To pursue its goal, the Fund invests mainly in common stocks of foreign companies, including companies in developed and emerging markets. The Fund defines a foreign company as one that is organized outside of the United States and conducts the majority of its business abroad. Under normal circumstances, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks of small-capitalization companies, which it defines as those with a total market capitalization of no more than $5 billion at the time of purchase.

In picking stocks, the Portfolio Manager looks for what he believes to be well-managed and profitable companies that show growth potential and whose stock prices are undervalued. Factors in identifying these firms may include strong fundamentals, such as attractive cash flows and balance sheets, as well as prices that are attractive in light of projected returns. The Portfolio Manager also considers the outlooks for various countries and sectors around the world, examining economic, market, social, and political conditions.

The Fund seeks to reduce risk by diversifying among many companies and industries. Although the Fund has the flexibility to invest a significant portion of its assets in one country or region, it generally intends to remain well-diversified across countries and geographical regions. At times, the Portfolio Manager may emphasize certain sectors or industries that he believes offers a better risk/reward opportunity.

As part of his fundamental investment analysis the Portfolio Manager considers Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors he believes are financially material to individual investments, where applicable, as described below. While this analysis is inherently subjective and may be informed by both internally generated and third-party metrics, data and other information, the Portfolio Manager believes that the consideration of financially material ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics, may enhance the Fund’s overall investment process. The consideration of ESG factors does not apply to certain instruments, such as certain derivative instruments, other registered investment companies, cash and cash equivalents. The consideration of ESG factors as part of the investment process does not mean that the Fund pursues a specific “impact” or “sustainable” investment strategy.

The Portfolio Manager follows a disciplined selling strategy and may sell a security when it reaches a target price, if a company’s business fails to perform as expected, or when other opportunities appear more attractive.

The Fund will not change its strategy of normally investing at least 80% of its net assets, plus the amount of borrowings for investment purposes, in small-capitalization companies, without providing shareholders at least 60 days’ notice. This test is applied at the time the Fund invests; later percentage changes caused by a change in Fund assets, market values or company circumstances will not require the Fund to dispose of a holding.