Form 485APOS STATE STREET INSTITUTION
As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 14, 2025
1933 Act File No. 333-30810
1940 Act File No. 811-09819
1940 Act File No. 811-09819
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
| UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 |
☒ |
| Post-Effective Amendment No. 314 |
☒ |
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
| UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 |
☒ |
| Amendment No. 316 |
☒ |
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(617) 664-3920
(Registrant's Telephone Number)
Andrew J. DeLorme, Esq.
Chief Legal Officer
Chief Legal Officer
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Adam M. Schlichtmann, Esq.
Ropes & Gray LLP
Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-3600
Ropes & Gray LLP
Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02199-3600
It is proposed that this filing will become effective:
| ☐ |
immediately upon filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (b) |
| ☐ |
on ____________ pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph
(b) |
| ☐ |
60 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☐ |
on _________________ pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(1) |
| ☒ |
75 days after filing pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2) |
| ☐ |
on __________ pursuant to Rule 485, paragraph (a)(2) |
If appropriate, check the following
box:
| ☐ |
This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed post-effective amendment. |
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED.
WE MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
Prospectus
_____, 2025
State Street Institutional
Investment Trust
Investment Trust
State Street Stablecoin Reserves Money Market Fund
Cash Management Class (_____) Capital Class (_____)
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
An investment in the Fund offered by this Prospectus is not a bank deposit and is not
insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
None of State Street Corporation, State Street Bank and Trust Company, State Street
Global Advisors, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. or their affiliates (“State Street Entities”) guarantee the value
of your investment at $1.00 per share or any other target share price. Investors should have no expectation of capital support to the Fund from State Street
Entities.
State Street Stablecoin Reserves Money Market Fund
Investment Objective
The investment objective of State Street Stablecoin Reserves Money Market Fund (the “Stablecoin Fund” or sometimes referred to in context as the “Fund”) is to seek a high level of
current income consistent with preserving principal and liquidity and the maintenance of a stable $1.00 per share net asset value (“NAV”).
Fees and Expenses of the Fund
The table below describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund (“Fund Shares”). You may pay other
fees, such as brokerage commissions and other fees to financial intermediaries, which are not reflected in the table and Example below.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
| |
Cash
Management |
Capital |
| Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) |
None |
None |
| Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load) (as a percentage of the lower of the sale proceeds or the
original offering price) |
None |
None |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
| |
Cash
Management |
Capital |
| Management Fee |
[ ]% |
[ ]% |
| Distribution and/or Shareholder Service (12b-1) Fees |
None |
None |
| Other Expenses |
[ ]% |
[ ]% |
| Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses |
[ ]% |
[ ]% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses |
[ ]% |
[ ]% |
| Less Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements |
[ ]% |
[ ]% |
| Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers and/or Expense Reimbursements |
[ ]% |
[ ]% |
Example:
This Example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing
in the Fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods indicated, and
then sell or hold all of your Fund Shares at the end of those periods. The Example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the Fund's operating expenses remain the same. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:
| |
1 year |
3 years |
| Cash Management |
[] |
[] |
| Capital |
[] |
[] |
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund, which is advised by SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” or the
“Advisor”), invests in assets in which payment stablecoin issuers are permitted to invest in under a U.S. law
enacted in July 2025 designed to establish a framework of these issuers and any regulation adopted thereunder (the “GENIUS Act”) (“eligible investments”). These eligible
investments include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds (“U.S. Treasury Obligations”) with a remaining maturity of 93 days or less or issued with a maturity of 93 days or less, as well as repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury Obligations. The Fund may invest in any other assets that qualify as eligible investments under the GENIUS Act (and any regulations thereunder) and that are permitted under Rule 2a-7 for a government money market fund. The Fund does not invest in stablecoins. The Fund may hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, to satisfy redemption requests or to meet the Fund's other cash management needs.
1
The Fund
invests in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to money market funds, which require, among other things, the Fund to maintain a maximum
dollar-weighted average maturity and dollar-weighted average life of sixty (60) days or less and 120 days or less, respectively, and to meet requirements as to
portfolio diversification and liquidity.
The Fund is a “government money market fund,” so it will invest at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, government securities, and/or repurchase agreements that are collateralized fully. Government money market funds are exempt from requirements that permit and, under certain circumstances, require money market funds to impose a
“liquidity
fee” on redemptions. As a
“government money market
fund,” the Fund values its securities using the amortized cost method. The Fund will seek to maintain a stable value of $1.00
per share, however it cannot guarantee it will do so.
Principal Risks
The Fund is subject to the following risks. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. Although the Fund seeks to preserve the value of your investment at $1.00 per share, it cannot
guarantee it will do so. An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal, is not a deposit in a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(“FDIC”) or any other government agency. The Fund's sponsor is not required to reimburse the Fund for losses, and you should not expect that the
sponsor will provide financial support to the Fund at any time, including during periods of market stress. Certain risks relating to instruments and strategies used in the management of the Fund are placed
first. The significance of any specific risk to an investment in the Fund will vary over time, depending on the composition of the Fund's portfolio, market
conditions, and other factors. You should read all of the risk information presented below carefully, because any one or more of these risks may result in losses to the Fund.
Money Market Fund Risk: An investment in a money market fund is
not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Although a money market fund generally seeks to
preserve the value of its shares at $1.00 per share, there can be no assurance that it will do so, and it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund. A major or unexpected change in interest rates or a decline in the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading market for money market instruments, or adverse market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause a money market fund's share price to fall below $1.00.
Debt
Securities Risk: The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments, or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. High levels of inflation and/or a significantly changing interest rate environment can lead to heightened levels of volatility and reduced liquidity.
U.S. Treasury Obligations
Risk: U.S. Treasury obligations may differ from other fixed income securities in their
interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Similar to other issuers, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of the Fund's U.S. Treasury obligations to decline.
Repurchase Agreement Risk: Repurchase agreements may be viewed as
loans made by the Fund, which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. If the Fund's counterparty should default on its obligations and
the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss.
2
Counterparty Risk: The Fund will be subject to credit risk with
respect to the counterparties with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements and other transactions. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual
obligations, the Fund may be unable to terminate the transaction, and it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on any collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty.
Large
Transactions Risk: To the extent a large proportion of the shares of the Fund are held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Fund is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Portfolio interests in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. These transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to conduct its investment program.
Market
Risk: The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors, including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in the actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers, and general market liquidity. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments.
Interest
Rate Risk: Interest rate risk is the risk that debt securities will decline in value because of increases in interest rates. The value of a security with a longer duration will be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than a similar security with a shorter duration. Interest-only and principal-only securities are especially sensitive to interest rate changes, which can affect not only their prices but can also change the income flows and repayment assumptions about those investments.
Rapid Changes in Interest Rates Risk: Rapid changes in interest
rates may cause significant requests to redeem Fund Shares, and possibly cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests.
Stablecoin
Issuer Reserves Risk: Fund Shares are expected to be held primarily by one or more stablecoin issuers as all or a portion of the reserve assets that back the stablecoins issued to their customers. Although the Fund does not invest in stablecoins or stablecoin issuers, the assets of the Fund are expected to fluctuate depending on the creation (minting) of additional stablecoins or the redemption (burning) of outstanding stablecoins. Stablecoins are relatively new and stablecoins or other digital assets that stablecoins may be used to purchase or sell may face periods of uncertainty and volatility that result in the potential for rapid or unexpected requests by one or more stablecoin issuers to redeem or purchase Fund Shares. Because the Fund intends to invest only in eligible investments, the Fund's yield may be lower than other money market funds that are permitted to invest in a wider universe of investments.
Stable Share Price Risk: If the market value of one or more of
the Fund's investments changes substantially, the Fund may not be able to maintain a stable share price of $1.00. This risk typically is higher during periods
of rapidly changing interest rates or when issuer credit quality generally is falling, and is made worse when the Fund experiences significant redemption requests.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities Risk: During periods of
increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates of variable or floating rate securities may lag behind the changes in market rates or may have limits on
the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield.
Focused
Investment Risk: To the extent the Fund invests a large percentage of its assets in securities within the same country, state, region, or economic sector its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns than if the Fund's investments were less focused.
3
Fund
Performance
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus. Once the Fund has completed a full calendar year of operations, a bar chart and table will be included that will provide some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing the variability of the Fund's returns based on net assets and comparing the Fund's performance to an index. When available, updated performance information may be obtained by calling 1-866-787-2257 or visiting the Fund's website: www.statestreet.com/im.
Investment Adviser
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund.
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Purchase Minimums
The Fund's initial and subsequent investment minimums generally are as follows, although the Fund may reduce or waive the minimums in some cases.
| |
Cash Management Class |
Capital Class |
| To establish an account |
$[ ] |
$[ ] |
| To add to an existing account |
None |
None |
You may purchase or redeem Fund Shares on any day the Fund is open for business.
You may purchase or redeem Fund Shares by written request or wire transfer. Written requests should be sent to:
By Mail:
State Street Funds
P.O. Box 219737
Kansas City, MO 64121-9737
P.O. Box 219737
Kansas City, MO 64121-9737
By Overnight/Registered, Express, Certified
Mail:
State Street Funds
801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 219737
Kansas City, MO 64105-1307
801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 219737
Kansas City, MO 64105-1307
By Telephone:
For wire transfer instructions, please call (866) 392-0869 between
8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern time. Redemptions by telephone are permitted only if you previously have been authorized for these transactions.
By Intermediary:
If you wish to purchase or redeem Fund Shares through a broker, bank
or other financial intermediary (“Financial Intermediary”), please contact that Financial Intermediary directly. Your Financial Intermediary may have different or
additional requirements for opening an account and/or for the processing of purchase and redemption orders, or may be closed at times when the Fund is open.
Financial Intermediaries may contact SS&C GIDS, Inc. at (877) 332-6207 or via email at [email protected] with questions.
Tax Information
The Fund's distributions are expected to be taxed as ordinary income unless you are investing through a tax-advantaged arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or individual retirement account. Any withdrawals made from such tax-advantaged arrangement may be taxable to you.
4
Payments to
Broker-Dealers and Other Financial Intermediaries
If
you purchase Fund Shares through a broker-dealer or other Financial Intermediary (such as a bank), the Adviser or its affiliates may pay the Financial
Intermediary for certain activities related to the Fund, including educational training programs, conferences, the development of technology platforms and
reporting systems, or other services related to the sale or promotion of the Fund. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the
broker-dealer or other intermediary and your salesperson to recommend the Fund over another investment. Ask your salesperson or visit your Financial Intermediary's website for more information.
5
Additional Information About Investment Objective, Principal Strategies and Risks
Investment Objective
The investment objective of State Street Stablecoin Reserves Money
Market Fund (the “Stablecoin Fund” or sometimes
referred to in context as the “Fund”) is to seek a high level of
current income consistent with preserving principal and liquidity and the maintenance of a stable $1.00 per share net asset value (“NAV”).
The Board of Trustees (the
“Board” and each member thereof, a
“Trustee”) may change the Fund's investment objective without shareholder approval.
Principal Investment Strategies
The Fund, which is advised by SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (“SSGA FM” or the
“Advisor”), invests in assets in which payment stablecoin issuers are permitted to invest in under the GENIUS
Act. These eligible investments include U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds
(“U.S. Treasury
Obligations”) with a remaining maturity of 93 days or less or issued with a maturity of 93 days or less, as well as repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury Obligations. The Fund may invest in any other assets that qualify as eligible investments under the GENIUS Act (and any regulations thereunder) and that are permitted under Rule 2a-7 for a government money market fund. The Fund does not invest in stablecoins. The Fund may hold a portion of its assets in cash pending investment, to satisfy redemption requests or to meet the Fund's other cash management needs.
The Fund invests in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable to money market funds, which require, among other things, the Fund to maintain a maximum dollar-weighted average maturity and dollar-weighted average life of sixty (60) days or less and 120 days or less, respectively, and to meet requirements as to portfolio diversification and liquidity.
The Fund is a “government
money market fund,” so it will invest at least 99.5% of its total assets in cash, government securities, and/or repurchase
agreements that are collateralized fully. Government money market funds are exempt from requirements that permit and, under certain circumstances, require money
market funds to impose a “liquidity fee” on redemptions. As a
“government money market
fund,” the Fund Values its securities using the amortized cost method. The Fund will seek to maintain a stable value of $1.00
per share, however is cannot guarantee it will do so.
The Fund follows a disciplined investment process that attempts to provide stability of principal, liquidity and current income. The Adviser conducts its own credit analyses of potential investments and portfolio holdings, and relies substantially on a dedicated short-term credit research team.
Payment Stablecoin. The GENIUS Act narrowly defines a “payment stablecoin” as a digital asset that is, or is designed to be, used as a means of payment or settlement, the issuer of which is obligated to convert, redeem, or repurchase it for a fixed amount of money (i.e., a national currency) and represents that it will maintain, or create the reasonable expectation that it will maintain, a stable value relative to the value of a fixed amount of money. Issuers will be prohibited from paying holders of payment stablecoins “any form of interest or yield (whether in cash, tokens, or other consideration) solely in connection
with the holding, use, or retention of such payment stablecoin.” The GENIUS Act provides that all permitted issuers will be treated as financial institutions under the
Bank Secrecy Act and will, accordingly, be subject to all federal laws relating to economic sanctions, prevention of money laundering, customer identification,
and due diligence that are applicable to financial institutions in the United States. Among other things, permitted issuers are required to (1) maintain effective anti-money laundering and economic sanctions programs; (2) retain appropriate records; (3) monitor and report suspicious transactions; (4) have technical capabilities, policies, and procedures to block, freeze, and reject transactions that violate federal or state laws; and (5) maintain an effective customer identification program.
The GENIUS Act. Generally, as permitted by the GENIUS Act, payment stablecoin issuer shall maintain identifiable
reserves backing the outstanding payment stablecoins of the permitted payment stablecoin issuer on an at least 1 to 1 basis, with reserves comprising:
i.
United States coins and currency (including Federal Reserve notes) or money standing
to the credit of an account with a Federal Reserve Bank;
6
ii.
funds held as demand deposits (or other deposits that may be withdrawn upon request
at any time) or insured shares at an insured depository institution (including any foreign branches or agents, including correspondent banks, of an insured depository institution), subject to limitations established by the Corporation and the National
Credit Union Administration, as applicable, to address safety and soundness risks of such insured depository institution;
iii.
Treasury bills, notes, or bonds with a remaining maturity of 93 days or less; or
issued with a maturity of 93 days or less; and
iv.
money received under repurchase agreements, with the permitted payment stablecoin
issuer acting as a seller of securities and with an overnight maturity, that are backed by Treasury bills with a maturity of 93 days or less;
The
GENIUS Act also allows for use of reverse repurchase agreements, with the permitted payment stablecoin issuer acting as a purchaser of securities and with an
overnight maturity, that are collateralized by Treasury notes, bills, or bonds on an overnight basis, subject to overcollateralization in line with standard market terms,
including:
a)
tri-party;
b)
centrally cleared through a clearing agency registered with the SEC; or
c)
bilateral
with a counterparty that the issuer has determined to be adequately creditworthy even in the event of severe market stress;
d)
securities
issued by an investment company registered under section 8(a) of the 1940 Act, or other registered Government money market fund, and that are invested solely in underlying
assets described in clauses (i) through (iv);
e)
any other similarly liquid Federal Government-issued asset approved by the primary
Federal payment stablecoin regulator, in consultation with the State payment stablecoin regulator, if applicable, of the permitted payment stablecoin issuer; or;
f)
any reserve described above (other than in iv) in tokenized form, provided that such
reserves comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Additional Information About Risks
The Fund is subject to the following principal risks. The risks are
described in alphabetical order and not in the order of importance or potential exposure.
Debt Securities Risk. The values of debt securities may increase or decrease as a result of the following: market fluctuations, changes in interest rates, actual or perceived inability or unwillingness of issuers, guarantors or liquidity providers to make scheduled principal or interest payments or illiquidity in debt securities markets. To the extent that interest rates rise, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially slower than originally anticipated and the value of those securities may fall sharply. A rising interest rate environment may cause the value of the Fund's fixed income securities to decrease, an adverse impact on the liquidity of the Fund's fixed income securities, and increased volatility of the fixed income markets. During periods when interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be low, and the Fund may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). To the extent that interest rates fall, certain underlying obligations may be paid off substantially faster than originally anticipated. If the principal on a debt obligation is prepaid before expected, the prepayments of principal may have to be reinvested in obligations paying interest at lower rates. During periods of falling interest rates, the income received by the Fund may decline. Changes in interest rates will likely have a greater effect on the values of debt securities of longer durations. Returns on investments in debt securities could trail the returns on other investment options, including investments in equity securities. High levels of inflation and/or a significantly changing interest rate environment can lead to heightened levels of volatility and reduced liquidity.
U.S. Treasury Obligations
Risk. U.S. Treasury obligations may differ from other securities in their interest rates, maturities, times of issuance and other characteristics. Similar to other issuers, changes to the financial condition or credit rating of the U.S. government may cause the value of the Fund's U.S. Treasury obligations to decline. The total public debt of the United States as a percentage of gross domestic product grew rapidly after the financial crisis of 2008
7
and has remained at a historically high level. Although high debt levels do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, they may create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented. A high national debt level may increase market pressures to meet government funding needs, which may drive debt cost higher and cause a country to sell additional debt, thereby increasing refinancing risk. A high national debt also raises concerns that a government will not be able to make principal or interest payments when they are due. In the worst case, unsustainable debt levels can cause a decline in the value of the dollar (which may lead to inflation), and can prevent the U.S. government from implementing effective countercyclical fiscal policy in economic downturns. On August 5, 2011, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services downgraded U.S. Treasury securities from AAA rating to AA+ rating. Standard & Poor's Ratings Services stated that its decision was prompted by its view on the rising public debt burden and its perception of greater policymaking uncertainty. Fitch also downgraded its rating of U.S. Treasury securities from AAA to AA+ in August 2023 citing increasing government debt and erosion in confidence regarding governance of fiscal matters as a result of repeated political standoffs related to debt limit approvals. A downgrade of the ratings of U.S. government debt obligations, which are often used as a benchmark for other borrowing arrangements, could result in higher interest rates for individual and corporate borrowers, cause disruptions in the international bond markets and have a substantial negative effect on the U.S. economy. Any additional downgrades of U.S. Treasury securities from ratings agencies may cause the value of the Fund's U.S. Treasury obligations to decline. In recent years, impasses in Congress regarding the federal budget have caused temporary Federal government shutdowns. While Congress has temporarily suspended the debt limit from time to time, the risks that the U.S. government will not adopt a long-term budget or deficit reduction plan, of one or more additional Federal government shutdowns or of future failures to not increase the Federal government's debt limit, may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree.
Focused Investment Risk. To the extent the Fund invests a large percentage of its
assets in securities within the same country, state, region, or economic sector its investment strategy could result in more risk or greater volatility in returns
than if the Fund's investments were less focused. Similarly, to the extent the Fund holds investments with closely correlated market prices, it will be subject to greater risk than a fund with investments that are not as closely correlated. Changes in the value of a single security or issuer or the impact of a single economic, political, or regulatory occurrence may have a greater adverse impact on the Fund's net asset value.
A fund that invests in the securities of a small number of issuers has greater exposure to adverse developments affecting those issuers and a resulting decline in the market price of those issuers' securities as compared to a fund that invests in the securities of a larger number of issuers. Companies that share common characteristics are often subject to similar business risks and regulatory burdens and often react similarly to specific economic, market, political or other developments.
Similarly, funds having a significant portion of their assets in investments tied economically to a particular geographic region, country, or market (e.g., emerging markets) or to sectors within a region, country, or market have more exposure to regional and country economic risks than do funds whose investments are more geographically diverse.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk that the securities held by the Fund will decline in value because of
increases in market interest rates. Duration is a measure used to determine the sensitivity of a security's price to changes in interest rates. Debt securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, usually making them more volatile than debt securities with shorter durations. For example, the value of a security with a duration of five years would be expected to decrease by 5% for every 1% increase in interest rates. Falling interest rates also create the potential for a decline in the Fund's income and yield. Interest-only and principal-only securities are especially sensitive to interest rate changes, which can affect not only their prices but can also change the income flows and repayment assumptions about those investments. Variable and floating rate securities also generally increase or decrease in value in response to changes in interest rates, although generally to a lesser degree than fixed-rate securities. A substantial increase in interest rates may also have an adverse impact on the liquidity of a security, especially those with longer durations. Changes in governmental policy, including changes in central bank monetary policy, could cause interest rates to rise rapidly, or cause investors to expect a rapid rise in interest rates. This could lead to heightened levels of interest rate, volatility and liquidity risks for the fixed income markets generally and could have a substantial and immediate effect on the values of the Fund's investments. High levels of inflation and/or a significantly changing interest rate environment can lead to heightened levels of volatility and reduced liquidity.
8
Low Short-Term Interest Rate Risk. During market conditions in which short-term
interest rates are at low levels, the Fund's yield can be very low. During these conditions, it is possible that the Fund will generate an insufficient amount
of income to pay its expenses, and that it will not be able to pay a daily dividend and may have a negative yield (i.e., it may lose money on an operating basis). It is possible that the Fund would, during these conditions, maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which it may earn little, if any, income.
Rapid Changes in Interest Rates. The values of
instruments held by the Fund may be adversely affected by rapid changes in interest rates. Rapid changes in interest rates may cause significant requests to
redeem Fund Shares, and possibly cause the Fund to sell portfolio securities at a loss to satisfy those requests. Significant losses could impair the Fund's ability to maintain a stable share price of $1.00.
Large Transactions Risk. To the extent a large
proportion of the shares of the Fund are highly concentrated or held by a small number of shareholders (or a single shareholder), including funds or accounts over
which the Adviser has investment discretion, the Fund is subject to the risk that these shareholders will purchase or redeem Fund shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly, including as a result of an asset allocation decision made by the Adviser. In addition, a large number of shareholders collectively may purchase or redeem Fund shares in large amounts rapidly or unexpectedly (collectively, such transactions are referred to as “large shareholder transactions”). Large
shareholder transactions could adversely affect the ability of the Fund to conduct its investment program. For example, they could require the Fund to sell portfolio securities or purchase portfolio securities unexpectedly and incur substantial transaction costs and/or accelerate the realization of taxable income and/or gains to shareholders. The effects of taxable income and/or gains resulting from large shareholder transactions would particularly impact non-redeeming shareholders who do not hold their Fund shares in an IRA, 401(k) plan or other tax-advantaged plan. To the extent that such transactions result in short-term capital gains, such gains will generally be taxed at the ordinary income tax rate for shareholders who hold Fund shares in a taxable account. In addition, the Fund may be required to sell its more liquid portfolio investments to meet a large redemption, in which case the Fund's remaining assets may be less liquid, more volatile, and more difficult to price. The Fund may hold a relatively large proportion of its assets in cash in anticipation of large redemptions, diluting its investment returns. A number of circumstances may cause the Fund to experience large redemptions, such as changes in investors' circumstances; changes in the eligibility criteria for the Fund or share class of the Fund; liquidations, reorganizations, repositionings, or other announced Fund events; or changes in investment objectives, strategies, policies, risks, or investment personnel.
Market Risk. Market prices of investments held by the Fund will go up or down,
sometimes rapidly or unpredictably. The Fund's investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks
inherent in investment in securities markets. Investment markets can be volatile, and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors, including, but not limited to, economic growth or recession, changes in interest rates, inflation, changes in actual or perceived creditworthiness of issuers and general market liquidity. Even if general economic conditions do not change, the value of an investment in the Fund could decline if the particular industries, sectors or companies in which the Fund invests do not perform well or are adversely affected by events. Further, legal, political, regulatory and tax changes also may cause fluctuations in markets and securities prices. Local, regional or global events such as war, military conflicts, acts of terrorism, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat or actual imposition of tariffs, natural disasters, public health issues, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Due to the interconnectedness of economies and financial markets throughout the world, if the Fund invests in securities of issuers located in or with significant exposure to countries experiencing economic and financial difficulties, the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments may be negatively affected. A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness and efforts to contain its spread, may result in market volatility, inflation, reduced liquidity of certain instruments, disruption in the trading of certain instruments, and systemic economic weakness. The foregoing could impact the Fund and its investments and result in disruptions to the services provided to the Fund by its service providers.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely
affect global economies and markets. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market
volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, trade policy changes or disputes, the threat of or
actual imposition of tariffs, natural and environmental disasters, pandemics and epidemics, and systemic market dislocations may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events, as well as other changes in foreign and domestic economic and political conditions, also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Fund's investments. Given the increasing interdependence among global economies and markets, conditions in one country, market, or region
9
might
adversely affect markets, issuers, and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. Any partial or complete dissolution of the Economic and
Monetary Union of the European Union, or any increased uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and
on the values of the Fund's investments. On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom
(“UK”) formally withdrew from the European Union (“EU”) (commonly known as “Brexit”). An agreement between the UK and the EU governing their future trade relationship became effective January 1, 2021, but that agreement does not include an agreement on financial services, and it is unlikely that such agreement will be concluded. Moreover, the UK government has started a program of financial services law reform with the ultimate aim of repealing many EU financial services laws that were assimilated into UK law from January 1, 2021, and replacing them with legislation or rules made by the UK government or financial services regulators. Accordingly, uncertainty remains in certain areas as to the future relationship between the UK and the EU. Brexit has already had a significant impact on the UK, Europe, and global economies, and could continue to result in volatility and illiquidity, legal, political, economic and regulatory uncertainties and lower economic growth for these economies that could in turn have an adverse effect on the value of the Fund's investments. Any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, or the abandonment of the euro, may cause additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
Securities and financial markets may be susceptible to market
manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the values of investments
traded in these markets, including investments held by the Fund. To the extent the Fund has focused its investments in the market or index of a particular region, adverse geopolitical and other events could have a disproportionate impact on the Fund.
Market Volatility; Government Intervention
Risk. Market dislocations and other external events, such as the failures or near failures
of significant financial institutions, dislocations in investment or currency markets, corporate or governmental defaults or credit downgrades, or poor collateral
performance, may subject the Fund to significant risk of substantial volatility and loss. Governmental and regulatory authorities have taken, and may in the
future take, actions to provide or arrange credit supports to financial institutions whose operations have been compromised by credit market dislocations and to restore liquidity and stability to financial systems in their jurisdictions; the implementation of such governmental interventions and their impact on both the markets generally and the Fund's investment program in particular can be uncertain. Governmental and non-governmental issuers may default on, or be forced to restructure, their debts, and other issuers may face difficulties obtaining credit. Defaults or restructurings by governments or others of their debts could have substantial adverse effects on economies, financial markets, and asset valuations around the world. Federal Reserve or other U.S. or non-U.S. governmental or central bank actions, including interest rate increases or contrary actions by different governments, or investor perception that these efforts are not succeeding, could negatively affect financial markets generally as well as the values and liquidity of certain securities.
Money Market Fund Regulatory Risk. Money market
funds and the securities they invest in are subject to comprehensive regulations. The SEC has adopted amendments to money market fund regulation that, among other
things, increase the daily and weekly liquid asset requirements (“Money Market Fund Reform”). Money Market
Fund Reform permits government money market funds (such as the Fund), that are experiencing a negative gross yield as a result of negative interest rates, to either convert from a stable share price to a floating share price or reduce the number of shares outstanding to maintain a stable net asset value per share, subject to certain Board determinations and disclosures to investors. The SEC and other government agencies continue to review the regulation of money market funds and may implement additional regulatory changes in the future. The enactment of any new legislation or regulations impacting the money market fund industry could limit the Fund's investment flexibility and reduce its ability to generate returns.
Money Market Fund Risk. An investment in a money market fund is not a deposit of any bank and is not insured or guaranteed by
the FDIC or any other government agency. Although a money market fund generally seeks to preserve the value of its shares at $1.00 per share, there can be no
assurance that it will do so, and it is possible to lose money by investing in a money market fund. A major or unexpected change in interest rates or a decline in
the credit quality of an issuer or entity providing credit support, an inactive trading market for money market instruments, or adverse market, economic, industry, political, regulatory, geopolitical, and other conditions could cause a money market fund's share price to fall below $1.00. It is possible that a money market fund will issue and redeem shares at $1.00 per share at times when the fair value of the money market fund's portfolio per share is more or less than $1.00. Rule 2a-7 as adopted by the SEC permits a money market fund to impose a liquidity fee upon the sale of fund shares under certain circumstances, however the Treasury Obligations Fund is a government money market fund that has not elected to be subject to the
10
liquidity
fee provision of Rule 2a-7. None of State Street Corporation, State Street, State Street Global Advisors, SSGA FM or their affiliates (collectively, the
“State Street
Entities”) guarantee the value of an investment in a money market fund at $1.00 per share. Investors should have no expectation of capital support to a money market fund from the State Street Entities.
Repurchase Agreement Risk. A repurchase agreement is an agreement to buy a security
from a seller at one price and a simultaneous agreement to sell it back to the original seller at an agreed-upon price, typically representing the purchase price plus interest. Repurchase agreements may be viewed as loans made by the Fund, which are collateralized by the securities subject to repurchase. The Fund's investment return on such transactions will depend on the counterparty's willingness and ability to perform its obligations under a repurchase agreement. If the Fund's counterparty should default on its obligations and the Fund is delayed or prevented from recovering the collateral, or if the value of the collateral is insufficient, the Fund may realize a loss.
Counterparty Risk. The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the
counterparties with which the Fund enters into repurchase agreements and other transactions. If a counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligations,
the Fund may be unable to terminate the transaction, and it may be delayed or prevented from realizing on any collateral in the event of a bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding relating to the counterparty.
Stablecoin Issuer Reserves Risk. Fund Shares are
expected to be held primarily by one or more stablecoin issuers as all or a portion of the reserve assets that back the stablecoins issued to their customers.
Stablecoins generally are a type of cryptocurrency that are designed to maintain a stable value by pegging their value to another asset, such as a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar, and stablecoin holders generally are permitted to redeem their stablecoins for a fixed amount of value. Although the Fund does not invest in stablecoins or stablecoin issuers, the assets of the Fund are expected to fluctuate depending on the creation (minting) of additional stablecoins or the redemption (burning) of outstanding stablecoins. Stablecoins are relatively new and stablecoins or other digital assets that stablecoins may be used to purchase or sell may face periods of uncertainty and volatility that result in the potential for rapid or unexpected requests by one or more stablecoin issuers to redeem or purchase Fund Shares. Such uncertainty or volatility may result from events that are not specifically related to a stablecoin issuer, such as changes in general market conditions, economic, technological or legal trends or changes to the laws or regulation of stablecoins, or events that are specifically related to a particular stablecoin issuer, such as uncertainty about the stablecoin issuer's ability to maintain a consistent peg between the stablecoins issued to its customers and another asset, such as a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar. Because the Fund intends to invest only in eligible investments, the Fund's yield may be lower than other money market funds that are permitted to invest in a wider universe of investments.
Complex information technology and communications systems, such as the blockchain technologies associated with stablecoins, are subject to a number of different threats or risks (including operational, information security, cyber-attacks and related risks) that could adversely affect stablecoin issuers and, potentially, the Fund and its shareholders. Stablecoins and the blockchain technologies associated with stablecoins are relatively new and still evolving. The Fund, Transfer Agent, Investment Adviser and their affiliates will not be responsible for any loss in connection with the use of stablecoins or a related blockchain technology.
Stable Share Price Risk. If the market value of one or more of the Fund's investments
changes substantially, the Fund may not be able to maintain a stable share price of $1.00. This risk typically is higher during periods of rapidly changing interest rates or when issuer credit quality generally is falling, and is made worse when the Fund experiences significant redemption requests.
Variable and Floating Rate Securities
Risk. Variable or floating rate securities are debt securities with variable or floating
interest rates payments. Variable or floating rate securities bear rates of interest that are adjusted periodically according to formulae intended generally to
reflect market rates of interest and allow the Fund to participate (determined in accordance with the terms of the securities) in increases in interest rates
through upward adjustments of the coupon rates on the securities. However, during periods of increasing interest rates, changes in the coupon rates may lag behind
the changes in market rates or may have limits on the maximum increases in coupon rates. Alternatively, during periods of declining interest rates, the coupon rates on such securities will typically readjust downward resulting in a lower yield. The Fund may also invest in variable or floating rate equity securities, whose dividend payments vary based on changes in market rates of interest or other factors.
11
Additional Information About Non-Principal Investment Strategies and Risks
The investments described below reflect the Fund's current
practices. In addition to the principal risks described above, other risks are described in some of the descriptions of the investments below:
Conflicts of Interest Risk. An investment in the Fund will be subject to a number of actual or potential conflicts of interest.
For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may provide services to the Fund, such as securities lending agency services, custodial, administrative, bookkeeping,
and accounting services, transfer agency and shareholder servicing, securities brokerage services, and other services for which the Fund would compensate the
Adviser and/or such affiliates. The Fund may invest in other pooled investment vehicles sponsored, managed, or otherwise affiliated with the Adviser. There is no assurance that the rates at which the Fund pays fees or expenses to the Adviser or its affiliates, or the terms on which it enters into transactions with the Adviser or its affiliates will be the most favorable available in the market generally or as favorable as the rates the Adviser or its affiliates make available to other clients. Because of its financial interest, the Adviser will have an incentive to enter into transactions or arrangements on behalf of the Fund with itself or its affiliates in circumstances where it might not have done so in the absence of that interest, provided that the Adviser will comply with applicable regulatory requirements.
The Adviser and its affiliates serve as investment adviser to other clients and may make investment decisions that may be different from those that will be made by the Adviser on behalf of the Fund. For example, the Adviser may provide asset allocation advice to some clients that may include a recommendation to invest in or redeem from particular issuers while not providing that same recommendation to all clients invested in the same or similar issuers. The Adviser may (subject to applicable law) be simultaneously seeking to purchase (or sell) investments for the Fund and to sell (or purchase) the same investment for accounts, funds, or structured products for which it serves as asset manager, or for other clients or affiliates. The Adviser and its affiliates may invest for clients in various securities that are senior, pari passu or
junior to, or have interests different from or adverse to, the securities that are owned by the Fund. The Adviser or its affiliates, in connection with its other business activities, may acquire material nonpublic confidential information that may restrict the Adviser from purchasing securities or selling securities for itself or its clients (including the Fund) or otherwise using such information for the benefit of its clients or itself.
The foregoing does not purport to be a comprehensive list or complete explanation of all potential conflicts of interests which may affect the Fund. The Fund may encounter circumstances, or enter into transactions, in which conflicts of interest that are not listed or discussed above may arise.
Cybersecurity Risk. With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and
the dependence on computer systems to perform business and operational functions, funds (such as the Fund) and their service providers (including the Adviser) may be prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or technological malfunctions. Furthermore, geopolitical tensions may have increased the scale and sophistication of deliberate cybersecurity attacks, particularly those from nation-states or from entities with nation-state backing. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among others, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security breakdowns of, the Fund, the Adviser a custodian, the transfer agent, or other affiliated or third-party service provider may adversely affect the Fund or its shareholders. For instance, cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may interfere with the processing of shareholder or other transactions, affect the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, cause the release of private shareholder information or confidential Fund information, impede trading, cause reputational damage, and subject the Fund to regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and additional compliance costs. Cyber-attacks or technical malfunctions may render records of Fund assets and transactions, shareholder ownership of Fund Shares, and other data integral to the functioning of the Fund inaccessible or inaccurate or incomplete. The Fund may also incur substantial costs for cybersecurity risk management in order to prevent cyber incidents in the future. The Fund and its shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result. While the Adviser has established business continuity plans and systems designed to minimize the risk of cyber-attacks through the use of technology, processes and controls, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have not been identified, given the evolving nature of this threat. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning could exacerbate these risks or result in cyber security incidents that implicate personal data. The Fund relies on third-party service providers for many of its day-to-day operations, and will be subject to the risk that the protections and protocols implemented by those service providers will be ineffective to protect the Fund from cyber-attack. The Adviser does not control the cybersecurity plans and systems put in place by third-party service pro
12
viders, and
such third-party service providers may have limited indemnification obligations to the Adviser or the Fund. Similar types of cybersecurity risks or technical
malfunctions also are present for issuers of securities in which the Fund invests, which could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may
cause the Fund's investment in such securities to lose value.
Risk of Investment in Other Pools. If the Fund
invests in another pooled investment vehicle, it is exposed to the risk that the other pool will not perform as expected. The Fund is exposed indirectly to all of
the risks applicable to an investment in such other pool. In addition, lack of liquidity in the underlying pool could result in its value being more volatile than
the underlying portfolio of securities, and may limit the ability of the Fund to sell or redeem its interest in the pool at a time or at a price it might consider desirable. The investment policies and limitations of the other pool may not be the same as those of the Fund; as a result, the Fund may be subject to additional or different risks, or may achieve a reduced investment return, as a result of its investment in another pool. If a pool is an exchange-traded fund or other product traded on a securities exchange or otherwise actively traded, its shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV, an effect that might be more pronounced in less liquid markets. The Fund bears its proportionate share of the fees and expenses of any pool in which it invests. The Adviser or an affiliate may serve as investment adviser to a pool in which the Fund may invest, leading to potential conflicts of interest. For example, the Adviser or its affiliates may receive fees based on the amount of assets invested in the pool. Investment by the Fund in the pool may be beneficial to the Adviser or an affiliate in the management of the pool, by helping to achieve economies of scale or enhancing cash flows. Due to this and other factors, the Adviser may have an incentive to invest the Fund's assets in a pool sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates in lieu of investments by the Fund directly in portfolio securities, or may have an incentive to invest in the pool over a pool sponsored or managed by others. Similarly, the Adviser may have an incentive to delay or decide against the sale of interests held by the Fund in a pool sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates. It is possible that other clients of the Adviser or its affiliates will purchase or sell interests in a pool sponsored or managed by the Adviser or its affiliates at prices and at times more favorable than those at which the Fund does so.
Temporary Defensive Positions. In response to actual or perceived adverse market, economic, political, or other conditions, the Fund
may (but will not necessarily), without notice, depart from its principal investment strategies by temporarily investing for defensive purposes. While investing
defensively, the Fund may maintain a substantial portion of its assets in cash, on which the Fund may earn little if any income. If the Fund invests for defensive
purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. In addition, the defensive strategy may not work as intended.
Portfolio Holdings Disclosure
The Fund's portfolio holdings disclosure policy is described in the Statement
of Additional Information (“SAI”).
13
Management and Organization
The Fund is a separate, diversified series of the State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the
“Trust”), which is an open-end management investment company organized as a business trust under the laws of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Investment Adviser
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser to the Fund pursuant to an investment advisory agreement
(“Investment
Advisory Agreement”) between the Trust and the Adviser, and, subject to the oversight of the Board, is responsible for the
investment management of the Fund. The Adviser provides an investment management program for the Fund and manages the investment of the Fund's assets. In
addition, the Adviser provides administrative, compliance and general management services to the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street
Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. The Adviser is registered with the SEC under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. The Adviser and certain other affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Investment Management, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. As of December 31, 2024, the Adviser managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets and State Street Investment Management managed approximately $[ ] trillion in assets. The Adviser's principal business address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
The Fund has entered into an investment advisory agreement with the Adviser pursuant to which the Adviser will manage the Fund's assets directly, for compensation paid at an annual rate of [0.05%] of the Fund's average daily net assets.
Voluntary Expense Waiver. The Adviser has voluntarily agreed to waive its advisory fee and/or to reimburse the Fund for
expenses to the extent that the Fund's total annual operating expenses exceed 0.08% of average daily net assets on an annual basis (the
“Voluntary Expense
Waiver”). The Adviser may discontinue the voluntary fee waiver and/or expense limitation arrangement at any time, in its sole discretion.
In addition to any contractual expense limitation for the Fund, which is described in the Fund Summary, each of the Adviser and State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (each a “Service Provider”) also may voluntarily
reduce all or a portion of its fees and/or reimburse expenses for the Fund or a share class to the extent necessary to maintain a certain minimum net yield, which may vary from time to time, in SSGA FM's sole discretion (any such waiver or reimbursement of expenses being referred to herein as a “Voluntary Reduction”). The Adviser may,
in its sole discretion, implement the Voluntary Reduction for some Funds, or some share classes of a Fund, and not others. The amount of any Voluntary Reduction may differ between Funds and share classes in the Adviser's sole discretion. The business objectives of the Adviser and its affiliates and their broader relationships with certain Fund shareholders, Financial Intermediaries or distribution channels could give the Adviser an incentive to implement the Voluntary Reduction for some Funds or share classes and not others, or to implement it to a greater degree for some Funds or share classes than others. Under an agreement with the Service Providers relating to the Voluntary Reduction, A Fund is not obligated to reimburse a Service Provider: (1) more than three years after the end of the fiscal year of the Fund in which the Service Provider provided a Voluntary Reduction; (2) in respect of any business day for which the net annualized one day yield of the Fund or applicable Class is less than 0.00%; (3) to the extent that the amount of the reimbursement to all Service Providers on any day exceeds fifty percent of the yield (net of all expenses, exclusive of the reimbursement) of the Fund or the applicable class on that day; (4) to the extent that the amount of such reimbursement would cause the Fund's or applicable class's net yield to fall below the Fund's or applicable class's minimum yield; (5) in respect of any such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements that are necessary to maintain the Fund's Contractual Total Expense Limit (as defined in the Reimbursement Agreement) which is effective at the time of such fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements; or (6) in any manner that would result in a class bearing the cost of a reimbursement to the Service Provider for any class-specific expense (including, without limitation, fees payable in accordance with a plan authorized pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act, or Shareholder Servicing Agreement or similar arrangement) that was waived or reimbursed to the Fund with respect to a different Class, the Fund has agreed to reimburse the Service Providers for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction beginning on May 1, 2020, subject to certain limitations. Each Service Provider may, in its sole discretion, irrevocably waive receipt of any or all reimbursement amounts due from the Fund.
A reimbursement to the Service Provider would increase fund
expenses and may negatively impact the Fund's yield during such period. There is no guarantee that the Voluntary Reduction will be in effect at any given time or
that the Fund will be able to avoid a negative yield. The Fund has agreed, subject to certain limitations, to reimburse the applicable
14
Service
Provider for the full dollar amount of any Voluntary Reduction incurred after May 1, 2020. Any such future reimbursement of an applicable Service Provider may
result in the total annual operating expenses of the Fund exceeding the amount of the expense cap under the contractual expense limitation agreement because the
expense is not covered by the agreement.
A discussion regarding the Board's consideration of the Fund's Investment Advisory Agreement will be provided in the Fund's initial Form N-CSR filing with the SEC.
The Administrator, Sub-Administrator and Custodian
The Adviser serves as administrator of the Fund. The amount of the fee paid to the Adviser for administrative services may vary by share class. The Fund currently pays the Adviser an administrative fee at the annual rate of 0.05%. State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”), a subsidiary of State
Street Corporation, serves as the sub-administrator for the Fund for a fee that is paid by the Adviser. State Street also serves as custodian of the Fund for a
separate fee that is paid by the Fund.
The Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing
Agent
SS&C GIDS, Inc. is the Fund's transfer agent and
dividend disbursing agent (the “Transfer Agent”).
The Distributor
State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC serves as the Fund's distributor (“SSGA FD”) pursuant to the Distribution Agreement between SSGA FD and the Trust.
Additional Information
The Trustees of the Trust oversee generally the operations of the
Fund and the Trust. The Trust enters into contractual arrangements with various parties, including, among others, the Fund's investment adviser, custodian,
transfer agent, and accountants, who provide services to the Fund. Shareholders are not parties to any such contractual arrangements or intended beneficiaries of those contractual arrangements, and those contractual arrangements are not intended to create in any shareholder any right to enforce them directly against the service providers or to seek any remedy under them directly against the service providers.
This Prospectus provides information concerning the Trust and the Fund that you should consider in determining whether to purchase shares of the Fund. Neither this Prospectus, nor the related SAI, is intended, or should be read, to be or to give rise to an agreement or contract between the Trust or the Fund and any investor, or to give rise to any rights in any shareholder or other person other than any rights under federal or state law that may not be
waived.
Shareholder Information
Determination of Net Asset Value
The Fund determines its NAV per share once each Business Day (as defined below), typically at 5:00 p.m. ET (the time when the Fund determines its NAV per share is referred to herein as the “Valuation Time”). The Fund reserves the
right to advance the time for accepting purchase or redemption orders and/or the Valuation Time on any day when the NYSE, bond markets (as recommended by The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
(“SIFMA”)) or any Federal Reserve bank close early, trading on the NYSE is restricted, an emergency arises or
as otherwise permitted by the SEC. The Fund reserves the right to continue to accept orders to purchase or redeem shares following the close of the NYSE on any day on which the NYSE closes early, provided that either the Federal Reserve or the bond markets remain open. In addition, the Board may, for any Business Day, decide to change the time as of which the Fund's NAV is calculated in response to new developments such as altered trading hours, or as otherwise permitted by the SEC.
Shares of the Funds are available for purchase each day on which
the NYSE and State Street are open for business (a “Business Day”). In the event the NYSE does not open for business, the Fund may, but is not required to, open for
purchase or redemption transactions.
The Federal Reserve is closed on certain holidays on which the NYSE is open. These holidays are Columbus Day and Veterans Day. On these holidays, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because Federal Funds wiring does not occur on days when the Federal Reserve is closed. In the event that the Fund invokes the right to accept orders to purchase or redeem shares on any day that is not a Business Day, the Fund will post advance notice of these events at: www.ssga.com.
15
The Fund
seeks to maintain a $1.00 per share NAV and, accordingly, uses the amortized cost valuation method, in compliance with the risk limiting conditions of Rule 2a-7
under the 1940 Act, to value its portfolio instruments. The amortized cost valuation method initially prices an instrument at its cost and thereafter assumes a
constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium, regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the market value of the
instrument.
If you hold shares of the Fund
through a broker-dealer or other financial intermediary, your intermediary may offer additional services and account features that are not described in this
Prospectus. Please contact your intermediary directly for an explanation of these services.
Investing in State Street Institutional Investment Trust
Shares
Mutual funds advised by SSGA FM (the
“State Street
Funds”) and their service providers have a legal obligation to collect from you certain personal information about you at the time you open an account in order to verify your identity and the source of your payment. If you do not provide this information, you may not be able to open an account with the State Street Funds. If the State Street Funds believe that they have uncovered unlawful activity, the State Street Funds and their service providers may close your account and take any action they deem reasonable or required by law. The State Street Funds reserve the right to reject any purchase order.
This section of the Prospectus explains the basics of doing business with the State Street Funds. Carefully read each topic. The policies set forth below regarding the purchase, redemption and exchange of State Street Fund shares are in addition to the “Purchase
and Sale of Fund Shares” section contained in the “Fund
Summary” portion of this Prospectus. The State Street Funds reserve the right to change the following policies,
without notice to shareholders; except that any modification or termination of the exchange privileges described in this Prospectus will be preceded by 60 days'
advance notice to shareholders. Please call or check online for current information. Requests for transactions in the State Street Funds will be processed when they are received in “good
order.” “Good order” means that the request is in an accurate and complete form, and all applicable documents have been received in such accurate and complete form (including, typically, a signed application and medallion-guaranteed documents), and, for a purchase request, the check or wired funds have cleared.
Purchasing Shares
The Fund offers two classes of shares through this Prospectus: Cash Management Class and Capital Class is available to you subject to the eligibility requirements set forth below. All classes of the Fund share the same investment objective and investments, but the different share classes have different expense structures and eligibility requirements. You should choose the class with the expense structure that best meets your needs for which you are eligible. In choosing a share class, you should consider the amount you plan to invest. Your investment professional can help you choose the share class that best suits your investment needs.
Shares of the Fund are expected to be held primarily by one or more stablecoin issuers as all or a portion of the reserve assets that back the stablecoins issued to their customers. Shares of the Fund may also be held by investors who are not stablecoin issuers, including institutional or individual investors.
The chart below summarizes the features of the different share classes. This chart is only a general summary, and you should read the description of the Fund's expenses in the Fund Summary in this Prospectus.
Any applicable minimum purchase amount may be waived for specific investors or types of investors, including, without limitation, retirement plans, employees of State Street Corporation and its affiliates and their family. In the case of shareholders purchasing shares through a Financial Intermediary, the minimum purchase amount may be applied at the level of the Financial Intermediary.
| |
Cash Management Class |
Capital Class |
| Minimum Initial Investment |
$[ ] |
$[ ] |
| Maximum Investment |
None. |
None. |
| Initial Sales Charge |
None. Entire purchase price is
invested in shares of a Fund. |
None. Entire purchase price is invested in shares of a Fund. |
16
| |
Cash Management Class |
Capital Class |
| Deferred (CDSC) Sales Charge |
None. |
None. |
| Distribution and/or Service (12b-1)
Fees |
No. |
No. |
Investors pay no sales
load to invest in the shares of the Fund. The price for Fund Shares is the NAV per share.
Purchase requests received by a Fund in good order (a purchase request is in good order if it meets the requirements implemented from time to time by the Transfer Agent or authorized agent of the Fund, and for new accounts includes submission of a completed and signed application and all documentation necessary to open an account) on a Business Day will, if payment is received by FedWire, be priced at the NAV next determined after the order is accepted by the Fund. Payments received by FedWire prior to the last Valuation Times will earn dividend accrual for that purchase.
All purchases that are made by check will be priced with the last
valuation price and begin earning dividends the following Business Day after the day the order is accepted. (If you purchase shares by check, your order will not
be in good form until the Transfer Agent receives federal funds for the check.) All purchase orders are subject to acceptance by the Fund. The Fund intends to be as fully invested as is practicable; therefore, investments must be made in Federal Funds (i.e., monies credited to
the account of the Fund's custodian bank by a Federal Reserve Bank).
The minimum initial investment for the Cash Management Class and Capital Class shares of the Fund are $[ ] and $[ ], respectively, although the Adviser may waive the minimum in its discretion. Holdings of related customer accounts may be aggregated for purposes of determining the minimum investment amount. “Related customer accounts” may include but are not limited to accounts held by the same investment or retirement plan, financial institution, broker, dealer or intermediary. The Fund and the Adviser reserve the right to increase or decrease the minimum amount required to open or maintain an account. There is no minimum subsequent investment, except in relation to maintaining certain minimum account balances (See
“Redeeming
Shares” below). The Funds require prior notification of subsequent investments in excess of $50 million for the
Funds.
17
How to
Purchase Shares
| By Mail: |
| An initial investment in the Fund must be preceded or accompanied by a completed,
signed Institutional Account Application Form, sent to:
State Street Funds
P.O. Box 219737
Kansas City, MO 64121-9737 |
| By Overnight/Registered, Express, Certified
Mail: |
| State Street Funds
801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 219737
Kansas City, MO 64105-1307 |
| By Telephone/Fax: |
| An initial investment in the Fund must be preceded or accompanied by a completed, signed Institutional Account
Application Form, faxed to (816) 218-0400. Call the Fund at (866) 392-0869 between
the hours of 8:00 a.m. ET and 6:00 p.m. ET to: |
| ➢ confirm receipt of the faxed Institutional Account Application Form
(initial purchases only), ➢ request your new account number (initial purchases only), ➢ confirm the amount being wired and wiring bank, and
➢ receive a confirmation number for your purchase order (your trade is not effective until you have received a
confirmation number from the Fund). |
| For your initial investment, send the original, signed Institutional Account
Application Form to the address above. |
| Wire Instructions: |
| Instruct your bank to transfer money by Federal Funds wire to: State Street Bank and Trust Company 1 Iron Street Boston, MA 02210 |
| ABA# 011000028 DDA# 9904-631-0 State Street Institutional Investment Trust Fund Name Account Number Account Registration |
| On Columbus Day and Veterans Day, you will not be able to purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds because the
Federal Funds wiring does not occur on those days. Payment for Fund Shares must be
in Federal Funds (or converted to Federal Funds by the Transfer Agent)
by the close of the Federal Reserve. |
| The Fund and the Fund's agents are not responsible for transfer errors by the sending or receiving bank and will
not be liable for any loss incurred due to a wire transfer not having been
received. |
Redeeming
Shares
An investor may redeem all or any portion
of its investment. Redemption orders are processed at the NAV next determined after the Fund receives a redemption order in good form.
If the Fund receives a redemption order in good form prior to 5:00 p.m. ET, the Fund typically expects to pay out redemption proceeds on that day, but no later than the next Business Day if redemption proceeds are sent by wire or ACH.
18
If
redemption proceeds are sent by check, the Fund pays out redemption proceeds on the next Business Day. If a full redemption order is requested, no dividends will
accrue with respect to shares on the day the redemption proceeds are sent. If a redemption order is placed after 5:00 p.m. ET, the Fund typically expects to pay
out redemption proceeds on the next Business Day (and dividends will accrue up to, but not including, the day that redemption proceeds are sent), but no later than the following Business Day. The Fund may postpone and/or suspend redemption and payment beyond the foregoing time periods only as follows:
a)
For any period during which there is a non-routine closure of the Fedwire or applicable Federal Reserve Banks;
b)
For any period (1) during which the NYSE is closed other than customary week-end and
holiday closings or (2) during which trading on the NYSE is restricted;
c)
For any period during which an emergency exists as a result of which (1) disposal of
securities owned by the Fund is not reasonably practicable or (2) it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the net asset value of shares of the Fund;
d)
For any period during which the SEC has, by rule or regulation, deemed that (1) trading
shall be restricted or (2) an emergency exists;
e)
For any period that the SEC, may by order permit for your protection; or
f)
For any
period during which the Fund as part of a necessary liquidation of the fund, has properly postponed and/or suspended redemption of shares and payment in accordance with federal
securities laws.
Rule 2a-7 as adopted by the SEC permits a money market fund to impose a liquidity fee upon the sale of fund shares under certain circumstances, however the Fund has not elected to be subject to the liquidity fee provision of Rule 2a-7. Although the Fund attempts to maintain its NAV at $1.00 per share, there can be no assurance that it will be successful, and there can be no assurance that a shareholder will receive $1.00 per share upon any redemption.
The transfer agent may temporarily delay for more than seven days
the disbursement of redemption proceeds from the Fund account of a “Specified
Adult” (as defined in Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) Rule 2165) based on a reasonable belief that financial exploitation of the Specified Adult has occurred, is occurring, has been attempted, or will be attempted, subject to certain conditions.
Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to meet redemption requests by using cash or cash equivalents in its portfolio and/or selling portfolio assets to generate cash. The Fund also may pay redemption proceeds using cash obtained through borrowing arrangements that may be available from time to time.
The Fund may pay all or a portion of your redemption proceeds by giving you securities (for example, if the Fund reasonably believes that a cash redemption may have a substantial impact on the Fund and its remaining shareholders). A redemption is generally a taxable event for shareholders, regardless of whether the redemption is satisfied in cash or in kind. You may pay transaction costs and/or taxes to dispose of the securities, and you may receive less for them than the price at which they were valued for purposes of the redemption. In addition, you will be subject to the market risks associated with such securities until such time as you choose to dispose of the security.
During periods of deteriorating or stressed market conditions or during extraordinary or emergency circumstances, the Fund may be more likely to pay redemption proceeds with cash obtained through short-term borrowing arrangements (if available) or by giving you securities.
A request for a partial redemption by an investor whose account balance is below the minimum amount or a request for partial redemption by an investor that would bring the account below the minimum amount may be treated as a request for a complete redemption of the account. These minimums may be different for investments made through certain financial intermediaries as determined by their policies and may be waived in the Adviser's discretion. The Fund reserves the right to modify minimum account requirements at any time with or without prior notice. The Fund also reserves the right to involuntarily redeem an investor's account if the investor's account balance falls below the applicable minimum amount due to transaction activity.
19
How to
Redeem Shares
| | |
| By Mail: |
Send a signed letter to: State Street Institutional Investment Trust Funds P.O. Box 219737 Kansas City, MO 64121-9737 |
| The letter should include information necessary to process your request as
described below. The Fund may require a medallion guarantee in
certain circumstances. See “Medallion
Guarantees” below. | |
| By Overnight: |
State Street Institutional Investment Trust Funds
801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 219737
Kansas City, MO 64105-1307 |
| By Telephone: |
Please call (866) 392-0869 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
ET. |
| The Fund will need the following information to process your redemption
request: | |
| ➢ name(s) of account owners; ➢ account number(s);
➢ the name of the Fund; ➢ your daytime telephone number; and
➢ the dollar amount or number of shares being redeemed. | |
On any day that the Fund calculates its NAV earlier than normal, the Fund reserves the right to adjust the times noted above for purchasing and redeeming shares.
Medallion Guarantees. Certain redemption requests must include a medallion
guarantee for each registered account owner if any of the following apply:
•
Your account address has changed within the last 10 Business Days.
•
Redemption proceeds are being transferred to an account with a different
registration.
•
A wire is
being sent to a financial institution other than the one that has been established on your Fund account.
•
Other unusual situations as determined by the Transfer Agent.
The Fund
reserves the right to waive medallion guarantee requirements, require a medallion guarantee under other circumstances or reject or delay redemption if the
medallion guarantee is not in good form. Medallion guarantees may be provided by an eligible financial institution such as a commercial bank, a FINRA member firm
such as a stock broker, a savings association or a national securities exchange. A notary public cannot provide a medallion guarantee. The Fund reserves the right to reject a medallion guarantee if it is not provided by a STAMP Medallion guarantor.
About Telephone Transactions. Telephone transactions are convenient but are not free from risk. Neither the Fund nor the Fund's
agents will be responsible for any losses resulting from unauthorized telephone transactions if reasonable security procedures are followed. In addition, you are
responsible for: (i) verifying the accuracy of all data and information transmitted by telephone, (ii) verifying the accuracy of your account statements
immediately upon receipt, and (iii) promptly notifying the Fund of any errors or inaccuracies, including, without limitation, any errors or inaccuracies
relating to shareholder data or information transmitted by telephone. During periods of heavy market activity or other times, it may be difficult to reach the Fund by telephone. If you are unable to reach us by telephone, consider sending written instructions.
The Fund may terminate the receipt of redemption orders by telephone at any time, in which case you may redeem shares by other means.
20
If you
choose to purchase or redeem shares by sending instructions by regular mail, they will not be deemed received in good order until they are released by the post
office and redelivered to the Transfer Agent's physical location at 801 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 219737 in Kansas City, MO 64105-1307. There will be a time
lag, which may be one or more days, between regular mail receipt at the post office box and redelivery to such physical location in Kansas City, and the Fund's NAV may change over those days. You might consider using express rather than regular mail if you believe the time of receipt of your transaction request to be sensitive.
Exchanging Shares
Currently, exchanging shares from/to this Fund to any other State Street Fund is not
permitted.
Excessive Trading
Because the Fund is a money market fund, the Fund's Board has
not adopted policies and procedures with respect to frequent purchases and redemptions of Fund shares by Fund shareholders. Nonetheless, the Fund may take any
reasonable action that it deems necessary or appropriate to prevent excessive trading in Fund shares without providing prior notification to the account holder. Such action may include rejecting any purchase, in whole or part, including, without limitation, by a person whose trading activity in Fund shares may be deemed harmful to the Fund. While the Fund attempts to discourage such excessive trading, there can be no guarantee that it will be able to identify investors who are engaging in excessive trading or limit their trading practices. Additionally, frequent trades of small amounts may not be detected. The Fund recognizes that it may not always be able to detect or prevent excessive trading or other activity that may disadvantage the Fund or its shareholders.
Delivery of Documents to Accounts Sharing an Address
To reduce expenses, we may mail only one copy of the Fund's Prospectus and the annual and semi-annual report to those addresses shared by two or more accounts. If you wish to receive individual copies of these documents, please call us at (866) 392-0869, or contact your financial institution. We will begin sending you individual copies thirty (30) days after receiving your request.
Unclaimed Property
Many states have unclaimed property rules that provide for transfer to the state (also known as
“escheatment”) of unclaimed property under various circumstances. These circumstances include inactivity (e.g., no
owner-initiated contact for a certain period), returned mail (e.g., when mail sent to a shareholder is returned by the post office as undeliverable), or a combination of both inactivity and returned mail. If a State Street Fund identifies property as unclaimed, it will attempt to contact the shareholder, but if that attempt is unsuccessful, the account may be considered abandoned and escheated to the state after the passage of a certain period of time (as required by applicable state law).
It is your responsibility to ensure that you
maintain a correct address for your account, and maintain contact in ways such as by contacting the Fund's transfer agent by mail or telephone or accessing your
account through the Fund's website, and promptly cashing all checks for dividends, capital gains and redemptions. State requirements for maintaining
contact with an account can vary and are subject to change. If you invest in a Fund through a financial intermediary, we encourage you to contact the financial intermediary regarding applicable state unclaimed property laws. The Fund, the transfer agent and the distributor will not be liable to shareholders or their representatives for good faith compliance with state unclaimed property laws. Please check your state's unclaimed or abandoned property website for specific information.
If you are a resident of the state of Texas, you may designate a
representative to receive escheatment notifications by completing and submitting a designation form, which you can find on the website of the Texas Comptroller.
Designating such a representative may be beneficial, since Texas law provides that the escheatment period will cease if the representative, after receiving an escheatment notification regarding your account, communicates knowledge of your location and confirms that you have not abandoned your account. You can mail a completed designation form to the Fund (if you hold shares
directly with the Fund) or to your financial intermediary (if you do not hold shares directly with the Fund).
Dividends, Distributions and Tax Considerations
The Fund intends to declare dividends on shares from net investment income daily and pay them as of the last Business Day of each month. Distributions from capital gains, if any, will be made annually in December. Dividends of investment income and capital gain distributions will be paid in additional shares on the reinvestment date unless you have elected
21
to receive
them in cash. No interest will accrue on the amounts represented by uncashed distribution checks. If you have elected to receive distributions by check, and the
postal or other delivery service is unable to deliver the checks because of an incorrect mailing address, or if a distribution check remains uncashed for six
months, the uncashed distribution and all future distributions will be reinvested at the then-current NAV of the Fund.
The following discussion is a summary of some important U.S.
federal income tax considerations generally applicable to an investment in the Fund. Your investment in the Fund may have other tax implications. Please
consult your tax advisor about federal, state, local, foreign or other tax laws applicable to you. Investors, including non-U.S. investors, may wish to consult the SAI tax section for additional disclosure.
The Fund has elected or will elect to be treated as a regulated
investment company and intends each year to qualify and to be eligible to be treated as such. A regulated investment company generally is not subject to tax at
the corporate level on income and gains that are timely distributed to shareholders. In order to qualify and be eligible for treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund must, among other things, satisfy diversification, 90% gross income and distribution requirements. The Fund's failure to qualify as a regulated investment company would result in corporate level taxation, and consequently, a reduction in income available for distribution to shareholders.
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally taxable to you as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains generally are determined by how long the Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long you have owned your Fund Shares. Any net short-term gains the Fund distributes will be taxable to you as ordinary income. The Fund generally does not expect to make distributions that are eligible for taxation as long-term capital gains. Distributions are taxable to you even if they are paid from income or gains earned by the Fund before your investment (and thus were included in the price you paid for your shares). Distributions may also be subject to state and local taxes and are taxable whether you receive them in cash or reinvest them in additional shares. Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits are treated as a return of capital to the extent of your basis in the Fund's shares, and, in general, as capital gain thereafter. If the NAV of Fund Shares were to vary from
$1.0000 per share, shareholders generally would realize a gain or loss upon the redemption or other taxable disposition of such Fund Shares.
Any such gain generally would be taxable to you as either short-term or long-term capital gain, depending upon how long you held the Fund
Shares. The Internal Revenue Service (the
“IRS”) has issued final regulations and published guidance that permit a
simplified method of accounting for gains and losses realized upon the disposition of money market fund shares. Shareholders should see the
SAI for further information.
An additional 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the “net investment
income” of individuals, estates and trusts to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. Net
investment income generally includes for this purpose dividends paid by the Fund and net gains recognized on the redemption (or other taxable disposition) of Fund
Shares.
If you are not a U.S. person,
dividends paid by the Fund that the Fund properly reports as capital gain dividends, short-term capital gain dividends, or interest-related dividends, each as further defined in the SAI, are not subject to
withholding of U.S. federal income tax, provided that certain requirements are met. The Fund is permitted, but is not required, to report any part of its dividends as are eligible for such treatment. The Fund's dividends other than those the Fund so reports as capital gain dividends, short-term capital gain dividends,
or interest-related dividends generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a 30% rate (or lower applicable treaty rate). See the Fund's SAI for further information.
The U.S. Treasury and IRS generally require the Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each shareholder under sections 1471-1474 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”) or under an applicable intergovernmental agreement between the United States and a foreign government. Please see the SAI for more information on FATCA reporting requirements.
Financial Intermediary
Arrangements
Payments to Financial
Intermediaries
Financial Intermediaries are
firms that sell shares of mutual funds, including the Fund, and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund investors.
Financial Intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisers, banks, retirement plan recordkeepers and insurance companies.
22
In some
cases, a Financial Intermediary may hold its clients' Fund Shares in nominee or street name and may utilize omnibus accounts. Shareholder services provided by a
Financial Intermediary may (though they will not necessarily) include, among other things: establishing and maintaining shareholder account registrations;
receiving and processing purchase and redemption orders, including aggregated orders and delivering orders to the Fund's transfer agent; processing and mailing trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semiannual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; capturing and processing tax data; issuing and mailing dividend checks to shareholders who have selected cash distributions; preparing record date shareholder lists for proxy solicitations; and collecting and posting distributions to shareholder accounts.
The Financial Intermediary is often compensated by SSGA FD or its affiliates for the services it performs and in such cases is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the Financial Intermediary's clients hold investments in the Fund. The amount of continuing compensation paid by SSGA FD or its affiliates to different Financial Intermediaries for distribution and/or shareholder services varies. Any compensation is typically a percentage of the value of the Financial Intermediary's clients' investments in the Fund or a per account fee. The variation in compensation may, but will not necessarily, reflect enhanced or additional services provided by the Financial Intermediary.
If you invest through a Financial Intermediary and meet the
eligibility criteria for more than one share class, you should discuss with your Financial Intermediary which share class is appropriate for you. Your financial
adviser and the Financial Intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend one share class over another, when you are eligible to invest in more than one share class. Please speak with your financial adviser to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial adviser and his or her firm by the Fund or its affiliates with respect to the different share classes offered by the Fund.
SSGA FD and its affiliates (including SSGA FM), at their own expense and out of their own assets, may also provide other compensation to Financial Intermediaries in connection with sales of the Fund's shares or the servicing of shareholders or shareholder accounts. Such compensation may include, but is not limited to, financial assistance to Financial Intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for their employees; seminars for the public; advertising or sales campaigns; or other Financial Intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain Financial Intermediaries whose representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Dealers may not use sales of the Fund's shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA.
If payments to Financial Intermediaries by the distributor or
adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments by other mutual fund complexes, your financial adviser and the Financial Intermediary employing him
or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please speak with your financial adviser to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial adviser and his or her firm by SSGA FD and its affiliates and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also consult disclosures made by your Financial Intermediary at the time of purchase.
Third-Party Transactions. The State Street Funds have authorized certain Financial
Intermediaries to accept purchase, redemption and exchange orders on the State Street Funds' behalf. Orders received for a State Street Fund by a Financial Intermediary that has been authorized to accept orders on the Fund's behalf (or other Financial Intermediaries designated by the Financial Intermediary) will be deemed accepted by the Fund at the time they are received by the Financial Intermediary and will be priced based on the Fund's next NAV determination as long as the Financial Intermediary transmits the order in good form and in a timely manner to the applicable State Street Fund(s). The State Street Funds will be the sole party to determine if a trade is received in good order. The Financial Intermediary is responsible for transmitting your orders and associated funds in good form and in a timely manner to the applicable State Street Fund(s). The State Street Funds will not be responsible for delays by the Financial Intermediary in transmitting your orders, including timely transfer of payment, to the Fund.
If you are purchasing, selling, exchanging or holding State Street Fund shares through a program of services offered by a Financial Intermediary, you may be required by the Financial Intermediary to pay additional fees. You should contact the Financial Intermediary for information concerning what additional fees, if any, may be charged.
23
Financial Highlights
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this Prospectus and, therefore, does not have financial information.
25
Contacting the State Street Funds
| Online: |
www.ssga.com |
24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Phone: |
(877) 521-4083 |
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm EST |
Written requests should be sent to:
| Regular mail |
Overnight/Registered, Express, Certified Mail |
| State Street Funds P.O. Box
219737 Kansas City, MO 64121-9737 |
State Street Funds 801
Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 219737 Kansas City, MO 64105-1307 |
The Fund does not consider the U.S. Postal
Service or other independent delivery services to be its agents. Therefore, deposits in the mail or with such services, or receipt at the Fund's post office box,
of purchase orders or redemption requests, do not constitute receipt by the Fund or Transfer Agent.
26
For more information about
the Fund:
The Fund's SAI includes additional
information about the Fund and is incorporated by reference into this document. Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's
most recent annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and in the Fund's Form N-CSR filing. In the Fund's Form N-CSR, you will find the Fund's annual and semi-annual financial statements. The Fund's SAI is available, without charge, upon request. The Fund's annual and semi-annual reports are available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders in the Fund may make inquiries to the Fund to receive such information by calling (877) 521-4083 or the customer service center at the telephone number shown in the accompanying contract prospectus, if applicable. The Fund's Prospectus, SAI, annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders and other information such as the Fund's financial statements are available, free of charge, on the Fund's website at www.statestreet.com/im.
Reports and other information about the Fund are available free of charge on the EDGAR Database on the SEC's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of this information also may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: [email protected].
SSGA Funds Management, Inc ONE CONGRESS STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02114
____STATPROThe State Street Institutional Investment Trust's
Investment Company Act File Number is 811-09819.
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION. THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
(the “Trust”)
One Iron Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
(the “Trust”)
One Iron Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
________, 2025
STATE STREET STABLECOIN RESERVES MONEY MARKET FUND
Cash Management Class (_____)
Capital Class (_____)
Cash Management Class (_____)
Capital Class (_____)
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”) relates to the prospectus dated ______, 2025, as may be revised and/or supplemented from time to time thereafter for the
Fund listed above (the
“Prospectus”).
The SAI is not
a prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the Fund's Prospectus. This SAI describes the Trust generally and provides additional information about the Fund. A copy of the
Prospectus can be obtained free of charge, upon request, by calling (800) 647-7327. The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not have any financial information to report for the Trust's most recent fiscal year end. Capitalized terms used
in this SAI and not otherwise defined have the meanings assigned to them in the Prospectus.
____SAI
1
GENERAL
The Trust was organized as a business trust under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts on February 16, 2000.
The Trust
is an open-end management investment company. The Trust includes the following diversified series:
•State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund;
•State Street Aggregate Bond Index Portfolio;
•State Street Balanced Index
Fund;
•State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund;
•State Street Equity 500 Index
Fund;
•State Street Equity 500 Index II Portfolio;
•State Street Federal Government Money
Market Fund;
•State Street Federal Treasury Money Market Fund;
•State Street Federal Treasury Plus
Money Market Fund;
•State Street Global All Cap Equity
ex-U.S. Index Fund;
•State Street Global All Cap Equity
ex-U.S. Index Portfolio;
•State Street Hedged International
Developed Equity Index Fund;
•State Street Income Fund;
•State Street International Developed Equity Index Fund;
•State Street Institutional Treasury
Money Market Fund
•State Street Institutional Treasury
Plus Money Market Fund
•State Street Institutional U.S.
Government Money Market Fund
•State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index
Fund;
•State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Portfolio;
•State Street Stablecoin Reserves Money
Market Fund (the “Fund”);
•State Street Target Retirement Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2065 Fund;
•State Street Target Retirement 2070 Fund;
•State Street Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund;
•State Street U.S. Core Equity
Fund.
Description of the
Fund and Its Investments and Risks
The Fund's Prospectus contains
information about the investment objective and policies of the Fund. This SAI should only be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of the Fund.
3
In addition to the principal investment strategies
and the principal risks of the Fund described in the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund may employ other investment practices and may be subject to additional risks, which are described
below.
The Fund seeks a high level of current income consistent with
preserving principal and liquidity and the maintenance of a stable $1.00 per share net asset value
(“NAV”).
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS AND RISKS
To the extent consistent with its investment objective and restrictions, the Fund may invest in the following instruments and
use the following techniques, and is subject to the following additional risks.
Auction Rate Securities.
Auction rate municipal securities permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The dividend or interest is typically reset by
“Dutch” auction in which bids are made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities at a specified
minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale. While this process is designed to permit auction
rate securities to be traded at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient demand for the securities. The Fund will take the time remaining until the next scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the
securities' duration.
Cash Reserves
The Fund may hold portions of its assets in cash or short-term debt instruments with remaining maturities of 397 days or
less pending investment or to meet anticipated redemptions and day-to-day operating expenses. Short-term debt
instruments consist of: (i) short-term obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies, instrumentalities, authorities or political subdivisions; (ii) other short- term debt securities rated at the time of purchase Aa or higher by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. (“Moody's”) or AA or higher by Standard & Poor's Rating Group (“S&P”) or, if unrated, of comparable quality in the opinion of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (the “Adviser” or “SSGA FM”); (iii) commercial paper; (iv) bank
obligations, including negotiable certificates of deposit, time deposits and bankers' acceptances; and (v) repurchase agreements.
Cleared Derivatives Transactions
Transactions in some types of derivatives are required to be centrally cleared by applicable rules and regulations and the
Fund may also voluntarily centrally clear other transactions that are available for clearing. In a cleared derivatives transaction, the Fund's counterparty to the transaction is a central derivatives clearing organization, or clearing house,
rather than a bank or broker. Because the Funds are not members of a clearing house, and only members of a clearing house can participate directly in the clearing house, the Funds hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing
members. In cleared derivatives transactions, the Fund will make payments (including margin payments) to and receive payments from a clearing house through its accounts at clearing members. Clearing members guarantee performance of their
clients' obligations to the clearing house. Centrally cleared derivative arrangements may be less favorable to the Fund than bilateral (non-cleared) arrangements. For example, the
Fund may be required to provide greater amounts of margin for cleared derivatives transactions than for bilateral derivatives transactions. Also, in contrast to bilateral derivatives transactions, a clearing member generally can require termination of existing cleared derivatives transactions
at any time and can increase margin requirements above the margin that the clearing member required at the beginning of a transaction. Clearing houses also have broad rights to increase margin requirements for existing transactions or to
terminate transactions at any time. The Fund is subject to risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be cleared (or which the Adviser expects to be cleared), and no clearing member is willing or able to clear the transaction
on the Fund's behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of the transaction, including loss of an increase in the value of the transaction and loss of hedging protection. In
addition, the documentation governing the relationship between the Funds and clearing members is drafted by the
clearing members and generally is less favorable to the Funds than typical bilateral derivatives documentation. For example, documentation relating to cleared derivatives generally includes a one-way indemnity by the Fund in favor of the
clearing member for losses the clearing member incurs as the Fund's clearing member. Also, such documentation typically does not provide the Fund any remedies if the clearing member defaults or becomes insolvent.
Counterparty risk with respect to derivatives has been and will continue to be affected by rules and regulations relating to the derivatives market. With respect to a centrally cleared transaction, a party is subject to the credit risk of the clearing
house and the clearing member through which it holds its cleared position. Credit risk of market participants with respect
4
to centrally cleared derivatives is concentrated
in a few clearing houses, and increasingly fewer clearing members. It is not clear how an insolvency proceeding of a clearing house would be conducted and what impact an insolvency
of a clearing house would have on the financial system. A clearing member is obligated by contract and regulation to segregate all funds received from customers with respect to cleared derivatives positions from the clearing member's proprietary assets.
However, all funds and other property received by a clearing member from its customers with respect to cleared
derivatives are generally held by the clearing member on a commingled basis in an omnibus account (which can be
invested in instruments permitted under the regulations). Therefore, the Fund might not be fully protected in the event of the bankruptcy of the Fund's clearing member because the Fund would be limited to recovering only a pro rata share of the
funds held by the clearing member on behalf of customers with respect to the relevant account class, with a claim against the clearing member for any deficiency. Also, the clearing
member is required to transfer to the clearing house the amount of margin required by the clearing house for cleared derivatives, which amount is generally held in an omnibus
account at the clearing house for all customers of the clearing member. Regulations promulgated by the Commodity
Futures Trading Commission (the
“CFTC”) require that the clearing member notify the clearing house of the initial margin provided by the clearing member to the
clearing house that is attributable to each customer. However, if the clearing member does not accurately report the Fund's initial margin, the Fund is subject to the risk that a
clearing house will use the assets attributable to it in the clearing house's omnibus account to satisfy payment obligations a defaulting customer of the clearing member has to the clearing house. In addition, clearing members generally provide the clearing house the net
amount of variation margin required for cleared derivatives for all of its customers, rather than individually for each customer. The Fund is therefore subject to the risk that a clearing house will not make variation margin payments owed to
the Fund if another customer of the clearing member has suffered a loss and is in default, and the risk that the Fund will be required to provide additional margin to the clearing house before the clearing house will move the Fund's cleared
derivatives positions to another clearing member. In addition, if a clearing member does not comply with the applicable regulations or its agreement with the Fund, fails to maintain accurate records or in the event of fraud or misappropriation
of customer assets by a clearing member, the Fund could have only an unsecured creditor claim in an insolvency of the clearing member with respect to the margin held by the clearing member. In addition, the Fund may be subject to execution
risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be (or the Fund expects to be) cleared, and no clearing member is willing to clear the transaction on the
Fund's behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of any increase in the value of the transaction after
the time of the trade.
Russia Sanctions Risk
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February 2022, various countries, including the U.S. and the U.K., as well as
the E.U., issued broad-ranging economic sanctions against Russia. The U.S. and other countries have also imposed
economic sanctions on Belarus and may impose sanctions on other countries that support Russia's invasion. A large
number of corporations and U.S. states have also announced plans to divest interests or otherwise curtail business dealings with certain Russian businesses. These sanctions and any additional sanctions or other intergovernmental actions
that have been or may be undertaken in the future, against Russia, Russian entities or Russian individuals, or other countries that support Russia's military invasion, may result
in the devaluation of Russian currency, a downgrade in the country's credit rating, an immediate freeze of Russian assets, a decline in the value and liquidity of Russian securities, property or interests, and/or other adverse consequences to the Russian economy or the Fund. The scope and scale
of sanctions in place at a particular time may be expanded or otherwise modified in a way that have negative effects on the Fund. Sanctions, or the threat of new or modified
sanctions, could impair the ability of the Fund to buy, sell, hold, receive, deliver or otherwise transact in certain affected securities or other investment instruments. Sanctions
could also result in Russia taking counter measures or other actions in response (including cyberattacks and espionage), which may further impair the value and liquidity of Russian securities. These sanctions, and the resulting disruption of the Russian
economy, may cause volatility in other regional and global markets and may negatively impact the performance of various sectors and industries, as well as companies in other countries, which could have a negative effect on the performance of
the Fund, even if the Fund does not have direct exposure to securities of Russian issuers. As a collective result of the imposition of sanctions, Russian government countermeasures and the impact that they have had on the trading markets for
Russian securities, certain Portfolios have used, and may in the future use, fair valuation procedures approved by the Fund's Board to value certain Russian securities, which could
result in such securities being deemed to have a zero value.
Swap Execution Facilities
Certain derivatives contracts are required to be (or are capable of being) executed through swap execution facilities
(“SEFs”). A SEF is a trading platform where multiple market participants can execute derivatives by accepting bids and
offers made by multiple other participants in the platform. For derivatives that are required to be traded on a SEF, such
5
requirements may make it more difficult and costly
for investment funds, such as the Fund, to enter into highly tailored or customized transactions. Trading derivatives on a SEF may offer certain advantages over traditional
bilateral over-the-counter trading, such as ease of execution, price transparency, increased liquidity and/or favorable pricing. Execution through a SEF is not, however, without additional costs and risks, as parties are required to comply with SEF and CFTC rules
and regulations, including disclosure and recordkeeping obligations, and SEF rights of inspection, among others. SEFs typically charge fees, and if the Fund executes derivatives on
a SEF through a broker intermediary, the intermediary may impose fees as well. The Fund also may be required to indemnify a SEF, or a broker intermediary who executes derivatives on a SEF on the Fund's behalf, against any losses or costs that may be incurred as a result of the Fund's
transactions on the SEF. In addition, the Fund may be subject to execution risk if it enters into a derivatives transaction that is required to be (or the Adviser expects to be) executed on a SEF and cleared, and no SEF or clearing member is
willing to accept and clear the transaction on the Fund's behalf. In that case, the transaction might have to be terminated, and the Fund could lose some or all of the benefit of any increase in the value of the transaction after the time of the
trade.
Risks Associated with Derivatives Regulation
The U.S. government has enacted and is continuing to implement legislation that provides for regulation of the derivatives
market, including clearing, margin, reporting, and registration requirements. The European Union
(“E.U.”), the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”) and some other countries have also adopted
and are continuing to implement similar requirements, which will affect the Fund when it enters into a derivatives transaction with a counterparty organized in that country or
otherwise subject to that country's derivatives regulations. Such rules and other rules and regulations could, among other things, restrict the Fund's ability to engage in, or increase the cost to the Fund of, derivatives transactions, for example, by making some types of derivatives no longer available to the Fund, increasing margin or capital requirements, or otherwise
limiting liquidity or increasing transaction costs. While the rules and regulations and central clearing of some derivatives transactions are designed to reduce systemic risk (i.e., the risk that the interdependence of large derivatives dealers could
cause them to suffer liquidity, solvency or other challenges simultaneously), there is no assurance that they will achieve that result, and in the meantime, as noted above, central clearing and related requirements expose the Funds to other kinds
of costs and risks.
In the event of a counterparty's (or its affiliate's)
insolvency, the Fund's ability to exercise remedies, such as the termination of transactions, netting of obligations and realization on collateral, could be stayed or eliminated
under special resolution regimes adopted in the United States, the E.U., the U.K. and various other jurisdictions. Such regimes provide government authorities with broad authority to intervene when a financial institution is experiencing financial difficulty. In
particular, with respect to counterparties who are subject to such proceedings in the E.U. and the U.K., the liabilities of such counterparties to the Funds could be reduced, eliminated, or converted to equity in such counterparties (sometimes
referred to as a “bail in”).
The Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) adopted Rule 18f-4 under the 1940 Act providing for the regulation of registered investment companies' use of derivatives
and certain related instruments. The rule, among other things, limits derivatives exposure through one of two value-at-risk tests and in connection with adopting the rule, the SEC
eliminated the asset segregation framework for covering derivatives and certain financial instruments arising from the SEC's Release 10666 and ensuing staff guidance. The rule also requires funds to adopt and implement a derivatives risk management program
(including the appointment of a derivatives risk manager and the implementation of certain testing requirements) and subjects funds to certain reporting requirements in respect of
derivatives. Limited derivatives users (as determined by Rule 18f-4) are not, however, subject to the full requirements under the rule.
Additionally, U.S. regulators, the EU, the U.K. and certain other jurisdictions have adopted
minimum margin and capital requirements for uncleared derivatives transactions. These rules impose minimum margin requirements on derivatives transactions between the Fund and its counterparties and may increase the amount of margin the Fund is required to provide.
They impose regulatory requirements on the timing of transferring margin and the types of collateral that parties are permitted to exchange.
These and other regulations are evolving, so their full impact on the Funds and the financial
system are not yet known.
Considerations
Regarding Blockchain and Stablecoins
Although the Fund does not invest in
stablecoins or other crypto assets, shares of the Fund are expected to be held primarily by one or more stablecoin issuers as all or a portion of the reserve assets that back the
stablecoins issued to their customers. A blockchain is an open, distributed ledger that records transactions between two parties in a verifiable and append-only manner using cryptography. Transactions on the blockchain are verified and authenticated by computers
6
on the network. The process of authenticating a
transaction before it is recorded seeks to ensure that only valid and authorized transactions are permanently recorded on the blockchain in collections of transactions called
“blocks.” Blockchain networks are based upon software source code that establishes and governs their respective
cryptographic systems for verifying transactions. Stablecoins generally are a type of cryptocurrency that use blockchain or similar distributed ledger technology networks and are designed to maintain a stable value by pegging their value to another asset,
such as a fiat currency like the U.S. dollar. Stablecoin holders generally are permitted to redeem their stablecoins for a fixed amount of value. The assets of the Fund are
therefore expected to fluctuate depending on the creation (minting) of additional stablecoins or the redemption (burning) of such stablecoins. Stablecoins may face periods of
uncertainty and volatility, including as a result of events specific to a particular issuer (such as an issuer's ability to maintain a consistent peg) or broader events unrelated to a specific stablecoin issuer (such as changes in general market or
economic conditions or changes in laws or regulations impacting the regulation of stablecoin issuers or eligible reserves). This may result in the potential for rapid and/or
unexpected requests by stablecoin issuers for redemption of the Fund's shares (including requests by multiple stablecoin issuers at the same time) and could adversely affect the
Fund, particularly if such redemptions occur in times of overall market turmoil or declining prices.
Complex information technology and communications systems, such as blockchain networks, are subject to a number of different threats or risks (including operational, information security and related risks and cyber incidents) that could
adversely affect the Fund, its shareholders, stablecoin issuers, and intermediaries through whom shareholders purchase and redeem fund shares. The use of blockchain technology and technologies associated with stablecoins are relatively new and
still evolving. The Fund, its service providers, including the Adviser, and their affiliates will not be responsible for any loss in connection with the use of blockchain
technology by an intermediary or the use of stablecoins or a related blockchain technology. Shareholders should contact their intermediary about whether or how it uses blockchain
technology and the associated risks.
Custodial Risk
There are risks involved in dealing with the custodians or brokers who hold the Fund's investments or settle the Fund's
trades. It is possible that, in the event of the insolvency or bankruptcy of a custodian or broker, the Fund would be delayed or prevented from recovering its assets from the custodian or broker, or its estate, and may have only a general unsecured
claim against the custodian or broker for those assets. In recent insolvencies of brokers or other financial institutions, the ability of certain customers to recover their assets from the insolvent's estate has been delayed, limited, or prevented,
often unpredictably, and there is no assurance that any assets held by the Fund with a custodian or broker will be readily recoverable by the Fund. In addition, there may be limited recourse against non-U.S. sub-custodians in those situations in
which the Fund invests in markets where custodial and/or settlement systems and regulations are not fully developed, including emerging markets, and the assets of the Fund have been entrusted to such sub-custodians. SSGA FM or an affiliate
may serve as the custodian of the Funds.
Forward Commitments
The Fund may invest in forward commitments. The Fund may contract to purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond customary settlement time consistent with the Fund's ability to manage its investment portfolio and meet
redemption requests. The Fund may dispose of a commitment prior to settlement if it is appropriate to do so and realize short-term profits or losses upon such sale. Forward commitments involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be
purchased declines prior to the settlement date, or if the other party fails to complete the transaction.
Government Mortgage-Related Securities
The Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”) is the principal federal government guarantor
of mortgage-related securities. GNMA is a wholly owned U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban Development. It guarantees, with the full faith and credit of the United States, full and timely payment of all
monthly principal and interest on its mortgage-related securities. GNMA pass-through securities are considered to have a relatively low risk of default in that (1) the underlying mortgage loan portfolio is comprised entirely of government-backed
loans and (2) the timely payment of both principal and interest on the securities is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, regardless of whether they have been collected. GNMA pass-through securities are, however, subject to
the same interest rate risk as comparable privately issued mortgage-related securities. Therefore, the effective maturity and market value of the Fund's GNMA securities can be
expected to fluctuate in response to changes in interest rate levels.
7
Residential mortgage loans are also pooled by the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC” or “Freddie Mac”), a corporate instrumentality of the U.S. Government. The mortgage loans in FHLMC's portfolio are not government backed;
FHLMC, not the U.S. Government, guarantees the timely payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal on FHLMC securities. FHLMC also issues guaranteed mortgage
certificates, on which it guarantees semiannual interest payments and a specified minimum annual payment of principal.
The Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA” or “Fannie Mae”) is a government-sponsored corporation owned
entirely by private stockholders. It is subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. FNMA purchases residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers, which include savings and loan associations,
savings banks, commercial banks, credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest only by
FNMA, not the U.S. Government.
Illiquid
Securities
The Fund may invest in illiquid securities. The absence of a
regular trading market for illiquid securities imposes additional risks on investments in these securities. Illiquid securities may be difficult to value and may often be disposed
of only after considerable expense and delay.
The Fund is managed in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). As a result, the Fund has adopted the following liquidity policies (except as noted):
1.
The Fund may not purchase an illiquid security if, immediately after purchase, the Fund would
have invested more than 5% of its total assets in illiquid securities (securities that cannot be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven days at approximately the market value ascribed to them by the Fund);
2.
The Fund may not purchase a security other than a security offering daily liquidity if,
immediately after purchase, the Fund would have invested less than 25% of its total assets in securities offering daily liquidity (includes securities that mature or are subject to demand within one business day, cash, direct U.S. Government obligations or amounts
receivable and due unconditionally within one business day on pending sales of portfolio securities); and
3.
The Fund may not purchase a security other than a security offering weekly liquidity if,
immediately after purchase, the Fund would have invested less than 50% of its total assets in securities offering weekly liquidity (includes securities that mature or are subject to demand within five business days, cash, direct U.S. Government obligations,
Government agency discount notes with remaining maturities of 60 days or less or amounts receivable and due unconditionally within five business days on pending sales of portfolio
securities).
Under Rule 2a-7, “illiquid security” means a security that cannot
be sold or disposed of in the ordinary course of business within seven calendar days at approximately the value ascribed to it by the seller.
Industrial Development and Private Activity Bonds
Industrial development bonds are issued to finance a wide variety of capital
projects including: electric, gas, water and sewer systems; ports and airport facilities; colleges and universities; and hospitals. The principal security for these bonds is generally the net revenues derived from a particular facility, group of facilities, or in some cases, the proceeds of a
special excise tax or other specific revenue sources. Although the principal security behind these bonds may vary, many provide additional security in the form of a debt service reserve fund whose money may be used to make principal and
interest payments on the issuer's obligations. Some authorities provide further security in the form of a state's ability without obligation to make up deficiencies in the debt service reserve fund.
Private activity bonds are considered municipal securities if the interest paid thereon is exempt from federal income tax
and they are issued by or on behalf of public authorities to raise money to finance various privately operated facilities for business and manufacturing, housing, sports, and pollution control. These bonds are also used to finance public facilities
such as airports, mass transit systems, ports and parking. The payment of the principal and interest on such bonds is dependent solely on the ability of the facility's user to meet its financial obligations and the value of any real or personal
property pledged as security for such payment.
Interest income on these bonds may be an item of tax preference subject to federal alternative minimum tax for shareholders
subject to such tax.
8
Insured Municipal
Securities
Insured municipal securities are those for which scheduled payments
of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles a fund to receive only the face or par value of the securities held by the fund, but the ability to be paid is limited to the claims paying ability of the insurer. The insurance
does not guarantee the market value of the municipal securities or the net asset value (“NAV”) of the Fund's shares. Insurers are selected based upon the diversification of their portfolios and the strength of the management team which
contributes to the claims paying ability of the entity. However, the Adviser selects securities based upon the underlying credit, with bond insurance viewed as an enhancement only. The Adviser's objective is to have an enhancement that provides
additional liquidity to insulate against volatility in changing markets.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk
The Fund are subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global
economies and markets. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally.
Likewise, trade policy changes or disputes, natural and environmental disasters, epidemics or pandemics, and systemic market dislocations may be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in non-U.S. and
domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings,
inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of the Fund's investments. Given the increasing interdependence between global economies and markets,
conditions in one country, market, or region might adversely impact markets, issuers and/or foreign exchange rates in other countries, including the U.S. Continuing uncertainty as to the status of the euro and the Economic and Monetary Union of the European
Union (the “EMU”) has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Any partial or complete dissolution of the
EMU, or any increased uncertainty as to its status, could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Fund's investments. On
January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom
(“UK”) formally withdrew from the European Union
(“EU”) (commonly known as “Brexit”). An agreement between the UK and the EU
governing their future trade relationship became effective January 1, 2021, but that agreement does not include an agreement on financial services, and it is unlikely that such
agreement will be concluded. Moreover, the UK government has started a program of financial services law reform with the ultimate aim of repealing many EU financial services laws that were assimilated into UK law from January 1, 2021, and replacing them with legislation or rules made by
the UK government or financial services regulators. Accordingly, uncertainty remains in certain areas as to the future relationship between the UK and the EU. Brexit has already
had a significant impact on the UK, Europe, and global economies, and could continue to result in volatility and illiquidity, legal, political, economic and regulatory
uncertainties and lower economic growth for these economies that could in turn have an adverse effect on the value of the Fund's investments. Any further exits from the EU, or the possibility of such exits, or the abandonment of the euro, may cause
additional market disruption globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
Securities markets may be susceptible to market manipulation or other fraudulent trade practices, which could disrupt the orderly functioning of these markets or adversely affect the value of investments traded in these markets, including
investments of the Fund.
Recent political activity in the U.S. has increased the risk that the U.S. could default on some or any of its obligations.
While it is impossible to predict the consequences of such an unprecedented event, it is likely that a default by the U.S. would be highly disruptive to the U.S. and global securities markets and could significantly impair the value of the Fund's
investments. Similarly, political events within the U.S. at times have resulted, and may in the future result, in a shutdown of government services, which could negatively affect the U.S. economy, decrease the value of many Fund investments, and
increase uncertainty in or impair the operation of the U.S. or other securities markets. To the extent the Fund has focused its investments in the stock market index of a particular region, adverse geopolitical and other events could have a
disproportionate impact on the Fund.
Market Turbulence Resulting from Infectious Illness
A widespread outbreak of an infectious illness may lead to governments and businesses world-wide taking aggressive measures,
including closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines of large populations. The spread of such an illness may result
in the disruption of and delays in the delivery of healthcare services and processes, the cancellation of organized events and educational institutions, the disruption of production and supply chains, a decline in consumer demand for certain goods and services, and general concern and
uncertainty, all of which may contribute to increased volatility in global markets. Epidemics and pandemics that may arise
9
in the future could adversely affect the economies
of many nations, the global economy, individual companies, economic sectors and industries, and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at the present time. In addition,
the impact of infectious diseases in developing or emerging market countries may be greater due to limited healthcare resources. Political, economic and social stresses caused by an infectious illness also may exacerbate other pre-existing political,
social and economic risks in certain countries. The duration of such an illness and its effects cannot be determined at this time, but the effects could be present for an extended period of time.
Municipal and Municipal-Related Securities
The Fund may invest in municipal and municipal-related securities. Municipal securities may bear fixed, floating or variable
rates of interest or may be zero coupon securities. Municipal securities are generally of two types: general obligations and revenue obligations. General obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the issuer. These securities include tax
anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, general obligation bonds and commercial paper. Revenue obligations are backed by the revenues generated from a specific project or facility and include industrial development bonds and private
activity bonds. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance working capital needs of municipalities and are generally issued in anticipation of future tax revenues. Bond anticipation notes are issued in expectation of the issuer obtaining
longer-term financing.
Municipal obligations are affected by economic, business or political developments. These securities may be subject to
provisions of litigation, bankruptcy and other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, or may become subject to future laws extending the time for payment of principal and/or interest, or limiting the rights of municipalities to levy taxes. The Fund may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than other funds. Because interest income from
municipal securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the attractiveness of municipal securities in relation to other investment alternatives is affected
by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to, or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income. Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or
exempt status, therefore, can significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of municipal securities. This could in turn affect the Fund's ability to acquire and dispose of municipal securities at desirable yield and
price levels. Concentration of the Fund's investments in these municipal obligations will subject the Fund, to a greater extent than if such investment was not so concentrated, to the risks of adverse economic, business or political developments
affecting the particular state, industry or other area of concentration. Issuers, including governmental issuers, of municipal securities may be unable to pay their obligations as
they become due. Recent declines in tax revenues, and increases in liabilities, such as pension and healthcare liabilities, may increase the actual or perceived risk of default on such securities.
Municipal Leases
The Fund may purchase participation interests in municipal obligations, including municipal lease/purchase agreements.
Municipal leases are an undivided interest in a portion of an obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase issued by a state or local government to acquire equipment or facilities. These instruments may have fixed, floating or
variable rates of interest, with remaining maturities of 13 months or less. Certain participation interests may permit the Fund to demand payment on not more than seven days' notice, for all or any part of the Fund's interest, plus accrued
interest.
Municipal leases frequently have special risks not normally associated with general obligation or revenue bonds. Some leases
or contracts include
“non-appropriation” clauses, which provide that the governmental issuer has no obligation to make future payments under the lease or contract
unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. To reduce these risks, the Funds will only purchase municipal
leases subject to a non-appropriation clause when the payment of principal and accrued interest is backed by a letter of credit or guarantee of a bank.
Whether a municipal lease agreement will be considered illiquid for the purpose of the Fund's restriction on investments in
illiquid securities will be determined in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Trustees.
Pre-Refunded Municipal Securities
The interest and principal payments on pre-refunded municipal securities are typically paid
from the cash flow generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government securities. These payments have been “pre-refunded” using the escrow fund.
10
Purchase of Other
Investment Company Shares
The Fund may, to the extent permitted under the 1940
Act and the rules thereunder, invest in shares of other investment companies, which include funds managed by SSGA FM, which invest exclusively in money market instruments or in
investment companies with investment policies and objectives which are substantially similar to those of the Funds. These investments may be made temporarily, for example, to invest uncommitted cash balances or, in limited circumstances, to
assist in meeting shareholder redemptions, or as long-term investments. In general, the 1940 Act prohibits the Fund from acquiring more than 3% of the voting shares of any one other investment company, and prohibits the Fund investing more than
5% of its total assets in the securities of any one other investment company or more than 10% of its total assets in securities of other investment companies in the aggregate. The
percentage limitations above apply to investments in any investment company. Pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC, the Fund may invest in excess of these limitations if the Fund
and the investment company in which the Fund would like to invest comply with certain conditions. Certain of the
conditions do not apply if the Fund is investing in shares issued by affiliated funds. In addition, the Fund may invest in shares issued by money market funds, including certain unregistered money market funds, in excess of the limitations. The
Fund's investments in another investment company will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company's portfolio securities. The Fund's shareholders must bear not only
their proportionate share of the Fund's fees and expenses, but they also must bear indirectly the fees and expenses of the other investment company.
Recent Money Market Regulatory Reforms
On July 12, 2023, the SEC adopted amendments to money market fund regulation (“Money Market Fund Reform”) that increase the daily liquid asset requirements from 10% to 25% and increase the weekly liquid asset requirements from
30% to 50%. Money Market Fund Reform permits government money market funds (such as the Fund), that are experiencing a gross negative yield as a result of negative interest rates, to either convert from a stable share price to a floating share
price or reduce the number of shares outstanding (through a reverse stock split) to maintain a stable net asset value per share, subject to certain Board determinations and disclosures to investors. Money Market Fund Reform, among other things,
also imposes additional reporting requirements on money market funds.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks, other financial institutions, such as broker-dealers, and other
institutional counterparties. Under a repurchase agreement, the Fund purchases securities from a financial institution that agrees to repurchase the securities at the Fund's original purchase price plus interest within a specified time. The Fund
will limit repurchase transactions to those member banks of the Federal Reserve System, broker-dealers and other
financial institutions whose creditworthiness the Adviser considers satisfactory. Should the counterparty to a transaction fail financially, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the securities, or may be prevented
from realizing on the securities. Further, the amount realized upon the sale of the securities may be less than that necessary to fully compensate the Fund. The SEC has finalized new rules requiring the central clearing of certain repurchase
transactions involving U.S. Treasuries. Historically, such transactions have not been required to be cleared and voluntary clearing of such transactions has generally been limited.
While it is currently difficult to predict the full impact of these new rules particularly because the compliance date has not yet occurred and could be subject to delays, the new
clearing requirements could make it more difficult for the Fund to execute certain investment strategies.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements, which are a form of borrowing. Under
reverse repurchase agreements, the Fund transfers possession of portfolio securities to financial institutions in return for cash in an amount equal to a percentage of the portfolio securities' market value and agrees to repurchase the securities at a future date by
repaying the cash with interest. The Fund retains the right to receive interest and principal payments from the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities sold by the Fund may decline below the
price at which it is obligated to repurchase the securities. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the buyer of the securities sold might be unable to deliver them
when the Fund seeks to repurchase the securities. If the buyer files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent, the Fund may be delayed or prevented from recovering the security that it
sold. The SEC has finalized new rules requiring the central clearing of certain repurchase transactions involving U.S. Treasuries. Historically, such transactions have not been required to be cleared and voluntary clearing of such transactions
has generally been limited. While it is currently difficult to predict the full impact of these new rules particularly because the compliance date has not yet occurred and could be
subject to delays, the new clearing requirements could make it more difficult for the Fund to execute certain investment strategies.
11
Tax Exempt Commercial
Paper
The Fund may invest in tax exempt commercial paper. Tax exempt
commercial paper is a short-term obligation with a stated maturity of 365 days or less. It is typically issued to finance seasonal working capital needs or as short-term financing in anticipation of longer term financing. Each instrument may be backed only by the credit of the issuer or may be
backed by some form of credit enhancement, typically in the form of a guarantee by a commercial bank. Commercial paper backed by guarantees of foreign banks may involve additional
risk due to the difficulty of obtaining and enforcing judgments against such banks and the generally less restrictive regulations to which such banks are subject. The Fund will
only invest in commercial paper rated at the time of purchase not less than Prime-1 by Moody's, A-1 by S&P or F-1 by Fitch Ratings. See Appendix A for more information on the ratings of debt instruments.
Tender Option Bonds
A tender option is a municipal obligation (generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than prevailing short-term tax exempt rates, that has been
coupled with the agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial institution, pursuant to which such institution grants the security holders the option, at periodic intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face value thereof. As consideration for providing the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees
equal to the difference between the municipal obligation's fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that would cause the securities, coupled with the tender
option, to trade at par on the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the prevailing short-term tax exempt rate. Subject to applicable regulatory
requirements, the Fund may buy tender option bonds if the agreement gives the Fund the right to tender the bond to its sponsor no less frequently than once every 397 days. The Adviser will consider on an ongoing basis the creditworthiness of
the issuer of the underlying obligation, any custodian and the third-party provider of the tender option. In certain instances, and for certain tender option bonds, the option may
be terminable in the event of a default in payment of principal or interest on the underlying municipal obligation and for other reasons.
Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities
The Fund may invest in Inflation-Protection Securities (“TIPSs”), a type of inflation-indexed Treasury security. TIPSs typically provide for semiannual payments of interest and a payment
of principal at maturity. In general, each payment will be adjusted to take into account any inflation or deflation that occurs between the issue date of the security and the
payment date based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”).
Each semiannual payment of interest will be determined by multiplying a single fixed rate
of interest by the inflation-adjusted principal amount of the security for the date of the interest payment. Thus, although the interest rate will be fixed, the amount of each interest payment will vary with changes in the principal of the security as adjusted for inflation and
deflation.
TIPSs also provide for an additional payment (a
“minimum guarantee
payment”) at maturity if the security's inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date is less than the security's principal amount at issuance. The amount of the
additional payment will equal the excess of the security's principal amount at issuance over the security's inflation-adjusted principal amount for the maturity date.
U.S. Government Securities
The Fund may purchase U.S. Government securities. The types of U.S. Government obligations in which the Fund may at times
invest include: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations and (2) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies and instrumentalities which are supported by any of the
following: (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury, (b) the right of the issuer to borrow an amount limited to a specific line of credit from the U.S. Treasury, (c)
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government agency or instrumentality, or (d) the credit of the instrumentality (examples of agencies and instrumentalities are: Federal Land Banks, Federal Housing Administration, Federal Farm Credit Bank, Farmers Home
Administration, Export-Import Bank of the United States, Central Bank for Cooperatives, Federal Intermediate Credit Banks, Federal Home Loan Banks, General Services Administration, Maritime Administration, Tennessee Development Bank,
Asian-American Development Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae” or “FNMA”). No assurance can be given that in the future the U.S. Government will provide financial support to U.S. Government securities it is not obligated to support.
The Fund may purchase U.S. Government obligations on a forward commitment basis.
12
Variable and Floating
Rate Securities
The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate securities.
In general, variable rate securities are instruments issued or guaranteed by entities such as (1) U.S. Government, or an agency or instrumentality thereof, (2) corporations, (3)
financial institutions, (4) insurance companies or (5) trusts that have a rate of interest subject to adjustment at regular intervals. A variable rate security provides for the automatic establishment of a new interest rate on set dates. Interest rates on these
securities are ordinarily tied to widely recognized market rates, which are typically set once a day. Generally, changes in interest rates will have a smaller effect on the market value of variable and floating rate securities than on the market
value of comparable fixed income obligations. Variable rate obligations will be deemed to have a maturity equal to the period remaining until the next readjustment of the interest rate.
When-Issued Securities
The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis. Delivery of and payment for these securities may take place as long
as a month or more after the date of the purchase commitment. The value of these securities is subject to market fluctuation during this period, and no income accrues to the Fund
until settlement takes place. When entering into a when-issued transaction, the Fund will rely on the other party to consummate the transaction; if the other party fails to do so,
the Fund may be disadvantaged. The Fund will not invest more than 25% of their respective net assets in when-issued securities.
Securities purchased on a when-issued basis and held by the Fund are subject to changes in market value based upon actual or perceived changes in the level of interest rates. Generally, the value of such securities will fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates — i.e., they will appreciate in value when interest rates decline and decrease in value when
interest rates rise. Therefore, if in order to achieve higher interest income the Fund remains substantially fully invested at the same time that it has purchased securities on a “when-issued” basis, there will be a greater
possibility of fluctuation in the Fund's NAV.
Zero Coupon Securities
The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are notes, bonds and debentures that: (1) do not pay
current interest and are issued at a substantial discount from par value; (2) have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons and receipts; or (3) pay no interest until a
stated date one or more years into the future. These securities also include certificates representing interests in such stripped coupons and receipts. Generally, changes in
interest rates will have a greater impact on the market value of a zero coupon security than on the market value of the comparable securities that pay interest periodically during the life of the instrument. In the case of any zero-coupon debt obligations
with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance that are treated as issued originally at a discount, the Fund will be required to accrue original issue discount (“OID”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes and as
a result may be required to pay out as an income distribution an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. To generate sufficient cash to make the requisite distributions to maintain its
qualification for treatment as a RIC under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), the Fund may be required to sell investments, including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so.
The Fund may invest no more than 25% of their respective total assets in stripped securities that have been stripped by their holder, typically a custodian bank or investment brokerage firm. Privately-issued stripped securities are not
themselves guaranteed by the U.S. Government, but the future payment of principal or interest on U.S. Treasury
obligations which they represent is so guaranteed.
Fundamental Investment Restrictions
The Trust has adopted the following restrictions applicable to the Funds, which may not be changed without the affirmative
vote of a “majority of the
outstanding voting securities” of the Fund, which is defined in the 1940 Act to mean the affirmative vote of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund and (2) 67% or more of the shares
present at a meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present at the meeting in person or by proxy.
1.
The Fund may borrow money and issue senior securities to the extent consistent with applicable
law from time to time.
2.
The Fund may make loans, including to affiliated investment companies, to the extent
consistent with applicable law from time to time.
3.
The Fund may purchase or sell commodities to the extent consistent with applicable law from
time to time.
13
4.
The Fund may purchase,
sell or hold real estate to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to time.
5.
The Fund may underwrite securities to the extent consistent with applicable law from time to
time.
6.
The Fund may not purchase any security if, as a result, 25% or more of the Fund's total assets
(taken at current value) would be invested in a particular industry (for purposes of this restriction, investment companies are not considered to constitute a particular industry or group of industries), except as is consistent with applicable law from
time to time and as follows: the Fund is permitted to invest without limit in “government
securities” (as defined in the 1940
Act), tax-exempt securities issued by a U.S. territory or possession, a state or local government, or a political subdivision of any of the foregoing and bankers' acceptances,
certificates of deposit and similar instruments issued by: (i) U.S. banks, (ii) U.S. branches of foreign banks (in circumstances in which the Adviser determines that the U.S. branches of foreign banks are subject to the same regulation as U.S. banks), (iii) foreign branches
of U.S. banks (in circumstances in which the Adviser determines that the Fund will have recourse to the U.S. bank for the obligations of the foreign branch), and (iv) foreign
branches of foreign banks (to the extent that the Adviser determines that the foreign branches of foreign banks are subject to the same or substantially similar regulations as U.S. banks).
With respect to investment policy on concentration (number 6 above), a Money Market Fund may concentrate in bankers' acceptances, certificates of deposit and similar instruments when, in the opinion of the Adviser, the yield, marketability
and availability of investments meeting the Fund's quality standards in the banking industry justify any additional risks associated with the concentration of the Fund's assets in such industry.
For purposes of the above investment limitation number 6, in the case of a tax-exempt bond issued by a non-governmental
user, where the tax-exempt bond is backed only by the assets and revenues of the non-governmental user, then such non-governmental user would be deemed to be the sole issuer. For
the Fund, all percentage limitations (except the limitation to borrowings) on investments will apply at the time of the making of an investment and shall not be considered violated unless an excess or deficiency occurs or exists immediately after and as a result of such investment.
Except for the investment restrictions expressly identified as fundamental, or to the extent designated as such in the Prospectus with respect to the Fund, the other investment policies described in this SAI or in the Prospectus are not
fundamental and may be changed by approval of the Trustees without shareholder approval.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions
Names Rule Policy
To the extent the Fund is subject to Rule 35d-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund has an investment policy, described in the Fund's prospectus, to either (1) under normal circumstances, invest at least 80% of its assets in the particular types of
investments suggested by the Fund's name, or (2) invest only in the particular type of investments suggested by the Fund's name (each a “Name Policy”). “Assets” for the purposes of a Name Policy are net
assets plus the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes. The percentage limitation applies at the time of purchase of an investment. The Fund's Name Policy may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder approval. However, to the extent required by
SEC regulations, shareholders will be provided with at least sixty (60) days' notice prior to any change in the Fund's Name Policy.
Additional Information
Fundamental Investment Restrictions (1) through (5), as numbered above limit the Fund's
ability to engage in certain investment practices and purchase securities or other instruments to the extent consistent with applicable law as that law changes from time to time. Applicable law includes the 1940 Act, the rules or regulations thereunder and applicable orders
of SEC as are currently in place. In addition, interpretations and guidance provided by the SEC staff may be taken into account, where deemed appropriate by the Fund, to determine if an investment practice or the purchase of securities or other
instruments is permitted by applicable law. As such, the effects of these limitations will change as the statute, rules, regulations or orders (or, if applicable, interpretations)
change, and no shareholder vote will be required or sought when such changes permit or require a resulting change in practice.
Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings
Introduction
14
The policies set forth below to be followed by
State Street Bank and Trust Company (“State Street”) and SSGA FM ( collectively, the “Service Providers”) for the disclosure of information about the portfolio holdings of SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, and State Street
Institutional Investment Trust (each, a “Trust”). These disclosure policies are intended to
ensure compliance by the Service Providers and the Trust with applicable regulations of the federal securities laws, including the 1940 Act and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940,
as amended. The Board of Trustees must approve all material amendments to the policy.
General Policy
It is the policy of the Service Providers to protect the confidentiality of client holdings and prevent the selective disclosure of non-public information concerning the Trust.
No information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Trust may be disclosed to any party (including shareholders) except
as provided below. The Service Providers are not permitted to receive compensation or other consideration in connection with disclosing information about the Fund's portfolio to
third parties. In order to address potential conflicts between the interest of Fund shareholders, on the one hand, and those of the Service Providers or any affiliated person
of those entities or of the Fund, on the other hand, the Fund's policies require that non-public disclosures of information regarding the Fund's portfolio may be made only if there is a legitimate business purpose consistent with fiduciary duties
to all shareholders of the Fund.
The Board of Trustees exercises continuing oversight over the disclosure of the Fund's holdings by (i) overseeing the
implementation and enforcement of the portfolio holding disclosure policy, Codes of Ethics and other relevant policies of the Fund and its service providers by the Trust's Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) and (2) considering reports and recommendations by the Trust's CCO concerning any material compliance matters (as defined in Rule 38a-1 under the 1940 Act).
The Board reserves the right to amend the policy at any time without prior notice in its sole discretion.
Publicly Available Information. Any party may disclose portfolio holdings information after the
holdings are publicly available.
The Fund generally will post on its website (or, in the case of the Fund, on the corresponding Feeder Fund's website) a full
list of its portfolio holdings each Friday reflecting the portfolio holdings of the fund on the immediately preceding Wednesday. The Fund will also post a full list of its portfolio holdings on its website (or, in the case of the Fund, on the
corresponding Fund's website) no later than the fifth business day of each month, reflecting its portfolio holdings as of the last business day of the previous month. Such monthly posting shall contain such information as required by Rule 2a-7(h)(10)
under the 1940 Act and remain posted on the website for not less than six months. The Fund is also required to file with the SEC its complete portfolio holdings in monthly reports
on Form N-MFP, available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Information about the Fund's 10 largest holdings generally is posted on the Fund's website at SSGA.com within 30 days
following the end of each month.
Press Interviews, Brokers and Other Discussions
Portfolio managers and other senior officers or spokespersons of the Service Providers or the Trust may disclose or confirm
the ownership of any individual portfolio holding position to reporters, brokers, shareholders, consultants or other interested persons only if such information has been previously
publicly disclosed in accordance with these disclosure policies. For example, a portfolio manager discussing the Trust may indicate that he owns XYZ Company for the Trust only
if the Trust's ownership of such company has previously been publicly disclosed.
Trading Desk Reports
State Street Global Advisors' (“SSGA”) trading desk may periodically distribute lists of investments held by its clients (including the Trust) for general analytical research purposes. In no case may such lists identify individual clients or
individual client position sizes. Furthermore, in the case of equity securities, such lists shall not show aggregate client position sizes.
Miscellaneous
Confidentiality Agreement. No non-public disclosure of the Fund's portfolio holdings will be made
to any party unless such party has signed a written Confidentiality Agreement. For purposes of the disclosure policies, any Confidentiality Agreement must be in a form and substance acceptable to, and approved by, the Trust's officers.
15
Evaluation Service
Providers. There are numerous mutual fund evaluation services (such as Morningstar, Inc. and Broadridge
Financial Solutions, Inc., formerly, Lipper, Inc.) and due diligence departments of broker-dealers and wirehouses that regularly analyze the portfolio holdings of mutual funds in
order to monitor and report on various attributes. These services and departments then distribute the results of their analysis to the public, paid subscribers and/or in-house brokers. In order to facilitate the review of the Trust by these services and departments, the Trust may
distribute (or authorize the Service Providers and the Trust's custodian or fund accountants to distribute) month-end portfolio holdings to such services and departments only if such entity has executed a confidentiality agreement.
Additional Restrictions. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, the Board of Trustees, State Street and SSGA FM may, on a case-by-case basis, impose additional restrictions on the dissemination of portfolio information beyond those
found in these disclosure policies.
Waivers of Restrictions. These disclosure policies may not be waived, or exceptions made, without
the consent of the Trust's officers. All waivers and exceptions involving the Trust will be disclosed to the Board of Trustees no later than its next regularly scheduled quarterly meeting.
Disclosures Required by Law. Nothing contained herein is intended to prevent the disclosure of
portfolio holdings information as may be required by applicable law. For example, SSGA FM, State Street, the Trust or any of its affiliates or service providers may file any report required by applicable law (such as Schedules 13D, 13G and 13F or Form N-MFP), respond
to requests from regulators and comply with valid subpoenas.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST
The Board is responsible for overseeing generally the management, activities and affairs of the Funds and has approved
contracts with various organizations to provide, among other services, day-to-day management required by the Trust (see the section called “Investment Advisory and Other
Services”). The Board has engaged the Adviser to manage the Funds on a day-to day basis. The Board is responsible for overseeing the Adviser and other service providers in the operation of
the Trust in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act, applicable Massachusetts law and regulation, other applicable laws and regulations, and the Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust. The Trustees listed below are also Trustees of SSGA
Funds, State Street Master Funds, State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust (the “Navigator
Trust”), State Street Institutional
Funds, State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc., Elfun Diversified Fund, Elfun Government Money Market Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Elfun Income Fund, Elfun
International Equity Fund and Elfun Trusts (collectively, the “Elfun Funds”), and their respective series. The
following table provides information with respect to each Trustee, including those Trustees who are not considered to be “interested” as that term is defined in the 1940 Act (the
“Independent Trustees”), and each officer of the Trusts.
| Name, Address, and Year of Birth |
Position(s) Held With Trust |
Term
of Office and Length
of
Time
Served |
Principal Occupation During Past Five Years
and Relevant Experience |
Number of Funds in Fund
Complex Overseen by
Trustee† |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five
Years |
| INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES | |||||
| PATRICK J. RILEY
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1948 |
Trustee and Chairperson of the Board |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 1/14 |
Independent Director, State Street Global Advisors Europe Limited (investment company) (1998 – 2023); Independent Director, SSGA Liquidity plc (formerly, SSGA Cash Management Fund plc) (1998 – 2023); and Independent Director, SSGA Fixed Income plc (January 2009 – 2023). |
55 |
Board Director and
Chairman, SSGA SPDR ETFs Europe I plc Board (2011 – March 2023); Board Director and
Chairman, SSGA SPDR ETFs Europe II plc
(2013 – March 2023);
Board Director, State Street Liquidity plc (1998 – March 2023). |
| MARGARET K.
MCLAUGHLIN
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street |
Trustee, Chairperson of the Qualified Legal Compliance |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 12/24 |
Consultant, Bates Group (consultants) (September 2020 – January 2023); Consultant, Madison |
55 |
Director, Manning & Napier Fund Inc (2021 – 2022). |
16
| Name, Address, and Year of Birth |
Position(s) Held With Trust |
Term
of Office and Length of Time
Served |
Principal Occupation During Past Five Years
and Relevant Experience |
Number of Funds in Fund
Complex Overseen by
Trustee† |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five
Years |
| Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1967 |
Committee, and Vice-Chairperson of the Valuation Committee |
|
Dearborn Partners (private equity) (2019 – 2020). |
|
|
| GEORGE M. PEREIRA
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1964 |
Trustee, Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, Chairperson of the Governance Committee, and Vice-Chairperson of the Qualified Legal Compliance Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 12/24 |
Chief Operating Officer (January 2011 – September 2020) and Chief Financial Officer (November 2004 – September 2020), Charles Schwab Investment Management. |
55 |
Director, Pave Finance Inc. (May 2023 – present); Director, Pacific Premier Bancorp, Pacific Premier Bank (2021 – 2025); Director, Charles Schwab Asset Management (Ireland) Ltd., & Charles Schwab Worldwide Funds plc. (2005 – 2020). |
| DONNA M. RAPACCIOLI
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1962 |
Trustee, Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Vice-Chairperson of the Nominating Committee, and Vice-Chairperson of the Governance Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 12/18 |
Dean of the Gabelli School of Business (2007 – June 2022) and Accounting Professor (1987 – present) at Fordham University. |
55 |
Director- Graduate
Management Admissions Council
(2015 – 2022). |
| MARK E. SWANSON
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1963 |
Trustee, Chairperson of the Valuation Committee, and Vice-Chairperson of the Audit Committee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 12/24 |
Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Russell Investment Funds (“RIF”) (1998 – 2022); Global Head of Fund Services, Russell Investments (2013 – 2022); Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Russell Investment Company (“RIC”) (1998 – 2022); President and Chief Executive Officer, RIF (2016 – 2017 and 2020 to 2022); President and Chief Executive Officer, RIC (2016 – 2017 and 2020 – 2022). |
55 |
Director and President, Russell Investments Fund Services, LLC
(2010 – 2023); Director,
Russell Investment Management, LLC,
Russell Investments Trust Company and
Russell Investments Financial Services, LLC (2010 – 2023). |
17
| Name, Address, and Year of Birth |
Position(s) Held With Trust |
Term
of Office and Length of Time
Served |
Principal Occupation During Past Five Years
and Relevant Experience |
Number of Funds in Fund
Complex Overseen by
Trustee† |
Other
Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five
Years |
| INTERESTED
TRUSTEE(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
| JEANNE LAPORTA(2)
c/o SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1965 |
Trustee |
Term: Indefinite Elected: 12/24 |
Senior Managing Director and Head of Global Funds Management at State Street Global Advisors (August 2024 – present); Chief Administrative Officer at ClearAlpha Technologies LP (FinTech startup) (January 2021 – August 2024); Senior Managing Director at State Street Global Advisors (July 2016 – 2021); Manager of State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (May 2017 – 2021); Director of SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (March 2020 - 2021); President of State Street Institutional Funds and State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc. (April 2014 – March 2020). |
213 |
Interested Trustee, Select Sector SDPR
Trust, SPDR Series Trust, SDPR Index
Shares Funds and SSGA Active Trust
(November 2024 –
present). Interested Trustee, Elfun
Government Money Market Fund, Elfun Tax Exempt Income Fund, Elfun Income Fund,
Elfun Diversified Fund,
Elfun International Equity Fund Elfun Trusts (2016 – 2021). |
†
For the purpose of determining the number of portfolios overseen by the Trustees, “Fund Complex” comprises registered investment
companies for which SSGA FM serves as investment adviser.
(1)
The individual listed below is a Trustee who is an “interested person,” as defined in the 1940 Act, of the Trust
(“Interested Trustee”).
(2)
Ms. LaPorta was elected as Interested Trustee effective January 1, 2025. Ms. LaPorta is an Interested Trustee because of her employment with State Street Global Advisors, an affiliate of the Trust.
18
The following lists the principal officers for the
Trust and State Street Master Funds, as well as their mailing addresses and ages, positions with the Trusts and length of time served, and present and principal occupations:
| Name, Address, and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held With
Trust |
Term of Office and Length of Time
Served |
Principal
Occupation During Past Five Years |
| OFFICERS: | |||
| ANN M. CARPENTER
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1966 |
President and Principal Executive Officer; Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 5/23 (with respect to President and Principal Executive Officer); Term: Indefinite Served: since 4/19 (with respect to Deputy Treasurer) |
Chief Operating Officer, SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (April 2005 – present)*; Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors (April 2005 – present).* |
| BRUCE S. ROSENBERG
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1961 |
Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 2/16 |
Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2015 – present). |
| CHAD C. HALLETT
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1969 |
Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 2/16 |
Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (November 2014 – present). |
| DARLENE ANDERSON-VASQUEZ
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1968 |
Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 11/16 |
Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (May 2016 – present). |
| ARTHUR A. JENSEN
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
1600 Summer Street
Stamford, CT 06905
YOB: 1966 |
Deputy Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 11/16 |
Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2016 – present). |
| DAVID LANCASTER
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1971 |
Assistant Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 11/20 |
Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (July 2017 – present).* |
| JOHN BETTENCOURT
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street Boston, MA 02210
YOB:1976 |
Assistant Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 5/22 |
Vice President, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (March 2020 – present). |
| VEDRAN VUKOVIC
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1985 |
Assistant Treasurer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 2/24 |
Vice President, State Street Global Advisors (2023 – present); Assistant Vice President, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (2011 – 2023). |
| BRIAN HARRIS
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1973 |
Chief Compliance Officer; Anti-Money Laundering Officer; Code of Ethics Compliance Officer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 7/16 |
Managing Director, State Street Global Advisors and SSGA Funds Management, Inc. (June 2013 – present).* |
| ANDREW J. DELORME
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1975 |
Chief Legal Officer |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 2/24 |
Managing Director and Managing Counsel, State Street Global Advisors (March 2023 – present); Counsel, K&L Gates (February 2021 – March 2023); Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street Global Advisors (August 2014 – February 2021). |
19
| Name, Address, and Year of Birth |
Position(s)
Held With Trust |
Term of
Office and Length of Time Served
|
Principal
Occupation During Past Five Years |
| DAVID BARR
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1974 |
Secretary |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 9/20 |
Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street Global Advisors (October 2019 – present). |
| E. GERARD MAIORANA, JR. SSGA Funds Management, Inc. One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1971 |
Assistant Secretary |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 5/23 |
Assistant Vice President, State Street Global Advisors (July 2014 – present). |
| DAVID URMAN
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Iron Street
Boston, MA 02210
YOB: 1985 |
Assistant Secretary |
Term: Indefinite Served: since 8/19 |
Vice President and Senior Counsel, State Street Global Advisors (April 2019 – present). |
*
Served in various capacities and/or with various affiliated entities during noted time period.
The By-Laws of the Trust provide that the Trust shall indemnify each person who is or was a
Trustee of the Trust against all expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceedings if the person in good faith and reasonably believes that his or her conduct was in the Trust's best interest.
The Trust, at its expense, provides liability insurance for the benefit of its Trustees and officers.
Summary of Trustees' Qualifications
Following is a summary of the experience, attributes and skills which qualify each Trustee
to serve on the Boards of Trustees of the Trust and State Street Master Funds.
Patrick J. Riley: Mr. Riley is an experienced business executive with over 47 years of experience in the legal and financial services industries; his experience includes service as a trustee or director of various investment companies and Associate
Justice of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has served on the Board of Trustees and related committees of the Trust for 35 years and possesses
significant experience regarding the operations and history of the Trust. Mr. Riley serves as a Trustee of the Trust, Navigator Trust, SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds,
Elfun Funds, and State Street Institutional Funds and a Director of State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc.
Margaret K. McLaughlin: Ms. McLaughlin has over 27 years of experience she has gained in a
variety of roles encompassing regulatory, operating, legal, and compliance functions, serving both firms and their boards. Ms. McLaughlin formerly served as a founding member of the executive management team for Kramer Van Kirk Credit Strategies L.P. and its
technology affiliate, Mariana Systems LLC, where she was integrally involved in corporate strategy, operational oversight, risk management and board governance. Prior to Kramer Van
Kirk, Ms. McLaughlin was Assistant General Counsel to Harris Associates L.P., where she was responsible for legal, regulatory and compliance activities related to the Oakmark Mutual Funds. Ms. McLaughlin has an extensive understanding and perspective on governance, oversight, regulation,
policies and procedures from these positions as well as her prior experience with both the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice. Ms. McLaughlin
currently serves on the Governing Counsel of the Independent Directors Council. Most recently, Ms. McLaughlin has held consulting positions at a major private equity firm and a management consulting firm. Ms. McLaughlin serves as a Trustee of the Trust, Navigator Trust, SSGA Funds, State Street
Master Funds, Elfun Funds, and State Street Institutional Funds and a Director of State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc.
George M. Pereira: Mr. Pereira has over 32 years of experience in executive management with
financial institutions, including extensive experience relating to financial reporting, operations, cybersecurity oversight, and enterprise risk management. Mr. Pereira retired from Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc., having served as Chief Operating Officer and
Chief Financial Officer during his tenure. Previously, Mr. Pereira also served as Head of Financial Reporting for Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. Earlier in his career, Mr. Pereira
gained valuable regulatory experience and perspective while serving as managing director at the New York Stock Exchange. With this professional experience, Mr. Pereira has developed wide-ranging expertise in building and managing financial, operational, technology and risk control platforms for
20
growth and scale within the financial services
industry. Additionally, Mr. Pereira is a member of the Latino Corporate Directors Association. Mr. Pereira serves as a Trustee of the Trust, Navigator Trust, SSGA Funds, State
Street Master Funds, Elfun Funds, and State Street Institutional Funds and a Director of State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc.
Donna M.
Rapaccioli: Ms. Rapaccioli has over 35 years of service as a full-time member of the business faculty at Fordham University, where she developed and taught undergraduate and
graduate courses, including International Accounting and Financial Statement Analysis and has taught at the executive MBA level. Ms. Rapaccioli is dean emerita after serving as Dean of the Gabelli School of Business for 15 years. She has served on Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business accreditation team visits, as a director for the graduate management admissions council, as well as trustee at Emmanuel College. Ms. Rapaccioli has lectured on
accounting and finance topics and consulted for numerous investment banks. Ms. Rapaccioli also serves as a Trustee of the Trust, Navigator Trust, SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, Elfun Funds, and State Street Institutional Funds and a Director of State Street Variable Insurance
Series Funds, Inc.
Mark E. Swanson: Mr. Swanson has over 27 years of experience in executive management with financial services
institutions, including extensive experience relating to, fund operations, financial reporting, fund accounting, and fund services. Mr. Swanson recently retired from Russell Investments, having served most recently as the Global Head of Fund
Services. Additionally, Mr. Swanson served as Treasurer, Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Russell Investment Company (“RIC”) and Russell Investment Funds (“RIF”). Previously, Mr. Swanson served as
Global Head of Fund Operations for Russell, as well as serving in different directorships with RIC, RIF and other Russell entities. Mr. Swanson serves as a Trustee of the Trust, Navigator Trust, SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, Elfun Funds, and
State Street Institutional Funds and a Director of State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc.
Jeanne LaPorta: Ms. LaPorta is a Senior Managing Director of State Street Global Advisors and
head of Global Funds Management. Prior to joining SSGA, she was the Chief Administrative Officer of a Fintech startup and served as a director of their flagship hedge fund. Ms. LaPorta previously worked at State Street Global Advisors from 2016 to 2021 as a
Senior Managing Director and at GE Asset Management (GEAM) from 1997 to July 2016 where she held various positions at GEAM, including Senior Vice President and Commercial
Operations Leader, Senior Vice President and Commercial Administrative Officer, Senior Vice President and Deputy General Counsel and Vice President and Associate General Counsel.
References to the experience, attributes and skills of Trustees above are pursuant to requirements of the SEC, do not constitute holding out of the Board or any Trustee as having any special expertise or experience, and shall not impose any
greater responsibility or liability on any such person or on the Board by reason thereof.
Standing Committees
The Board of Trustees has established various committees to facilitate the timely and efficient consideration of various matters of importance to Independent Trustees, the Trust, and the Trust's shareholders and to facilitate compliance with
legal and regulatory requirements. Currently, the Board has created an Audit Committee, Governance Committee,
Valuation Committee, Nominating Committee and Qualified Legal Compliance Committee (the “QLCC”).
The Audit Committee is composed of all of the Independent Trustees. The Audit Committee meets
twice a year, or more often as required, in conjunction with meetings of the Board of Trustees. The Audit Committee oversees and monitors the Trust's internal accounting and control structure, its auditing function and its financial reporting process. The Audit
Committee is responsible for selecting and retaining the independent accountants for the Trust. The Audit Committee is responsible for approving the audit plans, fees and other material arrangements in respect of the engagement of the
independent accountants, including non-audit services performed. The Audit Committee reviews the qualifications of the independent accountant's key personnel involved in the foregoing activities and monitors the independent accountant's
independence. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Audit Committee held four meetings.
Each of the Governance Committee and the Nominating Committee is composed of all the
Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the Governance Committee and the Nominating Committee are to review and evaluate the composition and performance of the Board; make nominations for membership on the Board and committees; review the
responsibilities of each committee; and review governance procedures, compensation of Independent Trustees and
independence of outside counsel to the Trustees. The Nominating Committee will consider nominees to the Board
recommended by shareholders. Recommendations should be submitted in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Nominating Committee Charter and should be submitted in writing to the Trust, to the attention of the Trust's Secretary, at
the address of the principal executive offices of the Trust. Shareholder recommendations must be delivered to, or mailed
21
and received at, the principal executive offices
of the Trust not less than sixty (60) calendar days nor more than ninety (90) calendar days prior to the date of the Board or shareholder meeting at which the nominee candidate
would be considered for election. The Governance Committee performs an annual self-evaluation of Board members. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Governance Committee and Nominating Committee held four combined meetings.
The Valuation Committee is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The Valuation Committee's primary purpose is to review the actions and recommendations of the Adviser's Oversight Committee no less often than quarterly. The Trust has
established procedures and guidelines for valuing portfolio securities and making fair value determinations from time to time through the Valuation Committee, with the assistance of the Oversight Committee, State Street and SSGA FM. During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the Valuation Committee held four meetings.
The QLCC is composed of all the Independent Trustees. The primary functions of the QLCC are to receive quarterly reports
from the CCO; to oversee generally the Trust's responses to regulatory inquiries; and to investigate matters referred to it by the Chief Legal Officer and make recommendations to
the Board regarding the implementation of an appropriate response to evidence of a material violation of the securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Trust, its officers or the Trustees. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, the QLCC held four
meetings.
Leadership Structure and Risk Management Oversight
The Board has chosen to select different individuals as Chairperson of the Board of the Trust, as Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Committees of the Board, and as President of the Trust. Currently, Mr. Riley, an Independent
Trustee, serves as Chairperson of the Board, Ms. Rapaccioli serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Ms. McLaughlin serves as Chairperson of the QLCC, Mr. Swanson serves as Chairperson of the Valuation Committee and
Mr. Pereira serves as Chairperson of each of the Governance Committee and Nominating Committee. Mr. Swanson serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Audit Committee, Ms. McLaughlin serves as Vice-Chairperson of the Valuation Committee, Mr.
Pereira serves as Vice-Chairperson of the QLCC, and Ms. Rapaccioli serves as Vice-Chairperson of each of the
Governance Committee and Nominating Committee. Ms. Carpenter, who is an employee of the Adviser, serves as
President of the Trust. The Board believes that this leadership structure is appropriate. Ms. Carpenter is available to provide the Board with insight regarding the Trust's day-to-day management when requested, while Mr. Riley provides an independent perspective on the Trust's overall operation and Ms. Rapaccioli provides a specialized perspective on audit
matters.
The Board has delegated management of the Trust to service providers who are responsible for the day-to-day management of risks applicable to the Trust. The Board oversees risk management for the Trust in several ways. The Board receives
regular reports from both the CCO and administrator for the Trust, detailing the results of the Trust's compliance with its Board-adopted policies and procedures, the
investment policies and limitations of the Funds, and applicable provisions of the federal securities laws and the Code. As needed, the Adviser discusses management issues regarding the Trust with the Board, soliciting the Board's input on many aspects of management, including potential risks to the Funds. The Board's Audit Committee also receives reports on various aspects of risk that might affect the
Trust and offers advice to management, as appropriate. The Trustees also meet in executive session with the independent counsel to the Independent Trustees, the independent registered public accounting firm, counsel to the Trust, the CCO
and representatives of management, as needed. Through these regular reports and interactions, the Board oversees the risk management parameters for the Trust, which are effected on a day-to-day basis by service providers to the Trust.
Trustee Ownership of Securities of the Trust, Adviser and
Distributor
As of December 31, 2024 none of the Independent Trustees or
their immediate family members had any ownership of securities of the Adviser, State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (“SSGA FD” or the “Distributor”), the Trust's distributor, or any person
directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Adviser or SSGA FD.
22
The following table sets forth information
describing the dollar range of the Trust's equity securities beneficially owned by each Trustee as of December 31, 2024.
| Name of Trustee |
Dollar Range Of Equity Securities In The Funds |
Aggregate Dollar Range Of Equity Securities In
All Registered Investment Companies
Overseen By
Trustees In Family of
Investment Companies |
| Independent Trustees: |
|
|
| Patrick J. Riley |
None |
Over $100,000 |
| John R Costantino(1) |
None |
None |
| Michael A. Jessee(1) |
None |
None |
| Margaret McLaughlin |
None |
None |
| George M. Pereira |
None |
None |
| Donna M. Rapaccioli |
None |
None |
| Mark E. Swanson |
None |
None |
| Interested Trustee: |
|
|
| Jeanne LaPorta(2) |
None |
None |
(1)
Messrs. Costantino and Jessee retired from the Board of Directors of the Trust effective
December 31, 2024.
(2)
Ms. LaPorta was elected as Interested Trustee effective January 1, 2025.
Trustee
Compensation
Independent Trustees are compensated on a calendar year
basis. An Interested Trustee does not receive compensation from the Funds for his or her service as a Trustee. Effective January 1, 2025, each Independent Trustee receives for his
or her services to the State Street Master Funds, the Trust, the SSGA Funds, the Elfun Funds, the Navigator Trust, State Street Institutional Funds and State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc. (together, the “Fund Entities”) a $400,000 annual base retainer. In addition, the Chairperson of each of the Valuation Committee, QLCC, Nominating Committee and
Governance Committee will receive an additional $25,000 stipend and the Chairperson of the Audit Committee will receive an additional $40,000 stipend. As of January 1, 2024, each Independent Trustee receives an additional $25,000 for each
special in-person meeting and $5,000 for each special telephonic meeting. The Chairperson of the Board receives an additional $100,000 annual retainer. The total annual compensation paid to the Independent Trustees (other than telephonic
and special meeting fees) is allocated to each Fund Entity as follows: a fixed amount of $21,000 will be allocated to each Fund Entity or, if applicable, each series thereof; and
the remainder will be allocated among the Fund Entities or, if applicable, each series thereof that is not a feeder fund in a master-feeder structure, based on relative net assets. The Independent Trustees are reimbursed for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses in connection with meeting
attendance. As of the date of this SAI, the Trustees were not paid pension or retirement benefits as part of the Trust's expenses. The Trust's officers are compensated by the Adviser and its affiliates.
The following table sets forth the total remuneration of Trustees and officers of the Trust for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024:
| Name of Trustee |
Aggregate Compensation from the
Trust |
Pension or Retirement Benefits
Accrued as Part of Trust Expenses
|
Estimated Annual Benefits Upon
Retirement |
Total Compensation from the Trust
and Fund Complex Paid to Trustees |
| Independent Trustees: | ||||
| Patrick J. Riley |
$139,092
|
$0
|
$0
|
$490,000
|
| John R. Costantino(1) |
$110,706
|
$0
|
$0
|
$390,000
|
| Michael A. Jessee(1) |
$110,706
|
$0
|
$0
|
$390,000
|
| Donna M. Rapaccioli |
$110,706
|
$0
|
$0
|
$390,000
|
| Margaret McLaughlin |
$110,706
|
$0
|
$0
|
$390,000
|
| George M. Pereira |
$110,706
|
$0
|
$0
|
$390,000
|
| Mark E. Swanson |
$110,706
|
$0
|
$0
|
$390,000
|
| Interested Trustee: | ||||
| Jeanne LaPorta(2) |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(1) Messrs. Costantino and Jessee retired from the Board of Directors of the Trust effective December 31, 2024.
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(2) Ms. LaPorta was elected as Interested Trustee effective January
1, 2025.
Proxy Voting
Procedures
The Board has delegated the responsibility to vote proxies
on securities held by the Fund to the Adviser, subject to certain exceptions. The Board has retained authority to vote proxies for certain bank and bank holding company securities
(“Bank Securities”) that may be held by the Fund from time to time. The Board has adopted the Institutional Shareholder Services,
Inc.'s (“ISS”) benchmark proxy voting policy with respect to voting such Bank Securities' proxies. The Board has retained this authority in order to permit the Adviser to utilize exemptions from limitations arising under the Bank Holding Company
Act of 1956, as amended, that might otherwise prevent the Adviser from acquiring Bank Securities on behalf of the Fund. Each of the Trust's and the Adviser's proxy voting policies, as well as ISS' benchmark proxy voting policy, are attached as
an appendix to this SAI. Information regarding how the Fund voted proxies relating to its portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available: (1) without charge by calling 1-866-787-2257; (2) on the Fund's
website at statestreet.com/im; and (3) on the SEC's website at https://www.sec.gov.
Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities
The Fund had not commenced operations prior to the date of this SAI and therefore did not
have any beneficial owners that owned greater than 5% of the outstanding voting securities as of the date of this SAI.
The Trustees and Officers of the Trust, as a group, own less than 1% of the Trust's voting
securities as of the date of this SAI.
Investment Advisory and Other Services
Investment Advisory Agreement
SSGA FM is responsible for the investment management of the Fund pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement dated [ ], as amended from time to time (the
“Advisory Agreement”), by and between the Adviser and the Trust with respect to the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State
Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held financial holding company. The Adviser, along with other advisory affiliates make up State Street Investment Management, the investment management arm of State Street
Corporation.
For the services provided under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a fee at an annual rate of [__]% of the
Fund's average daily net assets.
The Advisory Agreement provides for
an initial term of two years and thereafter will continue from year to year provided that such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (a) the Trustees or by the
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (b) vote of a majority of the Independent Trustees, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated by the Adviser or the
Trust without penalty upon sixty days' notice and will terminate automatically upon its assignment.
The Adviser and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and other commercial banking relationships with the issuers of
obligations that may be purchased on behalf of the Fund, including outstanding loans to such issuers that could be repaid in whole or in part with the proceeds of securities so purchased. Such affiliates deal, trade and invest for their own
accounts in such obligations and are among the leading dealers of various types of such obligations. The Adviser has informed the Fund that, in making its investment decisions, it will not obtain or use material non-public information in its
possession or in the possession of any of its affiliates. In making investment recommendations for the Fund, the Adviser will not inquire or take into consideration whether an issuer of securities proposed for purchase or sale by the Fund is a
customer of the Adviser, its parent or its subsidiaries or affiliates and, in dealing with its customers, the Adviser, its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates will not inquire or take into consideration whether securities of such customers were held by any
fund managed by the Adviser or any such affiliate.
In certain instances, there may be securities that are suitable for the Fund as well as for one or more of the Adviser's other
clients. Investment decisions for the Trust and for the Adviser's other clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives. It may develop that a particular security is bought or sold for only one client even though
it might be held by, or bought or sold for, other clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients when one or more clients are selling that same security. Some simultaneous transactions are inevitable when several
24
clients receive investment advice from the same
investment adviser, particularly when the same security is suitable for the investment objectives of more than one client. When two or more clients are simultaneously engaged in
the purchase or sale of the same security, the securities are allocated among clients in a manner believed to be equitable to each. The Trust recognizes that in some cases this system could have a detrimental effect on the price or volume of the security as
far as the Fund is concerned. However, it is believed that the ability of the Fund to participate in volume transactions will produce better executions for the Fund.
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not pay fees to the Adviser for the past
three fiscal years.
Administrator
SSGA FM serves as the administrator for the Fund pursuant to an Amended and Restated Administration Agreement. Under the
Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, SSGA FM is obligated to continuously provide business management services to the Trust and the Fund and will generally, subject to
the general oversight of the Trustees and except as otherwise provided in the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement, manage all of the business and affairs of the Trust.
The nature and amount of services provided by SSGA FM under the Amended and Restated Administration Agreement may vary as
between classes of shares of the Fund, and the Fund may pay fees to SSGA FM under that Agreement at different rates in respect of its different share classes. Except as noted
below, as consideration for SSGA FM's services as administrator to the Fund, the Fund currently pays SSGA FM an administrative fee at the annual rate of [ ]% in respect of the class of shares in this SAI, accrued daily at the rate of 1/ 365th and payable monthly on the first business day of
each month. The Fund reimburses SSGA FM for certain out-of-pocket travel expenses of the CCO and compliance team
incurred on the Fund's behalf.
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not pay fees to the administrator for the
past three fiscal years.
Sub-Administrator,
Custody and Fund Accounting
State Street serves as the
sub-administrator for the Trust, pursuant to a sub-administration agreement dated June 1, 2015 (the
“Sub-Administration
Agreement”). State Street serves as the custodian for the Trust, pursuant to a custody agreement dated April 11, 2012 (the “Custody
Agreement”). Under the Sub-Administration Agreement, State Street is obligated to provide certain sub-administrative services to the Trust. Under the Custody Agreement, State Street is obligated to provide
certain custody services to the Trust, as well as basic portfolio recordkeeping required by the Trust for regulatory and financial reporting purposes. State Street is a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation, a publicly held
financial holding company, and is affiliated with the Adviser. State Street's mailing address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
As consideration for sub-administration services, State Street receives an annual fee from the Adviser (payable monthly). As
consideration for custody and fund accounting services, the Fund pays State Street an annual fee (payable monthly) based on the average monthly net assets of the Fund. The Fund
also pays State Street transaction and service fees for these services and reimburses State Street for out-of-pocket expenses.
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not pay
sub-administration, custodian and fund accounting fees to State Street for the past three fiscal years.
Transfer Agent and Dividend Paying Agent
SS&C GIDS, Inc. serves as the Transfer and Dividend Paying Agent. SS&C GIDS, Inc. is
paid for the following annual account services and activities including but not limited to: establishment and maintenance of each shareholder's account; closing an account; acceptance and processing of trade orders; preparation and transmission of payments for dividends and
distributions declared by the Fund; customer service support including receipt of correspondence and responding to shareholder and financial intermediary inquiries; investigation
services; tax related support; financial intermediary fee payment processing; and charges related to compliance and regulatory services.
As consideration for these services, the Adviser, from its operations and administration fee,
pays SS&C GIDS, Inc. a fee for the services, which are allocated to the Fund based on the average net asset value of the Fund and are billable on a monthly basis at the rate of 1/12 of the annual fee. SS&C GIDS, Inc. is reimbursed by the Adviser, from its operations and
administration fee, for supplying certain out-of-pocket expenses including confirmation statements, investor statements,
25
banking fees, postage, forms, audio response,
telephone, records retention, customized programming/enhancements, reports, transcripts, microfilm, microfiche, and expenses incurred at the specific direction of a Fund. SS&C
GIDS, Inc. principal business address is 2000 Crown Colony Drive, Quincy, MA 02169.
Code of Ethics
The Adviser, SSGA FD and the Trust have each adopted a code of ethics (the Trust's code being referred to herein as the
“Code of Ethics”) under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. The Code of Ethics, by relying on the codes of the underlying service providers, permits
personnel of the Fund's Adviser, Distributor and officers, subject to the provisions of the relevant code of ethics, to invest in securities, including securities that may be
purchased or held by the Adviser or the Trust. Under the relevant code of ethics, all employees or officers who are deemed to be access persons (persons who have interaction
with funds or accounts managed by the Adviser or SSGA FD as part of their job function) must pre-clear personal
securities transactions. Each code of ethics is designed to ensure that employees conduct their personal securities transactions in a manner that does not create an actual or potential conflict of interest to the business or fiduciary
responsibilities of the Trust's service providers or officers. In addition, the Code of Ethics establishes standards prohibiting the trading in or recommending of securities based on material, nonpublic information or the divulgence of such information
to others.
26
Distributor
SSGA FD serves as the distributor of the Fund. SSGA FD is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary
of State Street Corporation. SSGA FD's mailing address is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
Shareholder Service and Administration
SSGA FD serves as a shareholder servicing agent of the Fund, pursuant to a Shareholder Servicing Agreement between SSGA FD
and the Trust (the “Shareholder Servicing Agreement”). Pursuant to the Shareholder Servicing Agreement, SSGA FD provides or arranges for the provision of various administrative, sub-accounting and personal services to investors
in the Cash Management Class and Capital Class shares of the Fund. Services provided by SSGA FD or that SSGA FD arranges to be provided by a financial intermediary pursuant to the
Shareholder Servicing Agreement include, among other things: establishing and maintaining shareholder account registrations; sub-accounting with respect to shares held in omnibus accounts; receiving and processing purchase and redemption orders, including aggregated orders, and
delivering orders to the Fund's transfer agent; processing and delivering trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semi-annual reports, shareholder
notices, and other SEC-required communications; processing dividend and distribution payments and issuing related documentation; providing shareholder tax reporting and processing tax data; receiving, tabulating, and transmitting proxies for proxy solicitations; and responding
to inquiries from shareholders. Shareholder servicing fees paid for the last fiscal year included amounts paid to affiliates of the Adviser and SSGA FD including State Street Bank (on behalf of all of its North America business units) and State Street
Global Markets, LLC and Global Services divisions of State Street Bank and Trust Company. These affiliates of the Adviser are also among the financial intermediaries that may
receive fees from the Distribution Plan.
The Fund had not commenced
operations as of the most recent fiscal year end and therefore did not pay shareholder service and administration fees to State Street for the past three fiscal years.
Payments to Financial Intermediaries
Financial intermediaries are firms that sell shares of mutual funds, including the Fund,
and/or provide certain administrative and account maintenance services to mutual fund shareholders. Financial intermediaries may include, among others, brokers, financial planners or advisors, banks, retirement plan recordkeepers, and insurance companies. In
some cases, a financial intermediary may hold its clients' Fund shares in nominee or street name and may utilize omnibus accounts. Shareholder services provided by a financial intermediary may (though they will not necessarily) include, among
other things: establishing and maintaining shareholder account registrations; sub-accounting with respect to shares held in omnibus accounts; receiving and processing purchase and redemption orders, including aggregated orders, and delivering
orders to the Fund's transfer agent; processing and delivering trade confirmations, periodic statements, prospectuses, annual reports, semi-annual reports, shareholder notices, and other SEC-required communications; processing dividend and
distribution payments and issuing related documentation; providing shareholder tax reporting and processing tax data; receiving, tabulating, and transmitting proxies for proxy
solicitations; and responding to inquiries from shareholders.
Some
portion of SSGA FD's payments to financial intermediaries will be made out of amounts received by SSGA FD under the Distribution Plans and pursuant to the Shareholder Servicing
Agreement. In addition, the Fund may reimburse SSGA FD for payments SSGA FD makes to financial intermediaries that provide recordkeeping, shareholder servicing, sub-transfer agency, administrative and/or account maintenance services (collectively, “servicing”). The amount of the reimbursement for servicing compensation and the manner in which it is calculated are reviewed by the Trustees
periodically.
A financial intermediary is often compensated by SSGA FD or its affiliates for the services the financial intermediary
performs and, in such cases, it is typically paid continually over time, during the period when the intermediary's clients hold investments in the Fund. The compensation to financial intermediaries may include networking fees and account-based
fees. The amount of continuing compensation paid by SSGA FD to different financial intermediaries varies. In the case of most financial intermediaries, compensation for servicing
in excess of any amount covered by payments under a Distribution Plan is generally paid at an annual rate of [__]% – [__]% of the aggregate average daily net asset value of
Fund shares held by that financial intermediary's customers, although in some cases the compensation may be paid at higher annual rates (which may, but will not necessarily, reflect enhanced or additional services provided by the financial
intermediary). The amount paid by the Fund may vary by share class.
If you invest through a Financial Intermediary and meet the eligibility criteria for more than one share class, you should discuss with your Financial Intermediary which share class is appropriate for you. Your financial adviser and the Financial
Intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend one share class over another, when you are
27
eligible to invest in more than one share class.
Please speak with your financial adviser to learn more about the total amounts paid to your financial adviser and his or her firm by the Fund or its affiliates with respect to the
different share classes offered by the Fund.
SSGA FD and its affiliates (including SSGA FM), at their own expense and out of their own assets, may also provide
compensation to financial intermediaries in connection with sales of the Fund's shares or servicing of shareholders or shareholder accounts by financial intermediaries. Such compensation may include, but is not limited to, ongoing payments,
financial assistance to financial intermediaries in connection with conferences, sales, or training programs for their employees, seminars for the public, advertising or sales
campaigns, or other financial intermediary-sponsored special events. In some instances, this compensation may be made available only to certain financial intermediaries whose
representatives have sold or are expected to sell significant amounts of shares. Financial intermediaries may not use sales of the Fund's shares to qualify for this compensation to the extent prohibited by the laws or rules of any state or any
self-regulatory agency, such as FINRA. The level of payments made to a financial intermediary in any given year will vary and, in the case of most financial intermediaries, will not exceed [__]% of the value of assets attributable to the financial
intermediary invested in shares of funds in the SSGA FM-fund complex. In certain cases, the payments described in the preceding sentence are subject to minimum payment levels.
If payments to financial intermediaries by the distributor or adviser for a particular mutual fund complex exceed payments
by other mutual fund complexes, your financial advisor and the financial intermediary employing him or her may have an incentive to recommend that fund complex over others. Please speak with your financial advisor to learn more about the total
amounts paid to your financial advisor and his or her firm by SSGA FD and its affiliates, and by sponsors of other mutual funds he or she may recommend to you. You should also
consult disclosures made by your financial intermediary at the time of purchase. Because the Fund pays distribution, service and other fees for the sale of their shares and for
services provided to shareholders out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time those fees will increase the cost of an investment in the Fund.
Set forth below is a list of those financial intermediaries to which SSGA FM expects, as of [__], 2025, to pay compensation,
to the extent applicable, in the manner described in this “Payments to Financial Intermediaries” section. This list may change over time. Please
contact your financial intermediary to determine whether it or its affiliate currently may be receiving such compensation and to obtain further information regarding any such
compensation.
•Ariel Distributors Inc.
•Ascensus Broker Dealer Services, LLC
•BMO Capital Markets Corp.
•Blaylock Van, LLC
•BofA Securities, Inc.
•Cabrera Capital Markets LLC
•Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
•Citibank, N.A.
•Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
•Commerce Bank
•Empower Financial Services, Inc.
•FIS Brokerage & Securities Services LLC
•State Street Brokerage Services, Inc.
•Goldman Sachs & Co
•Institutional Cash Distributors, LLC
•J.P. Morgan Securities LLC
•JP Morgan Chase bank, N.A.
•Lasalle Street Securities
•Mid-Atlantic Capital Corporation
•Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC
28
•MSCS
Financial Services LLC
•MUFG Union Bank, National
Association
•National Financial Services, LLC
•Pershing LLC
•PNC Capital Markets, LLC
•RBC Capital Markets, LLC
•Securities Finance Trust Company
•SEI Trust Company
•State Street Bank and Trust Company – Global Services Business Units
•State Street Global Markets,
LLC
•TD Prime Services LLC
•The Bank of New York Mellon
•Treasury Curve
•UBS Financial Services Inc.
•US Bank, National Association
•Valic Financial Advisors, Inc.
•Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
•Wells Fargo Clearing Services
•Wells Fargo Securities LLC
Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ropes & Gray LLP serves as counsel to the Trust. The principal business address of Ropes & Gray LLP is 800 Boylston Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Sullivan & Worcester LLP, located at One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts
02109, serves as independent counsel to the Independent Trustees.
[__]
serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and provides (i) audit services and (ii) tax services. In connection with the audit of the [2025]
financial statements, the Trust entered into an engagement agreement with [__] that sets forth the terms of [__]'s audit engagement. The principal business address of [__] is
[__].
BROKERAGE ALLOCATION
AND OTHER PRACTICES
All portfolio transactions are placed on behalf of
the Fund by the Adviser. Purchases and sales of securities on a securities exchange are affected through brokers who charge a commission for their services. Ordinarily commissions
are not charged on over-the-counter orders (e.g., fixed income securities) because the Fund pays a spread which is included in the cost of the security and represents the difference between the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to sell the
security and the dealer's quoted price at which it is willing to buy the security. When the Fund executes an over-the-counter order with an electronic communications network or an alternative trading system, a commission is charged by such
electronic communications networks and alternative trading systems as they execute such orders on an agency basis. Securities may be purchased from underwriters at prices that
include underwriting fees.
In placing a portfolio transaction, the
Adviser seeks to achieve best execution. The Adviser's duty to seek best execution requires the Adviser to take reasonable steps to obtain for the client as favorable an overall
result as possible for Fund portfolio transactions under the circumstances, taking into account various factors that are relevant to the particular transaction.
The
Adviser refers to and selects from the list of approved trading counterparties maintained by the Adviser's Credit Risk Management team. In selecting a trading counterparty for a
particular trade, the Adviser seeks to weigh relevant factors including, but not limited to the following:
•Prompt and reliable execution;
•The competitiveness of commission rates and spreads, if
applicable;
29
•The financial
strength, stability and/or reputation of the trading counterparty;
•The willingness and ability of the executing trading
counterparty to execute transactions (and commit capital) of size in liquid and illiquid markets without disrupting the market for the security;
•Local laws, regulations or restrictions;
•The ability of the trading counterparty to maintain
confidentiality;
•The availability and capability of execution venues,
including electronic communications networks for trading and execution management systems made available to Adviser;
•Market share;
•Liquidity;
•Price;
•Execution related costs;
•History of execution of orders;
•Likelihood of execution and settlement;
•Order size and nature;
•Clearance and settlement capabilities, especially in high volatility
market environments;
•Availability of lendable
securities;
•Sophistication of the trading counterparty's trading capabilities and infrastructure/facilities;
•The operational efficiency with which transactions are processed and cleared, taking into account the order size and complexity;
•Speed and responsiveness to the Adviser;
•Access to secondary markets;
•Counterparty exposure; and
•Depending upon the circumstances, the Adviser may take other relevant factors into account if the Adviser believes that these are important in taking all sufficient steps to obtain the best possible result for execution of the order.
In selecting a trading counterparty, the price of the transaction and costs related to the
execution of the transaction typically merit a high relative importance, depending on the circumstances. The Adviser does not necessarily select a trading counterparty based upon price and costs but may take other relevant factors into account if it believes that these
are important in taking reasonable steps to obtain the best possible result for the Fund under the circumstances.
Consequently, the Adviser may cause a client to pay a trading counterparty more than another trading counterparty might have charged for the same transaction in recognition of the value and quality of the brokerage services provided. The
following matters may influence the relative importance that the Adviser places upon the relevant factors:
(i)
The nature and characteristics of the order or transaction. For example, size of order, market
impact of order, limits, or other instructions relating to the order;
(ii)
The characteristics of the financial instrument(s) or other assets which are the subject of
that order. For example, whether the order pertains to an equity, fixed income, derivative or convertible instrument;
(iii)
The characteristics
of the execution venues to which that order can be directed, if relevant. For example, availability and capabilities of electronic trading systems;
(iv)
Whether the
transaction is a ‘delivery versus payment' or ‘over-the-counter' transaction. The creditworthiness of the trading counterparty, the amount of existing exposure to a
trading counterparty and trading counterparty settlement capabilities may be given a higher relative importance in the case of ‘over-the-counter' transactions; and/or
(v)
Any other circumstances that the Adviser believes are relevant at the time.
The process by which trading
counterparties are selected to effect transactions is designed to exclude consideration of the sales efforts conducted by broker-dealers in relation to the Fund.
The Adviser does not currently use the Fund's assets in connection with third-party
soft dollar arrangements. While the Adviser does not currently use “soft” or commission dollars paid by the Fund for
the purchase of third-party research, the
30
Adviser reserves the right to do so in the
future.
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and
therefore did not pay brokerage commissions during the past three fiscal years.
Securities of “Regular Broker-Dealers”: The Trust is required to identify any securities of its “regular brokers and dealers” (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) which it may hold at the close of its most recent fiscal year.
“Regular brokers or dealers” of the Trust are the ten brokers or dealers that, during the most recent fiscal year: (i) received the greatest
dollar amounts of brokerage commissions from the Trust's portfolio transactions; (ii) engaged as principal in the largest dollar amounts of portfolio transactions of the Trust; or (iii) sold the largest dollar amounts of the Trust's shares.
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore did not have
any holdings in Securities of Regular Broker-Dealers as of [ ].
DECLARATION OF TRUST, CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER INFORMATION
Capitalization
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trustees are authorized to issue an unlimited number of
shares of the Fund. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Fund, investors are entitled to share pro rata in the Fund's net assets available for distribution to its investors. Investments in the Fund have no preference, preemptive, conversion or similar rights, except as
determined by the Trustees or as set forth in the Bylaws, and are fully paid and non-assessable, except as set forth below.
Declarations of Trust
The Declarations of Trust of the Trust and the Master Trust each provide that a Trust may
redeem shares of the Fund at the redemption price that would apply if the share redemption were initiated by a shareholder. It is the policy of each Trust that, except upon such conditions as may from time to time be set forth in the then current prospectus of the Fund or to
facilitate a Trust's or the Fund's compliance with applicable law or regulation, a Trust would not initiate a redemption of shares unless it were to determine that failing to do so may have a substantial adverse consequence for the Fund or the
Trust.
Each Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee who is not an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act)
of a Trust will be deemed independent and disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a derivative action or proceeding. It is the policy of each Trust that it will not assert that provision to preclude a shareholder from
claiming that a Trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a
derivative action or proceeding; provided, however, that the foregoing policy will not prevent the Trusts from asserting applicable law (including Section 2B of Chapter 182 of the Massachusetts General Laws) to preclude a shareholder from
claiming that a Trustee is not independent or disinterested with respect to any demand made in connection with a
derivative action or proceeding.
A Trust will not deviate from the foregoing policies in a manner that adversely affects the rights of shareholders of the
Fund without the approval of “a vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of such Fund.
Voting
Each shareholder is entitled to a vote in proportion to the number of Fund shares it owns. Shares do not have cumulative
voting rights in the election of Trustees, and shareholders holding more than 50% of the aggregate outstanding shares in the Trust may elect all of the Trustees if they choose to do so. The Trust is not required and has no current intention to
hold annual meetings of shareholders but the Trust will hold special meetings of shareholders when in the judgment of the Trustees it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a shareholder vote.
Counsel and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Ropes & Gray LLP serves as counsel to the Trust. The principal business address of Ropes
& Gray LLP is 800 BoylstonStreet, Boston, Massachusetts 02199. Sullivan & Worcester LLP, located at One Post Office Square, Boston,Massachusetts 02109, serves as independent counsel to the Independent Trustees.
[ ] serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Trust and provides (i)audit services and (ii) tax services. The principal business address of [ ] is [ ].
Massachusetts Business Trust
31
Under Massachusetts law, shareholders in a
Massachusetts business trust could, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the trust. However, the Declaration of Trust disclaims shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification out of the property of the applicable series of the Trust for any loss to which the shareholder may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder of that series and for
reimbursement of the shareholder for all expense arising from such liability. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability should be limited to circumstances in which the series would be unable to
meet its obligations.
PRICING OF SHARES
Pricing of shares of the Fund does not occur on New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) holidays. The NYSE is open for trading every weekday except for: (a) the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday,
Washington's Birthday (the third Monday in February), Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth National Independence
Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas; and (b) the preceding Friday or the subsequent
Monday when one of the calendar-determined holidays falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Purchases and
withdrawals will be effected at the time of determination of NAV next following the receipt of any purchase or withdrawal order which is determined to be in good order. The Fund's securities will be valued pursuant to guidelines established by
the Board.
The Fund seeks to maintain a constant price per share of $1.00 for purposes of sales and redemptions of shares by using the
amortized cost valuation method to value its portfolio instruments in accordance with Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act. There can be no assurance that the $1.00 NAV per share will be
maintained. The amortized cost method involves valuing an instrument at its cost and thereafter assuming a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or premium, even
though the portfolio security may increase or decrease in market value, generally in response to changes in interest rates. While this method provides certainty in valuation, it may result in periods during which value, as determined by amortized
cost, is higher or lower than the price the Fund would receive if it sold the instrument.
For example, in periods of declining interest rates, the daily yield on each of the Fund's shares computed by dividing the annualized daily income on the Fund's portfolio by the NAV based upon the amortized cost valuation technique may tend to be
higher than a similar computation made by using a method of valuation based upon market prices and estimates thereof. In periods of rising interest rates, the daily yield on the
Fund's shares computed the same way may tend to be lower than a similar computation made by using a method of calculation based upon market prices and estimates.
The Trustees have established procedures reasonably designed to stabilize the Fund's
price per share at $1.00. These procedures include: (1) the determination of the deviation from $1.00, if any, of the Fund's NAV using market values; (2) periodic review by the Trustees of the amount of and the methods used to calculate the deviation; and (3) maintenance of
records of such determination. The Trustees will promptly consider what action, if any, should be taken if such deviation exceeds 1/2 of one percent.
Negative Interest Rate Environments
In the event of a negative interest rate environment, the net income of a Fund may fall below zero (i.e., become negative).
If this occurs, the Trustees may enact certain measures to seek to maintain a stable NAV per share at $1.00 for each applicable Fund. These measures may include the reduction or suspension of the issuance of dividends, the implementation of
reverse distributions, or periodic reverse share splits, as necessary in the Trustees' judgment, to seek to maintain a stable NAV per share at $1.00. The measures taken by the
Trustees in an effort to stabilize the NAV per share at $1.00 are subject to applicable law and the provisions of the Fund's organizational documents. Investments in a Fund are subject to the potential that the Trustees may enact such measures.
A Fund may also effect reverse distributions to offset the impact of the negative income on a Fund's NAV per share, thereby
reducing the number of shares outstanding and maintaining a stable NAV per share at $1.00. In a reverse distribution, the number of shares would be reduced on a pro rata basis from
each shareholder. If there is a reverse share split, the number of shares of a Fund will decrease, on a pro rata basis, as necessary to reflect the negative income of the Fund and maintain a stable NAV per share at $1.00.
Depending on the specific measure(s) taken, these measures would result in shareholders not receiving a dividend, holding
fewer shares of the Fund and/or experiencing a loss in the aggregate value of their investment in the Fund. There is no assurance that the Trustees will take such actions or that
such measures will result in a stable NAV per share of $1.00.
32
If the Trustees determine that it is no longer in
the best interests of the Trust and its shareholders to maintain a stable price of $1.00 per share or if the Trustees believe that maintaining such price no longer reflects a
market based NAV, the Trustees have the right to change from an amortized cost basis of valuation to valuation based on market quotations. If a Fund changes from an amortized cost basis of valuation to valuation based on market quotations, the Fund's losses would be
reflected in the Fund's share price. The Trust will notify shareholders of an applicable Fund of any such change from using an amortized cost basis of valuation to valuation based
on market quotations.
TAXATION OF
THE FUND
The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax consequences
of an investment in the Fund is based on the Code, U.S. Treasury regulations, and other applicable authority, as of the date of this SAI. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary
of some of the important U.S. federal income tax considerations generally applicable to investments in the Fund. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular shareholders. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisors
regarding their particular situation and the possible application of foreign, state and local tax laws.
Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution plans and other
tax-qualified plans or tax-advantaged arrangements. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the suitability of shares of the Fund as an investment through such plans and arrangements and the precise effect of an investment on their particular tax situations.
Qualification as a Regulated Investment Company
The Fund has elected or intends to elect to be treated as a RIC under Subchapter M of the
Code and intends each year to qualify and be eligible to be treated as such. In order to qualify for the special tax treatment accorded RICs and their shareholders, the Fund must, among other things, (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income for each taxable year from (i)
dividends, interest, payments with respect to certain securities loans, gains from the sale of securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gains
from options, futures or forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (ii) net income derived from interests in
“qualified publicly traded
partnerships” (as defined below); (b) diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of
the Fund's taxable year, (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets consists of cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. Government securities, securities of other RICs, and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer
to a value not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and no more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) no more than 25% of its assets are invested, including through corporations in which the
Fund owns a 20% or more voting stock interest, (x) in the securities (other than those of the U.S. Government or other RICs) of any one issuer or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged in the same, similar or
related trades and businesses, or (y) in the securities of one or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined below); and (c) distribute with respect to each taxable year at least 90% of the sum of its investment company taxable
income (as that term is defined in the Code without regard to the deduction for dividends paid – generally taxable ordinary income and the excess, if any, of net short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) and net tax-exempt income,
for such year.
In general, for purposes of the 90% gross income
requirement described in (a) above, income derived from a partnership will be treated as qualifying income only to the extent such income is attributable to items of income of the
partnership which would be qualifying income if realized directly by the RIC.
However, 100% of the net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly traded partnership” (a
partnership (x) the interests in which are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and (y) that derives less than 90% of its income from the qualifying income described in
section (a)(i) of the preceding paragraph), will be treated as qualifying income. In general, such entities will be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, because they meet the passive income requirement under Code Section
7704(c)(2). Further, although in general the passive loss rules of the Code do not apply to RICs, such rules do apply to a RIC with respect to items attributable to an interest in
a qualified publicly traded partnership.
For purposes of the
diversification test in (b) above, the term “outstanding voting securities of such issuer” will include the equity securities of a
qualified publicly traded partnership. Also, for purposes of the diversification test in (b) above, the identification of the issuer (or, in some cases, issuers) of a particular
investment can depend on the terms and conditions of that investment. In some cases, identification of the issuer (or issuers) is uncertain under current law, and an adverse
determination or future guidance by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) with respect to issuer identification for a
particular type of investment may adversely affect the Fund's ability to meet the diversification test in (b) above.
33
If the Fund qualifies as a RIC that is accorded
special tax treatment, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income or gains distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders in the form of dividends
(including Capital Gain Dividends, as defined below). If the Fund were to fail to meet the income, diversification or distribution test described above, the Fund could in some cases cure such failure, including by paying the Fund-level tax, paying interest or disposing
of certain assets. If such Fund were ineligible to or otherwise did not cure such failure for any year, or if such Fund were otherwise to fail to qualify as a RIC accorded special tax treatment in any taxable year, the Fund would be subject to tax at
the Fund level on its taxable income at corporate rates, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including any distributions of net tax-exempt income (if any) and net capital gains (as defined below), would be taxable to shareholders
as ordinary income. Some portions of such distributions may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and may be eligible to be treated as “qualified dividend income” in the case of
shareholders taxed as individuals, provided, in both cases, the shareholder meets certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the Fund's shares (each as described below). In addition, the Fund could be required to recognize unrealized
gains, pay substantial taxes and interest and make substantial distributions before re-qualifying as a RIC that is accorded special tax treatment.
The Fund intends to distribute at least annually to its shareholders all or substantially all of its investment company taxable income (computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction) and its net tax-exempt income (if any), and may distribute
its net capital gain (that is, the excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss, in each case determined with reference to any loss carryforwards). Any
taxable income retained by the Fund will be subject to tax at the Fund level at regular corporate rates. If the Fund retains any net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at
regular corporate rates on the amount retained, but it is permitted to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a timely notice to its shareholders who (a) will be required to include in income for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as long-term
capital gain, their shares of such undistributed amount, and (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares of the tax paid by the Fund on such undistributed amount against their U.S. federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim
refunds on a properly-filed U.S. tax return to the extent the credit exceeds such liabilities. If the Fund makes this designation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be
increased by an amount equal to the difference between the amount of undistributed capital gains included in the
shareholder's gross income under clause (a) of the preceding sentence and the tax deemed paid by the shareholder
under clause (b) of the preceding sentence. The Fund is not required to, and there can be no assurance the Fund will, make this designation if it retains all or a portion of its net capital gain in a taxable year.
In determining its net capital gain, including in connection with determining the amount available to support a Capital Gain Dividend (as defined below), its taxable income, and its earnings and profits, a RIC generally may elect to treat part or all
of any post-October capital loss (defined as any net capital loss attributable to the portion, if any, of the taxable year after October 31 or, if there is no such loss, the net long-term capital loss or net short-term capital loss attributable to any such portion of the taxable year) or late-year ordinary loss (generally, the sum of its (i) net ordinary loss, if any, from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of property, attributable to the portion, if any, of the taxable year after October 31,
and its (ii) other net ordinary loss, if any, attributable to the portion, if any, of the taxable year after December 31) as if incurred in the succeeding taxable year.
If the Fund were to fail to distribute in a calendar year at least an amount equal, in general, to the sum of 98% of its
ordinary income for such year and 98.2% of its capital gain net income for the one-year period ending October 31 of such year (or November 30 or December 31, if the Fund is eligible to elect and so elects), plus any such amounts retained from
the prior year, the Fund would be subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts. For purposes of the required excise tax distribution, a RIC's ordinary gains and losses from the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition
of property that would otherwise be taken into account after October 31 of a calendar year (or November 30, if the Fund makes the election referred to above) generally are treated as arising on January 1 of the following calendar year; in the
case of the Fund with a December 31 year end that makes the election described above, no such gains or losses will be so treated. Also, for these purposes, the Fund will be treated as having distributed any amount on which it is subject to
corporate income tax for the taxable year ending within the calendar year. The Fund intends generally to make
distributions sufficient to avoid imposition of the excise tax, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so. Distributions declared by the Fund during October, November and December to shareholders of record on a date in any such
month and paid by the Fund during the following January will be treated for U.S. federal tax purposes as paid by the Fund and received by shareholders on December 31 of the year in
which declared.
Capital losses in excess of capital gains (“net capital losses”) are not permitted to be deducted against the Fund's net investment income. Instead, potentially subject to certain
limitations, the Fund may carry net capital losses from any taxable year forward to subsequent taxable years to offset capital gains, if any, realized during such subsequent
taxable
34
years. Distributions from capital gains are
generally made after applying any available capital loss carryforwards. Capital loss carryforwards are reduced to the extent they offset current-year net realized capital gains,
whether the Fund retains or distributes such gains. The Fund may carry net capital losses forward to one or more subsequent taxable years without expiration; any such carryforward losses will retain their character as short-term or long-term. The Fund must apply such
carryforwards first against gains of the same character. See the Fund's most recent annual shareholder report for the Fund's available capital loss carryovers as of the end of its most recently ended fiscal year.
Taxation of Distributions Received by Shareholders
For U.S. federal income tax purposes, distributions of investment income are generally
taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Taxes on distributions of capital gains are determined by how long the Fund owned (or is deemed to have owned) the investments that generated them, rather than how long a shareholder has owned his or her Fund shares. In general, the
Fund will recognize long-term capital gain or loss on the disposition of assets the Fund has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for more than one year, and short-term capital gain
or loss on the disposition of investments the Fund has owned (or is deemed to have owned) for one year or less. Distributions of net-capital gain (that is, the excess of net
long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) that are properly reported by the Fund as capital gain dividends (“Capital Gain Dividends”) generally will be taxable to a shareholder receiving such distributions as long-term capital gains includible in net capital gain and taxed to individuals at reduced rates relative to ordinary income. Distributions from capital gains are generally made after applying any available capital loss carryovers. The IRS and the Department of the Treasury
have issued regulations that impose special rules in respect of Capital Gain Dividends received through partnership interests constituting “applicable partnership interests” under Section 1061 of the Code. The Fund does not expect to distribute Capital Gain Dividends. Distributions of net
short-term capital gain (as reduced by any net long-term capital loss for the taxable year) will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of investment income
properly reported by the Fund as derived from “qualified dividend income” will be taxed in the
hands of individuals at the rates applicable to net capital gain, provided holding period and other requirements are met at both the shareholder and Fund level. The Fund does not expect distributions to be derived from qualified dividend income.
The Code generally imposes a 3.8% Medicare contribution tax on the net investment income of certain individuals, trusts and estates to the extent their income exceeds certain threshold amounts. For these purposes, “net investment income” generally includes, among other things, (i) distributions paid by the Fund of net investment income and capital gains, and
(ii) any net gain from the sale, redemption, exchange or other taxable disposition of Fund shares. Shareholders are advised to consult their tax advisors regarding the possible implications of this additional tax on their investment in the
Fund.
If the Fund makes a distribution to a shareholder in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits in any taxable year, the excess distribution will be treated as a return of capital to the extent of such shareholder's tax basis
in its shares, and thereafter as capital gain. A return of capital is not taxable, but it reduces a shareholder's tax basis in its shares, thus reducing any loss or increasing any gain on a subsequent taxable disposition by the shareholder of its
shares.
Shareholders of the Fund will be subject to U.S. federal income taxes as described herein on distributions made by the Fund
whether received in cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.
Distributions with respect to the Fund's shares are generally subject to U.S. federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund's realized income and gains, even though such distributions may economically represent a
return of a particular shareholder's investment. Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund's NAV includes either unrealized
gains, or realized but undistributed income or gains, that were therefore included in the price the shareholder paid. Such distributions may reduce the fair market value of the
Fund's shares below the shareholder's cost basis in those shares. As described above, the Fund is required to distribute realized income and gains regardless of whether the Fund's NAV also reflects unrealized losses.
In order for some portion of the dividends received by the Fund shareholder to be
“qualified dividend
income,” the Fund must meet holding
period and other requirements with respect to the dividend-paying stocks in its portfolio and the shareholder must meet holding period and other requirements with respect to the
Fund's shares. In general, a dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (at either the Fund or shareholder level, as applicable) (a) if the dividend is received with respect to any share of stock held for fewer than 61 days during the 121-day period beginning on the date
which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such dividend (or, in the case of certain preferred stock, 91 days during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date), (b) to the extent that
the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect
35
to positions in substantially similar or related
property, (c) if the recipient elects to have the dividend income treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest, or (d) if the
dividend is received from a foreign corporation that is (i) not eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States (with the exception of dividends paid on stock of such a foreign corporation readily tradable on an established
securities market in the United States) or (ii) treated as a passive foreign investment company.
In general, distributions of investment income properly reported by the Fund as derived from qualified dividend income will be treated as qualified dividend income in the hands of a shareholder taxed as an individual, provided the shareholder meets
the holding period and other requirements described above with respect to the Fund's shares. The Fund does not expect Fund distributions to be derived from qualified dividend
income.
In general, dividends of net investment income received by
corporate shareholders of the Fund will qualify for the dividends-received deduction generally available to corporations to the extent of the amount of eligible dividends from
domestic corporations received by the Fund for the taxable year. A dividend so allocated or paid to the Fund will not be treated as a dividend eligible for the dividends-received deduction (a) if it has been received with respect to any share of
stock that the Fund has held for less than 46 days (91 days in the case of certain preferred stock) during the 91-day period beginning on the date which is 45 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend with respect to such
dividend (during the 181-day period beginning 90 days before such date in the case of certain preferred stock) or (b) to the extent that the Fund is under an obligation (pursuant
to a short sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Finally, the dividends-received deduction may
otherwise be disallowed or reduced (x) if the corporate shareholder fails to satisfy the foregoing requirements with respect to its shares of the Fund or (y) by application of various provisions of the Code (for instance, the dividends-received deduction is
reduced in the case of a dividend received on debt-financed portfolio stock (generally, stock acquired with borrowed funds)). The Fund does not expect Fund distributions to be eligible for the dividends-received deduction.
Any distribution of income that is attributable to (a) income received by the Fund in lieu of dividends with respect to securities on loan pursuant to a securities lending transaction or (b) dividend income received by the Fund on securities it
temporarily purchased from a counterparty pursuant to a repurchase agreement that is treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a loan by the Fund, will not constitute qualified dividend income to individual shareholders and will not be
eligible for the dividends-received deduction for corporate shareholders.
If the Fund holds, directly or indirectly, one or more “tax credit bonds” issued on or before December
31, 2017, on one or more applicable dates during a taxable year, the Fund may elect to permit its shareholders to claim a tax credit on their income tax returns equal to each shareholder's proportionate share of tax credits from the bond otherwise allowed to the
Fund. In such a case, a shareholder will be deemed to receive a distribution of money with respect to its Fund shares equal to the shareholder's proportionate share of the amount of such credits and be allowed a credit against the
shareholder's U.S. federal income tax equal to the amount of such deemed distribution. A shareholder's ability to claim a tax credit associated with one or more tax credit bonds may be subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code, and the
amount of the tax credits may not exceed the amount reported by the Fund in a written notice to shareholders. Even if the Fund is eligible to pass through tax credits to shareholders, the Fund may choose not to do so.
Tax Implications of Certain Fund Investments
Special Rules for Debt Obligations. Some debt obligations with a fixed
maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance (and zero-coupon debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issuance) will be treated as debt obligations that are issued originally at a discount. Generally, OID is treated as interest income and
is included in the Fund's income and required to be distributed by the Fund over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time, upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt
obligation. In addition, payment-in-kind obligations will give rise to income which is required to be distributed and is taxable even though the Fund holding the obligation receives no interest payment in cash on the obligation during the year.
Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of
issuance that are acquired in the secondary market by the Fund may be treated as having “market discount.” Very generally, market discount
is the excess of the stated redemption price of a debt obligation (or in the case of an obligation issued with OID, its “revised issue price”) over the purchase price of such obligation. Generally, any gain recognized on the disposition of, and any partial
payment of principal on, a debt obligation having market discount is treated as ordinary income to the extent the gain, or principal payment, does not exceed the “accrued
market discount” on such debt obligation. Alternatively, the Fund may elect to accrue market discount currently, in which case the Fund will be required to include the accrued market discount in
income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt obligation, even though payment of that
36
amount is not received until a later time, upon
partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt obligation. If the Fund makes the election referred to in the preceding sentence, then the rate at which the market discount
accrues, and thus is included in the Fund's income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.
Some debt obligations with a fixed maturity date of one year or less from the date of
issuance may be treated as having OID or, in certain cases, “acquisition discount” (very generally, the excess
of the stated redemption price over the purchase price). The Fund will be required to include the OID or acquisition discount in income (as ordinary income) and thus distribute it over the term of the debt security, even though payment of that amount is not received until a later time,
upon partial or full repayment or disposition of the debt security. The rate at which OID or acquisition discount accrues, and thus is included in the Fund's income, will depend upon which of the permitted accrual methods the Fund elects.
If the Fund holds the foregoing kinds of obligations, or other obligations subject to special
rules under the Code, the Fund may be required to pay out as an income distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such distributions may be made from the cash assets of the Fund or, if necessary, by
disposition of portfolio securities, including at a time when it may not be advantageous to do so. These dispositions may cause the Fund to realize higher amounts of short-term capital gains (generally taxed to shareholders at ordinary income tax
rates) and, in the event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions, its shareholders may receive a larger Capital Gain Dividend than they would have if the Fund
had not held such obligations.
A portion of the OID accrued on certain
high yield discount obligations may not be deductible to the issuer and will instead be treated as a dividend paid by the issuer for purposes of the dividends-received deduction.
In such cases, if the issuer of the high yield discount obligations is a domestic corporation, dividend payments by the Fund may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction to the extent attributable to the deemed dividend portion of such OID.
Securities Purchased at a Premium. Very generally, where the Fund
purchases a bond at a price that exceeds the redemption price at maturity – that is, at a premium – the premium is amortizable over the remaining term of the bond. In
the case of a taxable bond, if the Fund makes an election applicable to all such bonds it purchases, which election is irrevocable without consent of the IRS, the Fund reduces the current taxable income from the bond by the amortized premium
and reduces its tax basis in the bond by the amount of such offset; upon the disposition or maturity of such bonds acquired on or after January 4, 2013, the Fund is permitted to
deduct any remaining premium allocable to a prior period.
At-risk or Defaulted Securities. Investments in debt obligations that are at risk of or in default present
special tax issues for the Fund. Tax rules are not entirely clear about issues such as when the Fund may cease to accrue interest, OID or market discount; whether, when or to what extent the Fund should recognize market discount on such debt obligations; when
and to what extent the Fund may take deductions for bad debts or worthless securities; and how the Fund should allocate payments received on obligations in default between
principal and income. These and other related issues will be addressed by the Fund when, as and if it invests in such securities, in order to seek to ensure that it distributes
sufficient income to preserve its status as a RIC and does not become subject to U.S. federal income or excise tax.
Certain Investments in Mortgage Pooling Vehicles. Certain Funds may invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in real estate mortgage investment conduits (“REMICs”) (including by investing in residual interests in CMOs with respect to which an election to be treated as a REMIC is in
effect) or equity interests in taxable mortgage pools (“TMPs”). Under a notice issued by the IRS in October
2006 and Treasury regulations that have yet to be issued but may apply retroactively, a portion of the Fund's income (including income allocated to the Fund from certain
pass-through entities) that is attributable to a residual interest in a REMIC or an equity interest in a TMP (referred to in the Code as an “excess inclusion”) will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in all events. This notice also provides, and the regulations are
expected to provide, that excess inclusion income of a RIC, such as the Fund, will be allocated to shareholders of the RIC in proportion to the dividends received by such shareholders, with the same consequences as if the shareholders held the
related interest directly. As a result, a RIC investing in such securities may not be a suitable investment for charitable remainder trusts (“CRTs”), as noted below.
In general, excess inclusion income allocated to shareholders (i) cannot be offset by net operating losses (subject to a limited exception for certain thrift institutions), (ii) will constitute unrelated business taxable income (“UBTI”) to entities (including a qualified pension plan, an individual retirement account, a 401(k) plan, a Keogh plan or other tax-exempt
entity) subject to tax on UBTI, thereby potentially requiring such an entity that is allocated excess inclusion income, and that otherwise might not be required to file a tax return, to file a tax return and pay tax on such income, and (iii) in the case of a foreign shareholder will not qualify for any reduction in U.S. federal withholding tax. A shareholder will be subject to
U.S. federal income tax on such inclusions notwithstanding any exemption from such income tax otherwise available under
37
the Code.
Foreign Currency Transactions. Any transaction by the Fund in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated debt obligations or certain foreign
currency options, futures contracts or forward contracts (or similar instruments) may give rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from
fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. Any such net gains could require a larger dividend toward the end of the calendar year. Any such net losses will generally reduce and potentially require the recharacterization of prior ordinary income distributions. Such ordinary
income treatment may accelerate the Fund's distributions to shareholders and increase the distributions taxed to
shareholders as ordinary income. Any net ordinary losses so created cannot be carried forward by the Fund to offset income or gains earned in subsequent taxable years.
Options and Futures. In general, option premiums received by the Fund are not immediately included in the
income of the Fund. Instead, the premiums are recognized when the option contract expires, the option is exercised by the holder, or the Fund transfers or otherwise terminates the option (e.g., through a closing transaction). If a call option written by the Fund
is exercised and the Fund sells or delivers the underlying stock, the Fund generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to (a) the sum of the strike price and the option premium received by the Fund minus (b) the Fund's basis in the stock. Such
gain or loss generally will be short-term or long-term depending upon the holding period of the underlying stock. If securities are purchased by the Fund pursuant to the exercise
of a put option written by it, the Fund generally will subtract the premium received for purposes of computing its cost basis in the securities purchased. Gain or loss arising in
respect of a termination of the Fund's obligation under an option other than through the exercise of the option will be short-term gain or loss depending on whether the premium income received by the Fund is greater or less than the amount paid by the
Fund (if any) in terminating the transaction. Thus, for example, if an option written by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund generally will recognize short-term gain equal to
the premium received.
The Fund's options activities may include
transactions constituting straddles for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that is, that trigger the U.S. federal income tax straddle rules contained primarily in Section 1092 of
the Code. Such straddles include, for example, positions in a particular security, or an index of securities, and one or more options that offset the former position, including options that are
“covered” by the Fund's long position in the subject security. Very generally, where applicable, Section 1092 requires (i) that
losses be deferred on positions deemed to be offsetting positions with respect to “substantially similar or related property,” to
the extent of unrealized gain in the latter, and (ii) that the holding period of such a straddle position that has not already been held for the long-term holding period be
terminated and begin anew once the position is no longer part of a straddle. Options on single stocks that are not “deep in the money” may constitute qualified covered calls, which generally are not subject to the straddle rules; the holding period on stock
underlying qualified covered calls that are “in the money” although not “deep in the money” will be suspended during the period that such calls are outstanding. Thus, the straddle rules and the rules governing
qualified covered calls could cause gains that would otherwise constitute long-term capital gains to be treated as short-term capital gains, and distributions that would otherwise constitute “qualified
dividend income” or qualify for the dividends-received deduction to fail to satisfy the holding period requirements and therefore to be taxed as ordinary income or fail to qualify for the dividends-received
deduction, as the case may be.
The tax treatment of certain positions entered into by the Fund, including regulated futures contracts, certain foreign
currency positions and certain listed non-equity options, will be governed by section 1256 of the Code
(“section 1256 contracts”). Gains or losses on section 1256 contracts generally are considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gains or losses (“60/40”), although certain foreign currency gains and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character. Also, section 1256 contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year (and, for purposes
of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are “marked to market” with the result that unrealized gains or losses are treated as though they were realized and the resulting gain or loss is treated as ordinary or
60/40 gain or loss, as applicable.
Derivatives, Hedging, and Related Transactions. In addition to the special rules described above in
respect of futures and options transactions, the Fund's transactions in other derivative instruments (e.g., forward contracts and swap agreements), as well as any of its hedging, short sale, securities loan or similar transactions, may be subject to one or
more special tax rules (e.g., notional principal contract, straddle, constructive sale, wash sale and short sale rules). These rules may affect whether gains and losses recognized by the Fund are treated as ordinary or capital, accelerate the
recognition of income or gains to the Fund, defer losses to the Fund, and cause adjustments in the holding periods of the Fund's securities, thereby affecting whether capital gains and losses are treated as short-term or long-term. These rules
could therefore affect the amount, timing and/or character of distributions to shareholders.
Because these and other tax rules applicable to these types of transactions are in some cases uncertain under current
38
law, an adverse determination or future guidance
by the IRS with respect to these rules (which determination or guidance could be retroactive) may affect whether the Fund has made sufficient distributions, and otherwise satisfied
the relevant requirements, to maintain its qualification as a RIC and avoid the Fund-level tax.
Book-Tax Differences. Certain of the Fund's investments in derivative
instruments and foreign currency-denominated instruments, and any of the Fund's transactions in foreign currencies and hedging activities, are likely to produce a difference between its book income and the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income (if any). If such a
difference arises, and the Fund's book income is less than the sum of its taxable income and net tax-exempt income, the Fund could be required to make distributions exceeding book income to qualify as a RIC that is accorded special tax
treatment and to avoid an entity-level tax. In the alternative, if the Fund's book income exceeds the sum of its taxable income (including realized capital gains) and net tax-exempt income, the distribution (if any) of such excess generally will
be treated as (i) a dividend to the extent of the Fund's remaining earnings and profits (including earnings and profits arising from tax-exempt income), (ii) thereafter, as a return of capital to the extent of the recipient's basis in its shares, and (iii) thereafter as gain from the sale or exchange of a capital asset.
Backup Withholding
The Fund generally is required to withhold and remit to the U.S. Treasury a percentage of the taxable distributions and
redemption proceeds paid to any individual shareholder who fails to properly furnish the Fund with a correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”), who has under-reported dividend or interest income, or who fails to certify to the Fund that he or she is not subject to such withholding.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder's U.S. federal
income tax liability, provided the appropriate information is furnished to the IRS.
Tax-Exempt Shareholders
Income of a RIC that would be UBTI if earned directly by a tax-exempt entity will not generally constitute UBTI when distributed to a tax-exempt shareholder of the RIC. Notwithstanding this “blocking” effect, a tax-exempt shareholder could
realize UBTI by virtue of its investment in the Fund if shares in the Fund constitute debt-financed property in the hands of the tax-exempt shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 514(b).
A tax-exempt shareholder may also recognize UBTI if the Fund recognizes “excess inclusion income” derived from direct
or indirect investments in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs if the amount of such income
recognized by the Fund exceeds the Fund's investment company taxable income (after taking into account deductions for dividends paid by the Fund).
In addition, special tax consequences apply to CRTs that invest in RICs that invest directly or indirectly in residual interests in REMICs or equity interests in TMPs. Under legislation enacted in December 2006, a CRT (as defined in Section 664 of the
Code) that realizes any UBTI for a taxable year must pay an excise tax annually of an amount equal to such UBTI. Under IRS guidance issued in October 2006, a CRT will not recognize
UBTI as a result of investing in a RIC that recognizes “excess inclusion income.” Rather, if at any time
during any taxable year a CRT (or one of certain other tax-exempt shareholders, such as the United States, a state or political subdivision, or an agency or instrumentality
thereof, and certain energy cooperatives) is a record holder of a share in a RIC that recognizes “excess inclusion income,” then the RIC will be subject to a tax on that portion of its “excess inclusion income” for the taxable year
that is allocable to such shareholders at the highest U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. The extent to which this IRS guidance remains applicable in light of the December 2006 legislation is unclear. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, each Fund may
elect to specially allocate any such tax to the applicable CRT, or other shareholder, and thus reduce such shareholder's distributions for the year by the amount of the tax that relates to such shareholder's interest in the Fund. CRTs are urged
to consult their tax advisors concerning the consequences of investing in each Fund.
Redemptions and Exchanges
Redemptions and exchanges of the Fund's shares are taxable events and, accordingly, shareholders may realize gain or loss on these transactions to the extent the NAV of Fund Shares varies from a shareholder's tax basis in such shares. In
general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund shares
will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. However, any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of Fund shares held by a shareholder for six months or less will be treated as long-term, rather than short-term, to the extent of any
Capital Gain Dividends received (or deemed received) by the shareholder with respect to the shares.
39
The IRS permits a simplified method of accounting
for gains and losses realized upon the disposition of shares of a RIC that is a money market fund. Very generally, rather than realizing gain or loss upon each redemption of a
share, a shareholder of the Fund using such method of accounting will recognize gain or loss with respect to such the Fund's shares for a given computation period (the shareholder's taxable year or shorter period selected by the shareholder) equal
to the value of all the Fund shares held by the shareholder on the last day of the computation period, less the value of all Fund shares held by the shareholder on the last day of the preceding computation period, less the shareholder's net
investment in the Fund (generally, purchases minus redemptions) made during the computation period. Additionally, any loss realized on a sale of shares of the Fund will not be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the Fund qualifies
as a “money market fund” under the 1940 Act. Shareholders of the Fund are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their investment in the Fund.
Tax Shelter Reporting
Under U.S. Treasury regulations, if a shareholder recognizes a loss of at least $2 million in any single taxable year or $4
million in any combination of taxable years for an individual shareholder or at least $10 million in any taxable year or $20 million in any combination of taxable years for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure
statement on IRS Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a RIC are not excepted. Future guidance may extend the current
exception from this reporting requirement to shareholders of most or all RICs. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of
whether the taxpayer's treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their
individual circumstances.
Non-U.S. Shareholders
Non-U.S. shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisors concerning the tax consequences of ownership of shares
in the Fund. Distributions by the Fund to shareholders that are not “U.S. persons” within the meaning of the Code (“foreign shareholders”) properly reported by the Fund as (1) Capital Gain Dividends, (2) short-term capital gain dividends, and (3)
interest-related dividends, each as defined and subject to certain conditions described below, generally are not subject to withholding of U.S. federal income tax.
In general, the Code defines (1) “short-term capital gain dividends” as distributions of net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital losses and (2) “interest-related dividends” as distributions from U.S.-source interest income of types similar to those not subject to U.S. federal income tax if
earned directly by an individual foreign shareholder, in each case to the extent such distributions are properly reported as such by the Fund in a written notice to
shareholders.
The exceptions to withholding for Capital Gain Dividends
and short-term capital gain dividends do not apply to (A) distributions to an individual foreign shareholder who is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating
183 days or more during the year of the distribution and (B) distributions attributable to gain that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct by the foreign shareholder of a trade or business within the United States under special rules
regarding the disposition of “U.S.
real property interests”
(“USRPIs”) as described below. The exception to withholding for interest-related dividends does not apply to distributions to a
foreign shareholder (i) that has not provided a satisfactory statement that the beneficial owner is not a U.S. person, (ii) to the extent that the dividend is attributable to
certain interest on an obligation if the foreign shareholder is the issuer or is a 10% shareholder of the issuer, (iii) that is within certain foreign countries that have inadequate information exchange with the United States, or (iv) to the extent the dividend is
attributable to interest paid by a person that is a related person of the foreign shareholder and the foreign shareholder is a controlled foreign corporation. If the Fund invests in a RIC that pays such distributions to the Fund, such distributions
retain their character as not subject to withholding if properly reported when paid by the Fund to foreign shareholders. A RIC is permitted to report such parts of its dividends as are eligible to be treated as interest-related or short-term capital
gain dividends, but is not required to do so. In the case of shares held through an intermediary, the intermediary may withhold even if the Fund reports all or a portion of a payment as an interest-related or short-term capital gain dividend to
shareholders.
Foreign shareholders should contact their intermediaries regarding the application of withholding rules to their accounts.
Distributions by the Fund to foreign shareholders other than Capital Gain Dividends,
short-term capital gain dividends and interest-related dividends (e.g., dividends attributable to dividend income or to short-term capital gains or U.S. source interest income to which the exception from withholding described above does not apply) are generally subject to withholding
of U.S. federal income tax at a rate of 30% (or lower applicable treaty rate).
40
A foreign shareholder is not, in general, subject
to U.S. federal income tax on gains (and is not allowed a deduction for losses) realized on the sale of shares of the Fund unless (a) such gain is effectively connected with the
conduct of a trade or business carried on by such holder within the United States, (b) in the case of an individual holder, the holder is present in the United States for a period or periods aggregating 183 days or more during the year of the sale and certain other
conditions are met, or (c) the special rules relating to gain attributable to the sale or exchange of USRPIs apply to the foreign shareholder's sale of shares of the Fund (as described below).
Foreign shareholders with respect to whom income from the Fund is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted
by the foreign person within the United States will in general be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the income derived from the Fund at the graduated rates applicable to U.S.
citizens, residents or domestic corporations, whether such income is received in cash or reinvested in shares of the Fund and, in the case of a foreign corporation, may also be subject to a branch profits tax. If a foreign shareholder is eligible for the benefits of a tax treaty, any effectively connected income or gain will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net basis only if it is also attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the shareholder in the United States. More generally, foreign shareholders who are
residents in a country with an income tax treaty with the United States may obtain different tax results than those described herein, and are urged to consult their tax
advisors.
Special rules would apply if the Fund were a qualified
investment entity
(“QIE”) because it is either a “U.S. real property
holding corporation” (“USRPHC”) or would be a USRPHC but for the operation of certain exceptions to the definition thereof. Very generally, a USRPHC is a
domestic corporation that holds USRPIs the fair market value of which equals or exceeds 50% of the sum of the fair market values of the corporation's USRPIs, interests in real
property located outside the United States, and other trade or business assets. USRPIs are generally defined as any interest in U.S. real property and any interest (other than solely as a creditor) in a USRPHC or, very generally, an entity that has been a USRPHC in the
last five years. The Fund that holds, directly or indirectly, significant interests in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) may be a USRPHC. Interests in domestically controlled QIEs, including REITs and RICs that are QIEs, not-greater-than-10%
interests in publicly traded classes of stock in REITs and not-greater-than-5% interests in publicly traded classes of stock in RICs generally are not USRPIs, but these exceptions do not apply for purposes of determining whether the Fund is a QIE.
If an interest in the Fund were a USRPI, the Fund would be required to withhold U.S. tax on the proceeds of a share redemption by a greater-than-5% foreign shareholder, in which
case such foreign shareholder generally would also be required to file U.S. tax returns and pay any additional taxes due in connection with the redemption.
If the Fund were a QIE under a special “look-through” rule, any distributions by the Fund to a foreign shareholder attributable directly or indirectly to (i) distributions
received by the Fund from a lower-tier RIC or REIT that the Fund is required to treat as USRPI gain in its hands and (ii) gains realized on the disposition of USRPIs by the Fund,
would retain their character as gains realized from USRPIs in the hands of the Fund's foreign shareholders and would be subject to U.S. tax withholding. In addition, such distributions could result in the foreign shareholder being required to file a U.S. tax return and pay tax on the distributions at regular U.S. federal income tax rates. The consequences to a foreign shareholder,
including the rate of such withholding and character of such distributions (e.g., as ordinary income or USRPI gain), would vary depending upon the extent of the foreign
shareholder's current and past ownership of the Fund. The Fund generally does not expect that it will be a QIE.
Foreign shareholders of the Fund also may be subject to “wash sale” rules to prevent the avoidance of the tax-filing and –payment obligations discussed above through the sale and
repurchase of Fund shares.
Foreign shareholders should consult their tax
advisors and, if holding shares through intermediaries, their intermediaries, concerning the application of these rules to their investment in the Fund.
In order for a foreign shareholder to qualify for any exemptions from withholding described
above or for lower withholding tax rates under income tax treaties, or to establish an exemption from back-up withholding, the foreign shareholder must comply with special certification and filing requirements relating to its non-U.S. status (including, in general, furnishing an IRS Form W-8BEN, IRS Form W-8BEN-E, or substitute form). Foreign shareholders in the Fund should consult their tax advisors
in this regard.
Special rules (including withholding and reporting
requirements) apply to foreign partnerships and those holding Fund shares through foreign partnerships. Additional considerations may apply to foreign trusts and estates. Investors
holding Fund shares through foreign entities should consult their tax advisors about their particular situation.
A foreign shareholder may be subject to state and local tax and to the U.S. federal estate
tax in addition to the U.S. federal income tax on income referred to above.
41
Shareholder Reporting
Obligations With Respect To Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts
Shareholders
that are U.S. persons and own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the Fund by vote or value could be required to report annually their “financial interest” in the Fund's “foreign financial
accounts,” if any, on FinCEN Form 114,
Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (“FBAR”). Shareholders should consult a tax
advisor, and persons investing in the Fund through an intermediary should contact their intermediary, regarding the applicability to them of this reporting requirement.
Other Reporting and Withholding Requirements
Sections 1471-1474 of the Code and the U.S. Treasury and IRS guidance issued thereunder (collectively, “FATCA”) generally require the Fund to obtain information sufficient to identify the status of each of its shareholders under FATCA or
under an applicable intergovernmental agreement (an “IGA”) between the United States and a foreign
government. If a shareholder fails to provide the requested information or otherwise fails to comply with FATCA or an IGA, the Fund may be required to withhold under FATCA at a rate of 30% with respect to that shareholder on ordinary dividends it pays. The IRS
and the Department of Treasury have issued proposed regulations providing that these withholding rules will not apply to the gross proceeds of share redemptions or Capital Gain Dividends the Fund pays. If a payment by the Fund is subject to
FATCA withholding, the Fund is required to withhold even if such payment would otherwise be exempt from withholding under the rules applicable to foreign shareholders described above (e.g., short-term capital gain dividends and interest-related dividends).
Each
prospective investor is urged to consult its tax advisor regarding the applicability of FATCA and any other reporting requirements with respect to the prospective investor's own
situation, including investments through an intermediary.
General Considerations
The U.S. federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information only. Prospective investors should consult
their tax advisors regarding the specific U.S. federal income tax consequences of purchasing, holding, and disposing of shares of the Fund, as well as the effects of state, local, foreign, and other tax laws and any proposed tax law changes.
UNDERWRITER
SSGA FD serves as the Fund's distributor pursuant to the Distribution Agreement by and
between SSGA FD and the Trust. [Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Fund pays SSGA FD fees under the Rule 12b-1 Plan in effect for the Fund. For a description of the fees paid to SSGA FD under the Rule 12b-1 Plan, see “Distribution Plans,” above.] SSGA FD is not obligated to sell any specific number of shares and will sell shares of the Fund on a continuous basis only
against orders to purchase shares. The principal business address of SSGA FD is One Iron Street, Boston, MA 02210.
Financial Statements
The Fund had not commenced operations as of the date of this SAI and therefore does not have
financial statements.
42
APPENDIX A
APPENDIX A - RATINGS OF DEBT INSTRUMENTS
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC. (“MOODY'S”)
GLOBAL LONG-TERM RATING SCALE
Ratings assigned on Moody's global long-term rating scale are forward-looking opinions of the
relative credit risks of financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Long-term ratings are assigned to issuers or obligations with an original maturity of
one year or more and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.
Aaa: Obligations rated Aaa are judged to be of the highest quality, subject to the lowest level of credit
risk.
Aa: Obligations rated Aa are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk.
A: Obligations rated A are judged to be upper-medium grade and are subject to low credit risk.
Baa: Obligations rated Baa are judged to be medium-grade and subject to moderate credit risk and as such may possess certain
speculative characteristics.
Ba: Obligations rated Ba are judged to be speculative and are subject to substantial credit risk.
B: Obligations rated B are considered speculative and are subject to
high credit risk.
Caa: Obligations rated Caa are judged to be speculative of poor standing and are subject to very high credit risk.
Ca:
Obligations rated Ca are highly speculative and are likely in, or very near, default, with some prospect of recovery of principal and interest.
C:
Obligations rated C are the lowest rated and are typically in default, with little prospect for recovery of principal or interest.
Note: Moody's appends numerical modifiers 1, 2, and 3 to each generic rating classification
from Aa through Caa. The modifier 1 indicates that the obligation ranks in the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates a ranking in the lower end of that generic rating category. Additionally, a
“(hyb)” indicator is appended to all ratings of hybrid securities issued by banks, insurers, finance companies, and securities
firms.*
*
By their terms, hybrid securities allow for the omission of scheduled dividends, interest, or principal payments, which can potentially result in impairment if such an omission occurs. Hybrid securities may also be subject to contractually allowable write-downs of principal that could result in impairment. Together with the hybrid indicator, the long-term obligation rating assigned to a hybrid security is an expression of the relative credit risk associated with that security.
GLOBAL SHORT-TERM RATING SCALE
Ratings assigned on Moody's global short-term rating scale are forward-looking opinions of the relative credit risks of
financial obligations issued by non-financial corporates, financial institutions, structured finance vehicles, project finance vehicles, and public sector entities. Short-term ratings are assigned to obligations with an original maturity of thirteen
months or less and reflect both on the likelihood of a default on contractually promised payments and the expected financial loss suffered in the event of default.
P-1: Ratings of Prime-1 reflect a superior ability to repay short-term obligations.
P-2:
Ratings of Prime-2 reflect a strong ability to repay short-term obligations.
P-3: Ratings of Prime-3 reflect an acceptable ability to repay short-term obligations.
NP:
Issuers (or supporting institutions) rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
A-1
S&P
GLOBAL RATINGS
(“S&P”)
ISSUE CREDIT RATING DEFINITIONS
An S&P Global Ratings issue credit rating is a forward-looking opinion about the
creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific financial obligation, a specific class of financial obligations, or a specific financial program (including ratings on medium-term note programs and commercial paper programs). It takes into consideration the creditworthiness of
guarantors, insurers, or other forms of credit enhancement on the obligation and takes into account the currency in which the obligation is denominated. The opinion reflects
S&P Global Ratings' view of the obligor's capacity and willingness to meet its financial commitments as they come due, and this opinion may assess terms, such as collateral
security and subordination, which could affect ultimate payment in the event of default.
Issue credit ratings can be either long-term or short-term. Short-term ratings are generally assigned to those obligations considered short-term in the relevant market. Short-term ratings are also used to indicate the creditworthiness of an
obligor with respect to put features on long-term obligations. Medium-term notes are assigned long-term ratings.
LONG-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS*
AAA: An
obligation rated ‘AAA' has the highest rating assigned by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is extremely
strong.
AA: An obligation rated ‘AA' differs from the highest-rated obligations only to a small degree. The obligor's capacity to
meet its financial commitments on the obligation is very strong.
A: An obligation rated ‘A' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher-rated categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is still strong.
BBB: An obligation rated ‘BBB' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
BB; B; CCC; CC; and C: Obligations rated ‘BB', ‘B', ‘CCC', ‘CC', and ‘C' are
regarded as having significant speculative characteristics. ‘BB' indicates the least degree of speculation and ‘C' the highest. While such obligations will likely have
some quality and protective characteristics, these may be outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposure to adverse conditions.
BB: An obligation rated ‘BB' is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative issues. However,
it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
B: An obligation rated ‘B' is more vulnerable to nonpayment than obligations rated ‘BB', but
the obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely impair the obligor's capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
CCC: An obligation rated ‘CCC' is currently vulnerable to
nonpayment, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation. In the event of
adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, the obligor is not likely to have the capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
CC: An obligation rated ‘CC' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment. The ‘CC' rating is
used when a default has not yet occurred, but S&P Global Ratings expects default to be a virtual certainty, regardless of the anticipated time to default.
C: An
obligation rated ‘C' is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment, and the obligation is expected to have lower relative seniority or lower ultimate recovery compared with
obligations that are rated higher.
D: An obligation rated ‘D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D' rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that
such payments will be made within five business days in the absence of a stated grace period or within the earlier of the stated grace period or 30 calendar days. The ‘D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to automatic stay
provisions. A rating on an obligation is lowered to 'D' if it is subject to a distressed debt restructuring.
NR:
This indicates that a rating has not been assigned or is no longer assigned.
A-2
*
Ratings from 'AA' to
'CCC' may be modified by the addition of a plus (+) or minus (-) sign to show relative standing within the rating categories.
SHORT-TERM ISSUE CREDIT RATINGS
A-1:
A short-term obligation rated ‘A-1' is rated in the highest category by S&P Global Ratings. The obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is
strong. Within this category, certain obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on these
obligations is extremely strong.
A-2: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-2' is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3: A short-term obligation rated ‘A-3' exhibits adequate protection parameters. However, adverse
economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to weaken an obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
B: A short-term obligation rated ‘B' is regarded as vulnerable and has significant speculative
characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitments; however, it faces major ongoing uncertainties that could lead to the obligor's inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitments.
C: A short-term obligation rated ‘C' is currently vulnerable to nonpayment and is dependent upon
favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitments on the obligation.
D: A
short-term obligation rated ‘D' is in default or in breach of an imputed promise. For non-hybrid capital instruments, the ‘D' rating category is used when payments on
an obligation are not made on the date due, unless S&P Global Ratings believes that such payments will be made within any stated grace period. However, any stated grace period
longer than five business days will be treated as five business days. The ‘D' rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action and where default on an obligation is a virtual certainty, for example due to
automatic stay provisions. An obligation's rating is lowered to ‘D' if it is subject to a distressed exchange offer.
FITCH RATINGS. (“FITCH”)
ISSUER DEFAULT RATINGS
Rated entities in a number of sectors, including financial and non-financial corporations,
sovereigns, insurance companies and certain sectors within public finance, are generally assigned Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs). IDRs are also assigned to certain entities in global infrastructure and project finance. IDRs opine on an entity's relative vulnerability to default on
financial obligations. The threshold default risk addressed by the IDR is generally that of the financial obligations whose non-payment would best reflect the uncured failure of that entity. As such, IDRs also address relative vulnerability to
bankruptcy, administrative receivership or similar concepts.
In aggregate, IDRs provide an ordinal ranking of issuers based on the agency's view of their relative vulnerability to
default, rather than a prediction of a specific percentage likelihood of default.
AAA: Highest credit quality.
‘AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of default risk. They are assigned only in cases of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highly unlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable
events.
AA: Very high credit quality.
‘AA' ratings denote expectations of very low default risk. They indicate very strong capacity for payment of financial
commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.
A: High credit quality.
‘A' ratings denote expectations of low default risk. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered
strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.
A-3
BBB: Good credit
quality.
‘BBB' ratings indicate that expectations of default risk are
currently low. The capacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate, but adverse business or economic conditions are more likely to impair this
capacity.
BB: Speculative.
‘BB' ratings indicate an elevated vulnerability to default risk, particularly in the
event of adverse changes in business or economic conditions over time; however, business or financial flexibility exists that supports the servicing of financial commitments.
B: Highly speculative.
‘B' ratings indicate that material default risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued payment is vulnerable to deterioration in the business and economic
environment.
CCC: Substantial credit risk.
Very low margin for safety. Default is a real possibility.
CC: Very high levels of credit risk.
Default of some kind appears probable.
C: Near default
A default or default-like process has begun, or the issuer is in standstill, or for a closed funding vehicle, payment capacity
is irrevocably impaired. Conditions that are indicative of a ‘C' category rating for an issuer include:
a.
the issuer has entered into a grace or cure period following non-payment of a material
financial obligation;
b.
the issuer has entered into a temporary negotiated waiver or standstill agreement following a
payment default on a material financial obligation;
c.
the formal announcement by the issuer or their agent of a distressed debt
exchange;
d.
a closed financing vehicle where payment capacity is irrevocably impaired such that it is not
expected to pay interest and/or principal in full during the life of the transaction, but where no payment default is imminent.
RD: Restricted
default.
‘RD' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion
has experienced:
a.
an uncured payment
default or distressed debt exchange on a bond, loan or other material financial obligation, but
b.
has not entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation, or other
formal winding-up procedure, and
c.
has not otherwise ceased operating.
This would include:
i.
the selective payment default on a specific class or currency of debt;
ii.
the uncured expiry of
any applicable grace period, cure period or default forbearance period following a payment default on a bank loan, capital markets security or other material financial
obligation;
iii.
the extension of multiple waivers or forbearance periods upon a payment default on one or more
material financial obligations, either in series or in parallel; ordinary execution of a distressed debt exchange on one or more material financial obligations.
D: Default.
‘D' ratings indicate an issuer that in Fitch's opinion has entered into bankruptcy filings, administration, receivership, liquidation or other formal winding-up procedure or that has otherwise ceased business.
A-4
Default ratings are not assigned prospectively to
entities or their obligations; within this context, non-payment on an instrument that contains a deferral feature or grace period will generally not be considered a default until
after the expiration of the deferral or grace period, unless a default is otherwise driven by bankruptcy or other similar circumstance, or by a distressed debt exchange.
In all cases, the assignment of a default rating reflects the agency's opinion as to the most appropriate rating category
consistent with the rest of its universe of ratings and may differ from the definition of default under the terms of an issuer's financial obligations or local commercial practice.
SHORT-TERM RATINGS ASSIGNED TO ISSUERS AND OBLIGATIONS
A short-term issuer or obligation rating is based in all cases on the short-term vulnerability to default of the rated entity
and relates to the capacity to meet financial obligations in accordance with the documentation governing the relevant obligation. Short-term deposit ratings may be adjusted for loss severity. Short-Term Ratings are assigned to obligations
whose initial maturity is viewed as
“short term” based on market convention. Typically, this means up to 13 months for corporate, sovereign, and structured obligations and
up to 36 months for obligations in U.S. public finance markets.
F1: Highest Short-Term Credit Quality. Indicates the strongest intrinsic capacity for timely payment of
financial commitments; may have an added “+” to denote any exceptionally strong credit
feature.
F2: Good Short-Term Credit Quality. Good intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
F3: Fair Short-Term Credit Quality. The intrinsic capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is
adequate.
B: Speculative Short-Term Credit
Quality. Minimal capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, plus heightened vulnerability to near
term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.
C: High Short-Term Default risk. Default is a real
possibility.
RD: Restricted Default. Indicates an entity that has defaulted on one or more of its financial commitments, although it continues to meet other
financial obligations. Typically applicable to entity ratings only.
D: Default. Indicates a broad-based default event for an entity, or the default of a short-term
obligation.
Note: The modifiers “+” or “-” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within major rating
categories. For example, the rating category ‘AA' has three notch-specific rating levels (‘AA+'; ‘AA'; ‘AA-'; each a rating level). Such
suffixes are not added to ‘AAA' ratings and ratings below the 'CCC' category. For the short-term rating category of ‘F1', a ‘+' may be appended. For Viability Ratings, the modifiers “+” or “–” may be appended to a rating to denote relative status within categories from ‘AA'
to ‘CCC'. For derivative counterparty ratings the modifiers
“+” or “–” may be appended to the ratings within ‘AA(dcr)' to ‘CCC(dcr)' categories.
A-5
APPENDIX B – TRUST'S PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
SSGA FUNDS
STATE STREET MASTER FUNDS
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
ELFUN GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
ELFUN TAX-EXEMPT INCOME FUND
ELFUN INCOME FUND
ELFUN DIVERSIFIED FUND
ELFUN INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
ELFUN TRUSTS
STATE STREET NAVIGATOR SECURITIES LENDING TRUST
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
STATE STREET VARIABLE INSURANCE SERIES FUNDS, INC. (THE “COMPANY”)1
STATE STREET MASTER FUNDS
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST
ELFUN GOVERNMENT MONEY MARKET FUND
ELFUN TAX-EXEMPT INCOME FUND
ELFUN INCOME FUND
ELFUN DIVERSIFIED FUND
ELFUN INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
ELFUN TRUSTS
STATE STREET NAVIGATOR SECURITIES LENDING TRUST
STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS
STATE STREET VARIABLE INSURANCE SERIES FUNDS, INC. (THE “COMPANY”)1
PROXY VOTING POLICY AND PROCEDURES
As of September 20, 2017
The Board of Trustees/Directors of the Trust/Company (each series thereof, a “Fund”) have adopted the following policy and procedures with respect to voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by the Trust/Company's investment
portfolios.
1. Proxy Voting Policy
The policy of the Trust/Company is to delegate the responsibility for voting proxies relating to portfolio securities held by
the Trust/Company to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., the Trust/Company's investment adviser (the “Adviser”), subject to the Trustees/Directors' continuing oversight.
2. Fiduciary Duty
The right to vote proxies with respect to a portfolio security held by the Trust/Company is an asset of the Trust/Company.
The Adviser acts as a fiduciary of the Trust/Company and must vote proxies in a manner consistent with the best interest of the Trust/Company and its shareholders.
3. Proxy Voting Procedures
A. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Boards of Trustees/Directors its policies, procedures and other
guidelines for voting proxies
(“Policy”) and the policy of any Sub-adviser (as defined below) to which proxy voting authority has been delegated (see Section 9
below). In addition, the Adviser shall notify the Trustees/Directors of material changes to its Policy or the policy of any Sub-adviser promptly and not later than the next regular
meeting of the Board of Trustees/Directors after such amendment is implemented.
B. At least annually, the Adviser shall present to the Boards of Trustees/Directors its policy for managing conflicts of interests that may arise through the Adviser's proxy voting activities. In addition, the Adviser shall report any Policy
overrides involving portfolio securities held by a Fund to the Trustees/Directors at the next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees/Directors after such override(s) occur.
C. At least annually, the Adviser shall inform the Trustees/Director that a record is available with respect to each proxy
voted with respect to portfolio securities of the Trust/Company during the year. Also see Section 5 below.
4. Revocation of Authority to Vote
The delegation by the Trustees/Directors of the authority to vote proxies relating to
portfolio securities of the Trust/Company may be revoked by the Trustees/Directors, in whole or in part, at any time.
____________
1
Unless otherwise noted, the singular term “Trust/Company” used throughout this document means each of SSGA Funds, State Street Master Funds, State Street Institutional Investment
Trust, State Street Navigator Securities Lending Trust, Elfun Government Money Market Fund, Elfun Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Elfun Income Fund, Elfun Diversified Fund, Elfun
International Equity Fund, Elfun Trusts, State Street Institutional Funds, and State Street Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc.
B-1
5. Annual Filing of Proxy Voting
Record
The Adviser shall provide the required data for each proxy voted with
respect to portfolio securities of the Trust/Company to the Trust/Company or its designated service provider in a timely manner and in a format acceptable to be filed in the
Trust/Company's annual proxy voting report on Form N-PX for the twelve-month period ended June 30. Form N-PX is
required to be filed not later than August 31 of each year.
6. Retention and Oversight of Proxy Advisory Firms
A. In considering whether to retain or continue retaining a particular proxy advisory firm, the Adviser will ascertain whether
the proxy advisory firm has the capacity and competency to adequately analyze proxy issues, act as proxy voting agent as requested, and implement the Policy. In this regard, the Adviser will consider, at least annually, among other things, the
adequacy and quality of the proxy advisory firm's staffing and personnel and the robustness of its policies and procedures regarding its ability to identify and address any conflicts of interest. The Adviser shall, at least annually, report to Boards of Trustees/Directors regarding the results of this review.
B. The Adviser will request quarterly and annual reporting from any proxy advisory firm retained by the Adviser, and hold ad
hoc meetings with such proxy advisory firm, in order to determine whether there has been any business changes that might impact the proxy advisory firm's capacity or competency to
provide proxy voting advice or services or changes to the proxy advisory firm's conflicts policies or procedures. The Adviser will also take reasonable steps to investigate any
material factual error, notified to the Adviser by the proxy advisory firm or identified by the Adviser, made by the proxy advisory firm in providing proxy voting services.
7. Periodic Sampling
The Adviser will periodically sample proxy votes to review whether they complied with the Policy. The Adviser shall, at least
annually, report to the Boards of Trustees/Directors regarding the frequency and results of the sampling performed.
8. Disclosures
A.
The Trust/Company shall include in its registration statement:
1. A description
of this policy and of the policies and procedures used by the Adviser to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities; and
2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust/Company
voted proxies relating to portfolio securities during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust/Company's toll-free telephone number; or through a specified Internet address; or both; and on the
Securities and Exchange Commission's (the “SEC”) website.
B.
The Trust/Company shall include in its Form N-CSR filings to shareholders:
1. A statement
disclosing that a description of the policies and procedures used by or on behalf of the Trust/Company to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities of the
Funds is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust/Company's toll-free telephone number; through a specified Internet address, if applicable; and on the SEC's website; and
2. A statement disclosing that information regarding how the Trust/Company voted proxies relating to portfolio securities
during the most recent twelve-month period ended June 30 is available without charge, upon request, by calling the Trust/Company's toll-free telephone number; or through a
specified Internet address; or both; and on the SEC's website.
9. Sub-Advisers
For certain Funds, the Adviser may retain investment management firms (“Sub-advisers”) to provide day-to-day investment
management services to the Funds pursuant to sub-advisory agreements. It is the policy of the Trust/Company that the Adviser may delegate proxy voting authority with respect to a Fund to a Sub-adviser. Pursuant to such delegation, a
Sub-adviser is authorized to vote proxies on behalf of the applicable Fund or Funds for which it serves as sub-adviser, in accordance with the Sub-adviser's proxy voting policies and procedures.
10. Review of Policy
The Trustees/Directors shall review this policy to determine its continued sufficiency as necessary from time to time.
B-2
APPENDIX C - ADVISER'S PROXY VOTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES
Adviser's Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
March 2025
Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy
State Street Global Advisors is the investment management arm of State Street Corporation, a leading provider of financial
services to institutional investors. As an asset manager, State Street Global Advisors votes its clients' proxies where the client has delegated proxy voting authority to it, and
State Street Global Advisors votes these proxies and engages with companies in the manner that we believe will most likely protect and promote the long-term economic value of client investments, as described in this document.1
When engaging with and voting proxies with respect to the portfolio companies in which we
invest our clients' assets, we do so on behalf of and in the best interests of the client accounts we manage and do not seek to change or influence control of any such portfolio companies. The State Street Global Advisors Global Proxy Voting and Engagement Policy (the
“Policy”) contains certain policies that State Street Global Advisors will only apply in jurisdictions where permitted by local law
and regulations. State Street Global Advisors will not apply any policies contained herein in any jurisdictions where State Street Global Advisors believes that implementing or
following such policies would be deemed to constitute seeking to change or influence control of a portfolio company.
Introduction
At State Street Global Advisors, we take our fiduciary duties as an asset manager very
seriously. Our primary fiduciary obligation to our clients is to maximize the long-term value of their investments. State Street Global Advisors focuses on risks and opportunities that may impact long-term value creation for our clients. We rely on the elected representatives of
the companies in which we invest — the board of directors — to oversee these firms' strategies. We expect effective independent board oversight of the material risks and opportunities to a firm's business and operations. We believe that
appropriate consideration of these risks and opportunities is an essential component of a firm's long-term business strategy, and expect boards to actively oversee the management of this strategy.
Our Asset Stewardship Program
State Street Global Advisors' Asset Stewardship Team is responsible for developing and implementing this Policy, the implementation of third-party proxy voting guidelines where applicable, case-by-case voting items, issuer engagement
activities, and research and analysis of corporate governance issues and proxy voting items. The Asset Stewardship Team's activities are overseen by our internal governance body, State Street Global Advisors' Global Fiduciary and Conduct
Committee (“GFCC”). The GFCC is responsible for reviewing State Street Global Advisors' stewardship strategy, engagement priorities, the
Policy, and for monitoring the delivery of voting objectives.
In order
to facilitate the execution of our proxy votes, we retain Institutional Shareholder Services Inc.
(“ISS”). We utilize ISS to: (1) act as our proxy voting agent (providing State Street Global Advisors with vote execution and
administration services), (2) assist in applying the Policy, and (3) provide research and analysis relating to general corporate governance issues and specific proxy items. State Street Global Advisors does not follow the voting recommendations of any policy
offered by ISS or any other proxy voting policy provider in implementing the Policy.
All voting decisions and engagement activities for which State Street Global Advisors has been given voting discretion are undertaken in accordance with this Policy, ensuring that the interests of our clients remain the sole consideration when
discharging our stewardship responsibilities. Exceptions to this policy include the use of an independent third party to vote on State Street Corporation (“State Street”) stock and the stock of other State Street affiliated entities, to mitigate a
1
This Policy is applicable to SSGA Funds Management, Inc., State Street Global Advisors Trust Company, and other investment advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation.
C-1
conflict of interest of voting on our parent
company or affiliated entities, and other situations where we believe we may be conflicted from voting (for example, stock of a public company for which a State Street director
also serves as a director, or due to an outside business interest). In such cases, delegated third parties exercise vote decisions based on their independent voting policy.
We aim to vote at all shareholder meetings where our clients have given us the authority to vote their shares and where it
is feasible to do so. However, when we deem appropriate, we may refrain from voting at meetings in cases where:
•Power of attorney documentation is required.
•Voting would have a material impact on our ability to trade the
security.
•Voting is not permissible due to sanctions affecting a company or individual.
•Issuer-specific special documentation
is required or various market or issuer certifications are required.
•Certain market limitations would prohibit voting (e.g., partial/split
voting prohibitions or residency restrictions).
•Unless a client directs otherwise in so-called
“share blocking” markets (markets where proxy voters have their securities blocked from trading during the period of the annual
meeting).
Additionally, we are unable to vote proxies when certain
custodians used by our clients do not offer proxy voting in a jurisdiction or when they charge a meeting-specific fee in excess of the typical custody service
agreement.
Voting authority attached to certain securities held by
State Street Global Advisors pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or other requirements. Under such arrangements, voting will be
conducted by the independent third party pursuant to its proxy voting policy and not pursuant to this Policy.
The State Street Global Advisors Proxy Voting Choice
Program
In addition to the option of delegating proxy voting authority
to State Street Global Advisors pursuant to this Policy, clients may alternatively choose to participate in the State Street Global Advisors Proxy Voting Choice Program (the
“Proxy Voting Choice Program”), which empowers clients to direct the proxy voting of shares held by the eligible fund or segregated account they own. Clients that participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program have the option of selecting a
third-party proxy voting guideline from the policies included in the Proxy Voting Choice Program to apply to the vote of the client's pro rata share of the securities held by the eligible fund or segregated account they own. This Policy does not
apply to shares voted under the Proxy Voting Choice Program.
Securities Not Voted Pursuant to the Policy
Where clients have asked State Street Global Advisors to vote the client's shares on their behalf, including where a pooled
fund fiduciary has delegated the responsibility to vote the fund's securities to State Street Global Advisors, State Street Global Advisors votes those securities in a unified manner, consistent with the principles described in this Policy.
Exceptions to this unified voting policy are: (1) where State Street Global Advisors has made its Proxy Voting Choice Program available to its separately managed account clients and investors within a fund managed by State Street Global
Advisors, in which case a pro rata portion of shares held by the fund or segregated account attributable to clients who choose to participate in the Proxy Voting Choice Program will be voted consistent with the third-party proxy voting
guidelines selected by the clients, (2) where a pooled investment vehicle managed by State Street Global Advisors utilizes a third party proxy voting guideline as set forth in that fund's organizational and/or offering documents, and (3) where
voting authority with respect to certain securities held by State Street Global Advisors pooled funds may be delegated to an independent third party as required by regulatory or other requirements. With respect to such funds and separately
managed accounts utilizing third-party proxy voting guidelines, the terms of the applicable third-party proxy voting guidelines shall apply in place of the Policy described herein and the proxy votes implemented with respect to such a fund
or account may differ from and be contrary to the votes implemented for other portfolios managed by State Street Global Advisors pursuant to this Policy.
Regional Nuances
When voting and engaging with companies, we may consider market-specific nuances that may be relevant to that company. We
expect companies to observe the relevant laws and regulations of their respective markets, as well as country-specific best practice guidelines and corporate governance codes, and
to publicly disclose their level of compliance with the applicable provisions and requirements. Except where specified, this Policy applies globally.
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Our Proxy Voting and Engagement
Principles
State Street Global Advisors' proxy voting and engagement program
focuses on three broad principles:
1.
Effective Board Oversight: We believe that well-governed companies can protect and pursue shareholder interests better and withstand the challenges of
an uncertain economic environment. Principally, a board acts on behalf of shareholders by protecting their interests and preserving their rights. In order to carry out their
primary responsibilities, directors undertake activities that include setting strategy and providing guidance on strategic matters, selecting the CEO and other senior executives, overseeing executive management, creating a succession plan for the
board and management, and providing effective oversight of material risks and opportunities relevant to their business. Further, good corporate governance necessitates the
existence of effective internal controls and risk management systems, which should be governed by the board.
We view board quality as a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board diversity, evaluations and refreshment, and company governance practices. We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance; they help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management, maintaining appropriate governance practices, and performing oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. We also believe the right mix of skills, independence, diversity, and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and experience to manage risks and operating structures that are often complex and industry-specific.
We view board quality as a measure of director independence, director succession planning, board diversity, evaluations and refreshment, and company governance practices. We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance; they help management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management, maintaining appropriate governance practices, and performing oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests. We also believe the right mix of skills, independence, diversity, and qualifications among directors provides boards with the knowledge and experience to manage risks and operating structures that are often complex and industry-specific.
2.
Disclosure: It
is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of
their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should also provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their economic
interests have been safeguarded by the board and provides insights into the quality of the board's oversight of management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for
the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.
3.
Shareholder Protection: State Street Global Advisors believes it is in the best interest of shareholders for companies to have appropriate
shareholder rights and accountability mechanisms in place. As a starting place for voting rights, it is necessary for ownership rights to reflect one vote for one share to ensure
that economic interests and proxy voting power are aligned. This share structure best supports the shareholders' right to exercise their proxy vote on matters that are important to the protection of their investment, such as share issuances and other dilutive events,
authorization of strategic transactions, approval of a shareholder rights plan, and changes to the corporate bylaws or charter, among others. In terms of accountability to
shareholders and appropriate checks and balances, we believe there should be annual elections of the full board of directors.
Application of
Principles
These three principles of effective board oversight,
disclosure and shareholder protection apply across all of State Street Global Advisors' proxy voting decisions. When voting at portfolio companies in different markets, State
Street Global Advisors may apply the principles in ways that are specific to a given market based on factors such as availability of data, resources, disclosure practices, and size of holdings in our clients' accounts.
Shareholder Proposals
When voting our clients' proxies, we may be presented with shareholder proposals at portfolio companies that must be
evaluated on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with the principles set forth above. For proposals related to
commonly requested disclosure topics, we have developed the criteria found in Appendix A to assess the effectiveness of disclosure on such topics in connection with these types of proposals.
Engagement
We conduct engagements with individual issuers to communicate the principles set forth in this Policy and to learn more
about companies' strategy, board oversight and disclosure practices. We do not seek to change or influence control of any portfolio company through these engagements. In addition, we encourage issuers to increase the amount of direct
communication board members have with shareholders. We believe direct communication with executive board members
and independent non- executive directors is critical to helping companies understand shareholder concerns.
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Section I. Effective Board
Oversight
Director Independence
We believe independent directors are crucial to good corporate governance; they help
management establish sound corporate governance policies and practices. We have developed criteria for determining director independence, which vary by region and/or local jurisdiction. These criteria generally follow relevant listing standards, local regulatory
requirements and/or local market practice standards. Such criteria may include:
•Participation in related-party
transactions or other material business relations with the company
•Employment history with the company
•Status as founder or member of the founding family
•Government representative
•Excessive tenure and preponderance of long-tenured directors
•Relations with significant
shareholders
•Close family ties with any of the company's advisers, directors or senior employees
•Cross-directorships
•Receipt of non-board related compensation from the issuer, its auditors or advisors
•Company's own classification of a
director as non-independent
In some cases, State Street Global
Advisors' criteria may be more rigorous than applicable local or listing requirements.
Majority Independent Board
We believe a sufficiently independent board is key to effectively monitoring management, maintaining appropriate governance
practices, and performing oversight functions necessary to protect shareholder interests.
Separation of Chair/CEO
Our primary focus is to ensure there is strong independent leadership of the board, in accordance with the principles
discussed above. We generally believe the board is best placed to choose the governance structure that is most
appropriate for that company.
Board Committees
We believe that board committees are crucial to robust corporate governance and should be composed of a sufficient number of
independent directors. We use the same criteria for determining committee independence as we do for determining director independence, which varies by region and/or local
jurisdiction. Although we recognize that board structures may vary by jurisdiction, where a board has established an audit committee and/or compensation/remuneration committee, we generally expect the committee to be primarily, and in some cases, fully independent.
Refreshment and Tenure
We believe that average board tenure should generally align with the length of the business cycle of the respective industry
in which a company operates. In assessing excessive tenure, we consider factors such as the preponderance of long tenured directors, board refreshment practices, classified board
structures and the business cycle for the industry in which a company operates.
Director Time Commitments
We believe a company's nominating committee is best placed to determine appropriate time commitments for the company's directors. We consider if a company publicly discloses its director time commitment policy (e.g., within corporate
governance guidelines, proxy statement, annual report, company website, etc.) and if this policy or associated disclosure outlines the factors that the nominating committee
considers to assess director time commitments during the annual policy review process.
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Board Composition
We believe effective board oversight of a company's long-term business strategy
necessitates a diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which may include a range of characteristics such as skills, gender, race, ethnicity, and age. By having a critical mass of diverse perspectives, boards could experience the benefits that may lead to innovative
ideas and foster more robust conversations about a company's strategy.
We recognize that many factors may influence board composition, including board size, geographic location, and local regulations, among others. Further, we believe that a robust nominating and governance process is essential to achieving a
board composition that is designed to facilitate effective, independent oversight of a company's long-term strategy. We believe nominating committees are best placed to determine
the most effective board composition and we encourage companies to ensure that there are sufficient levels of diverse experiences and perspectives represented in the boardroom.
Board Expertise
We believe board members should have adequate skills to provide effective oversight of corporate strategy, operations, and
risks, including sustainability-related issues.
Boards should also have a
regular evaluation process in place to assess the effectiveness of the board and the skills of board members to address issues, such as emerging risks, changes to corporate
strategy, and diversification of operations and geographic footprint. We believe nominating committees are best positioned to evaluate the skillset and expertise of both existing and prospective board members. However, we may take such considerations into account in certain
circumstances.
Board Accountability
Oversight of Strategy and Risk
We believe that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. We allow boards to have discretion regarding the ways in which they provide oversight in this area. However, we expect companies to disclose how the board provides oversight of its risk management system and risk identification. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks that evolve in tandem with the changing political and economic landscape or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
We believe that risk management is a key function of the board, which is responsible for setting the overall risk appetite of a company and for providing oversight on the risk management process established by senior executives at a company. We allow boards to have discretion regarding the ways in which they provide oversight in this area. However, we expect companies to disclose how the board provides oversight of its risk management system and risk identification. Boards should also review existing and emerging risks that evolve in tandem with the changing political and economic landscape or as companies diversify or expand their operations into new areas.
As
responsible stewards, we believe in the importance of effective risk management and oversight of issues that are material to a company. To effectively manage and assess the risk of
our clients' portfolios, we expect our portfolio companies to manage risks and opportunities that are material and industry-specific and that have a demonstrated link to long-term value creation, and to provide high-quality disclosure of this process to shareholders.
When evaluating a board's oversight of risks and opportunities, we assess the following factors, based on disclosures by, and engagements with, portfolio companies:
1.
Oversees Long-term Strategy
–Articulates the material risks and
opportunities and how those risks and opportunities fit into the firm's long-term business strategy
–Regularly assesses the effectiveness of the company's long-term strategy, and management's execution of this strategy
2.
Demonstrates an
Effective Oversight Process
–Describes which committee(s) have oversight over specific risks and
opportunities, as well as which topics are overseen and/or discussed at the full-board level
–Includes risks and opportunities in board and/or committee agendas, and articulates how often specific topics are discussed at the committee and/or full- board level
–Utilizes KPIs or metrics to assess the effectiveness of risk management
processes
–Engages with key stakeholders including employees and investors
3.
Ensures Effective Leadership
–Holds management accountable for progress on
relevant metrics and targets
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–Integrates
necessary skills and perspectives into the board nominating and executive hiring processes, and provides training to directors and executives on topics material to the company's
business or operations
–Conducts a periodic effectiveness review
4.
Ensures Disclosures of Material Information
–Ensures publication of relevant disclosures, including those regarding material topics
Compliance with Corporate Governance Principles
Our minimum expectation is that companies will comply with their respective market governance codes and/or stewardship principles. Issuers are encouraged to provide explanations of their level of compliance with their local market code and why their preferred governance structure (if not compliant with the code) serves shareholders' long-term interests.
Our minimum expectation is that companies will comply with their respective market governance codes and/or stewardship principles. Issuers are encouraged to provide explanations of their level of compliance with their local market code and why their preferred governance structure (if not compliant with the code) serves shareholders' long-term interests.
We will review governance practices at companies in selected indexes for their
adherence to market governance codes and/or stewardship principles.
Proxy Contests
We believe nominating committees that are comprised of independent directors are best placed to assess which individuals are adequately equipped with the skills and expertise to fulfill the duties of board members, and to act as effective fiduciaries.
We believe nominating committees that are comprised of independent directors are best placed to assess which individuals are adequately equipped with the skills and expertise to fulfill the duties of board members, and to act as effective fiduciaries.
While our default position is to support the committees' judgement, we consider the following factors when evaluating
dissident nominees:
•Strategy presented by dissident nominees versus that of current
management, as overseen by the incumbent board
•Effectiveness, quality, and experience
of the management slate
•Material governance failures and the level of
responsiveness to shareholder concerns and market signals by the incumbent board
•Quality of disclosure and engagement practices to support changes to shareholder rights, capital allocation and/or governance structure
•Company performance and, if applicable, the merit of a recovery
plan
•Expertise of board members with respect to company industry and strategy
Board Oversight of Geopolitical Risk
As stewards of our clients' assets, we are aware of the financial risks associated with geopolitical risk, including risks arising from unexpected conflict between or among nations. We expect portfolio companies that may be impacted by geopolitical risk to:
As stewards of our clients' assets, we are aware of the financial risks associated with geopolitical risk, including risks arising from unexpected conflict between or among nations. We expect portfolio companies that may be impacted by geopolitical risk to:
•Manage and
mitigate risks related to operating in impacted markets, which may include financial, sanctions-related, regulatory, and/or reputational risks, among others;
•Strengthen board oversight of these efforts; and
•Describe these efforts in public disclosures.
Compensation and Remuneration
We consider it the board's responsibility to determine the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the possible types of plans and awards, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides our analysis of executive compensation: we believe that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term.
We consider it the board's responsibility to determine the appropriate level of executive compensation. Despite the differences among the possible types of plans and awards, there is a simple underlying philosophy that guides our analysis of executive compensation: we believe that there should be a direct relationship between executive compensation and company performance over the long term.
Shareholders should have the opportunity to assess whether pay structures and levels are aligned with business performance.
When assessing remuneration reports, we consider factors such as adequate disclosure of various remuneration elements, absolute and relative pay levels, peer selection and
benchmarking, the mix of long-term and short-term incentives, alignment of pay structures with shareholder interests, as well as with corporate strategy and performance.
For
example, criteria we may consider include the following:
•Overall quantum relative to company performance
•Vesting periods and length of performance targets
•Mix of performance, time and options-based stock units
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•Use of special grants and one-time awards
•Retesting and repricing features
•Disclosure and transparency
Board Meeting Attendance
We expect directors to attend at least 75 percent of board meetings in the last financial year or provide an appropriate explanation for why they were unable to meet this attendance threshold.
We expect directors to attend at least 75 percent of board meetings in the last financial year or provide an appropriate explanation for why they were unable to meet this attendance threshold.
Section II. Disclosure
It is important for shareholders to receive timely and accurate reporting of a company's
financial performance and strategy so that they are able to assess both the value and risk of their investment. In addition to information related to strategy and performance, companies should provide disclosure relating to their approach to corporate governance and shareholder
rights. Such information allows investors to determine whether their financial interests have been protected by the board and provides insights into the board's oversight of
management. Ultimately, the board of directors is accountable for the oversight and disclosure of the material risks and opportunities faced by the company.
Reporting
Financial Statements
We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. We expect external auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.
We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely manner is imperative for investment analysis. We expect external auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.
Sustainability-related Disclosures
We believe in the importance of effective risk management and governance of issues that are material to a company. This may include sustainability-related risks and opportunities where a company has identified such risks and opportunities as material to its business. Such disclosure allows shareholders to effectively assess companies' oversight, strategy, and business practices related to these sustainability issues identified as material.
We believe in the importance of effective risk management and governance of issues that are material to a company. This may include sustainability-related risks and opportunities where a company has identified such risks and opportunities as material to its business. Such disclosure allows shareholders to effectively assess companies' oversight, strategy, and business practices related to these sustainability issues identified as material.
We look to companies to provide disclosure on sustainability-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company.
Climate-related Disclosures
We believe that managing climate-related risks and opportunities is a key element in maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for our clients. As a result, we have a longstanding commitment to enhancing investor-useful disclosure related to this topic.
We believe that managing climate-related risks and opportunities is a key element in maximizing long-term risk-adjusted returns for our clients. As a result, we have a longstanding commitment to enhancing investor-useful disclosure related to this topic.
For
companies that have identified climate risk as material to their business, we expect the company to provide disclosure on climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to their
businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company.
•We encourage the disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and related targets. However, State Street Global Advisors is not prescriptive in how a company sets its targets. We expect companies that have adopted net zero ambitions to
disclose interim climate targets. In each case, if a company chooses not to disclose any climate targets, we expect the company to provide an explanation of how the company
measures and monitors progress on managing climate-related risks and opportunities.
•We do not expect any company to set Scope 3 targets. We encourage companies to identify and disclose the most
relevant categories of Scope 3 emissions. However, we recognize that Scope 3 emissions estimates have a high
degree of uncertainty. Therefore, if a company determines that categories of Scope 3 emissions are impracticable to estimate, we encourage the company to explain the relevant limitations. We also encourage companies to explain any efforts
to address Scope 3 emissions, such as engagement with suppliers, customers, or other stakeholders across the value chain, where relevant.
Say-on-Climate Proposals
While we generally believe in the importance of effective disclosure of climate-related risks a company has deemed material to its business, we do not endorse annual advisory climate votes. Where management chooses to include a Say-on-Climate vote, we assess the company's climate-related disclosure in accordance with the criteria listed in Appendix A.
While we generally believe in the importance of effective disclosure of climate-related risks a company has deemed material to its business, we do not endorse annual advisory climate votes. Where management chooses to include a Say-on-Climate vote, we assess the company's climate-related disclosure in accordance with the criteria listed in Appendix A.
Board
and Workforce Demographics
We expect disclosure on the composition of both the board and workforce.
We expect disclosure on the composition of both the board and workforce.
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Section III. Shareholder
Protection
Capital
Share Capital Structure
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, to grow, and to achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder's ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards. When making such a decision, we believe the company should disclose a comprehensive business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilutive to its shareholders.
The ability to raise capital is critical for companies to carry out strategy, to grow, and to achieve returns above their cost of capital. The approval of capital raising activities is fundamental to a shareholder's ability to monitor the amounts of proceeds and to ensure capital is deployed efficiently. Altering the capital structure of a company is a critical decision for boards. When making such a decision, we believe the company should disclose a comprehensive business rationale that is consistent with corporate strategy and not overly dilutive to its shareholders.
Our approach to share capital structure matters may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances. Such proposals may include:
•Increase in Authorized Common Shares
•Increase in Authorized Preferred Shares
•Unequal Voting Rights
•Share Repurchase Programs
Dividend Payouts (Japan Only)
For Japanese issuers, we are generally supportive of dividend payouts that constitute 30 percent or more of net income; however we consider whether the payment may damage the company's long-term financial health.
For Japanese issuers, we are generally supportive of dividend payouts that constitute 30 percent or more of net income; however we consider whether the payment may damage the company's long-term financial health.
Reorganization, Mergers
and Acquisitions
The reorganization of the structure of a company or mergers often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
The reorganization of the structure of a company or mergers often involve proposals relating to reincorporation, restructurings, liquidations, and other major changes to the corporation.
We expect proposals to be in the best interests of shareholders, demonstrated by enhancing share value or improving the
effectiveness of the company's operations.
We evaluate mergers and structural reorganizations on a case-by-case basis and expect transactions to maximize shareholder
value. Some of the considerations include the following:
•Offer premium
•Strategic rationale
•Board oversight of the process for the recommended
transaction, including director and/or management conflicts of interest
•Offers made at a premium and where
there are no other higher bidders
•Offers in which the secondary market
price is substantially lower than the net asset value
We also consider
the following:
•Offers with potentially damaging consequences for minority shareholders because of illiquid stock
•Offers where we believe there is a reasonable prospect for an enhanced bid or other bidders
•The current market price of the
security exceeds the bid price at the time of voting
Related-Party Transactions
Some companies have a controlled ownership structure and complex cross- shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (“related companies”). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders, such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, we expect companies to disclose details of the transaction, such as the nature, the value and the purpose of such a transaction. We also believe independent directors should ratify such transactions. Further, we believe companies should describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
Some companies have a controlled ownership structure and complex cross- shareholdings between subsidiaries and parent companies (“related companies”). Such structures may result in the prevalence of related-party transactions between the company and its various stakeholders, such as directors and management, subsidiaries and shareholders. In markets where shareholders are required to approve such transactions, we expect companies to disclose details of the transaction, such as the nature, the value and the purpose of such a transaction. We also believe independent directors should ratify such transactions. Further, we believe companies should describe the level of independent board oversight and the approval process, including details of any independent valuations provided by financial advisors on related-party transactions.
Cross-Shareholdings (Japan Only)
“Cross-shareholdings” are a long-standing feature of the balance sheets of many Japanese companies, but, in our view, can be detrimental for corporate governance practices and ultimately shareholder returns.
“Cross-shareholdings” are a long-standing feature of the balance sheets of many Japanese companies, but, in our view, can be detrimental for corporate governance practices and ultimately shareholder returns.
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Shareholder Rights
Proxy Access
In general, we believe that proxy access is a fundamental right and an accountability mechanism for all long-term shareholders. We consider proposals relating to proxy access on a case-by-case basis and consider a balance between providing long-term shareholders accountability while preserving flexibility for management to design a process that is appropriate for the company's circumstances.
In general, we believe that proxy access is a fundamental right and an accountability mechanism for all long-term shareholders. We consider proposals relating to proxy access on a case-by-case basis and consider a balance between providing long-term shareholders accountability while preserving flexibility for management to design a process that is appropriate for the company's circumstances.
Vote Standards
•Annual Elections: We believe the establishment of annual elections of the board of directors is appropriate. We also consider the overall
level of board independence and the independence of the key committees, as well as the existence of a shareholder rights plan.
•Majority Voting: We believe a majority vote standard based on votes cast for the election
of directors is appropriate.
Shareholder
Meetings
•Special Meetings and Written
Consent: We believe the ability for shareholders to call special meetings, as well as act by written consent is
appropriate. We believe an appropriate threshold for both calling a special meeting and acting by written consent can be 25% of outstanding shares or less.
•Notice Period to Convene a General Meeting: We expect companies to give as much notice as
is practicable when calling a general meeting, generally at least 14 days.
•Virtual/Hybrid Shareholder Meetings: We believe the right to hold shareholder meetings in
a virtual or hybrid format is appropriate with the following best practices:
–Afford virtual attendee shareholders the same rights as would normally be granted to in-person attendee
shareholders
–Commit to time-bound renewal (five years or less) of meeting format
authorization by shareholders
–Provide a written record of all questions
posed during the meeting, and
–Comply with local market laws and regulations
relating to virtual and hybrid shareholder meeting practices
In
evaluating these proposals we also consider the operating environment of the company, including local regulatory developments and specific market circumstances impacting virtual
meeting practices.
Governance Documents &
Miscellaneous Items
Article Amendments
We believe amendments to company bylaws that may negatively impact shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection, and exclusion service bylaws) should be put to a shareholder vote.
We believe amendments to company bylaws that may negatively impact shareholder rights (such as fee-shifting, forum selection, and exclusion service bylaws) should be put to a shareholder vote.
We believe a majority voting standard is generally appropriate.
We generally believe companies should have a fixed board size, or designate a range for the board size.
Anti-Takeover Issues
Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer to make an offer, or to reduce the likelihood of a successful offer. We generally believe shareholders should have the right to vote on reasonable offers. Our approach to anti-takeover issues may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances.
Occasionally, companies add anti-takeover provisions that reduce the chances of a potential acquirer to make an offer, or to reduce the likelihood of a successful offer. We generally believe shareholders should have the right to vote on reasonable offers. Our approach to anti-takeover issues may vary by local market and jurisdiction, due to regional nuances.
Accounting and Audit-Related Issues
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have independent non-executive directors designated as members.
Companies should have robust internal audit and internal control systems designed for effective management of any potential and emerging risks to company operations and strategy. The responsibility of setting out an internal audit function lies with the audit committee, which should have independent non-executive directors designated as members.
We believe the disclosure and availability of reliable financial statements in a timely
manner is imperative for investment analysis. As a result, board oversight of the internal controls and the independence of the audit process are essential if investors are to rely upon financial statements. It is important for the audit committee to appoint external auditors who are
independent from management as we expect auditors to provide assurance of a company's financial condition.
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State Street Global Advisors believes that a
company's external auditor is an essential feature of an effective and transparent system of external independent assurance. Shareholders should be given the opportunity to vote on
their (re-)appointment at the annual meeting. When appointing external auditors and approving audit fees, we will take into consideration the level of detail in company disclosures.
In circumstances where “other” fees include fees related to initial public offerings, bankruptcy emergence, and spin-offs, and the company makes public disclosure of the amount and nature of those fees which are determined to be an exception to
the standard “non-audit
fee” category, then such fees may be excluded from the non-audit fees considered in determining the ratio of non-audit to audit/audit-related fees/tax compliance and preparation for purposes of determining
whether non-audit fees are excessive.
We believe a company should be able to discharge its auditors in the absence of pending litigation, governmental
investigation, charges or fraud or other indication of significant concern. Further, we believe that auditors should attend the annual meeting of shareholders.
Indemnification and Liability
Generally, we believe directors should be able to limit their liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if a director has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Generally, we believe directors should be able to limit their liability and/or expand indemnification and liability protection if a director has not acted in bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
Section IV. Shareholder Proposals
We believe that company boards do right by investors and are responsible for overseeing strategy and company management.
Towards that end, we generally do not support shareholder proposals that appear to impose changes to business strategy or operations, such as increasing or decreasing investment in
certain products or businesses or phasing out a product or business line or if it is not a topic that the company has deemed to be material in their public disclosure documents.
When
assessing shareholder proposals, we fundamentally consider whether the adoption of the resolution would promote long-term shareholder value in the context of our core governance
principles:
1.
Effective board oversight
2.
Quality disclosure
3.
Shareholder protection
We will consider supporting a shareholder proposal if:
•the request is focused on enhanced
disclosure of the company's governance and/or risk oversight
•the adoption of the request would protect our clients' interests as
minority shareholders; or
•for common proposal topics for which we have
developed assessment criteria, the extent to which the request satisfies the criteria found in Appendix A.
Section V. Engagement
As a fiduciary, State Street Global Advisors takes a comprehensive approach to engaging
with portfolio companies. Our stewardship prioritization process allows us to proactively identify companies for engagement and voting in order to mitigate risks in our client's portfolios. Through engagement, we aim to build long-term relationships with the issuers in
which we invest on behalf of our clients and to address a broad range of topics relating to the promotion of long-term shareholder value creation. We do not seek to change or influence control of any portfolio company through engagement.
Equity Engagements
In general, there are three types of engagements that State Street Global Advisors may hold
on behalf of equity holders:
1.
Engagements with Portfolio Companies in Connection with a Ballot Item or
Other Topic In our Policy: Engagements held with portfolio companies to discuss a ballot item,
event or other established topic found in our Policy. Such engagements generally, but not necessarily, occur during “proxy season.” They may be held at the request of State Street Global Advisors or the portfolio company.
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2.
Off-Season Engagement at the Request of a Portfolio Company: From time- to-time, portfolio companies may seek to engage with State Street Global Advisors in the ‘off-season' to
discuss a particular topic.
3.
Off-Season Proactive Engagement Campaigns: Each year, State Street Global Advisors will identify thematic
engagement campaigns on important topics for which we are seeking more information to potentially inform our
future voting positions.
Fixed Income Engagements
From time-to-time, certain corporate action election events, reclassifications or other changes to the investment terms of debt holdings may occur or an issuer may seek to engage with State Street Global Advisors to discuss matters pertaining to
the debt instruments that State Street Global Advisors holds on behalf of its clients. In such instances, State Street Global Advisors may engage with the issuer to obtain further
information about the matter for purposes of its investment decision making. Such engagements are the responsibility of the Fixed Income portfolio management team, but may be
supported by State Street Global Advisors' Asset Stewardship Team. All election decisions are the responsibility of the relevant portfolio management team.
In addition, State Street Global Advisors may identify themes for engagement campaigns with issuers on topics that it
believes may affect value of its clients' debt investments. State Street Global Advisors may proactively engage with portfolio companies and other issuers on these topics to help inform our views on the subject.
Where such themes align with those relating to equities, such engagements may be carried out jointly on behalf of both equity and fixed income holdings where there is mutual benefit for both asset classes. Such engagements are led by the State
Street Global Advisors Asset Stewardship Team, but may also be attended by the relevant portfolio management teams.
Engaging with Other Investors Soliciting State Street Global Advisors'
Votes in Connection with Contested Shareholder Meetings, Vote-No Campaigns, or Shareholder Proposals
While it may be helpful to speak to other investors that are running proxy contests,
putting forth vote-no campaigns, or proposing shareholder proposals at investee companies, we limit such discussions to investors who have filed necessary documentation with regulators and engage in these discussions at our own discretion.
Our primary purpose of engaging with investors is:
1.
To gain a better understanding of their position or concerns at investee companies.
2.
In proxy contest situations:
–To assess possible director candidates where investors are seeking board representation in proxy contest
situations
–To understand the investor's proposed strategy for the company and investment
time horizon to assess their alignment with State Street Global Advisors' views and interests as a long-term shareholder
Any information about our vote decisions are available in this document and on our website.
All requests for engagement should be sent to [email protected].
Section VI. Other Matters
Securities on Loan
As a responsible investor and fiduciary, we recognize the importance of balancing the benefits of voting shares and the
incremental lending revenue for the pooled funds that participate in State Street Global Advisors' securities lending program (the “Funds”). Our objective is to recall securities on loan and restrict future lending until after the record date for the respective vote in instances where we believe that a particular vote could have a material impact on the Funds'
long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone lending income.
Accordingly, we have set systematic recall and lending restriction criteria for shareholder
meetings involving situations with the highest potential financial implications (such as proxy contests and strategic transactions including mergers and acquisitions, going dark transactions, change of corporate form, or bankruptcy and liquidation). Generally, these criteria for
recall and restriction for lending only apply to certain large cap indices in developed markets.
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State Street Global Advisors monitors the forgone
lending revenue associated with each recall to determine if the impact on the Funds' long-term financial performance and the benefit of voting shares will outweigh the forgone
lending income.
Although our objective is to systematically recall securities
based on the aforementioned criteria, we must receive notice of the vote in sufficient time to recall the shares on or before the record date. When we do not receive timely notice,
we may be unable to recall the shares on or before the record date.
Reporting
We provide transparency for our stewardship activities through our regular client reports and relevant information reported
online. We publish an annual stewardship report that provides details of our stewardship approach, engagement and
voting policies, and activities during the year. The annual stewardship report is complemented by quarterly stewardship activity reports as well as the publication of thought leadership on governance and sustainability on our website. Our
voting record information is available on Vote View, an interactive platform that provides relevant company details, proposal types, resolution descriptions, and records of our votes cast.
Appendix A: Assessment Criteria for Common Disclosure Topics
As outlined above, the pillars of our Asset Stewardship Program rest on effective board oversight, quality disclosure and shareholder protection. We are frequently asked to evaluate proposals on various topics, including requests for enhanced
disclosure.
Where a company receives a proposal on a topic that the company has determined is material to its business, we will assess
the proposal in accordance with the below criteria that we believe represent quality disclosure on commonly requested disclosure topics. In each case, in assessing the proposal
against the applicable criteria, we may review the company's relevant disclosures against industry and market practice (e.g., peer disclosure, relevant frameworks, relevant industry guidance).
Climate Disclosure Criteria
For companies that have identified climate-related risks or opportunities as material to their business, we expect the
company to provide disclosure on climate-related risks and opportunities relevant to their businesses in line with applicable local regulatory requirements and any voluntary standards and frameworks adopted by the company, as described in
the section related to Climate-Related Disclosures above.
Additionally,
where a company is among the highest emitters, we consider whether the company discloses:
•Scenario-planning on relevant risk assessment and strategic planning
processes;
•The company's plans to achieve stated climate-related
targets, if any, including information on timelines and expected emissions reductions; and
•Incorporation of relevant climate
considerations in financial planning and/or capital allocation decisions.
Climate Transition Plan Disclosure Criteria for Companies that have Adopted a Climate Transition Plan
We do not expect or require companies to adopt net zero ambitions or join relevant industry
initiatives. For companies that have adopted a net zero ambition and/or climate transition plan and that receive a related proposal, we assess the proposal against the disclosure criteria set out below. Given that climate related risks present differently across industries, our assessment of the below criteria may vary to account for best practices in specific industries.
General Climate-related Disclosures
•Description of approach to identifying
and assessing climate-related risks and opportunities
•Disclosure of resilience of the company's strategy taking into
consideration a range of climate-related scenarios
•Disclosure of Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant categories of Scope 3
emissions and any assurance
Ambition
•Disclosure of long-term climate ambitions
Targets
•Disclosure of short- and/or medium-term interim climate
targets
C-12
•Disclosure of alignment of climate targets with
relevant jurisdictional commitments, specific temperature pathways, and/or sectoral decarbonization approaches
Decarbonization Strategy
•Disclosure of plans and actions to support stated climate targets and ambitions
•Disclosure of emissions management efforts within the company's operations and, as applicable, across the value chain
•Disclosure of carbon offsets utilization, if any
•Disclosure of the role of climate solutions (e.g., carbon capture and storage)
•Disclosure of potential social risks
and opportunities related to climate transition plan, if any
Capital Allocation
•Disclosure integration of relevant climate considerations in financial
planning
•Disclosure of total actual and planned capital deployed toward climate transition plan
•Disclosure of approach to assessing and prioritizing investments toward climate transition plan (e.g. marginal abatement cost curves, internal carbon pricing, if any)
Climate Policy Engagement
•Disclosure of position on climate-related topics relevant to the company's
decarbonization strategy
•Disclosure of assessment of stated positions on
relevant climate-related topics versus those of associations and other relevant policy-influencing entities, such as trade associations, industry bodies, or coalitions, to which
the company belongs, and any efforts taken as a result of this review to address potential misalignment.
Climate Governance
•Disclosure of the board's role in overseeing climate transition plan
•Disclosure of management's role in
overseeing climate transition plan
Physical
Risk
•Disclosure of assessment of climate-related physical risks
•Disclosure of approach to managing identified climate-related physical
risks
Stakeholder Engagement
•Disclosure of engagement with relevant internal stakeholders related to climate transition plan (e.g., workforce training, cross-functional collaboration)
•Disclosure of engagement with relevant external
stakeholders related to climate transition plan (e.g., industry collaboration, customer engagement)
Methane Disclosure Criteria
Where a company has determined that methane emissions-related risks or opportunities are
material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Disclosure of methane emissions detection and monitoring
efforts
•An explanation of efforts to enhance measurement, reporting, and verification
•A description of the company's strategy
to manage methane emissions
•Disclosure of any methane-related metrics and targets utilized
C-13
Nature-Related Disclosures:
Biodiversity, Deforestation and other Land-Use, Water Management, Pollution and Waste
Where a company has determined that one or more nature-related risks and opportunities are
material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Governance: Board oversight of the material nature-related risks and opportunities
•Risk
Management: Approach to identifying, assessing, monitoring, and mitigating the material nature-related risks
and opportunities
•Strategy: Consideration of material nature-related risks and opportunities in business strategy, resiliency, and
planning
•Metrics and Targets (when
relevant): Metrics used to assess, monitor, and manage nature-related risks and opportunities
Human Capital Management Disclosure Criteria
Where a company has determined that human capital management-related risks or opportunities
are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Board Oversight: Methods outlining how the board oversees human capital- related risks and opportunities;
•Strategy: Approaches to human capital management and how these advance the long-term business strategy;
•Compensation: Strategies throughout the organization that aim to attract and retain
employees, and incentivize contribution to an effective human capital strategy;
•Voice: Channels to ensure the concerns and ideas from workers are solicited and acted
upon, and how the workforce is engaged and empowered in the organization; and
•Workforce
Demographics: Role of the board in overseeing workforce demographics efforts
Diversity Equity and Inclusion Disclosure Criteria
Where a company has determined that diversity, equity and inclusion-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following
disclosure criteria:
•Board Oversight: Describe how the board executes its oversight role in risks and opportunities related to diversity, equity and
inclusion
•Strategy: Articulate the role that diversity, equity, and inclusion plays in the company's broader human capital management practices
and long-term strategy, as well as how the company intends to implement that strategy
•Metrics: Provide disclosure on the company's global employee base and board demographics, where permitted
•Board Composition: Articulate the role of diversity of skills, backgrounds, experiences,
and perspectives in the board's nominating process
Pay Equity Disclosure Criteria (United States and United Kingdom Only)
Where a company has determined that pay equity-related risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Disclosure of adjusted pay gaps related to race and gender within the company (disclosure of the unadjusted pay gap is also encouraged, but not expected outside of the United Kingdom market at this time);
•Disclosure of strategy to achieve and
maintain pay equity; and
•Disclosure of the role of the board in overseeing pay strategies as well as diversity-related efforts
C-14
Civil Rights Disclosure Criteria
(United States Only)
Where a company has determined that civil rights-related
risks or opportunities are material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure
criteria:
•Disclosure of risk related to civil rights, including risks associated with products, practices, and services;
•Disclosure of plans to manage and mitigate these risks; and
•Disclosure of
processes at the board for overseeing such risks (e.g., committee responsible, frequency of discussions, etc.).
Human Rights Disclosure Criteria
Where a company has determined that human rights-related risks or opportunities are
material to its business and has received a related shareholder proposal, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Human rights-related risks the company considers more relevant;
•Plans to manage and mitigate these
risks;
•Board oversight of these risks; and
•Assessment of the effectiveness of the human rights risk management
program.
Political Contributions Disclosure Criteria
(United States Only)
For all companies that receive a shareholder
proposal related to political contributions, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Disclosure of all contributions, no matter the dollar value, made by the company, its subsidiaries, and/ or affiliated Political Action Committees (PACs) to individual candidates, PACs, and other political organizations at the state and
federal levels in the US; and
•Disclosure of the role of the board in oversight of political
contributions.
Lobbying Disclosure Criteria (United
States Only)
For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal
related to lobbying disclosure, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Disclosure of membership in United States trade associations (to which payments are above $50,000 per year) and
•Disclosure of the role of the board in overseeing lobbying activities.
Trade Association Alignment Disclosure Criteria
For all companies that receive a shareholder proposal related to trade association alignment, we will assess the proposal in accordance with the following disclosure criteria:
•Disclosure of the board's role in overseeing the
company's participation in the political process, including membership in trade associations or other policy- influencing entities; and
•Whether the company regularly performs a gap analysis of its stated positions on relevant issues versus those of the trade associations or other policy-influencing organizations of which it is a member, and
•Whether the company disclosed a list of
its trade association memberships
Note: We believe that management is
best suited to take positions on the matters related to their company and therefore we do not recommend any specific position. Our support of these types of shareholder proposals,
if any, solely reflect our support for enhanced disclosure on assessing alignment between stated company positions and the positions of associations and other relevant policy-influencing entities to which the company belongs in line with market expectations
and effective risk management.
C-15
About State Street Investment
Management
For over four decades, State Street Investment Management has served
the world's governments, institutions, and financial advisors. With a rigorous, risk-aware approach built on research, analysis, and market-tested experience, and as pioneers in index and ETF investing, we are always inventing new ways to invest. As a result, we have become the world's
fourth-largest asset manager* with US $5.12 trillion† under our care.
*
Pensions & Investments Research Center, as of December 31, 2023.
†
This figure is presented as of December 31, 2024 and includes ETF AUM of $1,577.74 billion USD
of which approximately $82.19 billion USD in gold assets with respect to SPDR products for which State Street Global Advisors Funds Distributors, LLC (SSGA FD) acts solely as the
marketing agent. SSGA FD and State Street Investment Management are affiliated. Please note all AUM is unaudited.
statestreet.com/im
© 2025 State Street Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
ID2658960
Exp. Date: 03/31/2026
All Rights Reserved.
ID2658960
Exp. Date: 03/31/2026
C-16
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
OTHER INFORMATION
Item 28.
Exhibits
| (a)(1) |
|
| (b)(1) |
|
| (c) |
Not applicable. |
| (d)(1) |
|
| (2) |
|
| (3) |
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| (4) |
|
| (5) |
|
| (6) |
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| (7) |
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| (8) |
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| (9) |
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| (10) |
|
| (1)(d) |
|
| (1)(e) |
|
| (1)(f) |
|
| (1)(g) |
|
| (1)(h) |
|
| (1)(i) |
|
| (1)(j) |
|
| (1)(k) |
|
| (1)(l) |
|
| (1)(m) |
|
| (1)(n) |
|
| (1)(o) |
|
| (1)(p) |
|
| (1)(q) |
|
| (1)(r) |
|
| (1)(s) |
|
| (1)(t) |
|
| (1)(u) |
|
| (1)(v) |
|
| (1)(w) |
|
| (2)(a) |
|
| (2)(b) |
|
| (2)(c) |
|
| (2)(d) |
|
| (2)(e) |
|
| (2)(f) |
|
| (2)(g) |
|
| (2)(h) |
|
| (2)(i) |
|
| (2)(j) |
|
| (16) |
|
| (17) |
|
| (18) |
|
| (19) |
|
| (20) |
|
| (21) |
|
| (22) |
|
| (j) |
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm to be filed by amendment. |
| (k) |
Not applicable. |
| (l) |
Not applicable. |
| (m)(1) |
|
| (2) |
|
| (3) |
|
| (n)(1) |
Amended and Restated Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3 to be filed by amendment. |
| (o)(1) |
|
| (2) |
|
| (3) |
|
| (4) |
| (5) |
|
| (6) |
|
| (7) |
|
| (p)(1) |
|
| (2) |
+
Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 was filed with the Commission on January 30, 2002.
The next Post-Effective Amendment, filed on April 30, 2002, should have been sequentially numbered Post-Effective Amendment No. 9. Due to a scrivener’s error, it
was numbered Post-Effective Amendment No. 10. Such Post-Effective Amendment has been referred to in this Part C as Post-Effective Amendment No. 9.
Item 29.
Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control With
Registrant
See the Statement of Additional Information regarding the Trust’s control
relationships.
Item 30.
Indemnification
Under the terms of the
Registrant’s Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust, Article VIII, the Registrant is required, subject to certain exceptions and limitations, to indemnify each
of its Trustees and officers, including persons who serve at the Registrant’s request as directors, officers or trustees of another organization in which the
Registrant has any interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise who may be indemnified by the Registrant under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Under a separate Indemnification Agreement by and among the Registrant and each Trustee, the Registrant has undertaken to indemnify and advance expenses to each Trustee in a manner consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Agreement precludes indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to “disabling conduct” (willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of office) and sets forth reasonable and fair means for determining whether indemnification or advancement of expenses shall be made.
Item 31.
Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser
Any other
business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature in which each director or principal officer of each investment adviser is or has been, at any time
during the last two fiscal years, engaged for his or her own account or in the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee are as follows:
SSGA FUNDS MANAGEMENT, INC.:
SSGA FM serves as the investment adviser for each series of the Trust. SSGA FM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Global Advisors, Inc., which itself is a wholly-owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. SSGA FM and other advisory affiliates of State Street Corporation make up State Street Investment Management (“SSIM”), the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. The principal address of SSGA FM is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114. SSGA FM is an investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Below is a list of the directors and principal executive officers of SSGA FM and
their principal occupation(s). Unless otherwise noted, the address of each person listed is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
| Name |
Principal Occupation |
| Jeanne LaPorta |
Chairperson, Director and President; Executive Vice President of SSIM |
| Sean Driscoll |
Director of SSGA FM; Managing Director of SSIM |
| Apea Amoa |
Director of SSGA FM; Chief Financial Officer of SSIM |
| Brian Harris |
Chief Compliance Officer of SSGA FM; Managing Director of SSIM |
| Steven Hamm |
Treasurer of SSGA FM; Vice President of SSIM |
| Sean O’Malley, Esq. |
Chief Legal Officer of SSGA FM; General Counsel of SSIM |
| Ann M. Carpenter |
Chief Operating Officer of SSGA FM; Managing Director of SSIM |
| Tim Corbett |
Chief Risk Officer of SSGA FM; Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director of SSIM |
| Christyann Weltens |
Derivates Risk Manager; Vice President of SSIM |
| David Ireland |
CTA Chief Marketing Officer; Senior Vice President/Senior Managing Director of SSIM |
| David Urman, Esq. |
Clerk of SSGA FM; Vice President and Senior Counsel of SSIM |
Item
32.
Principal Underwriters
(a)
SSGA FD, One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, serves as the
Trust’s principal underwriter and also serves as the principal underwriter for the following investment companies: State Street Institutional Funds, State Street
Variable Insurance Series Funds, Inc., SSGA Funds, SPDR Series Trust, SPDR Index Shares Funds, SSGA Active Trust, State Street Institutional Investment Trust, Elfun Tax-Exempt Income Fund, Elfun Income Fund, Elfun International Equity Fund, Elfun Government Money Market Fund, Elfun Trusts and Elfun Diversified Fund.
(b)
To the best of the Trust’s knowledge, the managers and executive officers of
SSGA FD are as follows:
| Name and Principal Business Address* |
Positions and Offices with Underwriter |
Positions and Offices with the Trust |
| Jeanne LaPorta |
Chairperson and Manager |
Interested Trustee |
| Allison Bonds Mazza |
President and Manager |
None |
| Editha V. Tenorio |
Chief Financial Officer |
None |
| Sean O’Malley |
Chief Legal Officer |
None |
| Mark Trabucco |
Chief Compliance Officer and Anti-Money Laundering Officer |
None |
| Jessica Cross |
Secretary |
None |
| Sean Driscoll |
Manager |
None |
| David Maxham |
Manager |
None |
| Christine Stokes |
Manager |
None |
| John Tucker |
Manager |
None |
*
The principal business address for each of the above managers and executive officers is One Congress Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.
(c)
Not applicable.
Item 33.
Location of Accounts and Records
The accounts and records of the Trust are located, in whole or in part, at the office of the Trust and the following locations:
State Street Institutional Investment Trust
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
SSGA Funds Management, Inc.
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
SSGA FM serves as the Administrator for all Funds and Portfolios.
State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the
Sub-Administrator for all Funds and Portfolios.
State Street Bank and Trust Company
serves as the Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent for all Funds, except State Street Bank and Trust Company does not serve as the Transfer
Agent/Dividend Disbursing Agent for the State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street
Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market Fund, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund, State Street Balanced Index Fund, State Street Equity 500 Index Fund, State Street Global All Cap Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2065 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2070 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund, State Street Income Fund, State Street U.S. Core Equity Fund, State Street Balanced Index Fund, State Street Federal Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Federal Treasury Plus Money Market Fund and the State Street Federal Government Money Market Fund.
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
One Congress Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
SS&C GIDS, Inc.
SS&C GIDS, Inc. serves as the Transfer Agent/Dividend Disbursing Agent for the
State Street Institutional U.S. Government Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Institutional Treasury Plus Money Market
Fund, State Street Aggregate Bond Index Fund, State Street Balanced Index Fund, State Street Equity 500 Index Fund, State Street Global All Cap Equity ex-U.S. Index Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2025 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2030 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2035 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2040 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2045 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2050 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2055 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2060 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2065 Fund, State Street Target Retirement 2070 Fund, State Street Target Retirement Fund, State Street Hedged International Developed Equity Index Fund, State Street Small/Mid Cap Equity Index Fund, State Street Emerging Markets Equity Index Fund, State Street Treasury Obligations Money Market Fund State Street Balanced Index Fund, State Street Federal Treasury Money Market Fund, State Street Federal Treasury Plus Money Market Fund and the State Street Federal Government Money Market Fund.
SS&C GIDS, Inc.
2000 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
2000 Crown Colony Drive
Quincy, Massachusetts 02169
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC serves as Transfer Agent/Dividend Paying Agent for
the State Street Income Fund and State Street U.S. Core Equity Fund.
U.S. Bancorp Fund Services, LLC
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5207
615 East Michigan Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202-5207
Item 34.
Management Services
Not applicable.
Item
35.
Undertakings
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant, State Street Institutional Investment Trust (the “Trust”), has duly caused this Post-Effective Amendment to the Trust’s Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, duly authorized, in the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 14th day of November, 2025.
| STATE STREET INSTITUTIONAL INVESTMENT TRUST | |
| |
|
| By: |
/s/ Ann M. Carpenter |
| |
Ann M. Carpenter |
| |
President |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this Registration Statement for the Trust has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities as indicated on the 14th day of November, 2025:
| Signature |
Title |
Date |
| /s/ Patrick J. Riley* |
Trustee |
November 14, 2025 |
| Patrick J. Riley |
|
|
| /s/ Jeanne LaPorta* |
Trustee |
November 14, 2025 |
| Jeanne LaPorta |
|
|
| /s/ Margaret K. McLaughlin* |
Trustee |
November 14, 2025 |
| Margaret K. McLaughlin |
|
|
| /s/ George M. Pereira* |
Trustee |
November 14, 2025 |
| George M. Pereira |
|
|
| /s/ Donna M. Rapaccioli* |
Trustee |
November 14, 2025 |
| Donna M. Rapaccioli |
|
|
| /s/ Mark E. Swanson* |
Trustee |
November 14, 2025 |
| Mark E. Swanson |
|
|
| /s/ Bruce S. Rosenberg |
Principal Accounting Officer and Principal Financial Officer |
November 14, 2025 |
| Bruce S. Rosenberg |
| |
| /s/ Ann M. Carpenter |
President (Principal Executive Officer) |
November 14, 2025 |
| Ann M. Carpenter |
|
| *By: |
/s/ Edmund Gerard Maiorana, Jr. |
| |
Edmund Gerard Maiorana, Jr. As Attorney-in-Fact Pursuant to Powers of Attorney |
*
Signature affixed by Edmund Gerard Maiorana, Jr. pursuant to a power of attorney dated January 21, 2025.
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