The fund normally invests in at least five countries, one of which is the U.S. Under normal conditions, at least 80% of the fund’s net assets (including any borrowings for investment purposes) will be invested in stocks. Under normal conditions, at least 40% of the fund’s net assets will be invested in stocks of companies outside the U.S. (at least 30% if foreign market conditions are not favorable). The fund seeks to be broadly diversified by investing in a variety of industries in developed and, to a lesser extent, emerging markets. While the fund has flexibility to purchase stocks of companies of any size, investments will typically focus on large- and mid-cap growth stocks.

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.

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

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. 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.