N-1A/A
Form N-1A
File No. 811-09435
File No. 333-82447
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
Form N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 X
Pre-Effective Amendment No. __2__
Post-Effective Amendment No._____
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 X
Amendment No. _2_
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
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(Exact Name as Specified in Charter)
6300 Lamar Avenue, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
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(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code (913) 236-2000
Kristen A. Richards, P. O. Box 29217, Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
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(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering
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As soon as practical after effective date of Registration Statement
===========================================================================
DECLARATION REQUIRED BY RULE 24f-2 (a) (1)
The Registrant requests registration of an indefinite amount of shares of
its capital stock, $.001 per share, by this Registration Statement.
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, action pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
<PAGE>
Registrant hereby incorporates by reference all Part A, Part B and Part C of
Form N-1A filed as Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 on September 22, 1999 except
with respect to the Exhibits attached hereto.
<PAGE>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
23. Exhibits: United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
(a) Articles of Incorporation filed by EDGAR on July 8, 1999 as
EX-99.B(a)charter to the initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
(b) Bylaws filed by EDGAR on July 8, 1999 as EX-99.B(b)scbylaw to the
initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
(c) Not applicable
(d) Investment Management Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B(d)scima
(e) Underwriting Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B(e)scua
(f) Not applicable
(g) Custodian Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B(g)scca
(h) Shareholder Servicing Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B(h)scssa
Fidelity Bond Coverage (Exhibit C) to the Shareholder Servicing
Agreement filed by EDGAR on September 22, 1999 as EX-99.B(h)scssafid
to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A*
Fund Class A, Class B and Class C application(Non-Retirement Plan)
filed by EDGAR on September 22, 1999 as EX-99.B(h)scappnon to
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A*
Fund Class A, Class B and Class application (Retirement Plan) filed by
EDGAR on September 22, 1999 as EX-99.B(h)scappabc to Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
Fund Class Y application filed by EDGAR on September 22, 1999 as
EX-99.B(h)scapp-y to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A*
Fund NAV application filed by EDGAR on September 22, 1999 as
EX-99.B(h)scappnav to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
Accounting Services Agreement attached hereto as EX-99.B(h)scasa
<PAGE>
(i) Opinion and Consent of Counsel attached hereto as EX-99.B(i)sclegopn
(j) Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Accountants, attached
hereto as EX-99.B(j)scconsnt
(k) Not applicable
(l) Agreement with initial shareholder, Waddell & Reed, Inc., attached
hereto as EX-99.B(l)scinitcap
(m) Distribution and Service Plan for Class A shares filed by EDGAR on
July 8, 1999 as EX-99.B(m)scdspa to the initial Registration Statement
on Form N-1A*
Distribution and Service Plan for Class B shares filed by EDGAR on
July 8, 1999 as EX-99.B(m)scdspb to the initial Registration Statement
on Form N-1A*
Distribution and Service Plan for Class C shares filed by EDGAR on
July 8, 1999 as EX-99.B(m)scdspc to the initial Registration Statement
on Form N-1A*
(n) Not Applicable
(o) Multiple Class Plan filed by EDGAR on July 8, 1999 as EX-99.B(o)scmcp
to the initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
24. Persons Controlled by or under common control with Registrant
-------------------------------------------------------------
None
25. Indemnification
---------------
Reference is made to Article TENTH Section 10.2 of the Articles of
Incorporation of Registrant filed by EDGAR on July 8, 1999 as
EX-99.B(a)charter to the initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A*,
Article VIII of the Bylaws filed by EDGAR on July 8, 1999 as
EX-99.B(b)scbylaw to the initial Registration Statement on Form N-1A*
and to Article V of the Underwriting Agreement attached hereto as
EX-99.B(e)scua, each of which provide indemnification. Also refer to
section 2-418 of the Maryland Corporation Law regarding indemnification
of directors, officers, employees and agents.
26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Manager
----------------------------------------------------
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company is the investment manager
of the Registrant. Under the terms of an Investment Management
Agreement between Waddell & Reed, Inc. and the Registrant, Waddell &
Reed, Inc. is to provide investment management services to the
Registrant. Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company is a
corporation which is not engaged in any business other than the
<PAGE>
provision of investment management services to those registered
investment companies described in Part A and Part B of this
Registration Statement and to other investment advisory clients.
Each director and executive officer of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company has had as his sole business, profession, vocation
or employment during the past two years only his duties as an executive
officer and/or employee of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
or its predecessors, except as to persons who are directors and/or
officers of the Registrant and have served in the capacities shown in
the Statement of Additional Information of the Registrant. The address
of the officers is 6300 Lamar Avenue, Shawnee Mission, Kansas
66202-4200.
As to each director and officer of Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company, reference is made to the Prospectus and SAI of this Registrant.
27. Principal Underwriter
---------------------
(a) Waddell & Reed, Inc. is the principal underwriter of the Registrant.
It is also the principal underwriter to the following investment
companies:
United Funds, Inc.
United Continental Income Fund, Inc.
United Vanguard Fund, Inc.
United Retirement Shares, Inc.
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund, Inc.
United International Growth Fund, Inc.
United Cash Management, Inc.
United Government Securities Fund, Inc.
United New Concepts Fund, Inc.
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc.
United High Income Fund II, Inc.
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc.
Advantage I
Advantage II
Advantage Plus
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
(b) The information contained in the underwriter's application on Form BD,
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, is herein incorporated by
reference.
(c) No compensation was paid by the Registrant to any principal
underwriter who is not an affiliated person of the Registrant or any
affiliated person of such affiliated person.
28. Location of Accounts and Records
--------------------------------
The accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained by
Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act and
rules promulgated thereunder are under the possession of Mr. Robert L.
<PAGE>
Hechler and Ms. Kristen A. Richards, as officers of the Registrant,
each of whose business address is Post Office Box 29217, Shawnee
Mission, Kansas 66201-9217.
29. Management Services
-------------------
There is no service contract other than as discussed in Part A and B of
this Registration Statement and as listed in response to Items 23.(h) and
23.(m) hereof.
30. Undertakings
-----------
Not applicable
- ---------------------------------
*Incorporated herein by reference
EX-99.B(d)-scima
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this 18th day of August, 1999, by and between UNITED SMALL
CAP FUND, INC. (hereinafter called "United"), and WADDELL & REED INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT COMPANY,
WITNESSETH:
In consideration of the mutual promises and agreements herein contained and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, it is hereby agreed by and between the parties hereto as follows:
I. In General
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
agrees to act as investment adviser to United with respect to the investment of
its assets and in general to supervise the investments of United, subject at all
times to the direction and control of the Board of Directors of United, all as
more fully set forth herein.
II. Duties of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company with respect to investment of assets of United
A. Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company shall regularly provide investment advice to United and shall, subject
to the succeeding provisions of this section, continuously supervise the
investment and reinvestment of cash, securities or other property comprising the
assets of the investment portfolios of United; and in furtherance thereof,
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall:
1. obtain and evaluate pertinent
information about significant developments and economic, statistical and
financial data, domestic, foreign or otherwise, whether affecting the economy
generally or one or more of the portfolios of United, and whether concerning the
individual companies whose securities are included in one or more of United's
portfolios or the industries in which they engage, or with respect to securities
which Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company considers desirable for
inclusion in one or more of United's portfolios;
2. furnish continuously an
investment program for each of the portfolios of United;
3. determine what securities shall
be purchased or sold by United;
4. take, on behalf of United, all
actions which appear to Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company necessary
to carry into effect such investment programs and supervisory functions as
aforesaid, including the placing of purchase and sale orders.
B. Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company shall make appropriate and regular reports to the Board of Directors of
United on the actions it takes pursuant to Section II.A. above. Any investment
programs furnished by Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company under this
section, or any supervisory function taken hereunder by Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company shall at all times conform to and be in accordance
with any requirements imposed by:
1. the provisions of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and any rules or regulations in force thereunder;
2. any other applicable provision
of law;
3. the provisions of the Articles
of Incorporation of United as amended from time to time;
4. the provisions of the Bylaws of
United as amended from time to time;
5. the terms of the registration
statement of United, as amended from time to time, under the Securities Act of
1933 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, including any supplements to the
prospectus(es) and statement of additional information contained in such
registration statement.
C. Any investment programs furnished by
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company under this section or any
supervisory functions taken hereunder by Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company shall at all times be subject to any directions of the Board of
Directors of United, its Executive Committee, or any committee or officer of
United acting pursuant to authority given by the Board of Directors.
III. Allocation of Expenses
The expenses of United and the expenses of
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company in performing its functions under
this Agreement shall be divided into two classes, to wit: (i) those expenses
which will be paid in full by Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company as
set forth in subparagraph "A" hereof, and (ii) those expenses which will be paid
in full by United, as set forth in subparagraph "B" hereof.
A. With respect to the duties of Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company under Section II above, it shall pay in full,
except as to the brokerage and research services acquired through the allocation
of commissions as provided in Section IV hereinafter, for (a) the salaries and
employment benefits of all employees of Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company who are engaged in providing these advisory services; (b) adequate
office space and suitable office equipment for such employees; and (c) all
telephone and communications costs relating to such functions. In addition,
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall pay the fees and expenses of
all directors of United who are affiliated with Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company or an affiliated corporation and the salaries and employment
benefits of all officers of United who are affiliated persons of Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company.
B. United shall pay in full for all of its
expenses which are not listed above (other than those assumed by Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company or one of its affiliates in its capacity as
principal underwriter of the shares of United, as Shareholder Servicing Agent or
as Accounting Services Agent for United), including (a) the costs of preparing
and printing prospectuses and reports to shareholders of United, including
mailing costs; (b) the costs of printing all proxy statements and all other
costs and expenses of meetings of shareholders of United (unless United and
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall otherwise agree); (c)
interest, taxes, brokerage commissions and premiums on fidelity and other
insurance; (d) audit fees and expenses of independent accountants and legal fees
and expenses of attorneys, but not of attorneys who are employees of Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company or an affiliated company; (e) fees and
expenses of its directors not affiliated with Waddell & Reed, Inc.; (f)
custodian fees and expenses; (g) fees payable by United under the Securities Act
of 1933, the Investment Company Act of 1940, and the securities or "Blue-Sky"
laws of any jurisdiction; (h) fees and assessments of the Investment Company
Institute or any successor organization; (i) such nonrecurring or extraordinary
expenses as may arise, including litigation affecting United, and any
indemnification by United of its officers, directors, employees and agents with
respect thereto; (j) the costs and expenses provided for in any Shareholder
Servicing Agreement or Accounting Services Agreement, including amendments
thereto, contemplated by subsection C of this Section III. In the event that any
of the foregoing shall, in the first instance, be paid by Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company, United shall pay the same to Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company on presentation of a statement with respect
thereto.
C. Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company, or an affiliate of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company, may
also act as (i) transfer agent or shareholder servicing agent of United and/or
as (ii) accounting services agent of United if at the time in question there is
a separate agreement, "Shareholder Servicing Agreement" and/or "Accounting
Services Agreement," covering such functions between United and Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company, or such affiliate. The corporation, whether
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company, or its affiliate, which is the
party to either such Agreement with United is referred to as the "Agent." Each
such Agreement shall provide in substance that it shall go into effect, or be
amended, or a new agreement covering the same topics between United and the
Agent may be entered into, only if the terms of such Agreement, such amendment
or such new agreement have been approved by the Board of Directors of United,
including the vote of a majority of the directors who are not "interested
persons" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, of either party to
the Agreement, such amendment or such new agreement (considering Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company to be such a party even if at the time in question
the Agent is an affiliate of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company), cast
in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. Such a
vote is referred to as a "disinterested director" vote. Each such Agreement
shall also provide in substance for its continuance, unless terminated, for a
specified period which shall not exceed two years from the date of its execution
and from year to year thereafter only if such continuance is specifically
approved at least annually by a disinterested director vote, and that any
disinterested director vote shall include a determination that (i) the
Agreement, amendment, new agreement or continuance in question is in the best
interests of United and its shareholders; (ii) the services to be performed
under the Agreement, the Agreement as amended, new agreement or agreement to be
continued are services required for the operation of United; (iii) the Agent can
provide services the nature and quality of which are at least equal to those
provided by others offering the same or similar services; and (iv) the fees for
such services are fair and reasonable in light of the usual and customary
charges made by others for services of the same nature and quality. Any such
Agreement may also provide in substance that any disinterested director vote may
be conditioned on the favorable vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in
or under the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the outstanding shares of each
class or series of United. Any such Agreement shall also provide in substance
that it may be terminated by the Agent at any time without penalty upon giving
United one hundred twenty (120) days' written notice (which notice may be waived
by United) and may be terminated by United at any time without penalty upon
giving the Agent sixty (60) days' written notice (which notice may be waived by
the Agent), provided that such termination by United shall be directed or
approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of United in office
at the time or by the vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in or under
the Investment Company Act of 1940) of the outstanding shares of each class or
series of United.
IV. Brokerage
(a) Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company may select brokers to effect the portfolio transactions of United on the
basis of its estimate of their ability to obtain, for reasonable and competitive
commissions, the best execution of particular and related portfolio
transactions. For this purpose, "best execution" means prompt and reliable
execution at the most favorable price obtainable. Such brokers may be selected
on the basis of all relevant factors including the execution capabilities
required by the transaction or transactions, the importance of speed,
efficiency, or confidentiality, and the willingness of the broker to provide
useful or desirable investment research and/or special execution services.
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall have no duty to seek advance
competitive commission bids and may select brokers based solely on its current
knowledge of prevailing commission rates.
(b) Subject to the foregoing, Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company shall have discretion, in the interest of
United, to direct the execution of its portfolio transactions to brokers who
provide brokerage and/or research services (as such services are defined in
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) for United and/or other
accounts for which Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company exercises
"investment discretion" (as that term is defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934); and in connection with such transactions, to
pay commission in excess of the amount another adequately qualified broker would
have charged if Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company determines, in good
faith, that such commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and/or research services provided by such broker, viewed in terms of
either that particular transaction or the overall responsibilities of Waddell &
Reed Investment Management Company with respect to the accounts for which it
exercises investment discretion. In reaching such determination, Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company will not be required to attempt to place a
specified dollar amount on the brokerage and/or research services provided by
such broker; provided that Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall be
prepared to demonstrate that such determinations were made in good faith, and
that all commissions paid by United over a representative period selected by its
Board of Directors were reasonable in relation to the benefits to United.
(c) Subject to the foregoing provisions of
this Paragraph "IV," Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company may also
consider sales of United's shares and shares of investment companies distributed
by Waddell & Reed, Inc. or one of its affiliates, and portfolio valuation or
pricing services as a factor in the selection of brokers to execute brokerage
and principal portfolio transactions.
V. Compensation of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company
As compensation in full for services
rendered and for the facilities and personnel furnished under sections I, II,
and IV of this Agreement, United will pay to Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company for each day the fee specified in Exhibit A hereto.
The amounts payable to Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company shall be determined as of the close of business
each day; shall, except as set forth below, be based upon the value of net
assets computed in accordance with the Articles of Incorporation of United; and
shall be paid in arrears whenever requested by Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company. In computing the value of the net assets of United, there
shall be excluded the amount owed to United with respect to shares which have
been sold but not yet paid to United by Waddell & Reed, Inc.
VI. Undertakings of Waddell & Reed Investment
Management Company; Liabilities
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
shall give to United the benefit of its best judgment, efforts and facilities in
rendering advisory services hereunder.
Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company
shall at all times be guided by and be subject to United's investment policies,
the provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as each shall from
time to time be amended, and to the decision and determination of United's Board
of Directors.
This Agreement shall be performed in
accordance with the requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Securities Act of 1933, and the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, to the extent that the subject matter of this Agreement is
within the purview of such Acts. Insofar as applicable to Waddell & Reed
Investment Management Company, as an investment adviser and affiliated person of
United, Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company shall comply with the
provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Investment Advisers Act of
1940 and the respective rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder.
In the absence of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties hereunder
on the part of Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company, it shall not be
subject to liability to United or to any stockholder of United for any act or
omission in the course of or connected with rendering services thereunder or for
any losses that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any
security.
VII. Duration of this Agreement
This Agreement shall become effective at the
start of business on the date hereof and shall continue in effect, unless
terminated as hereinafter provided, for a period of one year and from
year-to-year thereafter only if such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually by the Board of Directors, including the vote of a majority of
the directors who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested persons" (as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940) of any such party, cast in person
at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, or by the vote
of the holders of a majority (as so defined) of the outstanding voting
securities of a series of United with respect to that series and by the vote of
a majority of the directors who are not parties to this Agreement or "interested
persons" (as so defined) of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval.
VIII. Termination
This Agreement may be terminated by Waddell
& Reed Investment Management Company at any time without penalty upon giving
United one hundred twenty (120) days' written notice (which notice may be waived
by United) and may be terminated by United at any time without penalty upon
giving Waddell & Reed Investment Management Company sixty (60) days' written
notice (which notice may be waived by Waddell & Reed Investment Management
Company), provided that such termination by United shall be directed or approved
by the vote of a majority of the Board of Directors of United in office at the
time or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940) of the outstanding voting securities of United. This Agreement shall
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment, the term "assignment"
for this purpose having the meaning defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused the foregoing instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized officers and their corporate seal to be
hereunto affixed, all as of the day and year first above written.
(Seal) UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Kristen A. Richards
-----------------------
Kristen A. Richards, Assistant Secretary
(Seal) WADDELL & REED INVESTMENT
MANAGEMENT COMPANY
By: /s/ Robert L. Hechler
---------------------
Robert L. Hechler
Executive Vice President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A TO INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
FEE SCHEDULE
A cash fee computed each day on the net assets of the Fund at the annual rates
listed below:
Net Assets Fee
- ---------- ---
Up to $1 billion 0.85% of net assets
Over $1 billion and up to $2 billion 0.83% of net assets
Over $2 billion and up to $3 billion 0.80% of net assets
Over $3 billion 0.76% of net assets
EX-99.B(e)-scua
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made this 18th day of August, 1999, by and between
United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (hereinafter the "Company"), a Maryland corporation,
and Waddell & Reed, Inc. (hereinafter "W&R"), a Delaware corporation;
I. REPRESENTATIONS
A. The Company represents that
1) it is a registered open-end management investment
company (mutual fund), and
2) the shares of each of its classes of shares
("Fund") and of each sub-class thereof ("Class"), if any, are, as of the date of
the effectiveness of this Agreement as to each such Fund or Class, registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and qualified or otherwise
authorized for sale in all states of the United States as may be agreed upon.
(As to any Fund or Class not registered with the SEC and qualified or otherwise
authorized for sale in all states of the United States as may be agreed upon,
this Agreement shall become effective as to such Fund or Class upon such
registration and qualification or authorization.)
B. W&R represents that
1) it is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and
is duly qualified to offer shares of the Company in all states in which the
shares are currently qualified or otherwise authorized for offer for sale;
2) it is a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD");
3) it maintains a retail securities and insurance
sales organization consisting in part of a number of representatives authorized
under Federal and state securities laws to solicit as representatives of W&R
orders for Company shares and other securities;
4) it maintains and enforces procedures to enable it
to supervise its representatives and associated persons in accordance with
applicable securities laws, rules and regulations including the Rules of the
NASD; and
5) it maintains and enforces procedures to review
for compliance with applicable securities laws, rules and regulations all sales
literature and promotional materials used by it and authorized to be used by its
representatives in solicitation of orders to buy Company shares, and it files,
when applicable, such literature and materials with the NASD.
<PAGE>
II. APPOINTMENT OF UNDERWRITER and OBLIGATIONS
The Company hereby appoints W&R, and W&R agrees to act, as the
Company's principal underwriter under the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
A. Company agrees
1) to use its best efforts to register from time to
time under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") adequate amounts of
its shares for sale by W&R to the public and to qualify or to permit W&R to
qualify such shares for offering to the public in such states as may from time
to time be agreed upon;
2) to immediately advise W&R (i) when any
post-effective amendment to its registration statement or any further amendment
or supplement thereto or any further registration statement or amendment or
supplement thereto becomes effective, (ii) of any request by the SEC for
amendments to the registration statement(s) or any then effective prospectus or
for additional information, (iii) of the issuance by the SEC of any stop-order
suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement or the initiation of
any proceedings for that purpose, and (iv) of the happening of any event which
makes untrue any material statement made in the registration statement or any
then effective prospectus or which, in the opinion of counsel for the Company,
requires the making of a change in the registration statement or any then
effective prospectus in order to make the statements therein not misleading; in
case of the happening at any time of any event which materially affects the
Company or its securities and which should be set forth in a supplement to or an
amendment of any then effective prospectus in order to make the statements
therein not misleading, to prepare and furnish to W&R such amendment or
amendments to that prospectus as will correct the prospectus so that as
corrected it will not contain, or such supplement or supplements to that
prospectus which when read in conjunction with that prospectus will make the
combined information not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or any
omission to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements in
that prospectus not misleading; if any time the SEC shall issue any stop-order
suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement, to make every
reasonable effort to obtain the prompt lifting of such order; and, before filing
any amendment to the registration statement or to any then effective prospectus,
to furnish W&R with a copy of the proposed amendment;
3) to advise W&R of the net asset value of the
shares of each of its Funds and Classes, as applicable, as often as computed and
to furnish to W&R as soon as practical such information as may be reasonably
requested by W&R in order that it may know all of the facts necessary to sell
shares of the Company;
4) to make delivery of its shares subject to the
provisions of its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to W&R as ordered by W&R
as soon as reasonably possible after receipt of the orders and against payment
of the consideration to be received by the Company therefor from W&R;
5) to pay or cause to be paid all expenses incident
to the issuance, transfer, registration and delivery of its shares, all taxes in
connection therewith, costs and expenses incident to preparing and filing any
registration statements and prospectuses and any amendments or supplements to a
registration statement or a prospectus, statutory fees incidental to the
registration of additional shares with the SEC, statutory fees and expenses
incurred in connection with any Blue Sky law qualifications undertaken by or at
the request of W&R, and the fees and expenses of the Company's counsel,
accountants or any other experts used in connection with the foregoing; and
6) not without the consent of W&R to offer any of
its shares for sale directly or to any persons or corporations other than W&R,
except only:
a) the reinvestment of dividends and/or
distributions or their declaration in shares of the Company, in optional form or
otherwise;
b) the issuance of additional shares to
stock splits or stock dividends;
c) sale of shares to another investment or
securities holding company in the process of purchasing all or a portion of its
assets;
d) in connection with an exchange of shares
of the Company for shares in another investment or securities holding company;
e) the sale of shares to registered unit
investment trusts; or
f) in connection with the exchange of one
Fund's shares for shares of another Fund of the Company.
B. W&R agrees
1) to offer Company shares in such states as may be
agreed upon through its retail account representatives and, at its sole
discretion, through broker-dealers which are members of the NASD on such terms
as are not inconsistent with this Agreement;
2) to order shares from the Company only after it
has received a purchase order therefor;
3) to pay to the Company the net asset value of
shares sold within two business days after the day payment is received by W&R at
its principal place of business from the investor or broker-dealer, or pay the
Company at such other time as may be agreed upon hereafter by the Company and
W&R, or as may be prescribed by law or the Rules of the NASD;
4) in offering shares to comply with the provisions
of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company and with the
provisions stated in its applicable then current prospectus(es) and statement of
additional information;
5) timely to inform the Company of any action or
proceeding to terminate, revoke or suspend W&R's registration as a broker-dealer
with the SEC, membership in the NASD, or authority with any state securities
commission to offer Company shares; and
6) to pay the cost of all sales literature,
advertising and other materials which it may at its discretion use in connection
with the sale of Company shares, including the cost of reports to the
shareholders of the Company in excess of the cost of reports to existing
shareholders and the cost of printing the prospectus(es) furnished to it by the
Company.
III. TERMS FOR SALE OF SHARES
A. It is mutually agreed that
1) W&R shall act as principal in all matters
relating to promotion and sale of Company shares, including the preparation and
use of all advertising, sales literature and other promotional materials, and
shall make and enter into all other arrangements, agreements and contracts as
principal on its own account and not as agent for the Company. Title to shares
issued and sold by the Company through W&R shall pass directly from the Company
to the dealer or investor, or shall first pass to W&R as it may from time to
time be determined by W&R and the Company; except provided, however, that W&R
may, if so agreed by W&R and the Company, act as agent of the Company without
commission on repurchase of shares of the Company;
2) certificates for shares shall not be created or
delivered by the Company in any case in which the purchase is pursuant to any
provisions of the Company described in its applicable then current
prospectus(es) and statement of additional information under the terms of which
certificates are not to be issued to the shareholder. Shares sold by W&R shall
be registered in such name or names and amounts as W&R may request from time to
time, and all shares when so paid for and issued shall be fully paid and
non-assessable;
3) the offering price at which shares of the Company
may be sold by W&R shall include such selling commission as may be applicable to
that Class and as may be fixed from time to time by W&R but shall not be in
excess of 8.5 percent of the offering price. W&R shall retain any such sales
commission and may re-allow all or any part of the sales commission to its
account representatives and to selected brokers and dealers who sell shares of
the Company; and
4) W&R may designate, reduce or eliminate its
selling commissions in certain sales or exchanges to the extent described in the
applicable then current prospectus(es) and statement of additional information
of the Company and in accordance with Section 22(d) of the Investment Company
Act of 1940 and any rules, regulations or orders of the SEC thereunder.
IV. THE PLAN
A. It is mutually acknowledged that the Company has adopted a
plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (a "Plan"),
which Plan is applicable to certain shares and that the Company may in the
future adopt Plans applicable to certain Funds and Classes, respectively.
B. With respect to any Fund or Class as to which the Company
has adopted a Plan, pursuant to that Plan, each day the Company shall pay to W&R
a distribution fee and/or a service fee at the maximum rates and under the terms
and conditions set forth in the applicable Plan, as amended from time to time,
or such lesser amount as the Company and W&R may agree.
C. The Company shall, after excluding from the redemption
proceeds that portion represented by the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions and the appreciation of the value of Fund shares being redeemed,
promptly pay W&R an amount, if any, equal to the percent of the amount invested
as determined by W&R and as is then stated in the Company's current prospectus
and statement of additional information applicable to the shares redeemed (the
"contingent deferred sales charge"). For purposes of determining the applicable
contingent deferred sales charge, if any: the redemptions shall be deemed in
order of investment made when more than one investment has been made; and when
the shares being redeemed were acquired by exchange of shares of another Fund or
Class of the Company, or corresponding class of another registered investment
company for which W&R or its affiliate serves as principal underwriter, the
investment shall be deemed as if it had been made when the Company's shares were
first purchased, and the applicable contingent deferred sales charges, if any,
shall be with respect to the amount originally invested in Company shares; and
provided that any contingent deferred sales charge shall be determined in
accordance with and in the manner set forth in the applicable then current
prospectus and statement of additional information and any applicable Order or
Rule issued by the SEC.
D. It is contemplated that W&R may pay commissions to its
field sales force at the time of sale of the Company's shares and may incur
other expenses substantially in advance of receiving the distribution fee, if
any, that may be applicable to the payment of such commissions and expenses. W&R
recognizes that such payments are at its risk and that this Agreement may be
terminated or not continued as hereinafter provided without the payment to it of
any further distribution fees or service fees whatsoever and without the payment
of any penalty. The contingent deferred sales charges, if any, shall, however,
be payable to W&R with respect to all subject sales made prior to the
termination of this Agreement.
E. W&R shall at least quarterly provide to the Company's board
of directors a written report with respect to each Fund or Class, as applicable,
of the amounts of the distribution and/or service fees expended and the purposes
for which these expenditures were made. W&R shall in addition furnish to the
board of directors of the Company such information as may be requested or as may
be necessary to an informed determination by the directors of whether or not the
directors should continue the Company's Plan(s) and continue this Agreement and
to determine whether there is reasonable likelihood that the Plan(s) and this
Agreement will benefit the Company and its shareholders affected by such
Plan(s).
V. INDEMNIFICATION
A. The Company agrees with W&R for the benefit of W&R and each
person, if any, who controls W&R within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act and each and all and any of them, to indemnify and hold harmless
W&R and any such controlling person from and against any and all losses, claims,
damages or liabilities, joint or several, to which they or any of them may
become subject under the Securities Act, under any other statute, at common law
or otherwise, and to reimburse the underwriter and such controlling persons, if
any, for any legal or other expenses (including the cost of any investigation
and preparation) reasonably incurred by them or any of them in connection with
any litigation whether or not resulting in any liability, insofar as such
losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation arise out of or are based
upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any registration statement or any prospectus or any amendment
thereof or supplement thereto or arise out of or are based upon the omission or
alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading; provided, however,
that this indemnity agreement shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of
any such litigation if such settlement is effected without the consent of the
Company or to any such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or litigation
arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of
a material fact contained in any registration statement or prospectus or any
amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or arising out of or based upon the
omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, which
statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished in writing
to the Company by W&R for inclusion in any registration statement or any
prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto. W&R and each such
controlling person shall promptly, after the complaint shall have been served
upon W&R or such controlling person in any litigation against W&R or such
controlling person in respect of which indemnity may be sought from the Company
on account of its agreement contained in this paragraph, notify the Company in
writing of the commencement thereof. The omission of W&R or such controlling
person so to notify the Company of any such litigation shall relieve the Company
from any liability which it may have to W&R or such controlling person on
account of the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph but shall not
relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to W&R or controlling
person otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph. In case any such litigation shall be brought against W&R or any such
controlling person and the underwriter or such controlling person shall notify
the Company of the commencement thereof, the Company shall be entitled to
participate in (and, to the extent that it shall wish, to direct) the defense
thereof at its own expense but such defense shall be conducted by counsel of
good standing and satisfactory to W&R or such controlling person or persons,
defendant or defendants in the litigation. The indemnity agreement of the
Company contained in this paragraph shall remain operative and in full force and
effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of W&R or any such
controlling person and shall survive any delivery of shares of the Company. The
Company agrees to notify W&R promptly of the commencement of any litigation or
proceeding against it or any of its officers or directors of which it may be
advised in connection with the issue and sale of its shares.
B. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the
agreement in Section A of this article, insofar as it constitutes a basis for
reimbursement by the Company for liabilities (other than payment by the Company
of expenses incurred or paid in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) arising under the Securities Act, shall not extend to the extent of
any interest therein of any person who is an underwriter or a partner or
controlling person of an underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act or who, at the date of this Agreement, is a director of the
Company, except to the extent that an interest of such character shall have been
determined by a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether or not
such interest is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act.
C. W&R agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and
its directors and such officers as shall have signed any registration statement
from and against any and all losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint or
several, to which the Company or such directors or officers may become subject
under the Securities Act, under any other statute, at common law or otherwise,
and will reimburse the Company or such directors or officers for any legal or
other expenses (including the cost of any investigation and preparation)
reasonably incurred by it or them or any of them in connection with any
litigation, whether or not resulting in any liability insofar as such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or litigation arise out of, or are based upon, any
untrue statement or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required
to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading,
which statement or omission was made in reliance upon information furnished in
writing to the Company by W&R for inclusion in any registration statement or any
prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or which statement
was made in, or the alleged omission was from, any advertising or sales
literature (including any reports to shareholders used as such) which relate to
the Company.
W&R shall not be liable for amounts paid in settlement of any
such litigation if such settlement was effected without its consent. The Company
and its directors and such officers, defendant or defendants, in any such
litigation shall, promptly after the complaint shall have been served upon the
Company or any such director or officer in any litigation against the Company or
any such director or officer in respect of which indemnity may be sought from
W&R on account of its agreement contained in this paragraph, notify W&R in
writing of the commencement thereof. The omission of the Company or such
director or officer so to notify the underwriter of any such litigation shall
relieve W&R from any liability which it may have to the Company or such director
or officer on account of the indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph,
but shall not relieve W&R from any liability which it may have to the Company or
such director or officer otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph. In case any such litigation shall be brought
against the Company or any such officer or director and notice of the
commencement thereof shall have been so given to W&R, W&R shall be entitled to
participate in (and, to the extent that it shall wish, to direct) the defense
thereof at its own expense, but such defense shall be conducted by counsel of
good standing and satisfactory to the Company. The indemnity agreement of W&R
contained in this paragraph shall remain operative and in full force and effect
regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Company and shall
survive any delivery of shares of the Company. W&R agrees to notify the Company
promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceeding against it or any
of its officers or directors or against any such controlling person of which it
may be advised, in connection with the issue and sale of the Company's shares.
D. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Agreement,
no party hereto and no person or persons in control of any party hereto shall be
protected against any liability to the Company or its security holders to which
they would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, or
gross negligence in the performance of their duties or by reason of their
reckless disregard of their obligations and duties under this Agreement.
VI. OTHER TERMS
A. This Agreement shall not be deemed to limit W&R from acting
as underwriter and/or dealer for any other mutual fund, from engaging in any
other aspects of the securities business, whether or not such may be deemed in
competition with the sale of shares of the Company, and to carry on any other
lawful business whatsoever.
B. Except as expressly provided in Article V and hereinabove,
the agreements herein set forth have been made and are made solely for the
benefit of the Company and W&R, and the persons expressly provided for in
Article V, their respective heirs and successors, personal representatives and
assigns, and except as so provided, nothing expressed or mentioned herein is
intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation other
than the Company, W&R and the persons expressly provided for in Article V any
legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement
or any representation, warranty or agreement herein contained. Except as so
provided, the term "heirs, successors, personal representatives and assigns"
shall not include any purchaser of shares merely because of such purchase.
C. This Agreement shall continue in effect, unless terminated
as hereinafter provided, for a period of one (1) year and thereafter only if
such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by the Board of
Directors, including the vote of a majority of the directors who are not parties
to the Agreement or "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940) or any such party and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of any Plan or any agreement relating to that Plan
(hereafter the "Plan directors"), cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. This Agreement may be terminated by W&R at
any time without penalty upon giving the Company sixty (60) days' written notice
(which notice may be waived by the Company) and may be terminated by the Company
at any time without penalty upon giving W&R sixty (60) days' written notice
(which notice may be waived by W&R), provided that such termination by the
Company shall be directed or approved by the vote of a majority of the Plan
directors, or by the vote of a majority (as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940) of the outstanding voting securities of a Fund with respect to that
Fund. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment, the term "assignment" for this purpose having the meaning defined in
Section 2(a)(4) of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
D. This Agreement shall be governed and construed in
accordance with the laws of Kansas.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed
by their respective duly authorized officers and their corporate seals to be
affixed as of the day and year first above written.
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Kristen A. Richards
-----------------------
Kristen A. Richards
Assistant Secretary
WADDELL & REED, INC.
By: /s/ Robert L. Hechler
---------------------
Robert L. Hechler, President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
EX-99.B(g)-scca
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
Dated as of August 18, 1999
Between
UMB BANK, n.a.
and
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
<PAGE>
Table of Contents
ARTICLE
I. Appointment of Custodian
II. Powers and Duties of Custodian
2.01 Safekeeping
2.02 Manner of Holding Securities
2.03 Purchase of Assets
2.04 Exchanges of Securities
2.05 Sales of Securities
2.06 Depositary Receipts
2.07 Exercise of Rights, Tender Offers, Etc.
2.08 Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc.
2.09 Options
2.10 Futures Contracts
2.11 Borrowing
2.12 Interest Bearing Deposits
2.13 Foreign Exchange Transactions
2.14 Securities Loans
2.15 Collections
2.16 Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions
2.17 Proceeds from Shares Sold
2.18 Proxies, Notices, Etc.
2.19 Bills and Other Disbursements
2.20 Nondiscretionary Functions
2.21 Bank Accounts
2.22 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System
2.23 Other Transfers
2.24 Establishment of Segregated Account
2.25 Custodian's Books and Records
2.26 Opinion of Fund's Independent
Certified Public Accountants
2.27 Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants
2.28 Overdraft Facility
III. Proper Instructions, Special Instructions
and Related Matters
3.01 Proper Instruction and Special Instructions
3.02 Authorized Persons
3.03 Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios
3.04 Actions of Custodian Based on Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions
<PAGE>
IV. Subcustodians
4.01 Domestic Subcustodians
4.02 Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and
Interim Sub-Subcustodians
4.03 Special Subcustodians
4.04 Termination of a Subcustodian
4.05 Certification Regarding Foreign Sub-Subcustodians
V. Standard of Care, Indemnification
5.01 Standard of Care
5.02 Liability of the Custodian for Actions
of Other Person
5.03 Indemnification by Fund
5.04 Investment Limitations
5.05 Fund's Right to Proceed
5.06 Indemnification by Custodian
5.07 Custodian's Right to Proceed
VI. Compensation
VII. Termination
VIII. Defined Terms
IX. Miscellaneous
9.01 Execution of Documents, Etc.
9.02 Representations and Warranties
9.03 Entire Agreement
9.04 Waivers and Amendments
9.05 Interpretation
9.06 Captions
9.07 Governing Law
9.08 Notices
9.09 Assignment
9.10 Counterparts
9.11 Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations
Appendix "B"
<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made as of the 18th day of August, 1999 between United Small
Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund") and UMB Bank, n.a. (the "Custodian").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to appoint the Custodian as custodian on
behalf of the Fund in accordance with the provisions of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and the rules and regulations
thereunder, under the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, and the
Custodian has agreed so to act as custodian.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the Fund hereby
employs and appoints the Custodian as a custodian of the cash, securities and
other assets owned by the Fund and deposited from time to time with the
Custodian ("Assets"). The Fund shall deliver to the Custodian, or shall cause to
be delivered to the Custodian, Assets during the term of this Agreement. The
Custodian is authorized to act under the terms and conditions of this Agreement
as the Fund's agent and shall be representing the Fund when acting within the
scope of this Agreement. The Custodian hereby accepts such appointment as
custodian and shall perform the duties and responsibilities set forth herein on
the terms and conditions set forth herein.
ARTICLE II
POWERS AND DUTIES OF CUSTODIAN
As custodian, the Custodian shall have and perform the powers and
duties set forth in this Article II. Pursuant to and in accordance with Article
IV hereof, the Custodian may appoint one or more Subcustodians (as hereinafter
defined) to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the Custodian set
forth in this Article II and references to the Custodian in this Article II
shall include any Subcustodian so appointed.
Section 2.01. Safekeeping. The Custodian shall accept delivery of
and keep safely the Assets in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof on
behalf of the Fund.
Section 2.02. Manner of Holding Securities.
(a) The Custodian shall at all times hold securities of the Fund
either: (i) by physical possession of the share certificates or other
instruments representing such securities in registered or bearer form; or (ii)
in book-entry form by a Securities System (as hereinafter defined) in accordance
with the provisions of Section 2.22 below.
(b) The Custodian may at all times hold registered securities of the
Fund in the name of the Fund or the Fund's nominee, or in the nominee name of
the Custodian unless specifically directed by Proper Instructions (as
hereinafter defined) to hold such registered securities in so-called street
name; provided that, in any event, all Assets shall be held in an account of the
Custodian containing only assets of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
unless it receives Proper Instructions to the contrary, the Custodian shall
register all securities in the name of the Custodian's nominee as authorized by
the Fund. All securities held directly or indirectly by the Custodian hereunder
shall at all times be identifiable on the records of the Custodian. Except as
otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall keep the Assets physically
segregated from those of other persons or entities. The Custodian shall execute
and deliver all certificates and documents in connection with registration of
securities as may be required by the applicable provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code, the laws of any State or territory of the United States and the
laws of any jurisdiction in which the securities are held.
Section 2.03. Purchase of Assets.
(a) Security Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall pay for and receive securities purchased for the account of the
Fund, provided that payment shall be made by Custodian only upon receipt of the
securities: (a) by the Custodian; (b) by a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) by a Securities
System. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon receipt of Proper Instructions: (i)
in the case of a repurchase agreement, the Custodian may release funds to a
Securities System prior to the receipt of advice from the Securities System that
the securities underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by
book-entry into the Account (as hereinafter defined) maintained with such
Securities System by the Custodian, provided that the Custodian's instructions
to the Securities System require that the Securities System may make payment of
such funds to the other party to the repurchase agreement only upon transfer by
book-entry of the securities underlying the repurchase agreement into the
Account; (ii) in the case of time deposits, call account deposits, currency
deposits and other deposits, foreign exchange transactions, futures contracts or
options, pursuant to Sections 2.09, 2.10, 2.12 and 2.13 hereof, the Custodian
may make payment therefor before receipt of an advice or transaction; and (iii)
in the case of the purchase of securities, the settlement of which occurs
outside of the United States of America, the Custodian may make payment therefor
and receive delivery of such securities in accordance with local custom and
practice generally accepted by Institutional Clients (as hereinafter defined) in
the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject to the
standard of care set forth in Article V hereof. For purposes of this Agreement,
an "Institutional Client" shall mean a major commercial bank, corporation,
insurance company, or substantially similar institution, which, as a substantial
part of its business operations, purchases or sells securities and makes use of
custodial services.
(b) Other Asset Purchases. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and
except as otherwise provided herein, the Custodian shall pay for and receive
other Assets for the account of the Fund as provided in Proper Instructions.
Section 2.04. Exchanges of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall exchange securities held by it for the account
of the Fund for other securities in connection with any reorganization,
recapitalization, split-up of shares, change of par value, conversion or other
event relating to the securities or the issuer of such securities, and shall
deposit any such securities in accordance with the terms of any reorganization
or protective plan. The Custodian shall, without receiving Proper Instructions:
surrender securities for transfer into the name of the Fund, the Fund's nominee
or the nominee name of the Custodian as permitted by Section 2.02(b); and
surrender securities for a different number of certificates or instruments
representing the same number of shares or same principal amount of indebtedness,
provided that the securities to be issued will be delivered to the Custodian.
Section 2.05. Sales of Securities. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall make delivery of securities which have been sold for the
account of the Fund, but only against payment therefor in the form of: (a) cash,
certified check, bank cashier's check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer; (b)
credit to the account of the Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national
securities exchange of which the Custodian is a member; or (c) credit to the
Account of the Custodian with a Securities System, in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.22 hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) in the
case of the sale of securities, the settlement of which occurs outside of the
United States of America, such securities shall be delivered and paid for in
accordance with local custom and practice generally accepted by Institutional
Clients in the country in which the settlement occurs, but in all events subject
to the standard of care set forth in Article V hereof; and (ii) in the case of
securities held in physical form, such securities shall be delivered and paid
for in accordance with "street delivery custom" to a broker or its clearing
agent, against delivery to the Custodian of a receipt for such securities,
provided that the Custodian shall have taken reasonable steps to ensure prompt
collection of the payment for, or return of, such securities by the broker or
its clearing agent, and provided further that, subject to the standard of care
set forth in Article V hereof, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the
selection of or the failure or inability to perform of such broker or its
clearing agent.
Section 2.06. Depositary Receipts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall surrender securities to the depositary used for such
securities by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International
Depositary Receipts (hereinafter referred to, collectively , as "ADRs"), against
a written receipt therefor adequately describing such securities and written
evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the depositary has acknowledged
receipt of instructions to issue ADRs with respect to such securities in the
name of the Custodian or a nominee of the Custodian, for delivery to the
Custodian at such place as the Custodian may from time to time designate. Upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall surrender ADRs to the issuer
thereof, against a written receipt therefor adequately describing the ADRs
surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the issuer
of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depository to
deliver the securities underlying such ADRs to the Custodian.
Section 2.07. Exercise of Rights, Tender Offers, Etc. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver warrants, puts, calls,
rights or similar securities to the issuer or trustee thereof (or to the agent
of such issuer or trustee) for the purpose of exercise or sale, provided that
the new securities, cash or other Assets, if any, acquired as a result of such
actions are to be delivered to the Custodian; and (b) deposit securities upon
invitations for tenders thereof, provided that the consideration for such
securities is to be paid or delivered to the Custodian, or the tendered
securities are to be returned to the Custodian. Notwithstanding any provision of
this Agreement to the contrary, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in
writing of (i) any default in payment of funds on securities; (ii) any
securities that have matured, been called or redeemed; and (iii) to the extent
the Custodian has notice which is contained in services to which it normally
subscribes for such purposes, or actual knowledge if not contained in such
services, any other default involving securities; and all announcements of
defaults, bankruptcies, reorganizations, mergers, consolidations,
recapitalizations or rights or privileges to subscribe, convert, exchange, put,
redeem or tender securities held subject to this Agreement. The Custodian shall,
following receipt or knowledge, convey such information to the Fund in a timely
manner based upon the circumstances of each particular case. Whenever any such
rights or privileges exist, the Fund will, in a timely manner based upon the
circumstances of each particular case, provide the Custodian with Proper
Instructions. Absent the Custodian's timely receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall not be liable for not taking any action or not exercising such
rights prior to their expiration unless such failure is due to Custodian's
failure to give timely notice to the Fund in accordance with this Section 2.07.
Section 2.08. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. The Custodian shall receive
and collect all stock dividends, rights and other items of like nature and, upon
receipt of Proper Instructions, take action with respect to the same as directed
in such Proper Instructions.
Section 2.09. Options. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement between the Custodian, any
registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, the Fund relating to compliance with
the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation (the "OCC") or of any registered
national securities exchange or similar organization(s), the Custodian shall:
(a) receive and retain confirmations or other documents, if any, evidencing the
purchase or writing of an option by the Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a
segregated account, securities (either physically or by book-entry in a
Securities System), cash or other Assets; and (c) pay, release and/or transfer
such securities, cash or other Assets in accordance with any such agreement and
with notices or other communications evidencing the expiration, termination or
exercise of such options furnished by the OCC, the securities or options
exchange on which such options are traded or such other organization as may be
responsible for handling such option transactions. The Fund and the
broker-dealer shall be responsible for determining the sufficiency of assets
held in any segregated account established in compliance with applicable margin
maintenance requirements and the performance of other terms of any option
contract; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be liable for performance
of its duties under this Agreement and in accordance with Proper Instructions,
and shall be liable for performance of its duties under any other agreement
between the Custodian, any registered broker-dealer and, if necessary, the Fund.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if the Fund issues Proper
Instructions to sell a naked option (including stock index options), then as
part of the transaction, the Custodian, the Fund and the broker-dealer shall
have entered into a tri-party agreement, as described above.
Section 2.10. Futures Contracts. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
or pursuant to the provisions of any futures margin procedural agreement among
the Fund, the Custodian and any futures commission merchant (a "Procedural
Agreement"), the Custodian shall: (a) receive and retain confirmations, if any
evidencing the purchase of or sale of a futures contract or an option on a
futures contract by the Fund; (b) deposit and maintain in a segregated account
cash, securities and other Assets designated as initial, maintenance or
variation "margin" deposits intended to secure the Fund's performance of its
obligations under any futures contracts purchased or sold or any options on
futures contracts written by the Fund, in accordance with the provisions of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any commodity exchange or contract
market (such as the Chicago Board of Trade), or any similar organization(s),
regarding such margin deposits; and (c) release assets from and/or transfer
assets into such margin accounts only in accordance with any such Procedural
Agreements. The Fund and such futures commission merchant shall be responsible
for determining the sufficiency of assets held in the segregated account in
compliance with applicable margin maintenance requirements and the performance
of any futures contract or option on a futures contract in accordance with its
terms; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be liable for performance of
its duties under this Agreement and in accordance with Proper Instructions, and
shall be liable for performance of its duties under any Procedural Agreement.
Section 2.11. Borrowing. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall deliver securities of the Fund to lenders or their agents, or
otherwise establish a segregated account as agreed to by the Fund and the
Custodian, as collateral for borrowings effected by the Fund, provided that such
borrowed money is payable by the lender (a) to or upon the Custodian's order, as
Custodian for the Fund, and (b) concurrently with delivery of such securities.
Section 2.12. Interest Bearing Deposits. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions directing the Custodian to purchase interest bearing fixed term and
call deposits (hereinafter referred to collectively, as "Interest Bearing
Deposits") for the account of the Fund, the Custodian shall purchase such
Interest Bearing Deposits in the name of the Fund with such banks or trust
companies (including the Custodian, any Subcustodian or any subsidiary or
affiliate of the Custodian) (hereinafter referred to as "Banking Institutions")
and in such amounts as the Fund may direct pursuant to Proper Instructions. Such
Interest Bearing Deposits may be denominated in U.S. Dollars or other
currencies, as the Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper
Instructions. The Custodian shall include in its records with respect to the
Assets of the Fund appropriate notation as to the amount and currency of each
such Interest Bearing Deposit, the accepting Banking Institution and all other
appropriate details, and shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing
such account, if any, as may be forwarded to the Custodian by the Banking
Institution. The responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for Interest
Bearing Deposits accepted on the Custodian's books in the United States shall be
that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit. With respect to Interest Bearing
Deposits other than those accepted on the Custodian's books, (a) the Custodian
shall be responsible for the collection of income as set forth in Section 2.15
and the transmission of cash and instructions to and from such accounts; and (b)
the Custodian shall have no duty with respect to the selection of the Banking
Institution or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with Proper
Instructions and the terms and conditions of this Agreement, for the failure of
such Banking Institution to pay upon demand. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall take such reasonable actions as the Fund deems
necessary or appropriate to cause each such Interest Bearing Deposit account to
be insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit insurers
including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Section 2.13. Foreign Exchange Transactions.
(a) Foreign Exchange Transactions Other than as Principal. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall settle foreign exchange contracts or
options to purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on
behalf of and for the account of the Fund with such currency brokers or Banking
Institutions as the Fund may determine and direct pursuant to Proper
Instructions. The Fund accepts full responsibility for its use of third party
foreign exchange brokers (any dealer other than the Foreign Subcustodian) (as
hereinafter defined) and for execution of said foreign exchange contracts and
understands that the Fund shall be responsible for any and all costs and
interest charges which may be incurred as a result of the failure or delay of
its third party broker to deliver foreign exchange unless such loss, damage, or
expense is caused by, or results from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct
of the Custodian. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall be
responsible for the transmission of cash and instructions to and from the
currency broker or Banking Institution with which the contract or option is
made, the safekeeping of all certificates and other documents and agreements
evidencing or relating to such foreign exchange transactions and the maintenance
of proper records as set forth in Section 2.25. The Custodian shall have no duty
with respect to the selection of the currency brokers or Banking Institutions
with which the Fund deals or, so long as the Custodian acts in accordance with
Proper Instructions, for the failure of such brokers or Banking Institutions to
comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(b) Foreign Exchange Contracts as Principal. The Custodian shall not be
obligated to enter into foreign exchange transactions as principal. However, if
the Custodian has made available to the Fund its services as a principal in
foreign exchange transactions, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall enter into foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on
behalf of and for the account of the Fund with the Custodian as principal. The
Custodian shall be responsible for the selection of the currency brokers or
Banking Institutions and the failure of such currency brokers or Banking
Institutions to comply with the terms of any contract or option.
(c) Payments. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein, upon receipt of Proper Instructions the Custodian may, in connection
with a foreign exchange contract, make free outgoing payments of cash in the
form of U.S. Dollars or foreign currency prior to receipt of confirmation of
such foreign exchange contract or confirmation that the countervalue currency
completing such contract has been delivered or received.
Section 2.14. Securities Loans. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions,
the Custodian shall, in connection with loans of securities by the Fund, deliver
securities of the Fund to the borrower thereof and may, except as otherwise
provided below, deliver such securities prior to receipt of the collateral, if
any, for such borrowing; provided that, in cases of loans of securities secured
by cash collateral, the Custodian's instructions to the Securities System shall
require that the Securities System deliver the securities of the Fund to the
borrower thereof only upon receipt of the collateral for such borrowing. The
Custodian shall retain on the Fund's behalf the right to any dividends, interest
or distribution on such loaned securities and any other rights specified in
Proper Instructions. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions and the loaned
securities, the Custodian will release the collateral to the borrower.
Section 2.15. Collections. The Custodian shall: (a) collect amounts due
and payable to the Fund with respect to portfolio securities and other Assets;
(b) promptly credit to the account of the Fund all income and other payments
relating to portfolio securities and other Assets held by the Custodian
hereunder upon Custodian's receipt of such income or payments or as otherwise
agreed in writing by the Custodian and the Fund; (c) promptly endorse and
deliver any instruments required to effect such collection; and (d) promptly
execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal, state,
local and foreign tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to portfolio securities and other Assets, or in connection
with the transfer of such securities or other Assets; provided, however, that
with respect to portfolio securities registered in so-called street name, or
physical securities with variable interest rates, the Custodian shall use its
best efforts to collect amounts due and payable to the Fund. The Custodian shall
promptly notify the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing if any amount payable with
respect to portfolio securities or other Assets is not received by the Custodian
when due. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the collection of amounts
due and payable with respect to portfolio securities or other Assets that are in
default.
Section 2.16. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions. To enable the
Fund to pay dividends or other distributions to shareholders of the Fund and to
make payment to shareholders who have requested repurchase or redemption of
their shares of the Fund (collectively, the "Shares"), the Custodian shall
promptly release cash or securities (a) in the case of cash, upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, to one or more Distribution Accounts (as hereinafter
defined) designated by the Fund in such Proper Instructions; or (b) in the case
of securities, upon the receipt of Special Instructions (as hereinafter defined)
to such entity or account designated by the Fund in such Special Instructions.
For purposes of this Agreement, a "Distribution Account" shall mean an account
established at a Banking Institution designated by the Fund in Special
Instructions.
Section 2.17. Proceeds from Shares Sold. The Custodian shall receive
funds representing cash payments received for Shares issued or sold from time to
time by the Fund, and shall promptly credit such funds to the account of the
Fund. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund of Custodian's receipt of
cash in payment for Shares issued by the Fund by facsimile transmission or in
such other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing. Upon receipt
of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall: (a) deliver all federal funds
received by the Custodian in payment for Shares in payment for such investments
as may be set forth in such Proper Instructions and at a time agreed upon
between the Custodian and the Fund; and (b) make federal funds available to the
Fund as of specified times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the
Custodian, in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares which are
deposited to the accounts of the Fund.
Section 2.18. Proxies, Notices, Etc. The Custodian shall deliver or
cause to be delivered to the Fund, in the most expeditious manner practicable,
all forms of proxies, all notices of meetings, and any other notices or
announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by the Fund that are
received by the Custodian, any Subcustodian, or any nominee of either of them,
and, upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall execute and
deliver, or cause such Subcustodian or nominee to execute and deliver, such
proxies or other authorizations as may be required. Except as directed pursuant
to Proper Instructions, neither the Custodian nor any Subcustodian or nominee
shall vote upon any such securities, or execute any proxy to vote thereon, or
give any consent or take any other action with respect thereto. The Custodian
will not release the identity of the Fund to an issuer which requests such
information pursuant to the Shareholder Communications Act of 1985, for the
specific purpose of direct communications between such issuer and the Fund
unless the Fund directs the Custodian otherwise in writing.
Section 2.19. Bills and Other Disbursements. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall pay or cause to be paid, all bills,
statements, or other obligations of the Fund.
Section 2.20. Nondiscretionary Functions. The Custodian shall attend to
all nondiscretionary details not specifically covered by this Agreement in
accordance with industry standards in connection with the sale, exchange,
substitution, purchase, transfer or other dealings with securities or other
Assets held by the Custodian, except as otherwise directed from time to time
pursuant to Proper Instructions.
Section 2.21. Bank Accounts.
(a) Accounts with the Custodian. The Custodian shall open and operate a
bank account or accounts (hereinafter referred to collectively, as "Bank
Accounts") on the books of the Custodian; provided that such Bank Account(s)
shall be in the name of the Custodian or a nominee thereof, for the account of
the Fund, and shall be subject only to draft or order of the Custodian. The
responsibilities of the Custodian to the Fund for deposits accepted on the
Custodian's books shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit.
(b) Deposit Insurance. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall take such action as the Fund deems necessary or appropriate to
cause each deposit account established by the Custodian pursuant to this Section
2.21 to be insured to the maximum extent possible by all applicable deposit
insurers, including, without limitation, the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation.
Section 2.22. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The
Custodian may deposit and/or maintain domestic securities owned by the Fund in:
(a) The Depository Trust Company; (b) the Participants Trust Company; (c) any
book-entry system as provided in (i) Subpart O of Treasury Circular No. 300, 31
CFR 306.115 (ii) Subpart B of Treasury Circular Public Debt Series No. 27-76, 31
CFR 350.2, or (iii) the book-entry regulations of federal agencies substantially
in the form of 31 CFR 306.115; or (d) any other domestic clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") under Section 17A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or as may otherwise be authorized by the
Securities and Exchange Commission to serve in the capacity of depository or
clearing agent for the securities or other assets of investment companies) which
acts as a securities depository; provided, however, that no such deposit or
maintenance of securities may be made except with respect to those agencies and
entities the use of which the Fund has previously approved by Special
Instructions (each of the foregoing being referred to in this Agreement as a
"Securities System"). Use of a Securities System shall be in accordance with
applicable Federal Reserve Board and SEC rules and regulations, if any, and
subject to the following provisions:
(A) The Custodian or any Subcustodian may deposit and/or maintain
securities held hereunder in a Securities System, provided that such securities
are represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the Securities
System which Account shall not contain any assets of the Custodian other than
assets held as fiduciary, custodian or otherwise for customers.
(B) The books and records of the Custodian shall at all times identify
those securities belonging to the Fund which are maintained in a Securities
System.
(C) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Fund only upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account of the Custodian, and (ii) the
making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and
transfer for the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer securities
sold for the account of the Fund only upon (iii) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that payment for such securities has been transferred to the
Account of the Custodian, and (iv) the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund.
Copies of all advices from the Securities System relating to transfers of
securities for the account of the Fund shall identify the Fund, and shall be
maintained for the Fund by the Custodian. The Custodian shall deliver to the
Fund on the next succeeding business day daily transaction reports which shall
include each day's transactions in the Securities System for the account of the
Fund. Such transaction reports shall be delivered to the Fund or any agent
designated by the Fund pursuant to Proper Instructions, by computer or in such
other manner as the Fund and Custodian may agree in writing.
(D) The Custodian shall, if requested by the Fund pursuant to Proper
Instructions, provide the Fund with all reports obtained by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian with respect to a Securities System's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the
Securities System.
(E) Upon receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall terminate
the use of any Securities System (except the federal book-entry system) on
behalf of the Fund as promptly as practicable and shall take all actions
reasonably practicable to safeguard the securities of the Fund maintained with
such Securities System.
Section 2.23. Other Transfers. Upon receipt of Special Instructions,
the Custodian shall make such other dispositions of securities, funds, or other
Assets of the Fund in a manner or for purposes other than as expressly set forth
in this Agreement, provided that the Special Instructions relating to such
disposition shall include a statement of the purposes for which the delivery is
to be made, the amount of funds, Assets and/or securities to be delivered and
the name of the person or persons to whom delivery is to be made, and shall
otherwise comply with the provisions of Sections 3.01 and 3.03 hereof.
Section 2.24. Establishment of Segregated Account. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and maintain on its books a
segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account
or accounts may be transferred cash and/or securities or other Assets of the
Fund, including securities maintained by the Custodian in a Securities System
pursuant to Section 2.22 hereof, said account or accounts to be maintained: (a)
for the purposes set forth in Section 2.09, 2.10 and 2.11 hereof; (b) for the
purposes of compliance by the Fund with the procedures required by Investment
Company Act Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the SEC
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies; or (c) for such other purposes as may be set forth, from time to
time, in Special Instructions. The Custodian shall not be responsible for the
determination of the type or amount of Assets to be held in any segregated
account referred to in this Section 2.24.
Section 2.25. Custodian's Books and Records. The Custodian shall
provide any assistance reasonably requested by the Fund in the preparation of
reports to Fund shareholders and others, audits of accounts, and other
ministerial matters of like nature. The Custodian shall maintain complete and
accurate records with respect to securities and other Assets held for the
accounts of the Fund as required by the rules and regulations of the SEC
applicable to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, including, but
not limited to: (a) journals or other records of original entry containing a
detailed and itemized daily record of all receipts and deliveries of securities
(including certificate and transaction identification numbers, if any), and all
receipts and disbursements of cash; (b) ledgers or other records reflecting (i)
securities in transfer, (ii) securities in physical possession, (iii) securities
borrowed, loaned or collateralizing obligations of the Fund, (iv) monies
borrowed and monies loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor
and substitutions of such collateral), and (v) dividends and interest received;
and (c) cancelled checks and bank records relating thereto. The Custodian shall
keep such other books and records of the Fund as the Fund shall reasonably
request. All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall be
maintained in a form acceptable to the Fund and in compliance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC, including, but not limited to, books and records
required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations from time to time adopted thereunder. All books and records
maintained by the Custodian pursuant to this Agreement shall at all times be the
property of the Fund and shall be available during normal business hours for
inspection and use by the Fund and its agents, including without limitation, its
independent certified public accountants. Notwithstanding the preceding
sentence, the Funds shall not take any actions or cause the Custodian to take
any actions which would knowingly cause, either directly or indirectly, the
Custodian to violate any applicable laws, regulations or orders. Notwithstanding
the provisions of this Section 2.25, in the event the Fund purchases cash,
securities and other Assets requiring the use of a Domestic Subcustodian or
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to rely upon and use
the books, records and accountings of the Domestic Subcustodian as its means of
accounting to the Fund for all cash, securities and other Assets deposited with
such entities; provided however, that such books, records and accountings on
which the Bank may rely must be maintained in the United States by such Domestic
Subcustodian and, provided further, that any agreement between the Custodian and
such Domestic Subcustodian must state that the Domestic Subcustodian agrees to
make any records available upon request and preserve, for the periods described
in Rule 31a-2 of the 1940 Act, the records required to be maintained by Rule
31a-1 of the 1940 Act. In no event shall the Custodian be entitled to rely upon
and use books, records and accountings which are maintained outside of the
United States.
Section 2.26. Opinion of Fund's Independent Certified Public
Accountants. The Custodian shall take all reasonable action as the Fund may
request to obtain from year to year favorable opinions from the Fund's
independent certified public accountants with respect to the Custodian's
activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's Form N-1A
and the Fund's Form N-SAR or other periodic reports to the SEC and with respect
to any other requirements of the SEC.
Section 2.27. Reports by Independent Certified Public Accountants. At
the request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a written
report prepared by the Custodian's independent certified public accountants with
respect to the services provided by the Custodian under this Agreement,
including, without limitation, the Custodian's accounting system, internal
accounting control and procedures for safeguarding cash, securities and other
assets, including cash, securities and other assets deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System or with a Subcustodian. Such report shall be of
sufficient scope and in sufficient detail as may reasonably be required by the
Fund and as may reasonably be obtained by the Custodian.
Section 2.28. Overdraft Facility. In the event that the Custodian is
directed by Proper Instructions to make any payment or transfer of funds on
behalf of the Fund for which there would be, at the close of business on the
date of such payment or transfer, insufficient funds held by the Custodian on
behalf of the Fund, the Custodian may, in its sole discretion, provide an
overdraft (an "Overdraft") to the Fund in an amount sufficient to allow the
completion of such payment. Any Overdraft provided hereunder: (a) shall be
payable on the next business day, unless otherwise agreed by the Fund and the
Custodian; and (b) shall accrue interest from the date of the Overdraft to the
date of payment in full by the Fund at a rate agreed upon in writing, from time
to time, by the Custodian and the Fund. The purpose of such Overdrafts is to
temporarily finance extraordinary or emergency expenses not reasonably
foreseeable by the Fund. The Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in writing
("Overdraft Notice") of any Overdraft by facsimile transmission or in such other
manner as the Fund and the Custodian may agree in writing. The Custodian shall
have a right of set-off against all Assets (except for Assets held in a
segregated margin account or otherwise pledged in connection with options or
futures contracts held for the benefit of the Fund and for Assets allocated to
any other Overdraft or loan made hereunder); provided, however, the Custodian
shall promptly notify the Fund in writing of any intent to exercise a right of
set-off against Assets hereunder and shall not exercise any such right of
set-off against Assets hereunder unless and until the Fund has failed to pay
(within ten (10) days after the Fund's receipt of such notice of intent to
exercise a right of set-off), any Overdraft, together with all accrued interest
thereon. Notwithstanding the provisions of any applicable law, including,
without limitation, the Uniform Commercial Code, the only rights or remedies
which the Custodian is entitled to with respect to Overdrafts is the right of
set-off granted herein.
ARTICLE III
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS, SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
AND RELATED MATTERS
Section 3.01. Proper Instructions and Special Instructions.
(a) Proper Instructions. As used herein, the term "Proper Instructions"
shall mean: (i) a tested telex, a written (including, without limitation,
facsimile transmission) request, direction, instruction or certification signed
or initialed by or on behalf of the Fund by two or more Authorized Persons (as
hereinafter defined); (ii) a telephonic or other oral communication by one or
more Authorized Persons; or (iii) a communication effected directly between an
electro-mechanical or electronic device or system (including, without
limitation, computers) by or on behalf of the Fund by one or more Authorized
Persons; provided, however, that communications of the types described in
clauses (ii) and (iii) above purporting to be given by an Authorized Person
shall be considered Proper Instructions only if the Custodian reasonably
believes such communications to have been given by an Authorized Person with
respect to the transaction involved. Proper Instructions in the form of oral
communications shall be confirmed by the Fund by tested telex or in writing in
the manner set forth in clause (i) above, but the lack of such confirmation
shall in no way affect any action taken by the Custodian in reliance upon such
oral instructions prior to the Custodian's receipt of such confirmation. The
Fund and the Custodian are hereby authorized to record any and all telephonic or
other oral instructions communicated to the Custodian. Proper Instructions may
relate to specific transactions or to types or classes of transactions, and may
be in the form of standing instructions.
(b) Special Instructions. As used herein, the term "Special
Instructions" shall mean Proper Instructions countersigned or confirmed in
writing by the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer of the Fund or any other
person designated by the Treasurer of the Fund in writing, which
countersignature or confirmation shall be (i) included on the same instrument
containing the Proper Instructions or on a separate instrument relating thereto,
and (ii) delivered by hand, by facsimile transmission or in such other manner as
the Fund and the Custodian agree in writing.
(c) Address for Proper Instructions and Special Instructions. Proper
Instructions and Special Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian at the
address and/or telephone, telecopy or telex number agreed upon from time to time
by the Custodian and the Fund.
Section 3.02. Authorized Persons. Concurrently with the execution of
this Agreement and from time to time thereafter, as appropriate, the Fund shall
deliver to the Custodian, duly certified as appropriate by a Treasurer or
Assistant Treasurer of the Fund, a certificate setting forth: (a) the names,
titles, signatures, and scope of authority of all persons authorized to give
Proper Instructions or any other notice, request, direction, instruction,
certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund (collectively, the "Authorized
Persons" and individually, an "Authorized Person"); and (b) the names, titles
and signatures of those persons authorized to issue Special Instructions. Such
certificate may be accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive
evidence of the facts set forth therein and shall be considered to be in full
force and effect until delivery to the Custodian of a similar certificate to the
contrary. Upon delivery of a certificate which deletes or does not include the
name(s) of a person previously authorized to give Proper Instructions or to
issue Special Instructions, such persons shall no longer be considered an
Authorized Person or authorized to issue Special Instructions.
Section 3.03. Persons Having Access to Assets of the Portfolios.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no
Authorized Person, Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund shall have
physical access to the Assets of the Fund held by the Custodian nor shall the
Custodian deliver any Assets of the Fund to an account of such person; provided,
however, that nothing in this Section 3.03 shall prohibit (a) any Authorized
Person from giving Proper Instructions, or any person authorized to issue
Special Instructions from issuing Special Instructions, so long as such action
does not result in delivery of or access to Assets of the Fund prohibited by
this Section 3.03; or (b) the Fund's independent certified public accountants
from examining or reviewing the Assets of the Fund held by the Custodian. The
Fund will deliver from time to time a written certificate executed by two
Authorized Persons identifying such Authorized Persons, Directors, officers,
employees and agents of the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent
that the person acting on behalf of the Custodian in making such delivery has
actual knowledge that any person is an Authorized Person, Director, officer,
employee or agent of the Fund, the Custodian will comply with this Section 3.03
as if the name of such Authorized Person, Director, officer, employee or agent
had been contained in a written certificate provided pursuant to this Section
3.03.
Section 3.04. Actions of Custodian Based on Proper Instructions and
Special Instructions. So long as and to the extent that the Custodian acts in
accordance with (a) Proper Instructions or Special Instructions, as the case may
be, and (b) the terms of this Agreement, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property, or evidence of title
thereof, received by it or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
ARTICLE IV
SUBCUSTODIANS
From time to time, in accordance with the relevant provisions of this
Agreement, (i) the Custodian may appoint one or more Domestic Subcustodians and
Special Subcustodians (each, as hereinafter defined) to act on behalf of the
Fund; and (ii) any Domestic Subcustodian so appointed and which has been
designated as a Foreign Custody Manager (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5
of the 1940 Act) by the Custodian and approved by the Fund's board ("Approved
Foreign Custody Manager") may appoint a Foreign Sub-Subcustodian or Interim
Sub-Subcustodian (as each are hereinafter defined) in accordance with this
Article IV; provided that the Fund's board also has approved the agreement
between the Custodian and the Foreign Custody Manager specifying the Foreign
Custody Manager's duties ("Delegation Agreement"). For purposes of this
Agreement, all Domestic Subcustodians, Special Subcustodians, Foreign
Sub-Subcustodians and Interim Sub-Subcustodians shall be referred to
collectively as "Subcustodians".
Section 4.01. Domestic Subcustodians. The Custodian may, at any time
and from time to time, appoint any bank as defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the
1940 Act or any trust company or other entity any of which meet requirements of
a custodian under Section 17(f) of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder, to act as agent for the Custodian on behalf of the Fund as a
subcustodian for purposes of holding cash, securities and other Assets of the
Fund and performing other functions of the Custodian within the United States (a
"Domestic Subcustodian"); provided, that, the Custodian shall notify the Fund in
writing of the identity and qualifications of any proposed Domestic Subcustodian
at least sixty (60) days prior to the desired appointment of such Domestic
Subcustodian, and the Fund will notify the Custodian, in writing signed by two
or more Authorized Persons, of approval or disapproval of the appointment of the
proposed Domestic Subcustodian; and provided, further, that the Custodian may
not appoint any such Domestic Subcustodian without such prior written approval
of the Fund by such Authorized Persons. Each such duly approved Domestic
Subcustodian and the countries where, Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and the
securities depositories and clearing agencies through which they may hold
securities and other Assets of the Fund shall be as agreed upon by the parties
hereto in writing, from time to time, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 9.04 hereof (the "Subcustodian List").
Section 4.02. Foreign Sub-Subcustodians and Interim
Sub-Subcustodians.
(a) Foreign Sub-Subcustodians. Provided that the Custodian of a
Domestic Subcustodian is an Approved Foreign Custody Manager, the Custodian or
any such Domestic Subcustodian, as applicable, may appoint any (1)(a) "Qualified
Foreign Bank" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) meeting the requirements
of an "Eligible Foreign Custodian" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) or by
SEC order exempt therefrom; (b) majority-owned direct or indirect subsidiary of
a "U.S. bank" (as such term is defined in Rule 17f-5) or bank holding company
meeting the requirements of an Eligible Foreign Custodian or exempt by SEC order
therefrom; or (c) any bank (as such term is defined in Section 2(a)(5) of the
1940 Act) meeting the requirements of a custodian under Section 17(f) of the
1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (each a "Foreign
Sub-Subcustodian") or (2) any "Securities Depository" (as such term is defined
in Rule 17f-5) or clearing agency meeting the requirements of an Eligible
Foreign Custodian or exempt by SEC order therefrom ("Securities Depositories and
Clearing Agencies"), provided that the Foreign Custody Manager's appointments of
such Eligible Foreign Custodians shall at all times be governed by the
Delegation Agreement.
(b) Interim Sub-Subcustodians. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event that the Fund shall invest in a security or other Asset to be held in a
country in which the Foreign Custody Manager has not appointed an Eligible
Foreign Custodian, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the Domestic Subcustodian
to, promptly notify the Fund in writing by facsimile transmission or in such
other manner as the Fund and Custodian shall agree in writing of the
unavailability of an approved Foreign Sub-Subcustodian in such country; and upon
the receipt of Special Instructions, the Custodian shall, or shall cause the
Domestic Subcustodian to, appoint or approve any Person (as hereinafter defined)
designated by the Fund in such Special Instructions, to hold such security or
other Asset. (Any Person appointed or approved as a sub-subcustodian pursuant to
this Section 4.02(b) is hereinafter referred to as an "Interim
Sub-Subcustodian.")
Section 4.03. Special Subcustodians. Upon receipt of Special
Instructions, the Custodian shall, on behalf of the Fund, appoint one or more
banks, trust companies or other entities designated in such Special Instructions
to act as a subcustodian for the purpose of (i) effecting third-party repurchase
transactions with banks, brokers, dealers or other entities, (ii) providing
depository and clearing agency services with respect to certain variable rate
demand note securities; and (iii) effecting any other transactions designated by
the Fund in Special Instructions. (Each such designated subcustodian is
hereinafter referred to as a "Special Subcustodian.") Each such duly appointed
Special Subcustodian shall be listed on the Subcustodian List. In connection
with the appointment of any Special Subcustodian, the Custodian shall enter into
a subcustodian agreement with the Special Subcustodian in form and substance
approved by the Fund, provided that such agreement shall in all events comply
with the provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder and
the terms and provisions of this Agreement. The Custodian shall not amend any
subcustodian agreement entered into with a Special Subcustodian, or agree to
change or permit any changes thereunder, or waive any rights under such
agreement, except upon prior approval pursuant to Special Instructions.
Section 4.04. Termination of a Subcustodian. The Custodian shall (i)
cause each Domestic Subcustodian to, and (ii) use its best efforts to cause each
Interim Sub-Subcustodian and Special Subcustodian to, perform all of its
obligations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcustodian
agreement between the Custodian and such Domestic Subcustodian and Special
Subcustodian or between the Domestic Subcustodian and a Foreign Sub-Subcustodian
or Interim Sub-Subcustodian. In the event that the Custodian is unable to cause
such subcustodian or sub-subcustodian to fully perform its obligations
thereunder, the Custodian shall promptly notify the Fund in writing and
forthwith, upon the receipt of Special Instructions, terminate or cause the
termination of such Subcustodian or Sub-Subcustodian with respect to the Fund
and, if necessary or desirable, appoint or cause the appointment of a
replacement Subcustodian or Sub-Subcustodian in accordance with the provisions
of this Article IV. In addition to the foregoing, the Custodian (A) may, at any
time in its discretion, upon written notification to the Fund, terminate any
Domestic Subcustodian which is not an approved Foreign Custody Manager, and (B)
shall, upon receipt of Special Instructions, terminate any Special Subcustodian
or Domestic Subcustodian which is an Approved Foreign Custody Manager with
respect to the Fund, in accordance with the termination provisions under the
applicable subcustodian agreement, and (C) shall, upon receipt of Special
Instructions, cause the Domestic Subcustodian to terminate any Foreign
Sub-Subcustodian or Interim Sub-Subcustodian as to its use of such entities with
respect to the Fund, in accordance with the termination provisions under the
applicable sub-subcustodian agreement.
Section 4.05. Certification Regarding Foreign Sub-Subcustodians. Upon
request of the Fund, the Custodian shall deliver to the Fund a certificate
stating: (i) the identity of each Foreign Sub-Subcustodian then acting on behalf
of the Custodian; (ii) the countries in which and the Securities Depositories
and Clearing Agents through which each such Foreign Sub-Subcustodian is then
holding cash, securities and other Assets of the Fund; and (iii) such other
information as may be requested by the Fund to ensure compliance with rules and
regulations under the 1940 Act.
ARTICLE V
STANDARD OF CARE: INDEMNIFICATION
Section 5.01. Standard of Care.
(a) General Standard of Care. The Custodian shall exercise reasonable
care and diligence in carrying out all of its duties and obligations under this
Agreement, and shall be liable to the Fund for all loss, damage and expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund resulting from the failure of the Custodian to
exercise such reasonable care and diligence.
(b) Actions Prohibited by Applicable Law, Etc. In no event shall the
Custodian incur liability hereunder if the Custodian or any Subcustodian or
Securities System, or any subcustodian, Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
utilized by any such Subcustodian, or any nominee of the Custodian or any
Subcustodian (individually, a "Person") is prevented, forbidden or delayed from
performing, or omits to perform, any act or thing which this Agreement provides
shall be performed or omitted to be performed, by reason of: (i) any provision
of any present or future law or regulation or order of the United States of
America, or any state thereof, or of any foreign country, or political
subdivision thereof or of any court of competent jurisdiction (and the Custodian
nor any other Person shall not be obligated to take any action contrary
thereto); or (ii) any act of God or war or other similar circumstance beyond the
control of the Custodian unless in each case, such delay or nonperformance is
caused by the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
(c) Mitigation by Custodian. Upon the occurrence of any event which
causes or may cause any loss, damage or expense to the Fund, (i) the Custodian
shall, (ii) the Custodian shall cause any applicable Domestic Subcustodian or
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian to, and (iii) the Custodian shall use its best efforts
to cause any applicable Interim Sub-Subcustodian or Special Subcustodian to, use
all commercially reasonable efforts and take all reasonable steps under the
circumstances to mitigate the effects of such event and to avoid continuing harm
to the Fund.
(d) Advice of Counsel. The Custodian shall be without liability for any
action reasonably taken or omitted in good faith pursuant to the written advise
of (i) counsel for the Fund, or (ii) at the expense of the Custodian, such other
counsel as the Fund and the Custodian may agree upon in writing; provided,
however, with respect to the performance of any action or omission of any action
upon such advice, the Custodian shall be required to conform to the standard of
care set forth in Section 5.01 (a).
(e) Expenses of the Fund. In addition to the liability of the Custodian
under this Article V, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for all
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Fund in connection with any claim
by the Fund against the Custodian arising from the obligations of the Custodian
hereunder including, without limitation, all reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses incurred by the Fund in asserting any such claim, and all expenses
incurred by the Fund in connection with any investigations, lawsuits or
proceedings relating to such claim; provided however, that the Fund has
recovered from the Custodian for such claim.
(f) Liability for Past Records. The Custodian shall have no liability
in respect of any loss, damage or expense suffered by the Fund, insofar as such
loss, damage or expense arises from the performance of the Custodian in reliance
upon records that were maintained for the Fund by entities other than the
Custodian prior to the Custodian's employment hereunder which the Custodian has
no reason to believe are inaccurate or incomplete after reasonable inquiry.
Section 5.02. Liability of the Custodian for Actions of Other
Persons.
(a) Domestic Subcustodian and Foreign Sub-Subcustodian. The Custodian
shall be liable for the actions or omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian (excluding any Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
appointed by them) to the same extent as if such actions or omissions were
performed by the Custodian itself. In the event of any loss, damage or expense
suffered or incurred by the Fund caused by or resulting from the actions or
omissions of any Domestic Subcustodian or Foreign Sub-Subcustodian for which the
Custodian would otherwise be liable, the Custodian shall promptly reimburse the
Fund in the amount of any such loss, damage or expense.
(b) Special Subcustodians, Interim Sub-Subcustodians, Security Systems,
Securities Depositories and Clearing Agencies. The Custodian shall not be liable
to the Fund for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Fund
resulting from the actions or omissions of a Special Subcustodian, Interim
Sub-Subcustodian, Securities System, Securities Depository or Clearing Agency
unless such loss, damage or expense is caused by, or results from, the
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian; provided, however, in
the event of any such loss, damage or expense, the Custodian shall take all
reasonable steps to enforce such rights as it may have against such Special
Subcustodian, Interim Sub-Subcustodian, Security System, Securities Depository
or Clearing Agency to protect the interest of the Fund.
(c) Reimbursement of Expenses. The Fund agrees to reimburse the
Custodian for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Custodian in
connection with the fulfillment of its obligations under Section 5.01(c) as it
relates to Interim Sub-Subcustodians and Special Subcustodians and 5.02(b);
provided however, that such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned
by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.03. Indemnification by Fund.
(a) Indemnification Obligations of Fund. Subject to the limitations set
forth in this Agreement, the Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and its nominees from all loss, damage and expense (including
reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by the Custodian or its nominee
caused by or arising from actions taken by the Custodian, its employees or
agents in the performance of its duties and obligations under this Agreement;
provided, however, that such indemnity shall not apply to loss, damage and
expense occasioned by or resulting from the negligence, misfeasance or
misconduct of the Custodian or its nominee. In addition, the Fund agrees to
indemnify any Person against liability incurred by reason of taxes assessed to
such Person resulting from the fact that securities and other property of the
Fund are registered in the name of such Person in accordance with the provisions
of this Agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall such
indemnification be applicable to income, franchise or similar taxes which may be
imposed or assessed against any Person. It is also understood that the Fund
agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominee for any loss
arising from a foreign currency transaction or contract, where the loss results
from a Sovereign Risk (as hereinafter defined) or where any Person maintaining
securities, currencies, deposits or other Assets of the Fund in connection with
any such transactions has exercised reasonable care maintaining such property or
in connection with any such transaction involving such Assets. A "Sovereign
Risk" shall mean nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, revaluation,
confiscation, seizure, cancellation, destruction or similar action by any
governmental authority, de facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation,
imposition or enforcement by any such governmental authority of currency
restrictions, exchange controls, taxes, levies or other charges affecting the
Fund's property; or acts of war, terrorism, insurrection or revolution.
(b) Notice of Litigation. Right to Prosecute, Etc. The Fund shall not
be liable for indemnification under this Section 5.03 unless a Person shall have
promptly notified the Fund in writing of the commencement of any litigation or
proceeding brought against the Custodian or other Person in respect of which
indemnity may be sought under this Section 5.03. With respect to claims in such
litigation or proceedings for which indemnity by the Fund may be sought and
subject to applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction,
the Fund shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding
with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the
litigation for which the Fund may be subject to an indemnification obligation;
provided, however, a Person shall be entitled to participate in (but not
control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such litigation or
proceeding if the Fund has not acknowledged in writing it obligation to
indemnify the Person with respect to such litigation or proceeding. If the Fund
is not permitted to participate or control such litigation or proceeding under
applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent jurisdiction, or if the
Fund chooses not to so participate, the Custodian or other Person shall not
consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement in any such
litigation or proceeding without providing the Fund with adequate notice of any
such settlement or judgment, and without the Fund's prior written consent which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. All Persons shall submit
written evidence to the Fund with respect to any cost or expense for which they
are seeking indemnification in such form and detail as the Fund may reasonably
request.
Section 5.04. Investment Limitations. If the Custodian has otherwise
complied with the terms and conditions of this Agreement in performing its duty
generally, and more particularly in connection with the purchase, sale or
exchange of securities made by or for the Fund, the Custodian shall not be
liable to the Fund and the Fund agrees to indemnify the Custodian and its
nominees, for any loss, damage or expense suffered or incurred by the Custodian
and its nominees arising out of any violation of any investment or other
limitation to which the Fund is subject except for violations of which the
Custodian has actual knowledge. For purposes of this Section 5.04 the term
"actual knowledge" shall mean knowledge gained by the Custodian by means other
than from any prospectus published by the Fund or contained in any filing by the
Fund with the SEC.
Section 5.05. Fund's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to the
contrary contained herein, the Fund shall have, at its election upon reasonable
notice to the Custodian, the right to enforce, to the extent permitted by any
applicable agreement and applicable law, the Custodian's rights against any
Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person for loss, damage or expense
caused the Fund by such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person, which
the Custodian may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or expense, if
and to the extent that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss,
expense or damage. If the Custodian makes the Fund whole for any such loss,
expense or damage, the Custodian shall retain the ability to enforce its rights
directly against such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person. Upon the
Fund's election to enforce any rights of the Custodian under this Section 5.05,
the Fund shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly
relating to the rights of the Custodian in respect of the loss, damage or
expense incurred by the Fund; provided that, so long as the Fund has
acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Custodian under Section
5.03 hereof with respect to such claim, the Fund shall retain the right to
settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the
loss, damage or expense incurred by the Fund without the Custodian's consent and
provided further, that if the Fund has not made an acknowledgement of its
obligation to indemnify, the Fund shall not settle, compromise or terminate any
such action or proceeding without the written consent of the Custodian, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Custodian agrees to
cooperate with the Fund and take all actions reasonably requested by the Fund in
connection with the Fund's enforcement of any rights of the Custodian. Nothing
contained in this Section 5.05 shall be construed as an obligation of the Fund
to enforce the Custodian's rights. The Fund agrees to reimburse the Custodian
for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with the fulfillment of
its obligations under this Section 5.05; provided, however, that such
reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from the
negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian.
Section 5.06. Indemnification by Custodian.
(a) Indemnification Obligations of Custodian. Subject to the
limitations set forth in this Agreement and in addition to the reimbursement
obligations provided in Section 5.02(a), the Custodian agrees to indemnify and
hold harmless the Fund and its nominees from all loss, damage and expense
(including reasonable attorneys' fees) suffered or incurred by the Fund or its
nominee caused by or arising from the failure of the Custodian, its nominee,
employees or agents to comply with the terms or conditions of this Agreement or
arising out of the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or its
nominee.
(b) Notice of Litigation, Right to Prosecute, Etc. The Custodian shall
not be liable for indemnification under this Section 5.06 unless the Fund shall
have promptly notified the Custodian in writing of the commencement of any
litigation or proceeding brought against the Fund in respect of which indemnity
may be sought under this Section 5.06. With respect to claims in such litigation
or proceedings for which indemnity by the Custodian may be sought and subject to
applicable law and the ruling of any court of competent jurisdiction, the
Custodian shall be entitled to participate in any such litigation or proceeding
with counsel of its choice at its own expense in respect of that portion of the
litigation for which the Custodian may be subject to an indemnification
obligation; provided, however, the Fund shall be entitled to participate in (but
not control) at its own cost and expense, the defense of any such litigation or
proceeding if the Custodian has not acknowledged in writing its obligation to
indemnify the Fund with respect to such litigation or proceeding. If the
Custodian is not permitted to participate or control such litigation or
proceeding under applicable law or by a ruling of a court of competent
jurisdiction, or if the Custodian chooses not to so participate, the Fund shall
not consent to the entry of any judgement or enter into any settlement in any
such litigation or proceeding without providing the Custodian with adequate
notice of any such settlement or judgement, and without the Custodian's prior
written consent which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The
Fund shall submit written evidence to the Custodian with respect to any cost or
expense for which it is seeking indemnification in such form and detail as the
Custodian may reasonably request.
Section 5.07. Custodian's Right to Proceed. Notwithstanding anything to
the contrary contained herein, the Custodian shall have, at its election upon
reasonable notice to the Fund, the right to enforce, to the extent permitted by
any applicable agreement and applicable law, the Fund's rights against any
Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person for loss, damage or expense
caused the Custodian by such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person,
which the Fund may have as a consequence of any such loss, damage or expense, if
and to the extent that the Custodian has not been made whole for any such loss,
expense or damage. If the Fund makes the Custodian whole for any such loss,
expense or damage, the Fund shall retain the ability to enforce its rights
directly against such Subcustodian, Securities System or other Person. Upon the
Custodian's election to enforce any rights of the Fund under this Section 5.07,
the Custodian shall reasonably prosecute all actions and proceedings directly
relating to the rights of the Fund in respect of the loss, damage and expense
incurred by the Custodian; provided that, so long as the Custodian has
acknowledged in writing its obligation to indemnify the Fund under Section 5.06
hereof with respect to such claim, the Custodian shall retain the right to
settle, compromise and/or terminate any action or proceeding in respect of the
loss, damage or expense incurred by the Custodian without the Fund's consent and
provided further, that if the Custodian has not made an acknowledgement of its
obligation to indemnify, the Custodian shall not settle, compromise or terminate
any such action or proceeding without the written consent of the Fund, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The Fund agrees to
cooperate with the Custodian and take all actions reasonably requested by the
Custodian in connection with the Custodian's enforcement of any rights of the
Fund. Nothing contained in this Section 5.07 shall be construed as an obligation
of the Custodian to enforce the Fund's rights. The Custodian agrees to reimburse
the Fund for out-of-pocket expenses incurred by it in connection with the
fulfillment of its obligations under this Section 5.07; provided, however, that
such reimbursement shall not apply to expenses occasioned by or resulting from
the negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Fund.
ARTICLE VI
COMPENSATION
For the initial three year period beginning on the effective date of
this Agreement, the Fund shall compensate the Custodian in the amount and at the
times specified in Appendix "B" attached hereto. Thereafter, the Fund shall
compensate the Custodian in the amount, and at times, as may be agreed upon in
writing, from time to time, by the Custodian and the Fund.
ARTICLE VII
TERMINATION
This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect until the first
to occur of: (a) termination by the Custodian by an instrument in writing
delivered or mailed (certified mail, return receipt requested) to the Fund, such
termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days after the date of
such delivery or receipt; (b) termination by the Fund by an instrument in
writing delivered or mailed (certified mail, return receipt requested) to the
Custodian, such termination to take effect not sooner than ninety (90) days
after the date of such delivery or receipt; or (c) termination by the Fund by an
instrument in writing delivered to the Custodian, based upon the Fund's
determination that there is reasonable basis to conclude that the Custodian is
insolvent or that the financial condition of the Custodian is deteriorating in
any material respect, in which case termination shall take effect upon the
Custodian's receipt of such notice or at such later time as the Fund shall
designate. In the event of termination pursuant to this Article VII, the Fund
shall make payment of all accrued fees and unreimbursed expenses within a
reasonable time following termination and delivery of a statement to the Fund
setting forth such fees and expenses. The Fund shall identify in any notice of
termination a successor custodian to which the cash, securities and other Assets
of the Fund shall, upon termination of this Agreement, be delivered. In the
event that securities and other Assets remain in the possession of the Custodian
after the date of termination hereof owing to failure of the Fund to appoint a
successor custodian, the Custodian shall be entitled to compensation for its
services in accordance with the fee schedule most recently in effect, for such
period as the Custodian retains possession of such securities and other Assets,
and the provisions of this Agreement relating to the duties and obligations of
the Custodian and the Fund shall remain in full force and effect for such
period. In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, the cash,
securities and other Assets owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian, any
Subcustodian or nominee shall be delivered, at the terminating party's expense,
to the successor custodian; and the Custodian agrees to cooperate with the Fund
in the execution of documents and performance of other actions necessary or
desirable in order to substitute the successor custodian for the Custodian under
this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
DEFINED TERMS
The following terms are defined in the following sections:
Term Section
- ---- -------
Account 2.22(A)
ADRs 2.06
Approved Foreign Custody Manager Article IV
Assets Article I
Authorized Person 3.02
Banking Institution 2.12
Bank Accounts 2.21
Clearing Agency 4.02(a)
Delegation Agreement Article IV
Distribution Account 2.16
Domestic Subcustodian 4.01
Eligible Foreign Custodian 4.02(a)
Foreign Sub-Subcustodian 4.02(a)
Institutional Client 2.03
Interest Bearing Deposit 2.12
Interim Sub-Subcustodian 4.02(b)
OCC 2.09
Overdraft 2.28
Overdraft Notice 2.28
Person 5.01(b)
Procedural Agreement 2.10
Proper Instruction 3.01(a)
SEC 2.22
Securities Depositories 4.02(a)
Securities System 2.22
Shares 2.16
Sovereign Risk 5.03(a)
Special Instruction 3.01(b)
Special Subcustodian 4.03
Subcustodian Article IV
1940 Act Preamble
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 9.01. Execution of Documents, Etc.
(a) Actions by the Fund. Upon request, the Fund shall execute and
deliver to the Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments
as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with the
performance by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of their respective obligations
under this Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement, provided that the
exercise by the Custodian or any Subcustodian of any such rights shall in all
events be in compliance with the terms of this Agreement.
(b) Actions by Custodian. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the
Custodian shall execute and deliver to the Fund or to such other parties as the
Fund may designate in such Proper Instructions, all such documents, instruments
or agreements as may be reasonable and necessary or desirable in order to
effectuate any of the transactions contemplated hereby and designated therein.
Section 9.02. Representations and Warranties.
(a) Representations and Warranties of the Fund. The Fund hereby
represents and warrants that each of the following shall be true, correct and
complete as of the date of execution of this Agreement and, unless notice to the
contrary is provided by the Fund to the Custodian, at all times during the term
of this Agreement: (i) the Fund is duly organized under the laws of its
jurisdiction of organization and is registered as an open-end management
investment company under the 1940 Act or is a series of portfolio of such
entity; and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Fund of this
Agreement are (w) within its power, (x) have been duly authorized by all
necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or
default under or conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of
any governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision
of the Fund's corporate charter or other organizational document, or bylaws, or
any amendment thereof or any provision of its most recent Prospectus or
Statement of Additional Information.
(b) Representations and Warranties of the Custodian. The Custodian
hereby represents and warrants that each of the following shall be true, correct
and complete as of the date of execution of this Agreement and, unless notice to
the contrary is provided by the Custodian to the Fund, at all times during the
term of this Agreement: (i) the Custodian is duly organized under the laws of
its jurisdiction of organization and qualifies to serve as a custodian to
open-end management investment companies under the provisions of the 1940 Act;
and (ii) the execution, delivery and performance by the Custodian of this
Agreement are (w) within its power (x) have been duly authorized by all
necessary action, and (y) will not (A) contribute to or result in a breach of or
default under or conflict with any existing law, order, regulation or ruling of
any governmental or regulatory agency or authority, or (B) violate any provision
of the Custodian's corporate charter, or other organizational document, or
bylaws, or any amendment thereof. The Custodian acknowledges receipt of a copy
of the Fund's most recent Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Section 9.03. Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding and agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject
matter hereof and accordingly, supersedes as of the effective date of this
Agreement any custodian agreement heretofore in effect between the Fund and the
Custodian.
Section 9.04. Waivers and Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement
may be waived, amended or deleted except by a statement in writing signed by the
party against which enforcement of such waiver, amendment or deletion is sought.
Section 9.05. Interpretation. In connection with the operation of this
Agreement, the Custodian and the Fund may agree in writing from time to time on
such provisions interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of this
Agreement as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of
this Agreement. No interpretative or additional provisions made as provided in
the preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.
Section 9.06. Captions. Headings contained in this Agreement, which are
included as convenient references only, shall have no bearing upon the
interpretation of the terms of the Agreement or the obligations of the parties
hereto.
Section 9.07. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed in
accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, in each case
without giving effect to principles of conflicts of law.
Section 9.08. Notices. Except in the case of Proper Instructions or
Special Instructions, and as otherwise provided in this Agreement, notices and
other writings contemplated by this Agreement shall be delivered by hand or by
facsimile transmission or as otherwise agreed to by the Fund and the Custodian
in writing (provided that in the case of delivery by facsimile transmission,
notice shall also be mailed postage prepaid) to the parties at the following
addresses:
(a) If to the Fund:
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
6300 Lamar Avenue
Overland Park, Kansas 66202
Attn: Fund Treasurer
Telephone: 913-236-2000
Telefax: 913-236-1595
(b) If to the Custodian:
UMB Bank, n.a.
928 Grand Avenue, 10th Floor
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Attn: Securities Administration
Telephone: 816-860-7764
Telefax: 816-860-4869
or such other address as either party may have designated in writing to the
other party hereto.
Section 9.09. Assignment. This Agreement shall be binding on and shall
inure to the benefit of the Fund and the Custodian and their respective
successors and assigns, provided that, subject to the provisions of Section 7.01
hereof, neither party hereto may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or
obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party.
Section 9.10. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This
Agreement shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed
and delivered by each of the parties.
Section 9.11. Confidentiality; Survival of Obligations. The parties
hereto agree that each shall treat confidentially the terms and conditions of
this Agreement and all information provided by each party to the other regarding
its business and operations. All confidential information provided by a party
hereto shall be used by any other party hereto solely for the purpose of
rendering services pursuant to this Agreement and, except as may be required in
carrying out this Agreement, shall not be disclosed to any third party without
the prior consent of such providing party. The foregoing shall not be applicable
to any information that is publicly available when provided or thereafter
becomes publicly available other than through a breach of this Agreement, or
that is required to be disclosed by any bank examiner of the Custodian or any
Subcustodians, any auditor or examiner of the parties hereto, by judicial or
administrative process or otherwise by applicable law or regulation. The
provisions of this Section 9.11 and Section 9.01, 9.07, Section 2.28, Section
3.04, Section 4.05, Section 7.01, Article V and Article VI hereof and any other
rights or obligations incurred or accrued by any party hereto prior to
termination of this Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC. UMB BANK, n.a.
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee By: /s/ Ralph Santoro
---------------- -----------------
Name: Helge K. Lee Name: Ralph Santoro
Title: Vice President Title: Senior Vice President
<PAGE>
APPENDIX "B"
TO
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
AND
UMB BANK, N.A.
Dated as of August 18, 1999
The Fund shall be responsible for providing the Custodian the net asset
levels the Custodian requires to calculate the net asset portion of the
Custodian's fees. Such determinations shall be based upon the average monthly
assets of each Fund and shall specify the level of domestic assets and foreign
assets by country, as appropriate. Domestic assets shall include all assets held
in the United States including but not limited to American Depositary Receipts.
Foreign assets shall include all assets held outside the United States including
but not limited to securities which clear through Euroclear or CEDEL. The
Custodian will provide as soon as practicable after receiving the information
provided by the Fund with respect to the net asset level numbers, a bill for the
Fund, including such reasonable detail in support of each bill as may be
reasonably requested by the Fund. As used in this Appendix "B", "United Funds"
shall mean all funds in the United Group of Funds, Target/United Funds, Inc. and
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
DOMESTIC CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
A. Annual Fee (combining all domestic assets):
An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each month of
the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the bill issued to each Fund
based upon its portion of domestic assets), at the annual rate of:
.00005 for the first $5,000,000,000 of the net assets of all the United
Funds, plus .00004 for any net assets exceeding $5,000,000,000 of the
assets of all the United Funds.
B. Portfolio Transaction Fees (billed to each Fund):
(a) For each portfolio transaction* processed through
a Depository (DTC, PTC or Fed) $ 7.00
(b) For each portfolio transaction* processed through
the New York office (physical settlement) $20.00
(c) For each futures/option contract written $25.00
(d) For each principal/interest paydown $ 6.00
(e) For each interfund note transaction $ 5.00
* A portfolio transaction includes a receive, delivery, maturity, free
security movement and corporate action.
C. Earnings Credits:
Positive earnings credits will be applied on all collected custody and
cash management balances of each Fund at the Custodian to earn the
Custodian's daily repurchase agreement rate less reserve requirements
and FDIC premiums. Negative earnings credits will be charged on all
uncollected custody and cash management balances of each Fund at the
Custodian's prime rate less 150 basis points on each day a negative
balance occurs. Positive and/or negative earnings credits will be
monitored daily for each Fund and the net positive or negative amount
for each Fund will be included in the monthly statements. Excess
positive credits for each Fund will be carried forward indefinitely.
D. Out-of-Pocket Expenses (passed directly from Special Subcustodians):
Includes all charges by any Special Subcustodian to the Custodian as
Custodian for any Assets held at the Special Subcustodian.
GLOBAL CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
A. Global Fee Schedule:
Market: Annual Asset Fees Transaction Fees
Argentina .0037 $85
Australia .0009 $85
Austria .0011 $70
Belgium .0011 $60
Brazil .0035 $60
Canada .0008 $35
Chile .0045 $85
China .0045 $75
Czech Republic .0055 $135
Denmark .0011 $60
Finland .0011 $85
France .0011 $85
Germany .0008 $60
Hong Kong .0009 $85
Hungary .0065 $210
India .0055 $135
Indonesia .0009 $85
Ireland .0011 $60
Israel .0035 $160
Italy .0011 $70
Japan .0008 $40
Korea .0035 $60
Malaysia .0009 $85
Mexico .0016 $60
Netherlands .0011 $35
New Zealand .0009 $85
Norway .0011 $85
Peru .0070 $160
Phillippines .0035 $95
Poland .0060 $110
Portugal .0035 $145
Singapore .0009 $85
Spain .0009 $85
Sweden .0011 $70
Switzerland .0009 $85
Taiwan .0035 $85
Thailand .0009 $85
Turkey .0045 $110
U.K. .0011 $60
Note: Fee Schedule eliminates sub-custodian asset and transaction-based
out-of-pocket expenses. Other sub-custodian out-of-pocket expenses
(i.e. Scrip fees, stamp duties, certificate fees, etc.)
B. Out-of-Pocket Expenses (passed directly from Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co.):
Includes, but is not limited to telex, legal, telephones, postage, and
direct expenses including but not limited to tax reclaim, customized
systems programming, certificate fees, duties, and registration fees.
C. Short-term Dollar Denominated Global Assets
Eurodollar CDs, Time Deposits:
(1) An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each
month of the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the bill
issued to the Fund based upon its portion of short-term dollar
denominated assets), at the annual rate of:
.0004 on all short-term dollar denominated assets of the
United Funds.
(2) Portfolio Transaction Fees:
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Trades with Members $136.00
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Trades with Non-members $153.00
First Chicago Clearing Centre-Income Collection $ 64.00
D. Euroclear Eligible Issues:
(1) An annual fee to be computed as of month end and payable each
month of the Fund's fiscal year (after receipt of the bill
issued to the Fund based upon its portion of Euroclear
issues), at the annual rate of:
2.5 basis points on all United Funds Euroclear assets held in
account at UMB Bank, n.a.
(2) Portfolio Transaction Fees:
Euroclear $60.00
<PAGE>
SUBCUSTODIAN LIST
PURSUANT TO CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
AND
UMB BANK, n.a.
Dated as of August 18, 1999
This Subcustodian List relates to the Custodian Agreements between UMB
Bank, n.a. and each of the following funds dated the date specified by the
fund's name, as subsequently amended and restated:
Fund Date
---- ----
United Asset Strategy Fund, Inc. February 22, 1995
United Cash Management, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Continental Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Gold & Government Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Government Securities Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United High Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United High Income Fund II, Inc. November 26, 1991
United International Growth Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Municipal Bond Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Municipal High Income Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United New Concepts Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Retirement Shares, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Vanguard Fund, Inc. November 26, 1991
United Funds, Inc.
United Bond Fund November 26, 1991
United Income Fund November 26, 1991
United Accumulative Fund November 26, 1991
United Science and Technology Fund November 26, 1991
Target/United Funds, Inc.*
High Income Portfolio November 26, 1991
Money Market Portfolio November 26, 1991
Bond Portfolio November 26, 1991
Income Portfolio November 26, 1991
Growth Portfolio November 26, 1991
Balanced Portfolio April 29, 1994
International Portfolio April 29, 1994
Limited-Term Bond Portfolio April 29, 1994
Small Cap Portfolio April 29, 1994
Small Cap Portfolio May 1, 1995
Science and Technology Portfolio April 4, 1997
Waddell & Reed Funds, Inc.
Total Return Fund April 24, 1992
Municipal Bond Fund April 24, 1992
Limited-Term Bond Fund April 24, 1992
International Growth Fund April 24, 1992
Growth Fund April 24, 1992
Small Cap Fund April 20, 1995
High Income Fund July 31, 1997
Science and Technology Fund July 31, 1997
United Small Cap Fund, Inc. August 18, 1999
*Formerly, TMK/United Funds, Inc.
The following is a list of Domestic Subcustodians, Foreign Subcustodian and
Special Subcustodians under the Custodian Agreement as amended:
<PAGE>
A. Domestic Custodians:
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
United Missouri Trust Company of New York
B. Foreign Sub-Custodians
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Country Sub-Custodian Depository
<S> <C> <C>
Argentina Citibank, n.a. CDV; CRYL
Australia National Australia Bank Ltd. AUSTRACLEAR, RITs
Austria Creditanstalt Bankverein KONTROLLBANK (OEKB)
Belgium Banque Bruxelles Lambert CIK, BNB
Brazil First National Bank of Boston, BOVESPA, CLC
Brazil
Canada Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce CDS; The Bank of Canada
Chile Citibank, n.a. None
China Standard Chartered Bank SSCCRC; SSCC
Czech Republic Ceskoslovenska Obchodni CNB; SCP
Banka A.S.
Denmark Den Danske Bank VP
Finland Merita Securities Association; Finnish
Central
Securities Depository Ltd.
France Banque Indosuez SICOVAM; Banque de France
Germany Deutsche Bank KASSENVEREIN
Hungary Citibank, N.A. KELER Ltd.
Hong Kong HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. HongKong Securities Clearing Company
India Citibank, N.A., Mumbai National Securities Depository
Limited
Indonesia Citibank, n.a. None
Ireland Allied Irish Banks PLC Gilt Settlement Office
Israel Bank Hapoalim B.M. TASE Clearinghouse Ltd.
Italy Banca Commerciale Italiana MONTE TITOLI, Banca D'Italia
Japan The Bank of Tokyo, Ltd. JASDEC, Bank of Japan
Korea Citibank, n.a. Korean Securities Depository
Corporation (KSD)
Malaysia Hong Kong Bank Malaysia Berhad MCD; Bank Negara Malaysia
Mexico Citibank Mexico, s.a. INDEVAL; Banco De Mexico
Netherlands ABN - Amro Bank NECIGER; De Nederlandsche Bank
Norway Christiana Bank VPS
Peru Citibank, n.a. Caja De Valores (CAVAL)
Philippines Citibank, n.a. Phillipines Central Depository, Inc.
Poland Bank Polska Kasa Opieki S.A. NPB
Portugal Banco Espirito Santo E Comercial Interbolsa
De Lisboa
Singapore HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. CDP
Spain Banco Santander SCLV; Banco De Espana
Sweden Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken VPC
Switzerland Union Bank of Switzerland SEGA
Taiwan Standard Chartered Bank, Taipei TSCD
Thailand HongKong & Shanghai Banking Corp. Share Depository Center (SDC)
Turkey Citibank, n.a. TvS, Central Bank of Turkey
United Kingdom Midland Securities PLC CMO; CGO; CrestCo
</TABLE>
C. Special Subcustodians:
Wilmington Trust Co.
The Bank of New York, n.a.
Euroclear
EX-99.B(h)-scssa
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made as of the 18th day of August, 1999, by and between
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC. (the "Company"), and Waddell & Reed Services Company
(the "Agent"),
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, The Company wishes, as applicable, to appoint the Agent or to
continue the appointment of the Agent to be its shareholder servicing agent
upon, and subject to, the terms and provisions of this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in
this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Agent as Shareholder Servicing Agent for the
Company; Acceptance.
(1) The Company hereby appoints the Agent to act as
Shareholder Servicing Agent for the Company upon, and subject to, the terms and
provisions of this Agreement.
(2) The Agent hereby accepts the appointment as Shareholder
Servicing Agent for the Company and agrees to act as such upon, and subject to,
the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
(3) The Agent may appoint an entity or entities approved by
the Company in writing to perform any portion of Agent's duties hereunder (the
"Subagent").
2. Definitions.
(1) In this Agreement -
(a) The term the "Act" means the Investment Company
Act of 1940 as amended from time to time;
(b) The term "account" means the shares of the
Company registered on the books of the Company in the name of a shareholder
under a particular account registration number and includes shares subject to
instructions by the shareholder with respect to periodic redemptions and/or
reinvestment in additional shares of any dividends payable on said shares;
(c) The term "affiliate" of a person shall mean a
person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with that person;
(d) The term "Class" shall mean each separate
sub-class of a class of shares of the Company, as may now or in the future
exist;
(e) The term "Fund" shall mean each separate class of
shares of the Company, as may now or in the future exist;
(f) The term "officers' instruction" means an
instruction given on behalf of the Company to the Agent and signed on behalf of
the Company by any one or more persons authorized to do so by the Company's
Board of Directors;
(g) The term "prospectus" means the prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information of the applicable Fund or Class from time to
time in effect;
(h) The term "shares" means shares including
fractional shares of capital stock of the Company, whether or not such shares
are evidenced by an outstanding stock certificate issued by the Company;
(i) The term "shareholder" shall mean the owner of
record of shares of the Company;
(j) The term "stock certificate" means a certificate
representing shares in the form then currently in use by the Company.
3. Duties of the Agent.
The Agent shall perform such duties as shall be set forth in
this paragraph 3 and in accordance with the practice stated in Exhibit A of this
Agreement or any amendment thereof, any or all of which duties may be delegated
to or performed by one or more Subagents pursuant to Paragraph (3) above.
(1) Transfers.
Subject to the provisions of this Agreement the Agent
hereby agrees to perform the following functions as transfer agent for the
Company:
(a) Recording the ownership, transfer, exchange and
cancellation of ownership of shares of the Company on the books of the Company;
(b) Causing the issuance, transfer, exchange and
cancellation of stock certificates;
(c) Establishing and maintaining records of accounts;
(d) Computing and causing to be prepared and mailed
or otherwise delivered to shareholders payment checks and notices of
reinvestment in additional shares of dividends, stock dividends or stock splits
declared by the Company on shares and of redemption proceeds due by the Company
on redemption of shares;
(e) Furnishing to shareholders such information as
may be reasonably required by the Company, including appropriate income tax
information;
(f) Addressing and mailing to shareholders
prospectuses, annual and semi-annual reports and proxy materials for shareholder
meetings prepared by or on behalf of the Company;
(g) Replacing allegedly lost, stolen or destroyed
stock certificates in accordance with and subject to procedures and conditions
agreed upon and set out in officers' instructions;
(h) Maintaining such books and records relating to
transactions effected by the Agent pursuant to this Agreement as are required by
the Act, or by rules or regulations thereunder, or by any other applicable
provisions of law, to be maintained by the Company or its transfer agent with
respect to such transactions; preserving, or causing to be preserved, any such
books and records for such periods as may be required by any such law, rule or
regulation; furnishing the Company such information as to such transactions and
at such time as may be reasonably required by it to comply with applicable laws
and regulations;
(i) Providing such services and carrying out such
responsibilities on behalf of the Company, or imposed on the Agent as the
Company's transfer agent, not otherwise expressly provided for in this Paragraph
3, as may be required by or be reasonably necessary to comply with any statute,
act, governmental rule, regulation or directive or court order, including,
without limitation, the requirements imposed by the Tax Equity and Fiscal
Responsibility Act of 1982 and the Income and Dividend Tax Compliance Act of
1983 relating to the withholding of tax from distributions to shareholders.
(2) Correspondence.
The Agent agrees to deal with and answer all
correspondence from or on behalf of shareholders relating to its functions under
this Agreement.
4. Compensation of the Agent.
The Company agrees to pay the Agent for its services under
this Agreement in accordance with the schedule as then in effect set forth in
Exhibit B of this Agreement or any amendment thereof. In addition, the Company
agrees to reimburse the Agent for the following "out-of-pocket" expenses of the
Agent within five days after receipt of an itemized statement of such expenses,
to the extent that payment of such expenses has not been or is not to be made
directly by the Company: (i) costs of stationery, appropriate forms, envelopes,
checks, postage, printing (except cost of printing prospectuses, annual and
semi-annual reports and proxy materials) and mailing charges, including returned
mail and proxies, incurred by the Agent with respect to materials and
communications sent to shareholders in carrying out its duties to the Company
under this Agreement; (ii) long distance telephone costs incurred by the Agent
for telephone communications and microfilm and storage costs for transfer agency
records and documents; (iii) costs of all ancillary and supporting services and
related expenses (other than insurance premiums) reasonably required by and
provided to the Agent, other than by its employees or employees of an affiliate,
with respect to functions of the Company being performed by it in its capacity
as Agent hereunder, including legal advice and representation in litigation to
the extent that such payments are permitted under Paragraph 7 of this Agreement
and charges to Agent made by any Subagent; (iv) costs for special reports or
information furnished on request pursuant to this Agreement and not specifically
required by the Agent by Paragraph 3 of this Agreement; and (v) reasonable costs
and expenses incurred by the Agent in connection with the duties of the Agent
described in Paragraph (3)(1)(i). In addition, the Company agrees to promptly
pay over to the Agent any fees or payment of charges it may receive from a
shareholder for services furnished to the shareholder by the Agent.
Services and operations incident to the sale and distribution
of the Company's shares, including sales communications, confirmations of
investments (not including reinvestment of dividends) and the clearing or
collection of payments will not be for the account or at the expense of the
Company under this Agreement.
5. Right of Company to Inspect Records, etc.
The Company will have the right under this Agreement to
perform on site inspection of records and accounts and to perform audits
directly pertaining to the Company shareholder accounts serviced by the Agent
hereunder at the Agent's or any Subagent's facilities in accordance with
reasonable procedures at the frequency necessary to assure proper administration
of the Agreement. The Agent will cooperate with the Company's auditors or
representatives of appropriate regulatory agencies and furnish all reasonably
requested records and data.
6. Insurance.
The Agent now has the insurance coverage described in Exhibit
C, attached hereto, and the Agent will not take any action to eliminate or
decrease such coverage during the term of this Agreement without receiving the
approval of the Fund in advance of any change, except the Agent, after giving
reasonable notice to the Company, may eliminate or decrease any coverage if the
premiums for such coverage are substantially increased.
7. Standard of Care; Indemnification.
The Agent will at all times exercise due diligence and good
faith in performing its duties hereunder. The Agent will make every reasonable
effort and take all reasonably available measures to assure the adequacy of its
personnel and facilities as well as the accurate performance of all services to
be performed by it hereunder within, at a minimum, the time requirements of any
applicable statutes, rules or regulations or as set forth in the prospectus.
The Agent shall not be responsible for, and the Company agrees
to indemnify the Agent for any losses, damages or expenses (including reasonable
counsel fees and expenses) (i) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit
not resulting from the Agent's failure to exercise good faith or due diligence
and arising out of or in connection with the Agent's duties on behalf of the
Company hereunder; (ii) for any delay, error or omission by reason of
circumstances beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority,
national emergencies, labor difficulties (except with respect to the Agent's
employees), fire, mechanical breakdown beyond its control, flood or catastrophe,
acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, or failure beyond its control of
transportation, communication or power supply; or (iii) for any action taken or
omitted to be taken by the Agent in good faith in reliance on (a) the
authenticity of any instrument or communication reasonably believed by it to be
genuine and to have been properly made and signed or endorsed by an appropriate
person, (b) the accuracy of any records or information provided to it by the
Company, (c) any authorization or instruction contained in any officers'
instruction, or (d) with respect to the functions performed for the Company
listed under Paragraph 3(1) of this Agreement, any advice of counsel approved by
the Company who may be internally employed counsel or outside counsel, in either
case for the Company and/or the Agent.
In order for the rights to indemnification to apply, it is
understood that if in any case the Company may be asked to indemnify or hold the
Agent harmless, the Company shall be advised of all pertinent facts concerning
the situation in question, and it is further understood that the Agent will use
reasonable care to identify and notify the Company promptly concerning any
situation which presents or appears likely to present a claim for
indemnification against the Company. The Company shall have the option to defend
the Agent against any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification
and, in the event that the Company so elects, it will so notify the Agent and
thereupon the Company shall take over complete defense of the claim and the
Agent shall sustain no further legal or other expenses in such situation for
which the Agent shall seek indemnification under this paragraph. The Agent will
in no case confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the
Company will be asked to indemnify the Agent except with the Company's prior
written consent.
8. Term of the Agreement; Taking Effect; Amendments.
This Agreement shall become effective at the start of business
on the date hereof and shall continue, unless terminated as hereinafter
provided, for a period of one year and from year to year thereafter, provided
that such continuance shall be specifically approved as provided below.
This Agreement shall go into effect, or may be continued, or
may be amended or a new agreement between the Company and the Agent covering the
substance of this Agreement may be entered into only if the terms of this
Agreement, such continuance, the terms of such amendment or the terms of such
new agreement have been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company,
including the vote of a majority of the directors who are not "interested
persons," as defined in the Act, of either party to this Agreement or of Waddell
& Reed Investment Management Company, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. Such a vote is hereinafter referred to as a
"disinterested director vote."
Any disinterested director vote shall include a determination
that: (i) the Agreement, amendment, new agreement or continuance in question is
in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders; (ii) the services to
be performed under the Agreement, the Agreement as amended, new agreement or
agreement to be continued, are services required for the operation of the
Company; (iii) the Agent can provide services the nature and quality of which
are at least equal to those provided by others offering the same or similar
services; and (iv) the fees for such services are fair and reasonable in the
light of the usual and customary charges made by others for services of the same
nature and quality.
9. Termination.
(1) This Agreement may be terminated by the Agent at any time
without penalty upon giving the Company 120 days' written notice (which notice
may be waived by the Company) and may be terminated by the Company at any time
without penalty upon giving the Agent sixty (60) days' written notice (which
notice may be waived by the Agent), provided that such termination by the
Company shall be directed or approved by the vote of a majority of the Board of
Directors of the Company in office at the time or by the vote of the holders of
a majority (as defined in or under the Act) of the outstanding voting securities
of the Company.
(2) On termination, the Agent will deliver to the Company or
its designee all files, documents and records of the Company used, kept or
maintained by the Agent in the performance of its services hereunder, including
such of the Company's records in machine readable form as may be maintained by
the Agent, as well as such summary and/or control data relating thereto used by
or available to the Agent.
(3) In the event of any termination which involves the
appointment of a new shareholder servicing agent, including the Company's acting
as such on its own behalf, the Company shall have the non-exclusive right to the
use of the data processing programs used by the Agent in connection with the
performance of its duties under this Agreement without charge.
(4) In addition, on such termination or in preparation
therefore, at the request of the Company and at the Company's expense the Agent
shall provide to the extent that its capabilities then permit such
documentation, personnel and equipment as may be reasonably necessary in order
for a new agent or the Company to fully assume and commence to perform the
agency functions described in this Agreement with a minimum disruption to the
Company's activities.
10. Construction; Governing Law.
The headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only
and shall not be deemed to constitute a part hereof. Whenever the context
requires, words denoting singular shall be read to include the plural. This
Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder, shall be
construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Kansas,
except to the extent that the laws of the State of Maryland apply with respect
to share transactions.
11. Representations and Warranties of Agent.
Agent represents and warrants that it is a corporation duly
organized and existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Missouri, that it is duly qualified to carry on its business in the State of
Kansas and wherever its duties require, that it has the power and authority
under laws and by its Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws to enter into this
Shareholder Servicing Agreement and to perform the services contemplated by this
Agreement.
12. Entire Agreement.
This Agreement and the Exhibits annexed hereto constitutes the
entire and complete agreement between the parties hereto relating to the subject
matter hereof, supersedes and merges all prior discussions between the parties
hereto, and may not be modified or amended orally.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereto caused this
Agreement to be duly executed on the day and year first above written.
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Kristen A. Richards
-----------------------
Kristen A. Richards, Assistant Secretary
WADDELL & REED SERVICES COMPANY
By: /s/ Robert L. Hechler
---------------------
Robert L. Hechler, President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
A. DUTIES IN SHARE TRANSFERS AND REGISTRATION
1. The Agent in carrying out its duties shall follow general commercial
practices and the Rules of the Stock Transfer Association, Inc. except as they
may conflict or be inconsistent with the specific provisions of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, prospectus, applicable Federal and state
laws and regulations and this Agreement.
2. The Agent shall not require that the signature of the appropriate
person be guaranteed, witnessed or verified in order to effect a redemption,
transfer, exchange or change of address except as may from time to time be
directed by the Company as set forth in an officers' instruction. In the event a
signature guarantee is required by the Company, the Agent shall not inquire as
to the genuineness of the guarantee.
3. The Agent shall not replace a lost, stolen or misplaced stock
certificate without requiring and being furnished with an open penalty surety
bond protecting the Company and the Agent against loss.
B. The practices, procedures and requirements specified in A above may be
modified, altered, varied or supplemented as from time to time may be mutually
agreed upon by the Company and the Agent and evidenced on behalf of the Company
by an officers' instruction. Any such change shall not be deemed to be an
amendment to the Agreement within the meaning of Paragraph 8 of the Agreement.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B
COMPENSATION
Class A Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month of $1.3125 for each account of
the Company which was in existence during any portion of the immediately
preceding month and, in addition, to pay to the Agent the sum of $0.30 for each
account for which, during such month, a record date was established for payment
of a dividend, in cash or otherwise (which term includes a distribution),
irrespective of whether such dividend was payable in that month or later or was
payable directly or was to be reinvested.
Class B Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month of $1.3125 for each account of
the Company which was in existence during any portion of the immediately
preceding month and, in addition, to pay to the Agent the sum of $0.30 for each
account for which, during such month, a record date was established for payment
of a dividend, in cash or otherwise (which term includes a distribution),
irrespective of whether such dividend was payable in that month or later or was
payable directly or was to be reinvested.
Class C Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month of $1.3125 for each account of
the Company which was in existence during any portion of the immediately
preceding month and, in addition, to pay to the Agent the sum of $0.30 for each
account for which, during such month, a record date was established for payment
of a dividend, in cash or otherwise (which term includes a distribution),
irrespective of whether such dividend was payable in that month or later or was
payable directly or was to be reinvested.
Class Y Shares
An amount payable on the first day of each month equal to 1/12 of .15 of 1% of
the average daily net assets of the Class for the preceding month.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C
Name of Bond Bond or
Insurer Policy No.
Investment Company 87015199B
ICI Mutual Insurance Company
Blanket Bond Form
Fidelity $20,400,000
Audit Expense 50,000
On Premises 20,400,000
In Transit 20,400,000
Forgery or Alteration 20,400,000
Securities 20,400,000
Counterfeit Currency 20,400,000
Uncollectible Items of
Deposit 25,000
Phone-Initiated Transactions 500,000
Total Limit 20,400,000
ICI Mutual Insurance Company
Directors and Officers/ 87015199D
Errors and Omissions Liability
Insurance Form
Total Limit $10,000,000
Blanket Lost Instrument Bond (Mail Loss) 30S100639551
Aetna Life & casualty
Blanket Undertaking Lost Instrument
Waiver of Probate 42SUN339806
Hartford Casualty Insurance
EX-99.B(h)-scasa
ACCOUNTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, made as of the 18th day of August, 1999, by and
between United Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), a Maryland corporation and
Waddell & Reed Services Company ("Agent"), a Missouri corporation,
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to appoint the Agent to be its Accounting
Services Agent upon and subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in
this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:
A. Appointment of the Agent as Accounting Services Agent for the
Fund; Acceptance.
(1) The Fund hereby appoints the Agent to act as Accounting
Services Agent for the Fund upon and subject to the terms and provisions of this
Agreement.
(2) Agent hereby accepts the appointment as Accounting
Services Agent for the Fund and agrees to act as such upon and subject to the
terms and provisions of this Agreement.
B. Duties of the Agent.
The Agent shall perform such duties as set forth in this
Paragraph B as agent for and on behalf of the Fund.
(1) Agent shall provide bookkeeping and accounting services
and assistance by providing to the Fund the necessary personnel and facilities
to maintain the Fund's portfolio records and general accounting records, to
price daily the value of shares of the Fund, and with the assistance and advice
of the Fund's attorneys and independent accountants, to prepare or assist the
Fund's attorneys and independent accountants to prepare, as may be applicable,
reports required to be filed by the Fund with regulatory agencies including the
preparation of proxy statements, prospectuses, shareholder reports and other
reports as required by law.
(2) Agent shall maintain and keep current the accounts, books,
records, and other documents relating to the Fund's financial and portfolio
transactions as may be required by rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission adopted under Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "Act").
(3) Agent shall cause the subject records of the Fund to be
maintained and preserved pursuant to the requirements under the Act.
(4) In pricing daily the value of shares of the Fund, Agent
may make arrangements to and obtain the value of portfolio securities from
pricing services or quotation services that are compensated by the Fund directly
or indirectly through the placement of portfolio transactions with
broker-dealers who provide such valuation or quotation services to the Agent.
(5) The Agent shall maintain duplicate copies of, or
information from which copies of, the records necessary to the preparation of
the Fund's financial statements and valuations of its assets may be
reconstructed. Such duplicate copies or information shall be maintained at a
location other than where the Agent performs its normal duties hereunder so that
in the event the records established and maintained pursuant to the foregoing
provisions of this Section B are damaged or destroyed, the Agent shall be able
to provide the bookkeeping and accounting services and assistance specified in
this Section B.
(6) In the event any of the Agent's facilities or equipment
necessary for the performance of its duties hereunder is damaged, destroyed or
rendered inoperable by reason of fire, vandalism, riot, natural disaster or
otherwise, Agent will use its best efforts to restore all services hereunder to
the Fund and will not seek from the Fund additional compensation to repair or
replace damaged or destroyed facilities or equipment. The Agent shall also make
and maintain arrangements for emergency use of alternative facilities for use in
the event of the aforesaid destruction of or damage to its facilities.
C. Compensation of the Agent.
The Fund agrees to pay to the Agent for its services under
this Agreement, an amount payable on the first day of the month as shown on the
following table pertinent to the average daily net assets of the Fund during the
prior month:
Fund's Average Daily Net Assets for Monthly
the Month Fee
$ 0 - $ 10 million $ 0
$ 10 - $ 25 million $ 833
$ 25 - $ 50 million $ 1,667
$ 50 - $ 100 million $ 2,500
$100 - $ 200 million $ 3,333
$200 - $ 350 million $ 4,167
$350 - $ 550 million $ 5,000
$550 - $ 750 million $ 5,833
$750 - $ 1.0 billion $ 7,083
$1.0 billion and over $ 8,333
D. Right of Fund to Inspect; Ownership of Records.
The Fund will have the right under this Agreement to perform on-site
inspection of records and accounts, and audits directly pertaining to the Fund's
accounting and portfolio records maintained by the Agent hereunder at the
Agent's facilities. The Agent will cooperate with the Fund's independent
accountants or representatives of appropriate regulatory agencies and furnish
all reasonably requested records and data. Agent acknowledges that these records
are the property of the Fund, and that it will surrender to the Fund all such
records promptly on request.
E. Standard of Care; Indemnification.
The Agent will at all times exercise due diligence and good
faith in performing its duties hereunder. The Agent will make every reasonable
effort and take all reasonably available measures to assure the adequacy of its
personnel, facilities and equipment as well as the accurate performance of all
services to be performed by it hereunder within, at a minimum, the time
requirements of any applicable statutes, rules or regulations and in conformity
with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and representations made in
the Fund's current registration statement as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including any supplements to the prospectus(es) and
statement of additional information contained in such registration statement.
The Agent shall not be responsible for, and the Fund agrees to
indemnify the Agent for, any losses, damages or expenses (including reasonable
counsel fees and expenses): (i) resulting from any claim, demand, action or suit
not resulting from the Agent's failure to exercise good faith or due diligence
and arising out of or in connection with the Agent's duties on behalf of the
Fund hereunder; (ii) for any delay, error or omission by reason of circumstances
beyond its control, including acts of civil or military authority, national
emergencies, labor difficulties (except with respect to the Agent's employees),
fire, mechanical breakdown beyond its control, flood or catastrophe, acts of
God, insurrection, war, riots or failure beyond its control of transportation,
communication or power supply; or (iii) for any action taken or omitted to be
taken by the Agent in good faith in reliance on the accuracy of any information
provided to it by the Fund or its directors or in reliance on any advice of
counsel who may be internally employed counsel or outside counsel for the Fund
or advice of any independent accountant or expert employed by the Fund with
respect to the preparation and filing of any document with a governmental agency
or authority.
In order for the rights to indemnification to apply, it is
understood that if in any case the Fund may be asked to indemnify or hold the
Agent harmless, the Fund shall be advised of all pertinent facts concerning the
situation in question, and it is further understood that the Agent will use
reasonable care to identify and notify the Fund promptly concerning any
situation which presents or appears likely to present a claim for
indemnification against the Fund. The Fund shall have the option to defend the
Agent against any claim which may be the subject of this indemnification and, in
the event that the Fund so elects, it will so notify the Agent, and thereupon
the Fund shall take over complete defense of the claim, and the Agent shall
sustain no further legal or other expenses in such situation for which the Agent
shall seek indemnification under this paragraph. The Agent will in no case
confess any claim or make any compromise in any case in which the Fund will be
asked to indemnify the Agent except with the Fund's prior written consent.
F. Term of the Agreement; Taking Effect; Amendments.
This Agreement shall become effective at the start of business
on the date hereof and shall continue, unless terminated as hereinafter
provided, for a period of one (1) year and from year-to-year thereafter,
provided that such continuance shall be specifically approved as provided below.
This Agreement shall go into effect, or may be continued, or
may be amended, or a new agreement covering the same topics between the Fund and
the Agent may be entered into only if the terms of this Agreement, such
continuance, the terms of such amendment or the terms of such new agreement have
been approved by the Board of Directors of the Fund, including the vote of a
majority of the directors who are not "interested persons," as defined in the
Act, of either party to this Agreement, the agreement to be continued, amendment
or new agreement, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on such approval. Such a vote is hereinafter referred to as a "disinterested
director vote."
Any disinterested director's vote shall, in favor of
continuance, amendment or execution of a new agreement, include a determination
that: (i) the Agreement, amendment, new agreement or continuance in question is
in the best interests of the Fund and its shareholders; (ii) the services to be
performed under the Agreement, the Agreement as amended, new agreement or
agreement to be continued, are services required for the operation of the Fund;
(iii) the Agent can provide services, the nature and quality of which are at
least equal to those provided by others offering the same or similar services;
and (iv) the fees for such services are fair and reasonable in the light of the
usual and customary charges made by others for services of the same nature and
quality.
Nothing herein contained shall prevent any disinterested
director vote from being conditioned on the favorable vote of the holders of a
majority (as defined in or under the Act) of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund.
G. Termination.
(1) This Agreement may be terminated by the Agent at any time
without penalty upon giving the Fund at least one hundred twenty (120) days'
written notice (which notice may be waived by the Fund) and may be terminated by
the Fund at any time without penalty upon giving the Agent at least sixty (60)
days' written notice (which notice may be waived by the Agent), provided that
such termination by the Fund shall be directed or approved by the vote of a
majority of the Board of Directors of the Fund in office at the time or by the
vote of the holders of a majority (as defined in or under the Act) of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund.
(2) On termination, the Agent will deliver to the Fund or its
designee all files, documents and records of the Fund used, kept or maintained
by the Agent in the performance of its services hereunder, including such of the
Fund's records in machine readable form as may be maintained by the Agent, as
well as such summary and/or control data relating thereto used by or available
to the Agent.
(3) In addition, on such termination or in preparation
therefore at the request of the Fund and at the Fund's expense, the Agent shall
provide, to the extent that its capabilities then permit, such documentation,
personnel and equipment as may be reasonably necessary in order for a new agent
or the Fund to fully assume and commence to perform the agency functions
described in this Agreement with a minimum disruption to the Fund's activities.
(4) This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event
of its assignment, the term "assignment" for this purpose having the meaning
defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the Act and the rules and regulations thereunder
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed on the date and year first above written.
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Kristen A. Richards
-----------------------
Kristen A. Richards
Assistant Secretary
WADDELL & REED SERVICES COMPANY
By: /s/ Robert L. Hechler
---------------------
Robert L. Hechler, President
ATTEST:
By: /s/ Helge K. Lee
----------------
Helge K. Lee, Secretary
EX-99.B(i)sclegopn
October 1, 1999
United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
6300 Lamar Avenue
P. O. Box 29217
Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66201-9217
RE: United Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Dear Sir or Madam:
In connection with the public offering of shares of Capital Stock of United
Small Cap Fund, Inc. (the "Fund"), I have examined such corporate records and
documents and have made such further investigation and examination as I deemed
necessary for the purpose of this opinion.
It is my opinion that the indefinite number of shares of such Capital Stock
covered by the Fund's Registration Statement on Form N-1A, when issued and paid
for in accordance with the terms of the offering, as set forth in the Prospectus
and Statement of Additional Information forming a part of the Registration
Statement, will be, when such Registration shall have become effective, legally
issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Fund.
I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an Exhibit to the said
Registration Statement and to the reference to me in such Statement of
Additional Information.
Yours truly,
/s/Helge K. Lee
- ---------------
Helge K. Lee
General Counsel
HKL/fr
EX-99.B(j)-scconsnt
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
We consent to the use in this Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration
Statement No. 333-82447 of United Small Cap Fund, Inc. on Form N-1A of our
report dated September 15, 1999 appearing in the Statement of Additional
Information, which is part of such Registration Statement.
/s/Deloitte & Touche LLP
- ------------------------
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
September 30, 1999
EX-99.B(l)scinitcap
AGREEMENT
Waddell & Reed, Inc., in consideration of the issuance and sale to it by United
Small Cap Fund, Inc. (Fund) of 10,000 shares of the Fund's Class A common stock
for the total payment of $100,000.00, the receipt of which is acknowledged by
the Fund, hereby recognizes that said amount was paid to the Fund in order for
the Fund to comply with Section 14 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, and
agrees that it shall hold said shares for investment and not with a view toward
resale or requesting their redemption.
Dated this 3rd day of September, 1999.
WADDELL & REED, INC.
By /s/Robert L. Hechler
------------------------
Robert L. Hechler, President
Accepted:
UNITED SMALL CAP FUND, INC.
By /s/Helge K. Lee
- -------------------
Helge K. Lee, Vice President
