The fund normally invests at least 80% of its net assets (including any borrowings for investment purposes) in stocks. Under normal conditions, the fund will invest in at least five countries, one of which will be the U.S., and at least 30% of its net assets will be invested in securities outside the U.S., including emerging markets.

While the adviser invests with an awareness of the global economic backdrop and the adviser’s outlook for certain industries, sectors, and individual countries, the adviser’s decision-making process focuses on bottom-up stock selection. Country allocation is driven largely by stock selection, though the adviser may limit investments in markets or industries that appear to have poor overall prospects.

Security selection reflects a growth style. The adviser relies on a global team of investment analysts dedicated to in-depth fundamental research in an effort to identify companies capable of achieving and sustaining above-average, long-term earnings growth. The adviser seeks to purchase stocks of companies at reasonable prices in relation to present or anticipated earnings, cash flow, or book value. The fund’s successful implementation of a growth-oriented strategy may lead to long-term growth of capital over time.

At times, the fund may have a significant portion of its assets invested in the same economic sector.

In selecting investments, the adviser generally favors companies with one or more of the following characteristics:

·leading or improving market position;

·attractive business niche;

·attractive or improving franchise or industry position;

·seasoned management;

·stable or improving earnings and/or cash flow; and

·sound or improving balance sheet.