OMB APPROVAL |
OMB Number: 3235-0570 Expires: Nov. 30, 2005 Estimated average burden hours per response: 5.0 |
Mutual Funds: | ||
NOT FDIC INSURED | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT BANK GUARANTEED |
Dennis H. Ferro President and Chief Executive Officer | |
Year Ended | |
October 31, 20031 | |
Net asset value, beginning of period | $19.102 |
Income from investment operations | |
Net investment income | 0.36 |
Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on securities and foreign currency related transactions | 0.46 |
Total from investment operations | 0.82 |
Distributions to common shareholders from net investment income | (0.39) |
Offering costs charged to capital for: | |
Common shares | (0.04) |
Preferred shares | (0.11) |
Total offering costs | (0.15) |
Net asset value, end of period | $19.38 |
Market value, end of period | $18.15 |
Total return3 | |
Based on market value | (7.35%) |
Based on net asset value | 3.86% |
Ratios and supplemental data | |
Net assets of common shareholders, end of period (in thousands) | $814,948 |
Liquidation value of preferred shares, end of period (in thousands) | $400,098 |
Asset coverage ratio, end of period | 30%4 |
Ratios to average net assets applicable to common shareholders | |
Expenses4 | 0.95%5 |
Net investment income | 5.43%5 |
Portfolio turnover rate | 8% |
1 | For the period from June 25, 2003 (commencement of operations), to October 31, 2003. |
2 | Initial public offering price of $20.00 per share less underwriting discount of $0.90 per share. |
3 | Total return is calculated assuming a purchase of common stock on the first day and a sale on the last day of the period reported. Dividends and distributions are assumed for the purposes of these calculations to be reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Total return does not reflect brokerage commissions or sales charges. |
4 | The ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes expense reductions but includes fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements. |
5 | Annualized |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS 5.9% | |||
FHLMC: | |||
Ser. 196, Class A, 1.925%, 12/15/2021 | AAA | $ 309,403 | $ 308,228 |
Ser. 2390, Class FD, 5.50%, 07/15/2015 | AAA | 636,659 | 639,306 |
Ser. 2411, Class F, 1.67%, 02/15/2032 | AAA | 412,967 | 413,749 |
Ser. T-42, Class A5, 7.50%, 02/25/2042 | AAA | 1,346,804 | 1,479,801 |
FNMA: | |||
Ser. 2000-45, Class F, 1.57%, 12/25/2030 | AAA | 3,905,404 | 3,919,195 |
Ser. 2001-37, Class F, 1.62%, 08/25/2031 | AAA | 1,629,489 | 1,639,100 |
Ser. 2001-62, Class FC, 1.77%, 11/25/2031 | AAA | 2,041,895 | 2,062,215 |
Ser. 2001-T10, Class A2, 7.50%, 12/25/2031 | AAA | 1,582,807 | 1,734,163 |
Ser. 2002-95, Class FK, 1.62%, 01/25/2033 | AAA | 14,687,671 | 14,864,024 |
Ser. 2003-W6, Class F, 1.47%, 09/25/2042 (h) | AAA | 15,920,030 | 16,014,555 |
Ser. 2003-W8, Class 3F2, 1.47%, 05/25/2042 | AAA | 2,871,073 | 2,880,556 |
Ser. G92-53, Class FA, 1.875%, 09/25/2022 | AAA | 2,524,746 | 2,560,902 |
Total Collateralized Mortgage Obligations | 48,515,794 | ||
CORPORATE BONDS 74.3% | |||
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 24.8% | |||
Auto Components 3.7% | |||
Arvinmeritor, Inc., 8.75%, 03/01/2012 (p) | BB+ | 6,000,000 | 6,330,000 |
Dana Corp., 9.00%, 08/15/2011 | BB | 6,000,000 | 6,735,000 |
HLI Operating Co., Inc., 10.50%, 06/15/2010 144A | B+ | 4,000,000 | 4,380,000 |
R.J. Tower Corp., 12.00%, 06/01/2013 144A | B | 6,000,000 | 5,550,000 |
Tenneco Automotive, Inc., 11.625%, 10/15/2009 | CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 6,255,000 |
TRW Automotive, 10.125%, 02/15/2013 | B+ | 750,000 | 977,024 |
30,227,024 | |||
Hotels, Restaurants & Leisure 6.9% | |||
Ameristar Casinos, Inc., 10.75%, 02/15/2009 | B | 6,000,000 | 6,945,000 |
Argosy Gaming Co., 10.75%, 06/01/2009 | B+ | 6,000,000 | 6,600,000 |
Coast Hotels & Casinos, Inc., 9.50%, 04/01/2009 | B | 6,000,000 | 6,420,000 |
John Q Hammons Hotels LP, Ser. B, 8.875%, 05/15/2012 | B | 6,000,000 | 6,570,000 |
Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, 8.00%, 04/01/2012 | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,555,000 |
Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc., 7.50%, 07/01/2010 144A | B | 6,000,000 | 5,490,000 |
Station Casinos, Inc., 9.875%, 07/01/2010 | B+ | 6,000,000 | 6,697,500 |
Venetian Casino Resort LLC, 11.00%, 06/15/2010 | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,952,500 |
WCI Communities, Inc., 10.625%, 02/15/2011 | B | 4,000,000 | 4,480,000 |
56,710,000 | |||
Household Durables 2.3% | |||
Meritage Corp., 9.75%, 06/01/2011 | B+ | 6,000,000 | 6,690,000 |
Sealy Mattress Co., Ser. B, 9.875%, 12/15/2007 | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,225,000 |
Technical Olympic USA, Inc., 10.375%, 07/01/2012 | B- | 5,000,000 | 5,500,000 |
18,415,000 | |||
Media 6.9% | |||
AMC Entertainment, Inc., 9.875%, 02/01/2012 | CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 6,615,000 |
Charter Communications Holdings LLC, 8.625%, 04/01/2009 | CCC- | 6,000,000 | 4,845,000 |
Dex Media East LLC, 9.875%, 11/15/2009 | B | 4,000,000 | 4,550,000 |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
CORPORATE BONDS continued | |||
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY continued | |||
Media continued | |||
Dex Media West LLC, 9.875%, 08/15/2013 144A | B | $ 2,025,000 | $ 2,313,563 |
EchoStar DBS Corp., 6.375%, 10/01/2011 144A | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,000,000 |
Emmis Communications Corp., Ser. B, 8.125%, 03/15/2009 (p) | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,307,500 |
Insight Communications, Inc., Sr. Disc. Note, Step Bond, 0.00%, 02/15/2011 † |
B- | 6,000,000 | 4,230,000 |
Mediacom LLC, 9.50%, 01/15/2013 (p) | B+ | 6,000,000 | 5,730,000 |
PaNamSat Corp., 8.50%, 02/01/2012 | B- | 1,400,000 | 1,515,500 |
Paxson Communications Corp., 10.75%, 07/15/2008 | CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 6,495,000 |
RCN Corp., 10.125%, 01/15/2010 | CCC | 6,000,000 | 2,572,500 |
XM Satellite Radio Inc., Sr. Disc. Note, Step Bond, 0.00%, 12/31/2009 † |
CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 5,175,000 |
56,349,063 | |||
Specialty Retail 5.0% | |||
Cole National Group, Inc., 8.875%, 05/15/2012 | B | 3,065,000 | 3,271,888 |
Group 1 Automotive, Inc., 8.25%, 08/15/2013 144A (p) | B+ | 3,000,000 | 3,270,000 |
Hollywood Entertainment Corp., 9.625%, 03/15/2011 | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,525,000 |
Michaels Stores, Inc., 9.25%, 07/01/2009 | BB+ | 6,000,000 | 6,645,000 |
Mothers Work, Inc., 11.25%, 08/01/2010 | B+ | 5,765,000 | 6,413,562 |
Payless ShoeSource, Inc., 8.25%, 08/01/2013 144A | B+ | 1,515,000 | 1,484,700 |
Tempur-Pedic, Inc., 10.25%, 08/15/2010 144A | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,690,000 |
Warnaco, Inc., 8.875%, 06/15/2013 144A | B | 6,000,000 | 6,450,000 |
40,750,150 | |||
CONSUMER STAPLES 3.8% | |||
Food & Staples Retailing 1.2% | |||
Kellogg Co., 6.625%, 01/29/2004 | BBB | 1,458,000 | 1,475,350 |
McDonald's Corp., 5.625%, 10/07/2009 | AA | 1,000,000 | 1,244,588 |
Rite Aid Corp.: | |||
8.125%, 05/01/2010 | B+ | 4,000,000 | 4,300,000 |
12.50%, 09/15/2006 | B+ | 2,000,000 | 2,340,000 |
9,359,938 | |||
Food Products 1.4% | |||
Chiquita Brands International, Inc., 10.56%, 03/15/2009 | B- | 4,000,000 | 4,390,000 |
Merisant, 9.50%, 07/15/2013 144A | B | 6,500,000 | 7,052,500 |
11,442,500 | |||
Personal Products 0.7% | |||
Playtex Products, Inc., 9.375%, 06/01/2011 (p) | B- | 6,000,000 | 5,955,000 |
Tobacco 0.5% | |||
Commonwealth Brands, Inc., 10.625%, 09/01/2008 144A | B- | 4,000,000 | 4,380,000 |
ENERGY 8.1% | |||
Energy Equipment & Services 3.5% | |||
Dresser, Inc., 9.375%, 04/15/2011 | B | 6,000,000 | 6,195,000 |
Grant Prideco, Inc., 9.625%, 12/01/2007 | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,630,000 |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
CORPORATE BONDS continued | |||
ENERGY continued | |||
Energy Equipment & Services continued | |||
Lone Star Technologies, Inc., 9.00%, 06/01/2011 | B- | $ 6,000,000 | $ 5,865,000 |
Parker Drilling Co., Ser. B, 10.125%, 11/15/2009 | B- | 3,000,000 | 3,150,000 |
SESI LLC, 8.875%, 05/15/2011 | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,480,000 |
28,320,000 | |||
Oil & Gas 4.6% | |||
El Paso Energy Corp., 6.75%, 05/15/2009 (p) | B | 6,000,000 | 5,130,000 |
El Paso Energy Partners LP, 8.50%, 06/01/2011 | BB- | 4,000,000 | 4,380,000 |
El Paso Production Holding Co., 7.75%, 06/01/2013 144A | B+ | 6,000,000 | 5,790,000 |
GulfTerra Energy Partners LP, 6.25%, 06/01/2010 144A | BB | 4,515,000 | 4,560,150 |
Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc., 8.25%, 03/15/2013 | BB+ | 4,000,000 | 4,260,000 |
Pemex Project Funding Master Trust, 6.625%, 04/04/2010 | BBB- | 2,500,000 | 3,015,393 |
Petroleum Helicopters, Inc., 9.375%, 05/01/2009 | BB- | 4,000,000 | 4,320,000 |
Tesoro Petroleum Corp., 9.625%, 04/01/2012 | B | 6,000,000 | 6,225,000 |
37,680,543 | |||
FINANCIALS 5.7% | |||
Capital Markets 0.5% | |||
Lehman Brothers Holdings, 6.375%, 05/10/2011 | A | 3,000,000 | 3,871,523 |
Merrill Lynch & Co., 5.75%, 12/01/2003 | A+ | 370,000 | 371,221 |
4,242,744 | |||
Commercial Banks 1.0% | |||
HSBC Holdings plc, 5.375%, 12/20/2012 | A | 4,000,000 | 4,859,693 |
International Bank Reconstruction & Development, 4.75%, 11/05/2003 |
AAA | 2,130,000 | 2,130,000 |
International Finance Corp., 5.00%, 11/25/2003 | AAA | 687,000 | 688,649 |
KFW International Finance, 5.00%, 11/25/2003 | AAA | 772,000 | 773,698 |
8,452,040 | |||
Consumer Finance 0.8% | |||
General Electric Capital Corp.: | |||
4.375%, 01/20/2010 | AAA | 4,000,000 | 4,694,591 |
5.00%, 11/17/2003 | AAA | 1,775,000 | 1,777,485 |
6,472,076 | |||
Diversified Financial Services 0.3% | |||
Huntsman Advanced Materials LLC, 11.00%, 07/15/2010 144A (p) | B | 2,000,000 | 2,152,500 |
Insurance 0.5% | |||
Crum & Forster Holdings Corp., 10.375%, 06/15/2013 144A | BB | 4,000,000 | 4,320,000 |
Real Estate 1.8% | |||
Host Marriott Corp., 7.125%, 11/01/2013 144A # | B+ | 3,525,000 | 3,538,219 |
La Quinta Corp., 8.875%, 03/15/2011 REIT 144A | BB- | 4,000,000 | 4,435,000 |
MeriStar Hospitality Corp., 9.00%, 01/15/2008 | CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 6,330,000 |
14,303,219 | |||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
CORPORATE BONDS continued | |||
FINANCIALS continued | |||
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance 0.8% | |||
Thornburg Mortgage, Inc., 8.00%, 05/15/2013 | BB- | $ 6,000,000 | $ 6,330,000 |
HEALTH CARE 5.9% | |||
Health Care Equipment & Supplies 0.5% | |||
Kinetic Concepts, Inc., 7.375%, 05/15/2013 144A | B | 1,000,000 | 1,030,000 |
Universal Hospital Services, Inc., 10.125%, 11/01/2011 144A | B- | 2,500,000 | 2,625,000 |
3,655,000 | |||
Health Care Providers & Services 4.7% | |||
AmeriPath, Inc., 10.50%, 04/01/2013 | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,360,000 |
Extendicare Health Services, Inc., 9.35%, 12/15/2007 | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,240,000 |
Genesis Healthcare Corp., 8.00%, 10/15/2013 144A | B- | 2,500,000 | 2,565,625 |
IASIS Healthcare Corp., 8.50%, 10/15/2009 | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,300,000 |
Pacificare Health Systems, Inc., 10.75%, 06/01/2009 | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,930,000 |
Select Medical Corp., 9.50%, 06/15/2009 | B | 3,000,000 | 3,300,000 |
Triad Hospitals Holdings, Inc., Ser. B, 11.00%, 05/15/2009 | B | 6,000,000 | 6,648,000 |
38,343,625 | |||
Pharmaceuticals 0.7% | |||
Alpharma, Inc., 8.625%, 05/01/2011 144A | B+ | 6,000,000 | 6,015,000 |
INDUSTRIALS 7.3% | |||
Commercial Services & Supplies 4.2% | |||
Allied Waste, Inc., 10.00%, 08/01/2009 | B+ | 6,000,000 | 6,555,000 |
IMCO Recycling, Inc., 10.375%, 10/15/2010 144A | B- | 3,000,000 | 2,985,000 |
JohnsonDiversey Holdings, Inc., Sr. Disc. Note, Step Bond, 0.00%, 05/15/2013 † 144A |
B | 6,000,000 | 4,500,000 |
NationsRent, Inc., 9.50%, 10/15/2010 144A | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,240,000 |
Norcross Safety Products LLC, 9.875%, 08/15/2011 144A | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,510,000 |
Wackenhut Corrections Corp., 8.25%, 07/15/2013 144A | B | 6,000,000 | 6,390,000 |
Williams Scotsman, Inc., 9.875%, 06/01/2007 (p) | B | 920,000 | 938,400 |
34,118,400 | |||
Machinery 3.1% | |||
AGCO Corp., 8.50%, 03/15/2006 | BB- | 4,000,000 | 4,020,000 |
CNH Global N.V., 9.25%, 08/01/2011 144A | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,690,000 |
Cummins, Inc., 9.50%, 12/01/2010 144A | BB+ | 6,000,000 | 6,930,000 |
Harsco Corp., 7.25%, 10/27/2010 | A- | 1,000,000 | 1,829,252 |
Wolverine Tube, Inc., 10.50%, 04/01/2009 | BB- | 6,000,000 | 5,790,000 |
25,259,252 | |||
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 0.3% | |||
Office Electronics 0.3% | |||
Xerox Corp., 9.75%, 01/15/2009 | B+ | 1,800,000 | 2,309,330 |
MATERIALS 8.4% | |||
Chemicals 3.8% | |||
Huntsman International LLC, 11.625%, 10/15/2010 144A | B | 6,000,000 | 5,790,000 |
IMC Global, Inc., 10.875%, 08/01/2013 144A | B+ | 6,000,000 | 6,225,000 |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
CORPORATE BONDS continued | |||
MATERIALS continued | |||
Chemicals continued | |||
Lyondell Chemical Co., Ser. B, 9.875%, 05/01/2007 | BB- | $ 6,000,000 | $ 6,120,000 |
Millennium America, Inc.: | |||
9.25%, 06/15/2008 (p) | BB- | 4,000,000 | 4,250,000 |
9.25%, 06/15/2008 144A | BB- | 2,000,000 | 2,125,000 |
OM Group, Inc., 9.25%, 12/15/2011 | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,090,000 |
30,600,000 | |||
Containers & Packaging 2.4% | |||
Four M Corp., Ser. B, 12.00%, 06/01/2006 | CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 6,060,000 |
Graphic Packaging International, Inc., 9.50%, 08/15/2013 144A | B- | 6,000,000 | 6,705,000 |
Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., 8.75%, 11/15/2012 | BB | 6,000,000 | 6,600,000 |
19,365,000 | |||
Metals & Mining 0.8% | |||
U.S. Steel Corp., 10.75%, 08/01/2008 | BB- | 6,000,000 | 6,615,000 |
Paper & Forest Products 1.4% | |||
Buckeye Technologies, Inc., 8.50%, 10/01/2013 144A | B+ | 5,000,000 | 5,250,000 |
Georgia Pacific Corp., 8.125%, 05/15/2011 | BB+ | 6,000,000 | 6,555,000 |
11,805,000 | |||
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 9.3% | |||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 2.9% | |||
Dobson Communications Corp., 8.875%, 10/01/2013 144A | CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 6,120,000 |
Level 3 Communications, Inc., 9.125%, 05/01/2008 | CC | 6,000,000 | 5,475,000 |
MCI Communications Corp., 8.25%, 01/20/2023 | C | 4,000,000 | 3,330,000 |
Qwest Communications International, Inc., Ser. B, 7.50%, 11/01/2008 |
CCC+ | 4,000,000 | 3,900,000 |
Qwest Services Corp., 13.00%, 12/15/2007 144A | CCC+ | 4,000,000 | 4,560,000 |
23,385,000 | |||
Wireless Telecommunications Services 6.4% | |||
Alamosa Delaware, Inc., 13.625%, 08/15/2011 | C | 6,000,000 | 5,790,000 |
American Tower Corp., 9.375%, 02/01/2009 | CCC | 6,000,000 | 6,330,000 |
Centennial Cellular Corp., 10.125%, 06/15/2013 144A | CCC | 6,000,000 | 6,270,000 |
Crown Castle International Corp., 0.00%, 05/15/2011 †(p) | CCC | 6,000,000 | 6,180,000 |
metroPCS, Inc., 10.75%, 10/01/2011 144A | CCC+ | 6,000,000 | 5,970,000 |
Nextel Communications, Inc.: | |||
6.875%, 10/31/2013 | B+ | 2,815,000 | 2,867,781 |
7.375%, 08/01/2015 (p) | B+ | 6,000,000 | 6,270,000 |
Nextel Partners, Inc., 11.00%, 03/15/2010 | CCC+ | 1,000,000 | 1,112,500 |
Rural Cellular Corp., 9.75%, 01/15/2010 | CCC | 6,000,000 | 5,400,000 |
Western Wireless Corp., 9.25%, 07/15/2013 144A | CCC | 6,000,000 | 6,300,000 |
52,490,281 | |||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
CORPORATE BONDS continued | |||
UTILITIES 0.7% | |||
Multi-Utilities & Unregulated Power 0.7% | |||
Reliant Resources, Inc.: | |||
9.25%, 07/15/2010 144A (p) | B | $ 3,000,000 | $ 2,700,000 |
9.50%, 07/15/2013 144A | B | 3,000,000 | 2,685,000 |
5,385,000 | |||
Total Corporate Bonds | 605,207,685 | ||
FOREIGN BONDS -- CORPORATE (PRINCIPAL AMOUNT | |||
DENOMINATED IN CURRENCY INDICATED) 21.8% | |||
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 1.1% | |||
Automobiles 0.6% | |||
Gie Psa Tresorerie, 5.875%, 09/27/2011, EUR | A- | 3,000,000 | 3,729,410 |
Renault SA, 6.125%, 06/26/2009, EUR | BBB | 1,000,000 | 1,255,502 |
4,984,912 | |||
Internet & Catalog Retail 0.3% | |||
Great University Stores, 6.375%, 07/16/2009, GBP | BBB+ | 1,500,000 | 2,619,225 |
Multi-line Retail 0.2% | |||
Woolworths Group plc, 8.75%, 11/15/2006, GBP | Ba1 | 1,000,000 | 1,779,052 |
CONSUMER STAPLES 3.0% | |||
Food & Staples Retailing 2.4% | |||
Big Food Group, 9.75%, 06/30/2012, GBP | B+ | 500,000 | 856,031 |
Casino Guichard Perrachon SA: | |||
5.25%, 04/28/2010, EUR | BBB | 2,000,000 | 2,386,307 |
6.00%, 03/06/2008, EUR | BBB | 2,000,000 | 2,480,120 |
J. Sainsbury plc, 5.625%, 07/11/2008, EUR | A- | 4,000,000 | 4,892,667 |
Tesco plc: | |||
4.75%, 04/13/2010, GBP | A+ | 4,000,000 | 4,748,928 |
7.50%, 07/30/2007, GBP | A+ | 2,100,000 | 3,801,362 |
19,165,415 | |||
Tobacco 0.6% | |||
BAT International Finance plc, 4.875%, 02/25/2009, EUR | BBB+ | 2,000,000 | 2,338,356 |
Imperial Tobacco, 6.50%, 11/13/2008, GBP | BBB+ | 1,500,000 | 2,595,439 |
4,933,795 | |||
ENERGY 0.2% | |||
Oil & Gas 0.2% | |||
Transco plc, 7.00%, 12/15/2008, AUD | A | 2,000,000 | 1,449,725 |
FINANCIALS 10.4% | |||
Capital Markets 1.4% | |||
Goldman Sachs Group, 5.125%, 04/24/2013, EUR | A+ | 5,250,000 | 6,239,674 |
Morgan Stanley, 4.375%, 03/01/2010, EUR | A+ | 4,250,000 | 4,944,087 |
11,183,761 | |||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
FOREIGN BONDS -- CORPORATE continued | |||
FINANCIALS continued | |||
Commercial Banks 3.4% | |||
Australia & New Zealand Banking Group, 5.00%, 05/12/2008, AUD |
B | 4,230,000 | $ 2,867,868 |
Bsch Issuances Ltd., 5.125%, 07/06/2009, EUR | A- | 4,500,000 | 5,423,528 |
Deutsche Bank AG, 5.125%, 01/31/2013, EUR | A+ | 2,000,000 | 2,371,794 |
Dexia Municipal Agency, 6.00%, 10/15/2007, AUD | AAA | 2,000,000 | 1,415,963 |
European Investment Bank, 4.00%, 04/15/2009, SEK | AAA | 5,000,000 | 623,332 |
Kreditanst Fur Wie, 3.50%, 07/15/2004, EUR | AAA | 2,000,000 | 2,340,968 |
Realkredit Danmark: | |||
6.00%, 10/01/2022, DKK | AAA | 16,000,000 | 2,585,442 |
6.00%, 10/01/2029, DKK | AAA | 16,000,000 | 2,540,456 |
6.00%, 10/01/2032, DKK | AAA | 16,000,000 | 2,535,458 |
Unicredito Italiano SPA, 6.10%, 02/28/2012, EUR | A | 4,000,000 | 5,106,068 |
27,810,877 | |||
Consumer Finance 2.4% | |||
BMW U.S. Capital LLC: | |||
4.625%, 02/20/2013, EUR | A1 | 1,500,000 | 1,728,862 |
5.125%, 01/28/2009, EUR | A1 | 2,000,000 | 2,433,330 |
National Grid Group Finance, 6.125%, 08/23/2011, EUR | A- | 3,100,000 | 3,856,603 |
Swedish Export Credit Corp., 5.25%, 09/19/2007, AUD | AA+ | 4,000,000 | 2,773,824 |
Toyota Credit Canada, Inc., 4.75%, 12/30/2008, CAD | AAA | 4,000,000 | 3,060,652 |
Volkswagen International Finance NV, 4.875%, 05/22/2013, EUR | A | 5,000,000 | 5,732,687 |
19,585,958 | |||
Diversified Financial Services 0.2% | |||
Principal Financial Global Funding LLC, 5.875%, 06/08/2009, GBP |
AA | 1,000,000 | 1,713,333 |
Insurance 0.6% | |||
AIG Sunamerica, 5.50%, 03/07/2011, EUR | AAA | 4,000,000 | 4,953,970 |
Thrifts & Mortgage Finance 2.4% | |||
Abbey National, 4.625%, 02/11/2011, EUR | A+ | 4,000,000 | 4,699,236 |
Nykredit: | |||
6.00%, 10/01/2022, DKK | AA- | 30,212,312 | 4,872,573 |
6.00%, 10/01/2029, DKK | AA- | 30,265,693 | 4,817,360 |
7.00%, 10/01/2032, DKK | AA- | 30,162,475 | 4,975,254 |
19,364,423 | |||
INDUSTRIALS 2.5% | |||
Building Products 0.5% | |||
St. Gobain Nederland BV, 5.00%, 04/16/2010, EUR | A | 3,700,000 | 4,386,100 |
Commercial Services & Supplies 0.5% | |||
Agbar International, 6.00%, 11/12/2009, EUR | AA- | 3,290,000 | 4,158,628 |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
FOREIGN BONDS -- CORPORATE continued | |||
INDUSTRIALS continued | |||
Construction & Engineering 0.5% | |||
ABB International Finance, Ltd: | |||
3.50%, 12/29/2003, EUR | BB- | 500,000 | $ 581,251 |
5.375%, 06/30/2005, EUR | BB- | 1,500,000 | 1,762,997 |
11.00%, 01/15/2004, EUR | BB- | 1,000,000 | 1,323,598 |
3,667,846 | |||
Electrical Equipment 0.2% | |||
Fimep SA, 11.00%, 02/15/2013, EUR | B+ | 1,250,000 | 1,712,549 |
Industrial Conglomerates 0.8% | |||
Bombardier, Inc, 5.75%, 02/22/2008, EUR | BBB- | 2,000,000 | 2,366,685 |
LVMH Moet-Hennessy, 6.125%, 06/25/2008, EUR | BBB+ | 1,500,000 | 1,880,380 |
Tyco International, Group, 5.50%, 11/19/2008, EUR | BBB+ | 2,000,000 | 2,343,232 |
6,590,297 | |||
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 0.5% | |||
Electronic Equipment & Instruments 0.5% | |||
Siemens Financieringsmaatsch, 5.75%, 07/04/2011, EUR | Aa3 | 3,000,000 | 3,763,371 |
MATERIALS 0.4% | |||
Chemicals 0.2% | |||
Bayer AG, 6.00%, 04/10/2012, EUR | A+ | 1,500,000 | 1,862,789 |
Containers & Packaging 0.2% | |||
JSG Funding plc, 10.125%, 10/01/2012, EUR | B | 1,150,000 | 1,461,519 |
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 1.5% | |||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 1.5% | |||
Deutsche Telekom AG, 7.125%, 06/15/2005, GBP | BBB+ | 1,000,000 | 1,752,574 |
Deutsche Telekom Intl Fin BV, 5.25%, 09/24/2004, EUR | BBB+ | 1,000,000 | 1,186,594 |
France Telecom, 7.25%, 01/28/2013, EUR | BBB | 4,250,000 | 5,693,879 |
Sogerim SA, 7.00%, 04/20/2011, EUR | BBB+ | 3,000,000 | 3,947,281 |
12,580,328 | |||
UTILITIES 2.2% | |||
Electric Utilities 1.6% | |||
Electricidade De Portugal, 6.40%, 10/29/2009, EUR | A | 2,000,000 | 2,570,566 |
Endesa BV, 5.375%, 02/21/2013, EUR | A | 4,500,000 | 5,410,727 |
RWE Finance BV: | |||
5.375%, 04/18/2008, EUR | A+ | 2,000,000 | 2,453,532 |
6.125%, 10/26/2012, EUR | A+ | 2,000,000 | 2,549,551 |
12,984,376 | |||
Water Utilities 0.6% | |||
Veolia Environnement, 4.875%, 05/28/2013, EUR | NA | 4,250,000 | 4,838,242 |
Total Foreign Bonds -- Corporate | 177,550,491 | ||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
FOREIGN BONDS -- GOVERNMENT (PRINCIPAL AMOUNT | |||
DENOMINATED IN CURRENCY INDICATED) 8.0% | |||
Australia: | |||
4.00%, 08/20/2010, AUD | AAA | 15,500,000 | $ 15,011,246 |
4.00%, 08/20/2015, AUD | AAA | 5,600,000 | 5,339,132 |
Canada: | |||
4.40%, 03/15/2008, CAD | AAA | 5,000,000 | 3,835,898 |
4.50%, 04/17/2008, CAD | AA | 4,000,000 | 3,057,923 |
Hungary: | |||
7.00%, 08/12/2005, HUF | A | 1,200,000,000 | 5,115,101 |
8.50%, 11/24/2003, HUF | A | 800,000,000 | 3,559,991 |
New Zealand, 6.50%, 04/15/2013, NZD | AAA | 16,850,000 | 10,542,104 |
Poland, 6.00%, 11/24/2010, PLN | A | 16,500,000 | 3,868,147 |
South Africa, 7.00%, 04/10/2008, EUR | BBB | 2,250,000 | 2,867,330 |
Sweden, 5.00%, 01/28/2009, SEK | AAA | 90,000,000 | 11,823,656 |
Total Foreign Bonds -- Government | 65,020,528 | ||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES 29.8% | |||
FHLMC: | |||
3.61%, 07/01/2027 | AAA | $2,074,091 | 2,144,767 |
3.875%, 12/01/2022 | AAA | 107,253 | 108,207 |
4.02%, 10/01/2024 | AAA | 157,915 | 161,449 |
4.32%, 09/01/2032 ## | AAA | 5,046,591 | 5,236,682 |
4.36%, 03/01/2018 | AAA | 632,042 | 642,249 |
4.375%, 12/01/2018 | AAA | 116,035 | 119,243 |
4.42%, 10/01/2017 | AAA | 29,368 | 29,807 |
4.49%, 08/01/2017 | AAA | 72,019 | 73,228 |
4.50%, 05/01/2019 | AAA | 33,778 | 34,247 |
4.77%, 10/01/2022 | AAA | 475,130 | 484,837 |
4.84%, 12/01/2026 | AAA | 338,481 | 342,742 |
4.93%, 08/01/2029 | AAA | 2,362,942 | 2,437,693 |
5.00%, 05/01/2025-07/01/2030 | AAA | 646,727 | 666,781 |
5.18%, 01/01/2030 | AAA | 398,174 | 412,949 |
5.19%, 06/01/2032 | AAA | 1,980,928 | 2,072,850 |
5.72%, 06/01/2018 | AAA | 619,730 | 653,623 |
5.73%, 03/01/2032 | AAA | 945,802 | 979,195 |
5.75%, 09/15/2010 | AAA | 3,750,000 | 4,748,188 |
5.76%, 06/01/2028 | AAA | 404,920 | 408,245 |
6.88%, 01/01/2027 | AAA | 695,598 | 713,096 |
7.11%, 06/01/2035 | AAA | 578,247 | 592,022 |
8.50%, 03/01/2030 | AAA | 428,117 | 468,824 |
FNMA: | |||
1.72%, 04/25/2031 | AAA | 1,602,064 | 1,610,377 |
2.45%, 06/01/2033 | AAA | 4,437,759 | 4,612,024 |
2.53%, 04/01/2028 | AAA | 3,878,830 | 3,971,191 |
2.74%, 06/01/2040 | AAA | 3,381,152 | 3,433,007 |
3.20%, 12/01/2017 | AAA | 3,284,474 | 3,340,867 |
3.44%, 04/01/2025 | AAA | 1,141,230 | 1,152,229 |
3.77%, 05/01/2032 | AAA | 1,270,966 | 1,292,246 |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES continued | |||
FNMA continued | |||
3.84%, 06/01/2029 | AAA | $ 716,080 | $ 738,071 |
3.89%, 04/01/2019 | AAA | 3,061,993 | 3,094,391 |
3.90%, 12/01/2032 | AAA | 5,687,807 | 5,901,733 |
3.91%, 01/01/2032 | AAA | 4,472,510 | 4,716,623 |
4.06%, 05/01/2036 | AAA | 3,173,789 | 3,235,560 |
4.13%, 03/01/2029 | AAA | 426,554 | 432,577 |
4.21%, 03/01/2035 (h) | AAA | 15,578,479 | 15,904,653 |
4.28%, 03/01/2038 | AAA | 4,110,434 | 4,247,885 |
4.38%, 10/01/2032 | AAA | 651,917 | 665,467 |
4.46%, 02/01/2033 | AAA | 814,243 | 828,277 |
4.47%, 04/01/2028 | AAA | 284,228 | 288,280 |
4.50%, 10/01/2032 | AAA | 2,721,868 | 2,807,843 |
4.53%, 05/01/2025 | AAA | 315,046 | 316,774 |
4.56%, 10/01/2028 | AAA | 258,299 | 262,016 |
4.65%, 11/01/2023 | AAA | 486,357 | 497,287 |
4.77%, 04/01/2030-07/01/2033 | AAA | 15,786,084 | 16,323,012 |
4.83%, 02/01/2033 | AAA | 2,601,144 | 2,655,516 |
4.87%, 06/01/2033 | AAA | 5,732,735 | 5,881,410 |
4.90%, 06/01/2033 (h) | AAA | 11,159,644 | 11,567,668 |
4.99%, 03/01/2023-12/01/2023 | AAA | 1,579,812 | 1,628,804 |
5.02%, 12/01/2034 (h) | AAA | 4,910,698 | 5,051,881 |
5.11%, 12/01/2022 | AAA | 71,260 | 72,004 |
5.17%, 05/01/2033 | AAA | 2,099,628 | 2,140,380 |
5.22%, 01/01/2034 (h) | AAA | 2,535,147 | 2,612,786 |
5.36%, 04/01/2033 (h) | AAA | 15,002,029 | 15,677,121 |
5.50%, 12/01/2016 | AAA | 47,032 | 48,015 |
5.53%, 12/01/2023 | AAA | 1,219,268 | 1,234,925 |
5.55%, 09/01/2024 | AAA | 45,872 | 47,021 |
5.625%, 01/01/2017 | AAA | 146,493 | 149,983 |
5.67%, 02/01/2031 | AAA | 3,159,592 | 3,227,326 |
5.78%, 03/01/2032 | AAA | 554,695 | 575,444 |
6.00%, 05/01/2021-04/01/2033 | AAA | 5,956,449 | 6,119,796 |
6.18%, 02/01/2032 | AAA | 551,461 | 570,647 |
6.24%, 04/01/2025 | AAA | 951,798 | 975,220 |
6.25%, 04/01/2021 | AAA | 33,251 | 34,491 |
6.31%, 02/01/2008 (h) | AAA | 1,070,625 | 1,173,672 |
6.41%, 01/01/2033 | AAA | 4,429,264 | 4,598,491 |
6.46%, 06/01/2031 | AAA | 797,148 | 817,323 |
6.50%, 11/01/2032 (h) | AAA | 5,708,121 | 5,963,203 |
6.64%, 11/01/2024 | AAA | 1,161,366 | 1,184,423 |
7.00%, 07/01/2032-09/01/2032 (h) | AAA | 18,581,154 | 19,754,090 |
7.50%, 07/01/2032 (h) | AAA | 2,023,161 | 2,178,691 |
8.00%, 06/01/2030 | AAA | 1,018,213 | 1,108,769 |
GNMA: | |||
1.625%, 09/16/2027 | AAA | 8,403,459 | 8,452,323 |
1.67%, 09/16/2024 | AAA | 2,433,136 | 2,439,106 |
4.00%, 09/20/2030-10/20/2031 | AAA | 10,607,318 | 10,658,655 |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES continued | |||
GNMA continued | |||
4.25%, 02/20/2029 | AAA | $ 4,363,396 | $ 4,397,085 |
4.375%, 01/20/2027-03/20/2028 | AAA | 1,663,379 | 1,682,276 |
4.50%, 10/20/2030-02/20/2031 | AAA | 3,817,140 | 3,863,878 |
5.00%, 11/20/2030 | AAA | 1,404,511 | 1,428,624 |
6.50%, 06/15/2028 | AAA | 346,678 | 363,486 |
9.50%, 12/15/2009-04/15/2011 (h) | AAA | 8,037,624 | 9,209,358 |
Total Mortgage-Backed Securities | 242,747,205 | ||
U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS 0.9% | |||
FHLB, 2.04%, 08/28/2013 | AAA | 7,000,000 | 6,998,600 |
YANKEE OBLIGATIONS -- CORPORATE 4.5% | |||
CONSUMER DISCRETIONARY 0.9% | |||
Media 0.9% | |||
IMAX Corp., 7.875%, 12/01/2005 | CCC+ | 2,400,000 | 2,436,000 |
Vivendi Universal SA, 9.25%, 04/15/2010 144A | BB | 4,000,000 | 4,670,000 |
7,106,000 | |||
CONSUMER STAPLES 0.1% | |||
Food Products 0.1% | |||
Nestle Holdings UK plc, 5.00%, 12/08/2003 | AAA | 737,000 | 739,837 |
ENERGY 0.7% | |||
Oil & Gas 0.7% | |||
Chesapeake Energy Corp., 9.00%, 08/15/2012 | BB- | 4,000,000 | 4,580,000 |
Shell Finance UK plc, 5.00%, 11/19/2003 | Aaa | 1,220,000 | 1,222,013 |
5,802,013 | |||
FINANCIALS 0.9% | |||
Capital Markets 0.1% | |||
LB Baden Wurttemberg Capital Markets, 5.25%, 01/12/2004 | AAA | 915,000 | 921,908 |
Commercial Banks 0.4% | |||
Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten: | |||
6.50%, 11/18/2003 | AAA | 198,000 | 198,465 |
7.125%, 01/27/2004 | AAA | 415,000 | 420,603 |
Caisse Amort Dette Sociale, 5.125%, 01/22/2004 | AAA | 325,000 | 327,730 |
Dexia Municipal Agency, 5.50%, 01/23/2004 | AAA | 497,000 | 501,647 |
DSL Bank, 5.125%, 01/20/2004 | Aaa | 689,000 | 694,615 |
Rabobank Nederland, 7.125%, 12/15/2003 | AAA | 960,000 | 966,480 |
3,109,540 | |||
Diversified Financial Services 0.1% | |||
Dresdner Finance BV, 5.50%, 01/22/2004 | A | 1,192,000 | 1,202,490 |
Insurance 0.3% | |||
SunAmerica Institutional Funding: | |||
5.375%, 11/17/2003 | AAA | 360,000 | 360,558 |
5.375%, 12/07/2009 | AAA | 1,000,000 | 1,689,421 |
2,049,979 | |||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Credit Rating (v) |
Principal Amount |
Value | |
|
|||
YANKEE OBLIGATIONS -- CORPORATE continued | |||
INDUSTRIALS 0.8% | |||
Containers & Packaging 0.8% | |||
Crown European Holdings SA, 10.875%, 03/01/2013 (p) | B | $ 6,000,000 | $ 6,870,000 |
MATERIALS 0.7% | |||
Paper & Forest Products 0.7% | |||
Ainsworth Lumber, Ltd., 12.50%, 07/15/2007 | B- | 2,000,000 | 2,305,000 |
Tembec Industries, Inc., 8.50%, 02/01/2011 | BB | 4,020,000 | 3,899,400 |
6,204,400 | |||
TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES 0.4% | |||
Diversified Telecommunication Services 0.4% | |||
British Telecom plc, 2.435%, 12/15/2003 | A- | 3,000,000 | 3,003,624 |
Total Yankee Obligations -- Corporate | 37,009,791 | ||
YANKEE OBLIGATIONS -- GOVERNMENT 0.2% | |||
Belgium, 5.50%, 11/05/2003 | AA+ | 1,130,000 | 1,130,226 |
Italy, 5.00%, 11/20/2003 | AA | 639,000 | 640,086 |
Total Yankee Obligations -- Government | 1,770,312 | ||
|
|||
Shares | Value | ||
|
|||
SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS 5.7% | |||
MUTUAL FUND SHARES 5.7% | |||
Evergreen Institutional Money Market Fund (o) | 12,405,731 | 12,405,731 | |
Navigator Prime Portfolio (pp) | 34,342,810 | 34,342,810 | |
Total Short-Term Investments | 46,748,541 | ||
Total Investments (cost $1,215,134,088) 151.1% | 1,231,568,947 | ||
Other Assets and Liabilities (51.1%) | (416,621,334) | ||
Net Assets 100.0% | $ 814,947,613 |
(v) | Credit ratings are unaudited and rated by Moody's Investors Service where Standard and Poor's ratings are not available. | |
(o) | Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC is the investment advisor to both the Fund and the money market fund. | |
144A | Security that may be sold to qualified institutional buyers under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This security has been determined to be liquid under guidelines established by the Board of Trustees. | |
† | Security initially issued in zero coupon form which converts to coupon form at a specified rate and date. An effective interest rate is applied to recognize interest income daily for the bond. This rate is based on total expected interest to be earned over the life of the bond which consists of the aggregate coupon-interest payments and discount at acquisition. The rate shown is the rate at the current period end. | |
(h) | Valued at fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by the Board of Trustees. | |
(p) | All or a portion of this security is on loan. | |
(pp) | Represents investment of cash collateral received from securities on loan. | |
# | When-issued security | |
## | All or a portion of this security has been segregated for when-issued securities. | |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Summary of Abbreviations | |
AUD | Australian Dollar |
CAD | Canadian Dollar |
DKK | Danish Kroner |
EUR | Euro |
FHLB | Federal Home Loan Bank |
FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. |
FNMA | Federal National Mortgage Association |
GBP | Pound Sterling |
GNMA | Government National Mortgage Association |
HUF | Hungarian Franc |
NZD | New Zealand Dollar |
PLN | Polish Zloty |
REIT | Real Estate Investment Trust |
SEK | Swedish Krona |
The following table shows the percent of total investments by geographic location as of October 31, 2003: | ||
United States | 78.5% | |
United Kingdom | 3.1% | |
France | 3.1% | |
Netherlands | 2.3% | |
Canada | 1.9% | |
Australia | 1.9% | |
Denmark | 1.8% | |
Sweden | 1.2% | |
Cayman Island | 1.1% | |
Luxembourg | 1.1% | |
New Zealand | 0.9% | |
Hungary | 0.7% | |
Germany | 0.7% | |
Italy | 0.5% | |
Poland | 0.3% | |
Netherland Antilles | 0.3% | |
South Africa | 0.2% | |
Portugal | 0.2% | |
Ireland | 0.1% | |
Belgium | 0.1% | |
100.0% | ||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Assets | ||
Identified cost of securities | $ 1,215,134,088 | |
Net unrealized gains on securities | 16,434,859 | |
Market value of securities | 1,231,568,947 | |
Foreign currency, at value (cost $3,514,071) | 3,488,863 | |
Principal paydown receivable | 591,683 | |
Interest receivable | 23,434,454 | |
Receivable for closed forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 1,588,166 | |
Unrealized gains on forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 723,540 | |
Receivable for securities lending income | 318 | |
Total assets | 1,261,395,971 | |
Liabilities | ||
Dividends payable | 5,502,476 | |
Payable for securities purchased | 4,213,000 | |
Payable for securities on loan | 34,342,810 | |
Payable for closed forward foreign currency exchange contracts | 1,286,748 | |
Payable for offering costs | 673,433 | |
Advisory fee payable | 55,021 | |
Due to related parties | 5,002 | |
Accrued expenses and other liabilities | 271,836 | |
Total liabilities | 46,350,326 | |
Preferred shares at redemption value | ||
$25,000 liquidation value per share applicable to 16,000 shares, including dividends payable of $98,032 |
400,098,032 | |
Net assets applicable to common shareholders | $ 814,947,613 | |
Net assets applicable to common shareholders represented by | ||
Paid-in capital | $ 797,140,640 | |
Undistributed net investment income | 2,581,691 | |
Accumulated net realized losses on securities and foreign currency related transactions | (2,043,037) | |
Net unrealized gains on securities and foreign currency related transactions | 17,268,319 | |
Net assets applicable to common shareholders | $ 814,947,613 | |
Net asset value per share applicable to common shareholders | ||
($814,947,613 divided by 42,055,000 common shares issued and outstanding) | $ 19.38 | |
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Investment income | ||
Interest (net of foreign withholding taxes of $48,048) | $ 17,800,359 | |
Expenses | ||
Advisory fee | 1,931,832 | |
Administrative services fee | 175,621 | |
Transfer agent fees | 27,700 | |
Trustees' fees and expenses | 31,667 | |
Printing and postage expenses | 80,001 | |
Custodian fees | 121,906 | |
Professional fees | 52,680 | |
Auction agent fees | 203,363 | |
Other | 30,500 | |
Total expenses | 2,655,270 | |
Less: Expense reductions | (2,133) | |
Net expenses | 2,653,137 | |
Net investment income | 15,147,222 | |
Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on securities and foreign currency related transactions |
||
Net realized gains or losses on: | ||
Securities | 4,629,379 | |
Foreign currency related transactions | (1,893,969) | |
Net realized gains on securities and foreign currency related transactions | 2,735,410 | |
Net change in unrealized gains or losses on securities and foreign currency related transactions |
17,268,319 | |
Net realized and unrealized gains or losses on securities and foreign currency related transactions |
20,003,729 | |
Dividends to preferred shareholders from net investment income | (836,549) | |
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations | $ 34,314,402 | |
(a) For the period from June 25, 2003 (commencement of operations), to October 31, 2003. | ||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Operations | ||
Net investment income | $ 15,147,222 | |
Net realized gains on securities and foreign currency related transactions | 2,735,410 | |
Net change in unrealized gains or losses on securities and foreign currency related transactions |
17,268,319 | |
Dividends to preferred shareholders from net investment income | (836,549) | |
Net increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders resulting from operations | 34,314,402 | |
Distributions to common shareholders from net investment income | (16,507,429) | |
Capital share transactions | ||
Net proceeds from the issuance of common shares | 744,900,000 | |
Net proceeds from underwriters' over-allotment option exercised | 58,133,000 | |
Common share offering expenses charged to paid-in capital | (1,560,000) | |
Preferred share offering expenses charged to paid-in capital | (4,432,360) | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from capital share transactions | 797,040,640 | |
Total increase in net assets applicable to common shareholders | 814,847,613 | |
Net assets applicable to common shareholders | ||
Beginning of period | 100,000 | |
End of period | $ 814,947,613 | |
Undistributed net investment income | $ 2,581,691 | |
(a) For the period from June 25, 2003 (commencement of operations), to October 31, 2003. | ||
See Notes to Financial Statements |
Cost of Purchases | Proceeds from Sales | ||
U.S. | Non-U.S. | U.S. | Non-U.S. |
Government | Government | Government | Government |
$ 335,143,411 | $ 928,577,328 | $ 3,047,858 | $ 58,014,224 |
Exchange | U.S. Value at | In Exchange | Unrealized | |
Date | Contracts to Receive | October 31, 2003 | for U.S. $ | Gain |
12/22/2003 | 3,379,000,000 JPY | $ 30,740,794 | $ 30,017,254 | $ 723,540 |
Undistributed | ||
Ordinary | Unrealized | Capital Loss |
Income | Appreciation | Carryover |
$ 3,305,231 | $ 15,156,979 | $ 655,237 |
Boston, Massachusetts
TRUSTEES1 | |
Charles A. Austin III Trustee DOB: 10/23/1934 Term of office since: 1991 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: Investment Counselor, Anchor Capital Advisors, Inc. (investment advice); Director, The Andover Companies (insurance); Trustee, Arthritis Foundation of New England; Director, The Francis Ouimet Society; Former Investment Counselor, Appleton Partners, Inc. (investment advice); Former Director, Executive Vice President and Treasurer, State Street Research & Management Company (investment advice); Former Director, Health Development Corp. (fitness-wellness centers); Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
| |
K. Dun Gifford Trustee DOB: 10/23/1938 Term of office since: 1974 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: Chairman and President, Oldways Preservation and Exchange Trust (education); Trustee, Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Cambridge College; Former Managing Partner, Roscommon Capital Corp.; Former Chairman of the Board, Director, and Executive Vice President, The London Harness Company (leather goods purveyor); Former Chairman, Gifford, Drescher & Associates (environmental consulting); Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
| |
Leroy Keith, Jr. Trustee DOB: 2/14/1939 Term of office since: 1983 Other directorships: Trustee, Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund, and The Phoenix Big Edge Series Fund |
Principal occupations: Partner, Stonington Partners, Inc. (private investment firm); Trustee of Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund, and The Phoenix Big Edge Series Fund; Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, Carson Products Company (manufacturing); Former Director of Phoenix Total Return Fund and Equifax, Inc. (worldwide information management); Former President, Morehouse College; Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
| |
Gerald M. McDonnell Trustee DOB: 7/14/1939 Term of office since: 1988 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: Sales Manager, SMI STEEL Co. -- South Carolina (steel producer); Former Sales and Marketing Management, Nucor Steel Company; Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
| |
William Walt Pettit Trustee DOB: 8/26/1955 Term of office since: 1984 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: Partner and Vice President, Kellam & Pettit, P.A. (law firm); Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
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David M. Richardson Trustee DOB: 9/19/1941 Term of office since: 1982 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: President, Richardson, Runden & Company (recruitment business development/consulting company); Managing Director, Kennedy Information, Inc. (executive recruitment information and research company); Trustee, NDI Technologies, LLP (communications); Director, J&M Cumming Paper Co. (paper merchandising); Columnist, Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey; Former Vice Chairman, DHR International, Inc. (executive recruitment); Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
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Russell A. Salton III, MD Trustee DOB: 6/2/1947 Term of office since: 1984 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: President/CEO, AccessOne MedCard; Former Medical Director, Healthcare Resource Associates, Inc.; Former Medical Director, U.S. Health Care/Aetna Health Services; Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
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Michael S. Scofield Trustee DOB: 2/20/1943 Term of office since: 1984 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: Attorney, Law Offices of Michael S. Scofield; Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
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Richard J. Shima Trustee DOB: 8/11/1939 Term of office since: 1993 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: Independent Consultant; Director, Trust Company of CT; Trustee, Saint Joseph College (CT); Director of Hartford Hospital, Old State House Association; Trustee, Greater Hartford YMCA; Former Director of Enhance Financial Services, Inc.; Former Director of CTG Resources, Inc. (natural gas); Former Director, Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company; Former Director, Mentor Income Fund, Inc.; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
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Richard K. Wagoner, CFA2 Trustee DOB: 12/12/1937 Term of office since: 1999 Other directorships: None |
Principal occupations: Member and Former President, North Carolina Securities Traders Association; Member, Financial Analysts Society; Former Chief Investment Officer, Executive Vice President and Head of Capital Management Group, First Union National Bank; Former Consultant to the Boards of Trustees of the Evergreen funds; Former Member, New York Stock Exchange; Former Trustee, Mentor Funds and Cash Resource Trust. |
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OFFICERS | |
Dennis H. Ferro3 President DOB: 6/20/1945 Term of office since: 2003 |
President and Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen Investment Company, Inc.; President and Chief Investment Officer, Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC and Executive Vice President, Wachovia Bank, N.A. |
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Carol Kosel4 Treasurer DOB: 12/25/1963 Term of office since: 1999 |
Senior Vice President, Evergreen Investment Services, Inc. and Treasurer, Vestaur Securities, Inc. |
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Michael H. Koonce4 Secretary DOB: 4/20/1960 Term of office since: 2000 |
Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Evergreen Investment Services, Inc.; Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel, Wachovia Corporation; Former Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Colonial Management Associates, Inc.; Former Vice President and Counsel, Colonial Management Associates, Inc. |
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1 The Board of Trustees is classified into three classes of which one class is elected annually. Each Trustee serves a three year term concurrent with the class from which the Trustee is elected. The address of each Trustee is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. Each Trustee oversees 101 Evergreen funds. 2 Mr. Wagoner is an "interested person" of the Fund because of his ownership of shares in Wachovia Corporation, the parent to the Fund's investment advisor. 3 The address of the Officer is 401 S. Tryon Street, 20th Floor, Charlotte, NC 28288. 4 The address of the Officer is 200 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116. Additional information about the Fund's Board of Trustees and Officers can be found in the Statement of Additional Information (SAI) and is available upon request without charge by calling 800.343.2898. |
Investments that stand the test of time
Year in and year out, Evergreen Investments seeks to provide each client with sound, time-tested investment strategies designed for sustainable long-term success. With over $240 billion* in assets under management, we manage diverse investments from institutional portfolios to mutual funds, variable annuities to retirement plans, alternative investments to private accounts. Our commitment to every one of our clients is reflected in the rigor and discipline with which we manage investments. We offer a complete family of mutual funds designed to help investors meet a wide range of financial goals. From money market funds that meet short-term needs to international funds that involve greater risk but seek potentially higher returns, Evergreen provides a broad array of flexible investment options. Across all investment styles, we are committed to providing investors with investment excellence day after day, quarter after quarter and year after year. *As of October 31, 2003 Visit us online at EvergreenInvestments.com Transfer Agent, Registrar, Shareholder Servicing Agent & Dividend Disbursing Agent EquiServe Trust Company, N.A. P.O. Box 43010 Providence, RI 02940-3010 800.730.6001 Common Stock listed on American Stock Exchange, Symbol ERC. 568263 12/2003 |
Evergreen Investments 200 Berkeley Street Boston, MA 02116-5034 |
Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures
Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC June 16, 2003
Statement of Principles
Evergreen Investment Management Company, LLC (EIMCO) recognizes it has a fiduciary duty to vote proxies on behalf of clients who have delegated such responsibility to EIMCO, and that in all cases proxies should be voted in a manner reasonably believed to be in the clients' best interest.
Corporate Governance Committee
EIMCO has established a corporate governance committee (Committee), which is a sub-committee of EIMCO's Investment Policy Committee. The Committee is responsible for approving EIMCO's proxy voting policies and procedures, for overseeing the proxy voting process, and for reviewing proxy voting on a regular basis. The Committee will meet quarterly to review reports of all proxies voted for the prior period and to conduct other business as required.
Conflicts of Interest
EIMCO recognizes that under certain circumstances it may have a conflict of interest in voting proxies on behalf of its clients. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, situations where EIMCO or one or more of its affiliates has a client or customer relationship with the issuer of the security that is the subject of the proxy vote.
In most cases, structural and informational barriers within EIMCO and Wachovia Corporation will prevent EIMCO from becoming aware of the relationship giving rise to the potential conflict of interest. In such circumstances, EIMCO will vote the proxy according to its standard guidelines and procedures described above.
If persons involved in proxy voting on behalf of EIMCO becomes aware of a potential conflict of interest, the Committee shall consult with EIMCO's Legal Department and consider whether to implement special procedures with respect to the voting of that proxy, including whether an independent third party should be retained to vote the proxy.
Share Blocking
EIMCO does not vote global proxies, with share blocking restrictions, requiring shares to be prohibited from sale.
Proxy Voting Guideline Summary
I. The Board of Directors
II. Proxy Contests
III. Auditors
IV. Proxy Contest Defenses
V. Tender Offer Defenses
VI. Miscellaneous Governance Provisions
VII. Capital Structure
VIII. Executive and Director Compensation
IX. State of Incorporation
X. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
XI. Mutual Fund Proxies
XII. Social and Environmental Issues
I. The Board of Directors
Voting on Director Nominees in Uncontested Elections
Votes on director nominees should be made on a case-by-case basis, examining the following factors: composition of the board and key board committees, attendance at board meetings, corporate governance provisions and takeover activity, long-term company performance relative to a market index, directors' investment in the company, whether the chairman is also serving as CEO, and whether a retired CEO sits on the board. However, there are some actions by directors that should result in votes being withheld. These instances include directors who:
In addition, directors who enacted egregious corporate governance policies or failed to replace management as appropriate would be subject to recommendations to withhold votes.
Separating Chairman and CEO
Vote on a case-by-case basis on shareholder proposals requiring that the positions of chairman and CEO be held separately.
Proposals Seeking a Majority of Independent Directors
Shareholder proposals asking that a majority of directors be independent should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Vote for shareholder proposals asking that board audit, compensation, and/or nominating committees be composed exclusively of independent directors.
Stock Ownership Requirements
Vote against shareholder proposals requiring directors to own a minimum amount of company stock in order to qualify as a director or to remain on the board.
Term of Office
Vote against shareholder proposals to limit the tenure of outside directors.
Age Limits
Vote against shareholder proposals to impose a mandatory retirement age for outside directors.
Director and Officer Indemnification and Liability Protection
Proposals on director and officer indemnification and liability protection should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, using Delaware law as the standard. Vote against proposals to eliminate entirely directors' and officers' liability for monetary damages for violating the duty of care. Vote against indemnification proposals that would expand coverage beyond just legal expenses to acts, such as negligence, that are more serious violations of fiduciary obligation than mere carelessness. Vote for only those proposals providing such expanded coverage in cases when a director's or officer's legal defense was unsuccessful if: (1) the director was found to have acted in good faith and in a manner that he reasonably believed was in the best interests of the company, and (2) only if the director's legal expenses would be covered.
Charitable Contributions
Vote against proposals regarding charitable contributions.
II. Proxy Contests
Voting for Director Nominees in Contested Elections
Votes in a contested election of directors must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: long-term financial performance of the target company relative to its industry; management's track record; background to the proxy contest; qualifications of director nominees (both slates); evaluation of what each side is offering shareholders as well as the likelihood that the proposed objectives and goals can be met; and stock ownership positions.
Reimburse Proxy Solicitation Expenses
Voting to reimburse proxy solicitation expenses should be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. In cases where Evergreen recommends in favor of the dissidents, we also recommend voting for reimbursing proxy solicitation expenses.
III. Auditors
Ratifying Auditors
Vote for proposals to ratify auditors, unless: an auditor has a financial interest in or association with the company, and is therefore not independent; or there is reason to believe that the independent auditor has rendered an opinion, which is neither accurate nor indicative of the company's financial position.
IV. Proxy Contest Defenses
Board Structure: Staggered vs. Annual Elections
Vote against proposals to classify the board.
Vote for proposals to repeal classified boards and to elect all directors annually.
Shareholder Ability to Remove Directors
Vote against proposals that provide that directors may be removed only for cause.
Vote for proposals to restore shareholder ability to remove directors with or without cause.
Vote against proposals that provide that only continuing directors may elect replacements to fill board vacancies.
Vote for proposals that permit shareholders to elect directors to fill board vacancies.
Cumulative Voting
Vote against proposals to eliminate cumulative voting.
Vote proposals to restore or permit cumulative voting on a case-by-case basis relative to the company's other governance provisions.
Shareholder Ability to Call Special Meetings
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to call special meetings.
Vote for proposals that remove restrictions on the right of shareholders to act independently of management.
Shareholder Ability to Act by Written Consent
Vote against proposals to restrict or prohibit shareholder ability to take action by written consent.
Vote for proposals to allow or make easier shareholder action by written consent.
Shareholder Ability to Alter the Size of the Board
Vote for proposals that seek to fix the size of the board.
Vote against proposals that give management the ability to alter the size of the board without shareholder approval.
V. Tender Offer Defenses
Poison Pills
Vote for shareholder proposals that ask a company to submit its poison pill for shareholder ratification.
Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals to redeem a company's poison pill.
Review on a case-by-case basis management proposals to ratify a poison pill.
Fair Price Provisions
Vote proposals to adopt fair price provisions on a case-by-case basis, evaluating factors such as the vote required to approve the proposed acquisition, the vote required to repeal the fair price provision, and the mechanism for determining the fair price.
Generally, vote against fair price provisions with shareholder vote requirements greater than a majority of disinterested shares.
Greenmail
Vote for proposals to adopt antigreenmail charter of bylaw amendments or otherwise restrict a company's ability to make greenmail payments.
Review on a case-by-case basis antigreenmail proposals when they are bundled with other charter or bylaw amendments.
Pale Greenmail
Review on a case-by-case basis restructuring plans that involve the payment of pale greenmail.
Unequal Voting Rights
Vote against dual-class exchange offers.
Vote against dual-class recapitalizations.
Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Amend the Charter or Bylaws
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve charter and bylaw amendments.
Vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for charter and bylaw amendments.
Supermajority Shareholder Vote Requirement to Approve Mergers
Vote against management proposals to require a supermajority shareholder vote to approve mergers and other significant business combinations.
Vote for shareholder proposals to lower supermajority shareholder vote requirements for mergers and other significant business combinations.
White Squire Placements
Vote for shareholder proposals to require approval of blank check preferred stock Issues for other than general corporate purposes.
VI. Miscellaneous Governance Provisions
Confidential Voting
Vote for shareholder proposals that request companies to adopt confidential voting, use independent tabulators, and use independent inspectors of election as long as the proposals include clauses for proxy contests as follows: In the case of a contested election, management should be permitted to request that the dissident group honor its confidential voting policy. If the dissidents agree, the policy remains in place. If the dissidents do not agree, the confidential voting policy is waived.
Vote for management proposals to adopt confidential voting.
Equal Access
Vote for shareholder proposals that would allow significant company shareholders equal access to management's proxy material in order to evaluate and propose voting recommendations on proxy proposals and director nominees, and in order to nominate their own candidates to the board.
Bundled Proposals
Review on a case-by-case basis bundled or "conditioned" proxy proposals. In the case of items that are conditioned upon each other, examine the benefits and costs of the packaged items. In instances when the joint effect of the conditioned items is not in shareholders' best interests, vote against the proposals. If the combined effect is positive, support such proposals.
Shareholder Advisory Committees
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to establish a shareholder advisory committee.
VII. Capital Structure
Common Stock Authorization
Review proposals to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issue on a case-by-case basis.
Vote against proposals to increase the number of authorized shares of the class of stock that has superior voting rights in companies that have dual-class capitalization structures.
Stock Distributions: Splits and Dividends
Vote for management proposals to increase common share authorization for a stock split, provided that the increase in authorized shares would not result in an excessive number of shares available for issuance given a company's industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
Reverse Stock Splits
Vote for management proposals to implement a reverse stock split when the number of shares will be proportionately reduced to avoid delisting.
Review on a case-by-case basis on proposals to implement a reverse stock split that do not proportionately reduce the number of shares authorized for Issue.
Preferred Stock
Vote against proposals authorizing the creation of new classes of preferred stock with unspecified voting, conversion, dividend distribution, and other rights ("blank check" preferred stock).
Vote for proposals to create blank check preferred stock in cases when the company expressly states that the stock will not be used as a takeover defense.
Vote for proposals to authorize preferred stock in cases where the company specifies the voting, dividend, conversion, and other rights of such stock and the terms of the preferred stock appear reasonable.
Vote case-by-case on proposals to increase the number of blank check preferred shares after analyzing the number of preferred shares available for Issue given a company's industry and performance in terms of shareholder returns.
Shareholder Proposals Regarding Blank Check Preferred Stock
Vote for shareholder proposals to have blank check preferred stock placements, other than those shares issued for the purpose of raising capital or making acquisitions in the normal course of business, submitted for shareholder ratification.
Adjustments to Par Value of Common Stock
Vote for management proposals to reduce the par value of common stock.
Preemptive Rights
Review on a case-by-case basis shareholder proposals that seek preemptive rights. In evaluating proposals on preemptive rights, consider the size of a company and the characteristics of its shareholder base.
Debt Restructurings
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to increase common and/or preferred shares and to Issue shares as part of a debt restructuring plan. Consider the following Issues: Dilution How much will ownership interest of existing shareholders be reduced, and how extreme will dilution to any future earnings be? Change in Control Will the transaction result in a change in control of the company? Bankruptcy Generally, approve proposals that facilitate debt restructurings unless there are clear signs of self-dealing or other abuses.
Share Repurchase Programs
Vote for management proposals to institute open-market share repurchase plans in which all shareholders may participate on equal terms.
Tracking Stock
Votes on the creation of tracking stock are determined on a case-by-case basis, weighing the strategic value of the transaction against such factors as:
VIII. Executive and Director Compensation
Votes with respect to compensation plans should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Our new methodology for reviewing compensation plans primarily focuses on the transfer of shareholder wealth (the dollar cost of pay plans to shareholders instead of simply focusing on voting power dilution). Using the expanded compensation data disclosed under the SEC's new rules, Evergreen will value every award type. Evergreen will include in its analyses an estimated dollar cost for the proposed plan and all continuing plans. This cost, dilution to shareholders' equity, will also be expressed as a percentage figure for the transfer of shareholder wealth, and will be considered along with dilution to voting power. Once Evergreen determines the estimated cost of the plan, we compare it to a company-specific dilution cap.
Our model determines a company-specific allowable pool of shareholder wealth that may be transferred from the company to executives, adjusted for (1) long-term corporate performance (on an absolute basis and relative to a standard industry peer group and an appropriate market index), (2) cash compensation, and (3) categorization of the company as emerging, growth, or mature. These adjustments are pegged to market capitalization. Evergreen will continue to examine other features of proposed pay plans such as administration, payment terms, plan duration, and whether the administering committee is permitted to reprice underwater stock options without shareholder approval.
Management Proposals Seeking Approval to Reprice Options
Vote on management proposals seeking approval to reprice options on a case-by-case basis.
Director Compensation
Votes on stock-based plans for directors are made on a case-by-case basis.
Employee Stock Purchase Plans
Votes on employee stock purchase plans should be made on a case-by-case basis.
OBRA-Related Compensation Proposals:
Shareholder Proposals to Limit Executive and Director Pay
Generally, vote for shareholder proposals that seek additional disclosure of executive and director pay information.
Review on a case-by-case basis all other shareholder proposals that seek to limit executive and director pay.
Golden and Tin Parachutes
Vote for shareholder proposals to have golden and tin parachutes submitted for shareholder ratification.
Review on a case-by-case basis all proposals to ratify or cancel golden or tin parachutes.
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
Vote for proposals that request shareholder approval in order to implement an ESOP or to increase authorized shares for existing ESOPs, except in cases when the number of shares allocated to the ESOP is "excessive" (i.e., generally greater than five percent of outstanding shares).
401(k) Employee Benefit Plans
Vote for proposals to implement a 401(k) savings plan for employees.
IX. State of Incorporation
Voting on State Takeover Statutes
Review on a case-by-case basis proposals to opt in or out of state takeover statutes (including control share acquisition statutes, control share cash-out statutes, freezeout provisions, fair price provisions, stakeholder laws, poison pill endorsements, severance pay and labor contract provisions, antigreenmail provisions, and disgorgement provisions).
Voting on Reincorporation Proposals
Proposals to change a company's state of incorporation should be examined on a case-by-case basis.
X. Mergers and Corporate Restructurings
Mergers and Acquisitions
Votes on mergers and acquisitions should be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account at least the following: anticipated financial and operating benefits; offer price (cost vs. premium); prospects of the combined companies; how the deal was negotiated; and changes in corporate governance and their impact on shareholder rights.
Corporate Restructuring
Votes on corporate restructuring proposals, including minority squeezeouts, leveraged buyouts, spinoffs, liquidations, and asset sales should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Spinoffs
Votes on spinoffs should be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the tax and regulatory advantages, planned use of sale proceeds, market focus, and managerial incentives.
Asset Sales
Votes on asset sales should be made on a case-by-case basis after considering the impact on the balance sheet/working capital, value received for the asset, and potential elimination of diseconomies.
Liquidations
Votes on liquidations should be made on a case-by-case basis after reviewing management's efforts to pursue other alternatives, appraisal value of assets, and the compensation plan for executives managing the liquidation.
Appraisal Rights
Vote for proposals to restore, or provide shareholders with, rights of appraisal.
Changing Corporate Name
Vote for changing the corporate name.
XI. Mutual Fund Proxies
Election of Directors
Vote the election of directors on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: board structure; director independence and qualifications; and compensation of directors within the fund and the family of funds attendance at board and committee meetings.
Votes should be withheld from directors who:
Converting Closed-end Fund to Open-end Fund
Vote conversion proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: past performance as a closed-end fund; market in which the fund invests; measures taken by the board to address the discount; and past shareholder activism, board activity, and votes on related proposals.
Proxy Contests
Vote proxy contests on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: past performance; market in which fund invests; and measures taken by the board to address the Issues past shareholder activism, board activity, and votes on related proposals.
Investment Advisory Agreements
Vote the investment advisory agreements on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: proposed and current fee schedules; fund category/investment objective; performance benchmarks; share price performance as compared with peers; and the magnitude of any fee increase.
Approving New Classes or Series of Shares
Vote for the establishment of new classes or series of shares.
Preferred Stock Proposals
Vote the authorization for or increase in preferred shares on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: stated specific financing purpose and other reasons management gives possible dilution for common shares.
1940 Act Policies
Vote these proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: potential competitiveness; regulatory developments; current and potential returns; and current and potential risk.
Changing a Fundamental Restriction to a Nonfundamental Restriction
Vote these proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: fund's target investments; reasons given by fund for change; and the projected impact of change on portfolio.
Change Fundamental Investment Objective to Nonfundamental
Vote against proposals to change a fund's fundamental investment objective to nonfundamental.
Name Rule Proposals
Vote these proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: political/economic changes in target market; bundling with quorum requirements; bundling with asset allocation changes; and consolidation in the fund's target market.
Disposition of Assets/Termination/Liquidation
Vote this proposal on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: strategies employed to salvage the company; company's past performance; and terms of the liquidation.
Changes to the Charter Document
Vote changes to the charter document on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: degree of change implied by the proposal; efficiencies that could result; state of incorporation; and regulatory standards and implications.
Changing the Domicile of a Fund
Vote reincorporations on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: state regulations of both states; required fundamental policies of both states; and the increased flexibility available.
Change in Fund's Subclassification
Vote these proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: potential competitiveness; current and potential returns; risk of concentration; and consolidation in the target industry.
Authorizing the Board to Hire and Terminate Subadvisors Without Shareholder Approval
Vote against these proposals.
Distribution Agreements
Vote these proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: fees charged to comparably sized funds with similar objectives; proposed distributor's reputation and past performance; and competitiveness of fund in industry.
Master-Feeder Structure
Vote for the establishment of a master-feeder structure.
Changes to the Charter Document
Vote changes to the charter document on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: degree of change implied by the proposal; efficiencies that could result; state of incorporation; and regulatory standards and implications.
Mergers
Vote merger proposals on a case-by-case basis, considering the following factors: resulting fee structure; performance of both funds; and continuity of management personnel.
Shareholder Proposals
XII. Social and Environmental Issues
Energy and Environment
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals that request companies to file the CERES Principles.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information, particularly when it appears companies have not adequately addressed shareholders' environmental concerns.
South Africa
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals pertaining to South Africa.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information such as the amount of business that could be lost by conducting business in South Africa.
Northern Ireland
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals pertaining to the MacBride Principles.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information about progress being made toward eliminating employment discrimination, particularly when it appears companies have not adequately addressed shareholder concerns.
Military Business
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on defense Issue proposals.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information on military related operations, particularly when the company has been unresponsive to shareholder requests.
Maquiladora Standards and International Operations Policies
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals relating to the Maquiladora Standards and international operating policies.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports on these Issues, particularly when it appears companies have not adequately addressed shareholder concerns.
World Debt Crisis
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals dealing with third world debt.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports on these Issues, particularly when it appears companies have not adequately addressed shareholder concerns.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Discrimination
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals regarding equal employment opportunities and discrimination.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information about affirmative action efforts, particularly when it appears companies have been unresponsive to shareholder requests.
Animal Rights
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals that deal with animal rights.
Product Integrity and Marketing
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals that ask companies to end their production of legal, but socially questionable, products.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding product integrity and marketing Issues, particularly when it appears companies have been unresponsive to shareholder requests.
Human Resources Issues
In most cases, Evergreen refrains from providing a vote recommendation on proposals regarding human resources Issues.
Generally, vote for disclosure reports that seek additional information regarding human resources Issues, particularly when it appears companies have been unresponsive to shareholder requests.