 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 Company 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 Company 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. |
16
|
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. |
|
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 Company 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 Company may from time to time request to enable the Company to
obtain, from year to year, favorable opinions from the Company’s independent
accountants with respect to the Custodian’s activities hereunder in connection with
(i) the preparation of the Company’s reports on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any
other reports required by the SEC, and (ii) the fulfillment by the Company of any other
requirements of the SEC. |
ARTICLE X
INDEMNIFICATION
|
10.1 |
Indemnification by Company. The Company 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
Company, 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 Company, 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. |
17
|
10.2 |
Indemnification by Custodian. The Custodian shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Company from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, expenses, and liabilities of
any and every nature (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) that the Company may
sustain or incur or that may be asserted against the Company 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
“Company” shall include the Company’s directors, officers and employees. |
|
10.3 |
Security. If the Custodian advances cash or Securities to the Fund for any purpose,
either at the Company’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. |
18
ARTICLE XI
FORCE
MAJEURE
Neither
the Custodian nor the Company 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 Company, all records and other
information relative to the Company and prior, present, or potential shareholders of the
Company (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 Company, 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 Company. 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 Company or its agent, shall not be subject to this paragraph.
19
Further,
the Custodian will adhere to the privacy policies adopted by the Company 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 Company
and its shareholders.
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 one year. |
|
13.2 |
Termination. Subsequent to the initial one-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 Company 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 Company 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 Company, 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 Company (if such
form differs from the form in which the Custodian has maintained the same, the Company
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 Company on or before the date of termination of this Agreement, then the Custodian
shall have the right to deliver to a bank or company of its own selection, which bank or
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 company
all Securities of the Fund held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such
delivery and transfer, such bank or 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 Company
shall be returned to the Company. |
20
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
|
14.1 |
Compliance with Laws. The Company has and 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 Company 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 Company, 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 Company without the written consent of the Custodian, or by the
Custodian without the written consent of the Company 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. |
21
|
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. |
|
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 Company shall be sent to: |
|
The
Xxxxxxxx Mutual Funds, Inc. The Courtyard Square 000 Xxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 000 Xxxxxx, XX 000000 Fax
No.: (000) 000-0000 |
|
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 Company 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 Company 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. |
22
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 XXXXXXXX MUTUAL FUNDS, INC. |
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. |
By: /s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxxxx |
By: /s/ Xxx X. Xxxxxxx |
Title: President |
Title: Senior Vice President |
23
EXHIBIT A
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set
forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons authorized by the Company
to administer the Fund Custody Accounts.
Authorized Persons |
Specimen Signatures |
President: |
______________________________________________________ |
Secretary: |
______________________________________________________ |
Treasurer: |
______________________________________________________ |
Vice President: |
______________________________________________________ |
Other: |
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
______________________________________________________ |
|
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A-1
EXHIBIT B
U.S. Bank
Institutional Custody Services
Standards of Service Guide
U.S. Bank,
N.A. (“USBank”) 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, and capital change transactions. Deadlines
recited in this guide represent the times required for USBank to guarantee
processing. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in settlement at our
client’s risk. In all cases, USBank will make every effort to complete all
processing on a timely basis.
USBank
is a direct participant of the Depository Company Company, a direct member of the Federal
Reserve Bank of Cleveland, and utilizes the Bank of New York as its agent for ineligible
and foreign securities.
For
corporate reorganizations, USBank utilizes SEI’s Reorg Source, Financial Information,
Inc., XCITEK, DTC Important Notices, Capital Changes Daily (CCH) and the Wall Street
Journal.
For
bond calls and mandatory puts, USBank utilizes SEI’s Bond Source, Xxxxx Information
Systems, Standard & Poor’s Corporation, XCITEK, and DTC Important Notices. USBank
will not notify clients of optional put opportunities.
Any
securities delivered free to USBank or its agents must be received three (3) business days
prior to any payment or settlement in order for the USBank 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 USBank will provide you with an updated copy of its
Standards of Service Guide. |
B-1
USBank Security
Settlement Standards
Transaction Type |
Instructions Deadlines* |
Delivery Instructions |
DTC |
1:30 P.M. on Settlement Date |
DTC Participant #0000 |
|
|
Xxxxx Xxxx XX 00000 |
|
|
Institutional #________________ |
|
|
For Account #____________ |
Federal Reserve Book Entry |
12:30 P.M. on Settlement Date |
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland |
|
|
for Firstar Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000 |
|
|
XXXXX/1050 |
|
|
For Account #_____________ |
Federal Reserve Book Entry (Repurchase |
1:00 P.M. on Settlement Date |
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland |
Agreement Collateral Only) |
|
for Firstar Bank, N.A. ABA# 000000000 |
|
|
XXXXX/1040 |
|
|
For Account #_____________ |
PTC Securities |
12:00 P.M. on Settlement Date |
PTC For Account BYORK |
(GNMA Book Entry) |
|
Firstar Bank / 117612 |
Physical Securities |
9:30 A.M. EST on Settlement Date |
Bank of New York |
|
(for Deliveries, by 4:00 P.M. on Settlement Date |
Xxx Xxxx Xxxxxx- 0xx Xxxxx - Xxxxxx A |
|
minus 1) |
Xxx Xxxx, XX 00000 |
|
|
For account of Firstar Bank / Cust #117612 |
|
|
Attn: Xxxxxx Xxxxxx |
CEDEL/EURO-CLEAR |
11:00 A.M. on Settlement Date minus 2 |
Cedel a/c 55021 |
|
|
FFC: a/c 387000 |
|
|
Firstar Bank /Global Omnibus |
|
|
Euroclear a/c 97816 |
|
|
FFC: a/c 387000 |
|
|
Firstar Bank/Global Omnibus |
Cash Wire Transfer |
3:00 P.M. |
Firstar Bank, X.X. Xxxxx/Trust ABA# 000000000 |
|
|
Credit Account #112950027 |
|
|
Account of Firstar Trust Services |
|
|
Further Credit to ___________ |
|
|
Account #_______________ |
* All times listed are Eastern Standard
Time.
B-2
USBank Payment
Standards
Security Type |
Income |
Principal |
Equities |
Payable Date |
|
Municipal Bonds* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
Corporate Bonds* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
Federal Reserve Bank Book Entry* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
PTC GNMA's (P&I) |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
CMOs * |
DTC |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
Bankers Trust |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
SBA Loan Certificates |
When Received |
When Received |
Unit Investment Trust Certificates* |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
Certificates of Deposit* |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
Limited Partnerships |
When Received |
When Received |
Foreign Securities |
When Received |
When Received |
*Variable Rate Securities |
Federal Reserve Bank Book Entry |
Payable Date |
Payable Date |
DTC |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
Bankers Trust |
Payable Date + 1 |
Payable Date + 1 |
|
NOTE: |
If
a payable date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, payment will be made on the
immediately following business day. |
B-3
USBank Corporate
Reorganization Standards
Type of Action |
Notification to Client |
Deadline for Client Instructions
to USBank |
Transaction
Posting |
Rights, Warrants, |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
and Optional Mergers |
expiration or receipt of notice |
Mandatory Puts with |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
Option to Retain |
expiration or receipt of notice |
Class Actions |
10 business days prior to expiration date |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
Voluntary Tenders, |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
5 business days prior to expiration |
Upon receipt |
Exchanges, |
expiration or receipt of notice |
and Conversions |
Mandatory Puts, Defaults, |
At posting of funds or securities received |
None |
Upon receipt |
Liquidations, Bankruptcies, Stock |
Splits, Mandatory Exchanges |
Full and Partial Calls |
Later of 10 business days prior to |
None |
Upon receipt |
|
expiration or receipt of notice |
|
NOTE: |
Fractional
shares/par amounts resulting from any of the above will be sold. |
B-4
EXHIBIT C
Fund Names
Separate Series of The
Xxxxxxxx Mutual Funds, Inc.
|
|
Name of Series |
Date Added |
Xxxxxxxx Cornerstone Growth Fund |
11/1/96 |
Xxxxxxxx Cornerstone Value Fund |
11/1/96 |
Xxxxxxxx Focus 30 Fund |
9/17/03 |
C-1
Exhibit B to the following agreements between:
The Xxxxxxxx Funds, Inc. and U.S.
Bancorp Fund Services, LLC;
The Xxxxxxxx Mutual Funds, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Fund
Services, LLC; and
Xxxxxxxx Funds Trust and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Fund Accounting
Servicing Agreement dated July 1, 2005
Fund Administration Servicing Agreement dated July
1, 2005
Exhibit C to Transfer Agent
Servicing Agreement dated July 1, 2005, between:
The Xxxxxxxx Funds, Inc. and U.S.
Bancorp Fund Services, LLC;
The Xxxxxxxx Mutual Funds, Inc. and U.S. Bancorp Fund
Services, LLC; and
Xxxxxxxx Funds Trust and U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
Exhibit D to the Custody
Agreement dated July 1, 2005, between:
The Xxxxxxxx Funds, Inc. and U.S.
Bank, N.A.;
The Xxxxxxxx Mutual Funds, Inc. and U.S. Bank, N.A.; and
Xxxxxxxx Funds
Trust and U.S. Bank, X.X.
X.X. BANCORP FUND
SERVICES, LLC
ANNUAL FEE SCHEDULE
|
Annual
fee schedule per fund for the following funds (the fund complex): |
|
The
Xxxxxxxx Funds, Inc.: |
|
Xxxxxxxx
Balanced Fund Xxxxxxxx Total Return Fund |
|
The
Xxxxxxxx Mutual Funds, Inc.: |
|
Xxxxxxxx
Cornerstone Growth Fund Xxxxxxxx Cornerstone Value Fund
Xxxxxxxx Focus 30 Fund |
|
Xxxxxxxx
Cornerstone Growth Fund, Series II |
|
Annual
fee based upon fund complex net assets: |
|
25.5
basis points on all net assets up to $1 billion 21 basis points on the
next $1 billion 17 basis points on net assets over $2 billion
Minimum annual fee: $600,000 for fund complex |
|
Extraordinary
services - quoted separately Fees are billed monthly |
|
Annual
fee includes all fund expenses, excluding extraordinary expenses, related to the
agreements indicated above. |
D-1