Exhibit 9
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
EACH OF THE PARTIES INDICATED ON APPENDIX A
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By It.................................................................. -1-
2. Duties to the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held by the Custodian in the United States................ -2-
2.1 Holding Securities.............................................................................................. -2-
2.2 Delivery of Securities.......................................................................................... -2-
2.3 Registration of Securities...................................................................................... -6-
2.4 Bank Accounts................................................................................................... -7-
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds................................................................................... -7-
2.6 Collection of Income............................................................................................ -8-
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies.......................................................................................... -8-
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased............................................. -11-
2.9 Appointment of Agents........................................................................................... -11-
2.10 Deposit of Securities in Securities Systems..................................................................... -11-
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System......................................................... -13-
2.11 Segregated Account.............................................................................................. -14-
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes......................................................................... -15-
2.13 Proxies......................................................................................................... -16-
2.14 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities............................................................ -16-
2.15 Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants............................................................... -16-
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held Outside of the United States......................... -17-
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians........................................................................... -17-
3.2 Assets to be Held............................................................................................... -17-
3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories................................................................................. -18-
3.4 Segregation of Securities....................................................................................... -18-
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions.................................................................... -18-
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund................................................................... -19-
3.7 Reports by Custodian............................................................................................ -19-
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account......................................................................... -19-
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians............................................................................. -20-
3.10 Liability of Custodian.......................................................................................... -21-
3.11 Reimbursements for Advances..................................................................................... -21-
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities..................................................................................... -22-
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks.......................................................................................... -22-
4. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales of Shares of the Fund................................................ -23-
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Page
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5. Proper Instructions.................................................................................................... -24-
6. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority............................................................................ -24-
7. Evidence of Authority.................................................................................................. -25-
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income............. -26-
9. Records................................................................................................................ -26-
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant............................................................................... -27-
11. Compensation of Custodian.............................................................................................. -27-
12. Responsibility of Custodian............................................................................................ -27-
13. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment............................................................................ -29-
14. Successor Custodian.................................................................................................... -30-
15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions................................................................................. -32-
16. Massachusetts Law to Apply............................................................................................. -32-
17. Prior Contracts........................................................................................................ -32-
18. The Parties............................................................................................................ -32-
19. Limitation of Liability................................................................................................ -33-
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CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
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This Contract between State Street Bank and Trust Company, a
Massachusetts trust company, having its principal place of business at 000
Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxxxxx, 00000, hereinafter called the
"Custodian", and each Fund listed on Appendix A which evidences its agreement to
be bound hereby by executing a copy of this Contract (each such Fund
individually hereinafter referred to as the "Fund").
WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
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The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of its assets,
including securities it desires to be held in places within the United States
("domestic securities") and securities it desires to be held outside the United
States ("foreign securities") pursuant to the provisions of the Articles of
Incorporation/ Declaration of Trust. The Fund agrees to deliver to the
Custodian all securities and cash owned by it, and all payments of income,
payments of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to
all securities owned by the Fund from time to time, and the cash consideration
received by it for such new or treasury shares of capital stock, ("Shares") of
the Fund as may be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be
responsible for any property of the Fund held or received by the Fund and not
delivered to the Custodian.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article
5), the Custodian shall from time to time employ one or more sub-custodians
located in the United States, but only in accordance with an applicable vote by
the Board of Directors/ Trustees of the Fund, and provided that the Custodian
shall have the same responsibility or liability to the Fund on account
of any actions or omissions of any sub-custodian so employed as any such
sub-custodian has to the Custodian, provided that the Custodian agreement with
any such domestic sub-custodian shall impose on such sub-custodian
responsibilities and liabilities similar in nature and scope to those imposed by
this Agreement with respect to the functions to be performed by such
sub-custodian. The Custodian may employ as sub-custodians for the Fund's
securities and other assets the foreign banking institutions and foreign
securities depositories designated in Schedule "A" hereto but only in accordance
with the provisions of Article 3.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of The Fund Held By
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the Custodian in the United States
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2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically
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segregate for the account of the Fund all non-cash property, to be held by it in
the United States, including all domestic securities owned by the Fund, other
than (a) securities which are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 in a clearing
agency which acts as a securities depository or in a book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, collectively referred to
herein as "Securities System" and (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which
State Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent ("Direct
Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System of the
Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10A.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
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domestic securities owned by the Fund held by the Custodian or in a Securities
System account of the Custodian or in the Custodian's Direct Paper book-entry
system account ("Direct Paper System") only upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, and
only in the following cases:
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(1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Fund
and receipt of payment therefor;
(2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any
repurchase agreement related to such securities entered
into by the Fund;
(3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System,
in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
(4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for portfolio securities of the Fund;
(5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;
provided that, in any such case, the cash or other
consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
(6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the
name of the Fund or into the name of any nominee or
nominees of the Custodian or into the name or nominee name
of any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or into the
name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Article 1; or for exchange for a different
number of bonds, certificates or other evidence
representing the same aggregate face amount or number of
units; provided that, in any such case, the new securities
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are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the
Fund, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a
receipt, for examination in accordance with "street
delivery" custom; provided that in any such case, the
Custodian
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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;
(8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or
readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such
securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
contained in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit
agreement; provided that, in any such case, the new
securities and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights
or similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts
or temporary securities for definitive securities; provided
that, in any such case, the new securities and cash, if
any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities
made by the Fund, but only against receipt of adequate
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collateral as agreed upon from time to time by the
Custodian and the Fund, which may be in the form of cash or
obligations issued by the United States government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, except that in connection
with any loans for which collateral is to be credited to
the Custodian's account in the book-entry system authorized
by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Custodian
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will not be held liable or responsible for the delivery of
securities owned by the Fund prior to the receipt of such
collateral;
(11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings
by the Fund requiring a pledge of assets by the Fund, but
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only against receipt of amounts borrowed;
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(12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"Exchange Act") and a member of The National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("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;
(13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund, the Custodian, and a Futures
Commission Merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange
Act, relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission and/or any Contract Market, or
any similar organization or organizations, regarding
account deposits in connection with transactions by the
Fund;
(14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent
("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such
Transfer Agent or to the holders of shares in connection
with distributions in kind, as may be described from time
to
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time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus and
statement of additional information ("prospectus"), in
satisfaction of requests by holders of Shares for
repurchase or redemption; and
(15) For any other proper business purpose, but only upon
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receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a certified
copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors/Trustees or
of the Executive Committee signed by an officer of the Fund
and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary,
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 business purpose, and
naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such
securities shall be made.
2.3 Registration of Securities. Domestic securities held by the
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Custodian (other than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Fund or in the name of any nominee of the Fund or of any nominee of the
Custodian which nominee shall be assigned exclusively to the Fund, unless the
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Fund has authorized in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common
with other registered investment companies having the same investment adviser as
the Fund, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed pursuant to
Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted by the Custodian on behalf of
the Fund under the terms of this Contract shall be in "street name" or other
good delivery form. If, however, the Fund directs the Custodian to maintain
securities in "street name", the Custodian shall utilize its best efforts to
timely collect income due
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the Fund on such securities and to notify the Fund on a best efforts basis of
relevant corporate actions including, without limitation, pendency of calls,
maturities, tender or exchange offers.
2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate
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bank account or accounts in the United States in the name of the Fund, subject
only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of this
Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to the provisions
hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account of the Fund, other than
cash maintained by the Fund in a bank account established and used in accordance
with Rule 17f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the
Custodian for the Fund may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the
Banking Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust companies as
it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable; provided, however, that
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every such bank or trust company shall be qualified to act as a custodian under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and that each such bank or trust company and
the funds to be deposited with each such bank or trust company shall be approved
by vote of a majority of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund. Such funds
shall be deposited by the Custodian in its capacity as Custodian and shall be
withdrawable by the Custodian only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between
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the Fund and the Custodian, the Custodian shall, upon the receipt of Proper
Instructions, make federal funds available to the Fund as of specified times
agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the Custodian in the amount of
checks received in payment for Shares of the Fund which are deposited into the
Fund's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3,
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the Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments with
respect to registered securities held
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hereunder to which the Fund shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to
custom in the securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all
income and other payments with respect to bearer securities if, on the date of
payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its agent
thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to the Fund's custodian
account. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Custodian shall
detach and present for payment all coupons and other income items requiring
presentation as and when they become due and shall collect interest when due on
securities held hereunder. Income due the Fund on securities loaned pursuant to
the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the Fund. The
Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection therewith, other
than to provide the Fund with such information or data as may be necessary to
assist the Fund in arranging for the timely delivery to the Custodian of the
income to which the Fund is properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
-----------------------
which may be continuing instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the
Custodian shall pay out monies of the Fund in the following cases only:
(1) Upon the purchase of securities held domestically, options,
futures contracts or options on futures contracts for the
account of the Fund but only (a) against the delivery of
such securities, or evidence of title to such options,
futures contracts or options on futures contracts, to the
Custodian (or any bank, banking firm or trust company doing
business in the United States or abroad which is qualified
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to
act as a custodian and has been designated by the Custodian
as its agent for this purpose) registered in the name of
the Fund
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or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian referred to in
Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for transfer; (b) in
the case of a purchase effected through a Securities
System, in accordance with the conditions set forth in
Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase
involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.10A; (d) in the case of
repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund and the
Custodian, or another bank, or a broker-dealer which is a
member of NASD, (i) against delivery of the securities
either in certificate form or through an entry crediting
the Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve Bank with
such securities or (ii) against delivery of the receipt
evidencing purchase by the Fund of securities owned by the
Custodian along with written evidence of the agreement by
the Custodian to repurchase such securities from the Fund
or (e) for transfer to a time deposit account of the Fund
in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such transfer may
be effected prior to receipt of a confirmation from a
broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper
Instructions from the Fund as defined in Article 5;
(2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Fund as set forth in Section 2.2
hereof;
(3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the
Fund as set forth in Article 4 hereof;
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(4) 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,
management, accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and
operating expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses
are to be in whole or part capitalized or treated as
deferred expenses;
(5) For the payment of any dividends declared pursuant to the
governing documents of the Fund;
(6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect
of securities sold short;
(7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
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addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a
resolution of Board of Directors/Trustees or of the
Executive Committee of the Fund signed by an officer of the
Fund and certified by its Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment, setting
forth the purpose for which such payment is to be made,
declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and naming
the person or persons to whom such payment is to be made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities
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Purchased. Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and
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every case where payment for purchase of securities for the account of the Fund
is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the securities purchased in
the absence of specific written instructions from the Fund to so pay in advance,
the Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to the
same extent as if the securities had been received by the Custodian.
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2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times
----------------------
in its discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such of the provisions
of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to time direct; provided,
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however, that the appointment of any agent shall not relieve the Custodian of
its responsibilities or liabilities hereunder.
2.10 Deposit of Securities in Securities Systems. The Custodian may
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deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by the Fund in a clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities depository,
or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury
and certain federal agencies, collectively referred to herein as "Securities
System" in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board and Securities and
Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and subject to the following
provisions:
(1) The Custodian may keep domestic securities of the Fund in a
Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in
the Securities System which shall not include any assets of
the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary,
custodian or otherwise for customers;
(2) The records of the Custodian with respect to domestic
securities of the Fund which are maintained in a Securities
System shall identify by book-entry those securities
belonging to the Fund;
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(3) The Custodian shall pay for domestic securities purchased
for the account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from
the Securities System that such securities have been
transferred to the Account, and (i.) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and
transfer for the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall
transfer domestic securities sold for the account of the
Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System
that payment for such securities has been transferred to
the 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. Copies of all advices from the
Securities System of transfers of domestic securities for
the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund, be
maintained for the Fund by the Custodian and be provided to
the Fund at its request. Upon request, the Custodian shall
furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer to or from
the account of the Fund in the form of a written advice or
notice and shall furnish promptly to the Fund copies of
daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions
in the Securities System for the account of the Fund.
(4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report
obtained by the Custodian on the Securities System's
accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the
Securities System;
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(5) The Custodian shall have received the initial or annual
certificate, as the case may be, required by Article 13
hereof;
(6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or
damage to the Fund resulting from use of the Securities
System by reason of any negligence, misfeasance or
misconduct of the Custodian or any of its agents or of any
of its or their employees or from failure of the Custodian
or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it
may have against the Securities System; at the election of
the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to the
rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim against
the Securities System or any other person which the
Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss or
damage if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made
whole for any such loss or damage.
2.10A Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The
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Custodian may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in the Direct
Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following provisions:
(1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper
System will be effected in the absence of Proper
Instructions;
(2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Fund in the Direct
Paper System only if such securities are represented in an
account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Direct Paper
System which shall not include any assets of
-13-
the Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary,
custodian or otherwise for customers;
(3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of
the Fund which are maintained in the Direct Paper System
shall identify by book-entry those securities belonging to
the Fund;
(4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Fund upon the making of an entry on the
records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and
transfer of securities to the account of the Fund. The
Custodian shall transfer securities sold for the account of
the Fund upon the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt of payment
for the account of the Fund;
(5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each
transfer to or from the account of the Fund, in the form of
a written advice or notice, of Direct Paper on the next
business day following such transfer and shall furnish to
the Fund copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each
day's transaction in the Direct Paper System for the
account of the Fund;
(6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report on its
system of internal accounting control as the Fund may
reasonably request from time to time;
2.11 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
-------------------
Instructions 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
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an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in accordance
with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a
broker-dealer registered under the Exchange 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, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash, government
securities or liquid, high-grade debt obligations in connection with options
purchased, sold or written by the Fund or commodity futures contracts or options
thereon purchased or sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by
the Fund with the procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No.
10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange
Commission relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
investment companies and (iv) for other proper corporate purposes, but only, in
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the case of clause (iv), upon receipt of, in addition to Proper Instructions, a
certified copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors/Trustees or of the
Executive Committee signed by an officer of the Fund and certified by the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, setting forth the purpose or purposes of
such segregated account and declaring such purposes to be proper corporate
purposes.
2.12 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall
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execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and
state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other payments with
respect to domestic securities of the Fund held by it and in connection with
transfers of such securities.
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2.13 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the domestic
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securities held hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered
holder of such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in
the name of the Fund or a nominee of the Fund, all proxies, without indication
of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall promptly deliver
to the Fund such proxies, all proxy soliciting materials and all notices
relating to such securities.
2.14 Communications Relating to Fund Portfolio Securities. Subject
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to the provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the
Fund all written information (including, without limitation, pendency of calls
and maturities of securities held domestically and expirations of rights in
connection therewith and notices of exercise of call and put options written by
the Fund and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the Fund)
received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities being held for the
Fund. With respect to tender or exchange offers, the Custodian shall transmit
promptly to the Fund all written information received by the Custodian from
issuers of the securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party
(or his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Fund desires to
take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer or any other
similar transaction, the Fund shall notify the Custodian at least three business
days prior to the date on which the Custodian is to take such action.
2.15 Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants. The
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Custodian shall provide the Fund, at such times as the Fund may reasonably
require, with reports by independent public accountants on the accounting
system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, including securities
deposited and/or
-16-
maintained in a Securities System, relating to the services provided by the
Custodian under this Contract; such reports shall be of sufficient scope and in
sufficient detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide
reasonable assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such
examination, and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
3. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held
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Outside of the United States
----------------------------
3.1 Appointment of Foreign Sub-Custodians. The Fund hereby
--------------------------------------
authorizes and instructs the Custodian to employ as sub-custodians for the
Fund's securities and other assets maintained outside the United States the
foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories designated on
Schedule A hereto ("foreign sub-custodians"). Upon receipt of "Proper
Instructions", as defined in Section 5 of this Contract, together with a
certified resolution of the Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees, the Custodian
and the Fund may agree to amend Schedule A hereto from time to time to designate
additional foreign banking institutions and foreign securities depositories to
act as sub-custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Fund may
instruct the Custodian to cease the employment of any one or more such
sub-custodians for maintaining custody of the Fund's assets.
3.2 Assets to be Held. The Custodian shall limit the securities and
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other assets maintained in the custody of the foreign sub-custodians to: (a)
"foreign securities", as defined in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 17f-5 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, and (b) cash and cash equivalents in such
amounts as the Custodian or the Fund may determine to be reasonably necessary to
effect the Fund's foreign securities transactions.
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3.3 Foreign Securities Depositories. Except as may otherwise be
--------------------------------
agreed upon in writing by the Custodian and the Fund, assets of the Fund shall
be maintained in foreign securities depositories only through arrangements
implemented by the foreign banking institutions serving as sub-custodians
pursuant to the terms hereof. Where possible, such arrangements shall include
entry into agreements containing the provisions set forth in Section 3.5 hereof.
3.4 Segregation of Securities. The Custodian shall identify on its
--------------------------
books as belonging to the Fund, the foreign securities of the Fund held by each
foreign sub-custodian. Each agreement pursuant to which the Custodian employs a
foreign banking institution shall require that such institution establish a
custody account for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund and physically segregate
in that account, securities and other assets of the Fund, and, in the event that
such institution deposits the Fund's securities in a foreign securities
depository, that it shall identify on its books as belonging to the Custodian,
as agent for the Fund, the securities so deposited.
3.5 Agreements with Foreign Banking Institutions. Each agreement
---------------------------------------------
with a foreign banking institution shall be substantially in the form set forth
in Exhibit 1 hereto and shall provide that: (a) the Fund's assets will not be
subject to any right, charge, security interest, lien or claim of any kind in
favor of the foreign banking institution or its creditors or agent, except a
claim of payment for their safe custody or administration; (b) beneficial
ownership of the Fund's assets will be freely transferable without the payment
of money or value other than for custody or administration; (c) adequate records
will be maintained identifying the assets as belonging to the Fund; (d) officers
of or auditors employed by, or other representatives of the Custodian, including
to the extent permitted under applicable law the independent public accountants
for the Fund, will be given access to the books and records of the foreign
banking institution relating to its actions
-18-
under its agreement with the Custodian; and (e) assets of the Fund held by the
foreign sub-custodian will be subject only to the instructions of the Custodian
or its agents.
3.6 Access of Independent Accountants of the Fund. Upon request of
----------------------------------------------
the Fund, the Custodian will use its best efforts to arrange for the independent
accountants of the Fund to be afforded access to the books and records of any
foreign banking institution employed as a foreign sub-custodian insofar as such
books and records relate to the performance of such foreign banking institution
under its agreement with the Custodian.
3.7 Reports by Custodian. The Custodian will supply to the Fund
---------------------
from time to time, as mutually agreed upon, statements in respect of the
securities and other assets of the Fund held by foreign sub-custodians,
including but not limited to an identification of entities having possession of
the Fund's securities and other assets and advices or notifications of any
transfers of securities to or from each custodial account maintained by a
foreign banking institution for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund indicating,
as to securities acquired for the Fund, the identity of the entity having
physical possession of such securities.
3.8 Transactions in Foreign Custody Account
---------------------------------------
(a) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b) of this
Section 3.8, the provision of Sections 2.2 and 2.7 of this Contract shall apply,
in their entirety to the foreign securities of the Fund held outside the United
States by foreign sub-custodians.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this Contract to the
contrary, settlement and payment for securities received for the account of the
Fund and delivery of securities maintained for the account of the Fund may be
effected in accordance with the customary
-19-
established securities trading or securities processing practices and procedures
in the jurisdiction or market in which the transaction occurs, including,
without limitation, delivering securities to the purchaser thereof or to a
dealer therefor (or an agent for such purchaser or dealer) against a receipt
with the expectation of receiving later payment for such securities from such
purchaser or dealer.
(c) Securities maintained in the custody of a foreign sub-
custodian may be maintained in the name of such entity's nominee to the same
extent as set forth in Section 2.3 of this Contract, and the Fund agrees to hold
any such nominee harmless from any liability as a holder of record of such
securities.
3.9 Liability of Foreign Sub-Custodians. Each agreement pursuant to
------------------------------------
which the Custodian employs a foreign banking institution as a foreign
sub-custodian shall require the institution to exercise reasonable care in the
performance of its duties and to indemnify, and hold harmless, the Custodian and
each Fund from and against any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim
arising out of or in connection with the institution's performance of such
obligations. At the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated
to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claims against a foreign
banking institution as a consequence of any such loss, damage, cost, expense,
liability or claim if and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole
for any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim.
3.10 Liability of Custodian. The Custodian shall be liable for the
-----------------------
acts or omissions of a foreign banking institution to the same extent as set
forth with respect to sub-custodians generally in this Contract and, regardless
of whether assets are maintained in the custody of a foreign banking
institution, a foreign securities depository or a branch of a U.S. bank as
contemplated by
-20-
paragraph 3.13 hereof, the Custodian shall not be liable for any loss, damage,
cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from nationalization, expropriation,
currency restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism or any loss where the sub-
custodian has otherwise exercised reasonable care. Notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this paragraph 3.10, in delegating custody duties to
State Street London Ltd., the Custodian shall not be relieved of any
responsibility to the Fund for any loss due to such delegation, except such loss
as may result from (a) political risk (including, but not limited to, exchange
control restrictions, confiscation, expropriation, nationalization,
insurrection, civil strife or armed hostilities) or (b) other losses (excluding
a bankruptcy or insolvency of State Street London Ltd. not caused by political
risk) due to Acts of God, nuclear incident or other losses under circumstances
where the Custodian and State Street London Ltd. have exercised reasonable care.
3.11 Reimbursement for Advances. If the Fund requires the Custodian
---------------------------
to advance cash or securities for any purpose including the purchase or sale of
foreign exchange or of contracts for foreign exchange, or in the event that the
Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges,
expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in connection with the performance
of this Contract, except such as may arise from its or its nominee's own
negligent action, negligent failure to act or wilful misconduct, any property at
any time held for the account of the Fund shall be security therefor and should
the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled
to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund assets to the extent
necessary to obtain reimbursement.
3.12 Monitoring Responsibilities. The Custodian shall furnish
----------------------------
annually to the Fund, during the month of June, information concerning the
foreign sub-custodians employed by the
-21-
Custodian. Such information shall be similar in kind and scope to that
furnished to the Fund in connection with the initial approval of this Contract.
In addition, the Custodian will promptly inform the Fund in the event that the
Custodian learns of a material adverse change in the financial condition of a
foreign sub-custodian or any material loss of the assets of the Fund or in the
case of any foreign sub-custodian not the subject of an exemptive order from the
Securities and Exchange Commission is notified by such foreign sub-custodian
that there appears to be a substantial likelihood that its shareholders', equity
will decline below $200 million (U.S. dollars or the equivalent thereof) or that
its shareholders', equity has declined below $200 million (in each case computed
in accordance with generally accepted U.S. accounting principles).
3.13 Branches of U.S. Banks
-----------------------
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in this Contract, the
provisions of Article 3 shall not apply where the custody of the Fund assets are
maintained in a foreign branch of a banking institution which is a "bank" as
defined by Section 2(a)(5) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 meeting the
qualification set forth in Section 26(a) of said Act. The appointment of any
such branch as a sub-custodian shall be governed by paragraph 1 of this
Contract.
(b) Cash held for the Fund in the United Kingdom shall be
maintained in an interest bearing account established for the Fund with the
Custodian's London branch, which account shall be subject to the direction of
the Custodian, State Street London Ltd. or both.
4. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales of Shares of the
------------------------------------------------------------------
Fund.
-----
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of Trust and any
applicable votes of the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund pursuant
thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of instructions
-22-
from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to holders of Shares
who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for redemption or repurchase
of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of Shares of
the Fund, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of instructions from the
Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial bank designated by the
redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption or repurchase of
Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn on the Custodian by a
holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the Fund to the holder of
Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with such procedures and
controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time between the Fund and the
Custodian.
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Fund's Shares
or from the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the Fund's account such
payments as are received for Shares of the Fund issued or sold from time to time
by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely notification to the Fund and the
Transfer Agent of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of the Fund.
5. Proper Instructions.
--------------------
Proper Instructions as used herein means a writing signed or
initialled by one or more person or persons as the officers of the Fund shall
have from time to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the
specific transaction or type of transaction involved, including a specific
statement of the purpose for which such action is requested. Oral instructions
will be considered Proper Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them
to have been given by a person authorized to give such instructions with respect
to the transaction involved. The Fund shall cause
-23-
all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing. It is understood and agreed
that the Board of Directors/Directors/Trustees has authorized (i) Prudential
Mutual Fund Management, Inc., as Manager of the Fund, and (ii) The Prudential
Investment Corporation (or Prudential-Bache Securities Inc.), as Subadviser to
the Fund, to deliver proper instructions with respect to all matters for which
proper instructions are required by this Article 5. The Custodian may rely upon
the certificate of an officer of the Manager or Subadviser, as the case may be,
with respect to the person or persons authorized on behalf of the Manager and
Subadviser, respectively, to sign, initial or give proper instructions for the
purpose of this Article 5. Proper Instructions may include communications
effected directly between electro-mechanical or electronic devices provided that
the Fund and the Custodian are satisfied that such procedures afford adequate
safeguards for the Fund's assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper
Instructions shall include instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to
any three-party agreement which requires a segregated asset account in
accordance with Section 2.11.
6. Actions Permitted without Express Authority.
--------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from
the Fund:
(1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of handling
securities or other similar items relating to its duties under this Contract,
provided that all such payments shall be accounted for to the Fund;
--------
(2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
(3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Fund, checks, drafts
and other negotiable instruments; and
-24-
(4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other
dealings with the securities and property of the Fund except as otherwise
directed by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund.
7. Evidence of Authority
---------------------
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by
it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the
Fund. The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the
Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the
authority of any person to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any
determination or of any action by the Board of Directors/ Trustees pursuant to
the Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of Trust as described in such vote,
and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until receipt by the
Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
8. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
------------------------------------------------------------
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income.
----------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to
the entity or entities appointed by the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund
to keep the books of account of the Fund and/or compute the net asset value per
share of the outstanding shares of the Fund or, if directed in writing to do so
by the Fund, shall itself keep such books of account and/or compute such net
asset value per share. If so directed, the Custodian shall also calculate daily
the net income of the Fund as described in the Fund's currently effective
prospectus and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total
amounts of such net income and, if instructed in
-25-
writing by an officer of the Fund to do so, shall advise the Transfer Agent
periodically of the division of such net income among its various components.
The calculations of the net asset value per share and the daily income of the
Fund shall be made at the time or times described from time to time in the
Fund's currently effective prospectus.
9. Records
-------
The Custodian shall create and maintain all records relating to its
activities and obligations under this Contract in such manner as will meet the
obligations of the Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, with
particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder.
All such records shall be the property of the Fund and shall at all times during
the regular business hours of the Custodian be open for inspection by duly
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall, at the Fund's
request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by the Fund and
held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for
such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian,
include certificate numbers in such tabulations.
10. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund may from
time to time request, to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the
Fund's independent accountants with respect to its activities hereunder in
connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A, Form N-2 (in the case
of a closed end Fund) and Form N-SAR or other periodic reports to the Securities
and Exchange Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such
Commission.
-26-
11. Compensation of Custodian
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the
Fund and the Custodian.
12. Responsibility of Custodian
---------------------------
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 by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties,
including any futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a
three-party futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the
exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but
shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any
action taken or omitted by it in good faith without negligence. It shall be
entitled to rely on and may act upon advice of counsel (who may be counsel for
the Fund) on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action
reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the responsibility of the Custodian with respect to redemptions
effected by check shall be in accordance with a separate Agreement entered into
between the Custodian and the Fund.
The Custodian shall be liable for the acts or omissions of a foreign
banking institution appointed pursuant to the provisions of Article 3 to the
same extent as set forth in Article 1 hereof with respect to sub-custodians
located in the United States and, regardless of whether assets are maintained in
the custody of a foreign banking institution, a foreign securities depository or
a branch of a U.S. bank as contemplated by paragraph 3.11 hereof, the Custodian
shall not be liable
-27-
for any loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or claim resulting from, or
caused by, the direction of or authorization by the Fund to maintain custody or
any securities or cash of the Fund in a foreign country including, but not
limited to, losses resulting from nationalization, expropriation, currency
restrictions, or acts of war or terrorism.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to take any action with respect to
securities, which action involves the payment of money or which action may, in
the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee assigned to
the Fund being liable for the payment of money or incurring liability of some
other form, the Fund, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such
action, shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form
satisfactory to it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian to advance cash or securities for
any purpose or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee shall incur or be
assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or liabilities in
connection with the performance of this Contract, except such as may arise from
its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to act or wilful
misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the Fund shall be
security therefor and should the Fund fail to repay the Custodian promptly, the
Custodian shall be entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund
assets to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement provided, however that,
prior to disposing of Fund assets hereunder, the Custodian shall give the Fund
notice of its intention to dispose of assets identifying such assets and the
Fund shall have one business day from receipt of such notice to notify the
Custodian if the Fund wishes the Custodian to dispose of Fund assets of equal
value other than those identified in such notice.
13. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
-------------------------------------------
-28-
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall
continue in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may
be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than sixty (60) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
--------
however that the Custodian shall not act under Section 2.10 hereof in the
absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant
Secretary that the Board of Directors/Trustees of the Fund has approved the
initial use of a particular Securities System and the receipt of an annual
certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of
Directors/Trustees has reviewed the use by the Fund of such Securities System,
as required in each case by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
as amended and that the Custodian shall not act under Section 2.10A hereof in
the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors/Trustees has approved the
initial use of the Direct Paper System and the receipt of an annual certificate
of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Directors/Trustees
has reviewed the use by the Fund of the Direct Paper System; provided further,
-------- -------
however, that the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in
contravention of any applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision
of the Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of Trust, and further, provided,
that the Fund may at any time by action of its Board of Directors/Trustees (i)
substitute another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as
described above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in
the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
the Comptroller of the Currency or upon the
-29-
happening of a like event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency
or court of competent jurisdiction.
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund shall pay to the Custodian
such compensation as may be due as of the date of such termination and shall
likewise reimburse the Custodian for its costs, expenses and disbursements.
14. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian shall be appointed by the Board of
Directors/Trustees of the Fund, the Custodian shall, upon termination, deliver
to such successor custodian at the office of the Custodian, duly endorsed and in
the form for transfer, all securities then held by it hereunder and shall
transfer to an account of the successor custodian all of the Fund's securities
held in a Securities System.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian
shall, in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board
of Directors/Trustees of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and
transfer such securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such
vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian
or certified copy of a vote of the Board of Directors/Trustees shall have been
delivered to the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall
become effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank
or trust company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian and all instruments
-30-
held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held by it under
this Contract and to transfer to an account of such successor custodian all of
the Fund's securities held in any Securities System. Thereafter, such bank or
trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Directors/Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian
shall be entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as
the Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties
and the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of
the Custodian shall remain in full force and effect.
15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
----------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and
the Fund may from time to time agree on such provisions interpretive of or in
addition to the provisions of this Contract as may in their joint opinion be
consistent with the general tenor of this Contract. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions shall be in a writing signed by both parties and shall be
annexed hereto, provided that no such interpretive or additional provisions
--------
shall contravene any applicable federal or state regulations or any provision of
the Articles of Incorporation/ Declaration of Trust of the Fund. No
interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding
sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
16. Massachusetts Law to Apply
--------------------------
-31-
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof
interpreted under and in accordance with laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
17. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all
prior contracts between the Fund and the Custodian relating to the custody of
the Fund's assets.
18. The Parties
-----------
All references herein to the "Fund" are to each of the Funds listed on
Appendix A individually, as if this Contract were between such individual Fund
and the Custodian. With respect to any Fund listed on Appendix A which is
organized as a Massachusetts Business Trust, references to Board of Directors
and Articles of Incorporation shall be deemed a reference to Board of
Directors/Trustees and Articles of Incorporation/Declaration of Trust
respectively and reference to shares of capital stock shall be deemed a
reference to shares of beneficial interest.
19. Limitation of Liability
-----------------------
Each Fund listed on Appendix A that is referenced as a Massachusetts
Business Trust is the designation of the Directors/Trustees under a Articles of
Incorporation/Declaration of Trust, dated (see Appendix A) and all persons
dealing with the Fund must look solely to the property of the Fund for the
enforcement of any claims against the Fund as neither the Directors/Trustees,
officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations
entered into on behalf of the Fund.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to
be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the dates set forth on Appendix A.
-00-
XXXXXX XXXXX XXXXXX BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
[ILLEGIBLE] By [ILLEGIBLE]
------------------------- ------------------------------------------
Assistant Secretary Vice President
ATTEST EACH OF THE FUNDS LISTED ON APPENDIX A
/s/ S. Xxxx Xxxx By /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxx
---------------- -------------------
Secretary Vice President
