UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OFof
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.)
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2)
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
| [ X ] | Filed by the Registrant |
| [ ] | Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |
| Check the appropriate box: | |
| [ X ] | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
| [ ] | Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
| [ ] | Definitive Proxy Statement |
| [ ] | Definitive Additional Materials |
| [ ] | Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.
(Name
(Name of Registrant as Specified in itsIn Its Charter)
(Name
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement.,Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Registrant)
| Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): | ||
| [ X ] | No fee required. | |
| [ ] | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. | |
| (1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: | |
| (2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: | |
| (3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): | |
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| [ ] | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. | |
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| (4) | Date Filed: | |
August 18, 2017
Dear Shareholder:
Attached is calculated and state how it was determined):
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
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4) Date Filed:
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CONTENTS
1. Shareholder Message
2. Questions and Answers
3. Notice of Special Meeting
4.a Proxy Statement 5. Appendices
A: Definitions of Some Terms used in this Proxy
B: Eligible Votes of Each Fund
C: Shareholders owning over 5% of any Class
And Nominees owning over 1% of any Class
D: Audit Committee Charter
E: Officersthat contains an important proposal (the "Proposal") with respect to the Davis Financial Portfolio (the "Fund"), a series of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., the Adviser, and
the Sub-Adviser
F: New Advisory Agreements
G: New Sub-Advisory Agreements
H: Dates that the Existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements were
most recently submitted to shareholders.
I: Other Investment Companies which Davis Selected Advisers serves as
Investment Adviser
J: Proposed Fundamental Policies
K: Current Fundamental Policies for Each Fund
6. Form of Proxy Card
SHAREHOLDER MESSAGE
September 29, 2000
DEAR SHAREHOLDER:
A special meeting of shareholders of all Davis Funds will take place on
December 1, 2000, and we are asking for your participation.
You do not need to attend the meeting to participate. It is important that you
take
As a few minutes to read the enclosed material and vote your shares. You can
vote by telephone, by fax or by mailing the enclosed proxy voting card(s)shareholder in the postage-paid envelope.
EVERY DAVIS FUND HAS FOUR PROPOSALS UP FOR A VOTE. SHAREHOLDERS OF ALL FUNDS ARE
BEING ASKED TO:
1. Elect a boardFund as of directors;
2. Re-approve advisory agreements withAugust 16, 2017 ("the Record Date"), you are entitled to vote on the Proposal.
The Board of Directors of the Fund (the "Board") as well as management of Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., and its
subsidiary Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.;
3. Approve proposalsrecommend that are intended to helpyou vote "FOR" the funds increase their
management efficiency by granting them additional investment flexibility;
and
4. Ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as independent accountantsProposal. A summary of the funds.
NONE OF THESE PROPOSALS WILL INCREASE FEES OR CHANGE THE PORTFOLIO MANAGER(S)
FOR YOUR INVESTMENT(S).
The directors and I believe these proposals areBoard's considerations in approving the Proposal, as well as other important information, is provided in the best interests ofProxy Statement. Please read the shareholders,Proxy Statement and we recommend a vote FOR each of them.
No matter how many shares you own,consider it carefully before casting your vote is important. A proxy solicitor,
D.F. King & Co., has been retained to make follow-up phone calls as may be
necessary on behalf of the funds. Butvoting instruction.
We appreciate your participation and prompt response will help reduce
proxy costsin this matter and will also mean that you can avoid receiving follow-up phone
calls or mailings.
All of us thank you for your attention to this important matter.
continued support.
Sincerely,
Shelby M.C.
Thomas Gayner
Chairman
Davis Founder and Senior Research Adviser
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE PROPOSALS
WHAT ARE SHAREHOLDERS VOTING ON?Funds
Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders
of the Davis Financial Portfolio
Scheduled for October 18, 2017
Dear Shareholder:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special meeting ("Meeting") of shareholders of the Davis Financial Portfolio (the "Fund"), a series of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc. is asking shareholders to vote on four
proposals:
1. TO ELECT DIRECTORS. Shareholders of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.scheduled for October 18, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., are
being asked to elect or re-elect directors. Eight ofat the 11 directors are
independent of the investment adviser.
2. TO RE-APPROVE ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS. Shareholders of each
series of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., are being asked to re-approve
the advisory and sub-advisory agreements with Davis Selected Advisers,
L.P., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.
The agreements are not being changed, fees are not being increased, and the
same portfolio managers will be managing your investments.
3. TO CONSIDER AMENDING EACH FUND'S FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES. The main
reason for these proposed changes is to allow the Funds a greater degree of
investment flexibility.
4. TO RATIFY DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.
Shareholders are being asked to ratify the directors' appointment of KPMG
LLP as independent accountants.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSALS
The following tells you more about the proposals and explains the main reasons
that the directors believe the proposals are in the best interests of
shareholders.
WHAT ROLE DO THE DIRECTORS PLAY (PROPOSAL 1)?
The Board of Directors is responsible for protecting the interests of Davis
Variable Account Fund, Inc.'s shareholders. The Directors meet regularly to
review each Fund's activities, contractual arrangements and performance.
Directors are fiduciaries and have an obligation to serve the best interests of
shareholders, including approving policy changes such as those proposed in the
proxy statement. In addition, the Directors review Fund performance, oversee
Fund activities and review contractual arrangements with companies that provide
services to the Funds.
WHY ARE SHAREHOLDERS BEING ASKED TO APPROVE ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS
(PROPOSAL 2)?
Currently Venture Advisers, Inc. (an entity controlled by Shelby M.C. Davis), as
general partner, controls Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., which provides
investment advice and administrative services to each of the Funds. On December
31, 2000, Venture Advisers, Inc., proposes to transfer controloffices of Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., at 3601 E. Britannia, Tucson, Arizona, 85706. You are cordially invited to Davis Investments, LLC (an entity controlled by Christopher
C. Davis, son of Shelby M.C. Davis), which will becomeattend the new general partner
of Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. This will be accomplished thoughMeeting.
The Meeting is being held to act on the sale of
100 general partnership units from Venture Advisers, Inc.,following proposal ("Proposal") with respect to Davis Investments,
LLC. Venture Advisers, Inc., will continue to own approximately 44% of Davis
Selected Advisers, L.P. The 1940 Act requires that directors and shareholders be
asked to approve all advisory and sub-advisory agreements after a change in
control suchthe Fund, as this.
Neither the advisory nor the sub-advisory agreements are being changed, no new
fees are being added and no fees are being increased. The same portfolio
managers will continue to manage your investments. Shelby M.C. Davis will
continue as Founder and Senior Research Adviser asfurther described in the current
prospectus.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE PROPOSED CHANGES IN FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
(PROPOSAL 3)?
The Boardenclosed Proxy Statement:
| 1. | To change the classification of the Fund from a "diversified" company to a "non-diversified" company. |
| 2. | To transact such other business that may properly come before the Meeting, including any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, in the discretion of the proxies or their substitutes. |
Shareholders of Directors believes the proposed changes in investment policies will
benefit shareholders by allowing the Fund's portfolio managers to adapt more
quickly to future changes in investment opportunities.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS (PROPOSAL 4)?
The independent accountants act as Davis Variable Account Fund's auditors. They
review the Fund's annual financial statements and provide other audit and
tax-related services to the Fund.
HAVE THE DIRECTORS APPROVED EACH PROPOSAL?
Yes. The Directors have unanimously approved all of the proposals and recommend
that you vote to approve them.
HOW TO VOTE YOUR SHARES
Voting your shares is easy and will only take a few minutes. You may use any of
the following options:
o BY FAX: Sign and date the proxy card. Fax both sides of the proxy card to
1-781-575-3957.
o BY MAIL: Mark your votes on the enclosed proxy card(s), sign your name
exactly as it appears on your latest account statement. Be sure to date,
and mail your vote using the postage-paid envelope provided.
o BY PHONE: You may contact a D.F. King Representative and vote your shares
over the phone by calling 1-800-290-6424.
REMEMBER: If you vote by fax or phone, you should not mail in your proxy
card(s).
ALSO NOTE: Regardless of the method of your vote, please make sure you vote all
the enclosed proxy card(s).
The information on these pages is only a summary. Before you vote, please read
the following proxy statement.
It's important to vote as soon as you can.
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
TO ALL SHAREHOLDERS OF DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.: Notice is hereby given
that a special meeting of shareholders of Davis Value Portfolio, Davis Financial
Portfolio, and Davis Real Estate Portfolio will be held at 3480 East Britannia
Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85706, on December 1, 2000, beginning at 11 a.m. Pacific
Time for the following purposes:
1. To elect directors to hold office until their successors are duly elected
and qualified;
2. To re-approve the advisory and sub-advisory agreements with Davis Selected
Advisers, L.P., and its wholly owned subsidiary, Davis Selected Advisers -
NY, Inc.;
3. To amend each Fund's fundamental investment policies; and
4. To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as independent accountants.
The close of business on September 8, 2000, was fixed as the record date for
determining which shareholders are entitled to notice of the meeting and any
adjournments thereof and are entitled to vote.
By order of the Board of Directors,
THOMAS TAYS
Secretary
September 29, 2000
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PROXY STATEMENT
PROXY STATEMENT FOR SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF THE FUNDS TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 1, 2000
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
2949 EAST ELVIRA ROAD, SUITE 101
TUCSON, ARIZONA 85706
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INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This proxy statement is being furnished to shareholders of Davis Value
Portfolio, Davis Financial Portfolio and Davis Real Estate Portfolio, authorized
series of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by and on behalf of the Board of Directors for use at each Fund's
meeting. The meetings will be held at 3480 East Britannia Drive, Tucson, Arizona
85706, on December 1, 2000, beginning at 11 a.m. Pacific Time. This proxy
statement is first being mailed to shareholders on or about September 29, 2000.
Appendix A defines some of the terms used in this proxy.
WHO MAY VOTE
The Board of Directors has fixed the record date as of the close of business on
September 8, 2000. Only holders of shares of the Funds at the close of business on the record dateAugust 16, 2017, ("Record Date") are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meetings.
Meeting, including any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.
Please read the enclosed Proxy Statement carefully for information about the Proposal to be considered at the Meeting.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Meeting, please vote by mail, telephone or Internet. You may vote by mail by completing, signing, and returning the enclosed voting instruction. If you vote by mail, your voting instruction must be received at the address shown on the enclosed postage paid envelope to be counted. We encourage you to vote telephonically by calling XX or via the Internet by logging onto XX and following the online instructions. Whether voting by mail, telephone or Internet, voting instructions must be received by XX a.m. Eastern Time on XX, 2017, to be counted.
The Funds' sharesBoard of Directors of the Fund unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" the Proposal.
Please respond — your vote is important.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Ryan Charles
Secretary
Davis Funds
Proxy Statement
Table of Contents
XX
PROXY STATEMENT
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
DAVIS FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO
August 18, 2017
Toll-Free: 1‑800‑279‑0279
2949 E. Elvira Rd. Suite 101
Tucson, AZ 85756
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To be Held on October 18, 2017, at 8:00 a.m. Mountain Time.
Who is asking for my vote?
The Board of Directors (the "Board" or the "Directors") of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc. (a series including Davis Financial Portfolio) is sending this Proxy Statement, the attached Notice of Shareholder Meeting, and the enclosed Proxy Ballot on or about XX, 2017, to you and all other Davis Financial Portfolio (hereafter the "Fund") shareholders. This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board to be voted at a meeting of shareholders of the Fund (the "Shareholder Meeting") and any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.
The words "you" and "your" are not offered directlyused in this Proxy Statement to refer to the public, but are sold
exclusively to insurance companies as a pooled funding vehicle for variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by separate accounts of the
insurance companies. Legally, the insurance companies ownperson or entity who owns the shares and willwho accordingly has voting rights in connection with the shares.
What is the Proposal and who can vote them. on the Proposal?
The Proposal to be considered is whether to change the Fund from being classified as a diversified investment company to being classified as a non-diversified investment company.
Why did you send me this booklet?
This booklet is a Proxy is solicitingStatement. It provides you with information you should review before voting instructions from investorson the matter listed above. You are receiving these proxy materials—a booklet that includes the Proxy Statement and one Proxy Ballot—because you have the right to vote on this important Proposal concerning your investment in the insurance companies' separate accounts.Fund.
Davis Funds may utilize alternative means for delivering proxy materials. All materials including this Proxy Statement are available free of charge on the internet. Please visit www.davisfunds.com. The holdermaterial shall remain available at this website through the conclusion of each full sharethe Shareholder Meeting.
Who is eligible to vote?
Shareholders who owned shares of athe Fund outstanding as ofat the close of business on August 16, 2017, (the "Record Date") are eligible to vote. Appendix 1 includes a table that lists the record dateoutstanding shares as of the Record Date. A Shareholder is entitled to one vote for each dollar of net asset value of the Fund owned on the Record Date.
To the best of Davis Funds' knowledge, as of the Record Date, no person or "group" (as the term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and each fractional sharethe rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and exemptions granted therefrom, both as amended from time to time (the "Exchange Act")) owned beneficially more than 5% of the Fund, except as listed in Appendix 2. To the best of Davis Funds' knowledge, as of the Record Date, the officers and Directors of the Davis Funds beneficially owned, as a group, less than 1% of the Fund.
How many votes may a shareholder cast?
A Shareholder is entitled to a proportionate share of one vote uponfor each matter properly submitted todollar of net asset value of the meetings. Appendix B showsFund owned on the eligible
votes of each Fund. "Eligible Vote" is defined in Appendix A.
HOW TO VOTE
Shareholders are requested torecord date.
How do I vote?
You may vote by facsimile, phoneyour shares via the Internet or by returningtelephone, mail, or attending the enclosed proxy cards. Voting by facsimile costsShareholder Meeting in person. To vote via the Fund less than if you voteInternet (24 hours a day) or by telephone (24 hours a day), please visit the website or mail. Depending oncall the number of Funds in
1
whichon your proxy card(s) and follow the instructions. When voting via the Internet or by telephone you are a shareholder andwill be required to enter the number of accounts you have, you may receive
more than oneidentifying numbers that appear on your proxy card.
If youcard(s).
You can vote by mail complete, date, signby completing, signing, and promptly returndating the enclosed proxy card(s) and mailing it in the enclosed postage paid envelope. Proxy cards that are signed and dated, but not completed will be voted "FOR" the proposal.
If you need assistance, or have any questions regarding the proposal or how to vote your shares, please call Davis Funds' Investor Services at 1‑800‑279‑0279.
You can help reduce shareholder costs by voting promptly. Your vote is important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Please read the enclosed material and vote your shares.
The persons named in the accompanying envelope. If you properly executeproxy will vote as directed by the proxy, but in the absence of voting directions in any proxy that is signed and return your
proxy cards priorreturned, they intend to vote "FOR" the Proposal and may vote in their discretion with respect to other matters not now known to the meeting,Board that may be presented at the Shareholder Meeting.
Shares of the Portfolios of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc. are sold to Separate Accounts and are used as investment options under Variable Contracts. Variable Contract Holders who select the Portfolio for investment through a Variable Contract have a beneficial interest in the Portfolio, but do not invest directly in or hold shares of the Portfolio. An insurance company that uses the Portfolio as a funding vehicle is, in most cases, the legal shareholder of the Portfolio and, as such, has sole voting power with respect to the shares, but generally will pass through any voting rights to Variable Contract Holders. Therefore, for Separate Accounts that are registered with the SEC, an insurance company will request voting instructions from the Variable Contract Holder and will vote shares or other interests in the Separate Account as directed by the Variable Contract Holder. In the event that any Variable Contract Holders fail to provide voting instructions with respect to Separate Accounts registered with the SEC, the insurance company will vote yourthe shares attributable to those Variable Contract Holders for, against, or abstain in accordancethe same proportion as the shares for which voting instructions were received from Variable Contract Holders investing through the same Separate Account, even if only a small number of Variable Contract Holders provide voting instructions. The effect of proportional voting is that if a large number of Variable Contract Holders fail to give voting instructions, a small number of Variable Contract Holders may determine the outcome of the vote.
Variable Contract Holders are permitted to give instructions to an insurance company and the number of shares for which such instructions may be given for purposes of voting at the Shareholder Meeting, and any adjournment or postponement thereof, have been determined as of the Record Date. In connection with the solicitation of such instructions markedfrom Variable Contract Holders, it is expected that the respective insurance companies will furnish a copy of this Proxy Statement to Variable Contract Holders.
If a shareholder wishes to participate in the Shareholder Meeting, he or she may submit the Voting Instructions Card originally sent with the Proxy Statement or attend the Shareholder Meeting in person. All persons entitled to direct the voting of shares, whether they are Variable Contract Holders, insurance companies, trustees, Qualified Plans or Plan Participants are described as shareholders for purposes of this Proxy Statement. Shareholders can vote by completing, signing and returning the enclosed Voting Instructions Card promptly in the enclosed envelope, through telephone touch-tone voting, via Internet voting, or by attending the Shareholder Meeting in person and voting. To vote by telephone or Internet, follow the voting instructions outlined on your Voting Instructions Card. These options require shareholders to input a control number, which is located on your Voting Instructions Card. After entering this number, shareholders will be prompted to provide their voting instructions on the proxy cards. If noProposal. Shareholders will have the opportunity to review their voting instructions are markedand make any necessary changes before submitting their voting instructions and terminating their telephone call or Internet link. Shareholders who vote on the Internet, in addition to confirming their voting instructions prior to submission, may also request an e-mail confirming their instructions. Joint owners must each sign the Voting Instructions Card.
If a shareholder wishes to participate in the Shareholder Meeting, but does not wish to give a proxy cards,by telephone or Internet, the proxiesshareholder may still submit by mail the Voting Instructions Card sent with the Proxy Statement or attend the Shareholder Meeting in person.
When and where will the Shareholder Meeting be held?
The Shareholder Meeting will be voted FORheld at 3601 E. Britannia Dr., Tucson, Arizona 85706, on October 18, 2017, at 8:00 a.m., Mountain time, and, if the proposals
described in this proxy statement.
The Directors do not intendShareholder Meeting is adjourned or postponed, at any adjournment or postponement of that Meeting. Photographic identification will be required for admission to present any other business at the Shareholder Meeting. If however, any other matters are properly brought beforeyou expect to attend the Shareholder Meeting the persons
named in the accompanying form ofperson, please notify Davis Funds by calling 1‑800‑279‑0279.
Can I revoke my proxy willafter I vote thereon in accordance with
their judgment. If you object to our voting other matters on your behalf, please
tell us so in writing before the meeting.
Youit?
A shareholder may revoke yourthe accompanying proxy at any time prior to its exerciseuse by votingfiling with Davis Funds a written revocation or duly executed Proxy Ballot bearing a later date. In addition, any shareholder who attends the Shareholder Meeting in person may vote by ballot at the meetingShareholder Meeting, thereby canceling any proxy previously given.
Who pays for this proxy solicitation?
The Board of Davis Funds have determined that the expenses associated with obtaining shareholder approval including printing and mailing of the Proxy Statement, vote tabulation, legal fees and solicitation of proxies, are appropriate expenses of the Fund. Davis Funds estimates that the costs will average between XX and XX per shareholder account. Broadridge is not affiliated with Davis Funds or Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (the "Adviser" or "Davis Advisors") and has been hired by the Fund to mail and solicit proxies from brokers, banks, other institutional holders and individual shareholders at an estimated average cost of approximately XX to XX per shareholder account.
The Fund expects that the solicitation will be primarily by mail, but may also include telephone, facsimile, electronic or other means of communication. If the Fund does not receive your proxy by a certain time you may receive a telephone call from the proxy soliciting agent asking you to vote. The Fund does not reimburse Directors and officers of the Fund, or regular employees and agents of Davis Advisors involved in the solicitation of proxies.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on October 18, 2017.
The Proxy Statement is available on the Internet at XX Copies of Davis Financial Portfolio's Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, and Davis Financial Portfolio's Semi-Annual Report were previously mailed to shareholders and are available upon request, without charge, by writing to: Davis Funds, 2949 E. Elvira Rd. Suite 101, Tucson, Arizona, 85756, Attention: Literature Fulfillment, or by submitting, beforecalling 1‑800‑279‑0279. This Proxy Statement should be read in conjunction with the meeting, written noticeAnnual and Semi-Annual Reports.
How does the Board recommend that I vote?
The Board recommends that shareholders vote "FOR" the Proposal described in this Proxy Statement.
PROPOSAL 1
CHANGE IN DIVERSIFICATION POLICY
What is the Proposal?
The Board, including all those members who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the Investment Company Act of revocation1940 (the "1940 Act")), has unanimously approved, and recommends that shareholders of the Fund approve, changing the classification of the Fund from a "diversified" fund to a "non-diversified" fund, as such terms are defined in the 1940 Act.
Section 13(a)(1) of the 1940 Act provides that shareholder approval is required for a fund to change its classification from diversified to non-diversified. If shareholders approve the proposal, the Fund would become classified as "non-diversified" under the 1940 Act and in this connection its fundamental investment restriction concerning diversification, set forth below, would be eliminated. Generally, a fund that is non-diversified may invest a higher percentage of its assets in a smaller number of companies and in any one issuer, and may have more risks than a diversified fund, as described below.
| Current Fundamental Restriction | Proposed Fundamental Restriction |
§Diversification. The Fund may not make any investment that is inconsistent with its classification as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act. Further Explanation of Diversification Policy. To remain classified as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund must conform with the following: With respect to 75% of its total assets, a diversified investment company may not invest more than 5% of its total assets, determined at market or other fair value at the time of purchase, in the securities of any one issuer, or invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer, determined at the time of purchase. These limitations do not apply to investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities. | §The Fund is not required to diversify its investments. Further Explanation of Diversification Policy. The Fund is classified as non-diversified under the 1940 Act. The Fund intends to remain classified as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. This requires the Fund to conform to the following: at the end of each quarter of the taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets must be represented by: cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment companies and "other securities." For this purpose, "other securities" does not include investments in the securities of any one issuer representing more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets or more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities. |
As a general matter, the Board believes that changing the Fund from a diversified fund to a non-diversified fund may give the Investment Manager more flexibility in implementing the Fund's investment strategy. The change will allow the Investment Manager to focus the Fund's investments in fewer securities that it believes may assist the Fund in pursuing its investment objective, although the Investment Manager's investment choices represent its subjective determinations and it may not accurately assess the investment prospects of a particular security.
Risks. Shareholder approval of the proposal would enable the Fund to operate as a non-diversified fund, which means that the Fund would not be limited by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the obligations of a single issuer. As a result, the Fund may hold a smaller number of issuers than if it were diversified. Investing in a non-diversified fund could involve more risk than investing in a fund that holds a broader range of securities because the Fund's net asset value may be more vulnerable to changes in the market value of a single issuer or group of issuers and may be relatively more susceptible to adverse effects from any single corporate, industry, economic, market, political or regulatory occurrence.
The Board believes that the increased investment flexibility may provide opportunities, however, to enhance the Fund's performance over longer periods of time, although investing a later-dated proxy.
QUORUM AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS
Eachlarger percentage of the Fund's assets in any one issuer could increase the Fund's risk of loss and its share price volatility, because the value of their shares would be more susceptible to adverse events affecting that issuer. If the Fund will vote on all four proposals. In ordertakes a larger position in an issuer that subsequently has an adverse return, the Fund may have a greater loss than it would have had if they had more diversified investments. The Investment Manager would use this increased investment flexibility for the Fund to take action on any
proposal (or elementlarger positions in the securities of a proposal),single issuer when it believes the investment opportunity may justify the risks involved.
If shareholders approve this proposal, the Fund may operate as non-diversified or they may not, depending on the investment opportunities available to the Fund at that point in time. The flexibility to take larger positions in the securities of a "quorum" orsingle issuer may not be used immediately upon shareholder approval, and may be implemented over time depending on market conditions. The Investment Manager intends to operate the Fund as non-diversified when it believes it would be in shareholders' best interests to do so. If the Investment Manager does not operate the Fund as non-diversified within three years of shareholder approval, 1940 Act rules will require the Fund to again seek shareholder approval to reserve the freedom to operate as non-diversified. If the Fund's shareholders approve this proposal, its current fundamental investment restriction concerning diversification set forth above, nevertheless would be eliminated.
The Fund's current intention, however, is to continue to qualify as a majorityregulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") and subject to its diversification rules. These rules provide that, to maintain favorable tax treatment, the Fund must invest at least 50% of its total assets so that no more than 5% of the votes
entitledtotal assets are invested in the securities of any single issuer, and so that it holds no more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any single issuer. With respect to be cast on that proposalthe remaining 50% of its total assets, the Fund is limited to investing a maximum of 25% in the securities of a single issuer. These limits apply only as of the end of each quarter of the Fund's fiscal year, so the Fund may actually have a higher concentration in an issuer during periods between the ends of their fiscal quarters. Like the 1940 Act limits, the Code limits do not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or repurchase agreements collateralized by any of such obligations.
What is the required vote?
Fifty percent (50%) of all outstanding shares of the Fund must be represented in person or by proxy.
The insurance companies will voteproxy at the shares that they own in separate accounts
in accordance with shareholder voting instructions. If some shareholders do not
vote, the insurance companies will- vote their shares in the same proportion as
instructions which the insurance companies receive from shareholders who do
provide voting instructions, sometimes referredShareholder Meeting to as "echo voting."
PROPOSAL 1:
The eleven (11) nomineesconstitute a quorum. In order for the board of directors who receive the highest
number of votes will be elected directors. Davis Value Portfolio, Davis
Financial Portfolio and Davis Real Estate Portfolio are authorized series of a
single corporation, Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., and together will elect a
single board of directors.
PROPOSAL 2:
The New Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements with Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.,
and its wholly owned subsidiary, Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., requires
approval of a majority of eligible votes of each Fund as defined by the 1940
Act. A majority of eligible votes of a Fund is the affirmative vote ofproposal to pass, the lesser of (i) 67% of such votes if the holders of more than 50%either sixty-seven percent (67%) of the total
eligible votesvoted shares must be in favor or fifty percent (50%) of the Fund are represented at the meeting, or (ii) more than 50%outstanding shares must be in favor of the total eligible votes of the Fund.
PROPOSAL 3:
The amendment of each fundamental investment policy for each Fund requires the
favorable vote of a majority of the eligible vote of a Fund as defined by the
1940 Act (see description of vote under Proposal 2 above).
PROPOSAL 4:
To ratify the selection of KPMG LLP as independent accountants, the proposal
must receive the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes
represented at the meeting.
2
OTHER VOTING-RELATED ISSUES
proposal.
If a quorum is not present at a meeting, or if sufficient votes to approve a
proposal are not received,the Shareholder Meeting, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of such meetingthe Shareholder Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies. Any adjournment(s) of a meetingadjournment will require the approvalaffirmative vote of a majority of the votes
of the Fundsthose shares represented at the meeting.
A shareholderShareholder Meeting in person or by proxy. The persons named as proxies will vote mayin favor of such adjournment those proxies which they are entitled to vote in favor of any Proposal that has not been adopted, will vote against any adjournments those proxies required to be takenvoted against any Proposal that has not been adopted, and will not vote any proxies that direct them to abstain from voting on any other matter to come properlysuch Proposals.
The Fund expects that, before the meeting prior to such adjournment(s) if sufficient votes to approve such matters
have beenShareholder Meeting, broker-dealer firms holding shares of the Fund in "street name" for their customers will request voting instructions from their customers and beneficial owners. If these instructions are not received and suchby the date specified in the broker-dealer firms' proxy solicitation materials, the Fund understands that the broker-dealers that are members of the New York Stock Exchange may vote is otherwise appropriate. The Board of
Directors does not presently know of any matteron the items to be considered at the meeting
other thanShareholder Meeting on behalf of their customers and beneficial owners under the matters describedrules of the New York Stock Exchange. Certain broker-dealers may exercise discretion over shares held in their name for which no instructions are received by voting these shares in the Noticesame proportion as they vote shares for which they received instructions.
If a shareholder abstains from voting as to any matter, or if a broker returns a "non-vote" proxy, indicating a lack of Special Meeting accompanying
this proxy statement.
Abstentionsauthority to vote on a matter, then the shares represented by such abstention or non-vote will be counted asconsidered to be present at the Shareholder Meeting for purposes of determining the presenceexistence of a quorum but will have no effect on the election of directors (Proposal 1)
and will not be counted as votes FOR Proposals 2 through 4. Accordingly,
abstentions will have the effect of a vote AGAINST Proposals 2 through 4.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
Each Fund"AGAINST" for the Proposal.
GENERAL INFORMATION
What happens to my proxy once I vote it?
The Board has retained D.F. King & Co., Inc., a proxy solicitation firm,named Ryan Charles and Sharra Haynes as proxies for the Fund. If you follow the instructions when you vote, your proxies will vote your shares as you have directed. If you submit your Proxy Ballot but do not vote on any Proposal, your proxies will vote on each Proposal as recommended by the Board.
There are multiple shareholders sharing the same address. Why did we only receive one document?
In order to assist in the solicitation of proxies. The cost of these services will depend
upon the amount and types of services rendered. The Adviser has agreed to pay
75% of the expenses of holding the special meeting of shareholders, including
solicitation of proxies and the Funds will pay 25% of the expenses. Each Fund
will bear its pro rata share of costs of solicitation and expenses incurred in
connection with preparing this proxy statement, includingreduce the cost of retaining
athe proxy, solicitation firm. The Adviser and theDavis Funds will also reimburse certain
parties for their expenses in forwardinghas decided to utilize householding. This means that only one proxy materialsstatement or Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, as applicable, is being delivered to beneficial owners of
Fund shares.
In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, officers ofmultiple security holders sharing an address unless Davis Variable
Account Fund, Inc., andFunds has received contrary instructions from one or more of the Adviser may also solicitsecurity holders.
If you have received only one copy of any of these documents and you would like to receive a separate copy or if you currently received multiple copies and would like to only receive one copy in the future, please contact Davis Funds by either calling 1‑800‑279‑0279 or writing Investor Services at the address above.
What if a Proposal that is not in the Proxy Statement comes up at the Shareholder Meeting?
If any other matter is properly presented, your proxies electronically,
by telephone, by fax,will vote in accordance with their best judgment. At the time this Proxy Statement was printed, the Board knew of no matter that needed to be acted on at the Shareholder Meeting other than the Proposal discussed in this Proxy Statement.
I want to attend the Shareholder Meeting and vote in person. How do I do this?
The Shareholder Meeting will be held at 3601 E Britannia, Tucson, AZ 85706. If you attend the Shareholder Meeting and wish to vote in person, or by other means.
Additional information about the Funds and their operations mayyou will be found
throughout the proxy statement.
SHAREHOLDER REPORTS
Each Fund will furnish, without charge,given a copy of its most recent Annual Report
and Semiannual Report, to any shareholder upon request. Shareholders desiring a
copy of such reports should direct all written requests to the Davis Funds, P.O.
Box 8406, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8406, or should call Davis Funds at
1-800-279-0279.
SUBMISSION OF SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., is not required to hold annual shareholders'
meetings and does not intend to do so.
(sidebar)
IMPORTANT SERVICE PROVIDERS
- ---------------------------
ADVISER. Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.
SUB-ADVISER. Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER. Davis Distributors, LLC
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS. KPMG LLC
COUNSEL. D'Ancona & Pflaum
CUSTODIAN. State Street Bank
TRANSFER AGENT. Boston Financial Data Services
The address for Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.,
and Davis Distributors, LLC, is: 2949 East Elvira
Road, Suite 101, Tucson, Arizona 85706. The
address for Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., is:
609 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10017.
(end sidebar)
3
Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., may hold special meetings as required or as
deemed desirable by its Board of Directors for other purposes, such as changing
fundamental policies, electing or removing directors, or approving or amending
an investment advisory agreement. In addition, special shareholder meetings may
be called for upon the written request of shareholders having at least 25% of
the eligible votes that could be castballot at the meeting. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusionHowever, if your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank, or other nominee, you must bring a proxy statement for
a future shareholder meeting should send their written submissions to Davis
Variable Account Fund, Inc., at 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson,
Arizona 85706.
Proposals must be received a reasonable time in advance of a proxy solicitation
to be included. Submission of a proposal does not guarantee inclusion in a proxy
statement becauseletter from the proposal must comply with certain federal securities
regulations.
NOTICE TO BANKS, BROKERS-DEALERS AND VOTING TRUSTEES AND THEIR NOMINEES WHO HOLD
SHARES OF INSURANCE COMPANY SEPARATE ACCOUNTS OWNING SHARES OF THE FUNDS
Please advise Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., in writing whether other
personsnominee indicating that you are the beneficial ownersowner of the shares for which proxies are being
solicitedon the Record Date and if so,authorizing you to vote. If you expect to attend the number of copies of the proxy statements, other
soliciting material and Annual Reports (or Semiannual Reports) you wish to
receive in order to supply copies to the beneficial owners of shares. Write in
care of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 8406, Boston, Massachusetts
02266-8406.
4
PROPOSAL 1:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
It is proposed that shareholders of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., elect 11
nominees to serve as directors, each to hold office until a successor is elected
and qualified. All 11 of the nominees currently serve as directors and it is
proposed that they be reelected. The persons named in the accompanying proxies
intend to vote for the election of the persons listed below unless shareholders
indicate on their proxy cards their desire to withhold authority to vote for
election to office.
Each nominee has consented to being named in this proxy statement and has agreed
to serve as a director if elected. The Board of Directors does not know of any
reason why any nominee would be unable or unwilling to serve as a director, but
if any nominee should become unable to serve prior to the meeting, the proxy
holders reserve the right to vote for another person of their choice as nominee
or nominees. Appendix C lists all shareholders that owned 5% or more of a Fund
and any nominees who owned more than 1% in any Fund. Davis Variable Account
Fund, Inc., has no knowledge as to whether any nominee has the right to acquire
beneficial ownership of shares of any Fund.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOMINEES
This table shows basic information about each nominee. Each nominee currently
serves as a Director of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc. For purposes of their
duties as directors, the address of each individual listed below is 2949 East
Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson, Arizona 85706. Eight of the 11 nominees are
Independent Directors (that is, they are not "interested persons" as defined in
the 1940 Act). The interested directors are indicated by footnote below.
(1) Jeremy H. Biggs, Jr., is an indirect owner of the Adviser and Principal
Underwriter and an "interested person" of the Funds as defined in the 1940
Act.
(2) Andrew A. Davis and Christopher C. Davis are both owners and officers of
the Adviser and indirect owners of the Principal Underwriter and
"interested persons" of the Funds as defined in the 1940 Act.
DIRECTOR ACTIVITIES AND COMPENSATION
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES. Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., was formed in June
1999. The Board of Directors met three timesShareholder Meeting in person, during calendar year 1999
and have met in person three times through September 2000 with a total of four
in-person meetings scheduled in the year 2000. In each year, each Director
attended at least 75% of those meetings.please notify Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., has an Audit Committee, which is comprised
entirely of Independent Directors (Marc P. Blum, Chair; Marsha Williams, Vice
Chair; Wesley E. Bass, Jr., D. James Guzy, Laurence W. Levine and Christian R.
Sonne). The Audit Committee reviews financial statements and other audit-related
matters for all the Funds. The Audit Committee also holds discussions with
management and with the Independent Accountants concerning the scope of the
audit and the Auditor's independence. The Audit Committee meets at least
quarterly and, if necessary, more frequently. The Audit Committee met three
times during 1999, and each member attended at least 75% of those meetings. The
Audit Committee has a written charter, attached as Appendix D.
Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., also has a Nominating Committee, which is
comprised entirely of Independent Directors (Jerry D. Geist, Chair; Marc P.
Blum, D. James Guzy, G. Bernard Hamilton and Christian R. Sonne), which meets as
often as deemed appropriate by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating
Committee met once during 1999. The Nominating Committee reviews and nominates
persons to serve as members of the Board of Directors, reviews and makes
recommendations concerning the
7
compensation of the Independent Directors and the chair of the Nominating
Committee also serves as the Lead Independent Director. The Nominating Committee
does not ordinarily consider nominees recommended by shareholders. However,
shareholders may propose nominees by writing to the Nominating Committee, in
care of the secretary of the Funds, at 2949 East Elvira, Suite 101, Tucson,
Arizona 85706.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS AND OTHERS. Directors and officers of the
Funds who are also "interested persons" of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.,
receive no compensation from the Funds. Officers of the Funds receive no
compensation from the Funds. Each Independent Director currently receives an
aggregate quarterly fee of $9,450 from Davis New York Venture Fund, Inc., Davis
Series, Inc., and Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., and an additional aggregate
of $4,050 from the same Funds for each regular meeting of the Board of
Directors. Also, each is reimbursed for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.
Each Fund pays a proportional portion of the fees depending upon their relative
net assets. The Chairman of the Audit Committee also receives an additional $900
per meeting. The Vice Chairman of the Audit Committee also receives an
additional $450 per meeting. The compensation paid to each Director is shown in
the table below.
The Funds have no bonus, pension, profit sharing or retirement plans.
AGGREGATE COMPENSATION
NAME/POSITION DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE
FUND, INC.* FUND COMPLEX(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WESLEY E. BASS, JR. $330 $61,600
Director
JEREMY H. BIGGS $0.00 $0.00
Director
MARC P. BLUM $310 $59,800
Director
ANDREW A. DAVIS $0.00 $0.00
Director
CHRISTOPHER C. DAVIS $0.00 $0.00
Director
JERRY D. GEIST $300 $58,000
Director
D. JAMES GUZY $255 $53,650
Director
G. BERNARD HAMILTON $300 $63,000
Director
LAURENCE W. LEVINE $300 $58,000
Director
CHRISTIAN R. SONNE $300 $58,000
Director
8
NAME/POSITION DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT TOTAL COMPENSATION FROM THE
FUND, INC.* FUND COMPLEX(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARSHA WILLIAMS $255 $77,150
Director
* Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., includes Davis Value Portfolio, Davis
Financial Portfolio and Davis Real Estate Portfolio. Amounts are for the
period of July 1, 1999, through December 31, 1999.
(1) Amounts are for the calendar year ended December 31, 1999.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR each nominee.
9
PROPOSAL 2:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO APPROVE OF THE NEW ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS WITH DAVIS SELECTED
ADVISERS, L.P., AND ITS WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY, DAVIS SELECTED ADVISERS - NY,
INC.
The Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, has approved and
recommends that shareholders of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., approve the
New Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements with Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.
("Adviser"), and its wholly owned subsidiary, Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.
("Sub-Adviser"). The agreements are not being materially changed, fees are not
being increased, and the same portfolio managers will continue managing your
investments.
PROPOSED CHANGE IN CONTROL. Currently Venture Advisers, Inc. (an entity
controlled by Shelby M.C. Davis), as general partner, controls the Adviser that
provides investment advice and administrative services to each of the Funds.
Venture Advisers, Inc., proposes to transfer control of the Adviser to Davis
Investments, LLC, on December 31, 2000. Davis Investments, LLC, is controlled by
Christopher C. Davis, son of Shelby M.C. Davis. Davis Investments, LLC, will
become the new general partner of the Adviser. Venture Advisers, Inc., and Davis
Investments, LLC, both have the same business address as the Adviser. Shelby
M.C. Davis will continue as Senior Research Adviser and Founder as described in
the current prospectuses of each Fund. The change in control may be deemed an
assignment of the Existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements currently in
effect for purposes of Section 15(a) of the 1940 Act, which automatically
terminates such agreements.
Venture Advisers, Inc., currently controls the Adviser by owning all of the
general partnership units issued by the Adviser. Venture Advisers, Inc.,
proposes to transfer one hundred general partnership units to Davis Investments,
LLC. Immediately thereafter Venture Advisers, Inc., would convert its remaining
general partnership units into limited partnership units. Venture Advisers,
Inc., would continue to own approximately 44% of the economic value of the
Adviser as a limited partner. Davis Investments, LLC, would then own all of the
general partnership units issued by the Adviser, be the general partner and
thereby control the Adviser. Davis Investments, LLC, will pay approximately
$11,000 to Venture Advisers, Inc., as consideration for purchasing general
partnership units.
Christopher Davis is the vice chairman and a director of Venture Advisers, Inc.,
Christopher Davis is also sole member and chief executive officer of Davis
Investments, LLC. Christopher Davis serves as a portfolio manager of Davis Value
Portfolio and Davis Financial Portfolio. Christopher Davis would continue to
serve as portfolio manager after the change in control. The officers of Davis
Variable Account Fund, Inc., the Adviser and the Sub-Adviser will not change as
a result of the change in control. Officers are listed in Appendix E.
The change in control may be deemed an assignment of the Existing Advisory and
Sub-Advisory Agreements currently in effect for purposes of Section 15(a) of the
1940 Act, which automatically terminates such agreements. Therefore the New
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements are being submitted to the shareholders of
each Fund for their approval at this time. If such approvals are not obtained,
the change in control will be delayed and the Existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory
Agreements will remain in full force and effect.
TERMS OF THE NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT. Shareholders are being asked to approve the
New Advisory Agreement without material change from the Existing Advisory
Agreements. The following discussion of the New Advisory Agreement is qualified
in its entirety by reference to the form of the New Advisory Agreement set forth
in Appendix F.
As under the Existing Advisory Agreement, the New Advisory Agreement provides
that the Adviser, subject to the general supervision of the Board of Directors,
will provide management and investment advice and will furnish statistical,
executive and clerical personnel, bookkeeping, office space and
10
equipment necessary to carry out its investment advisory functions and such
corporate managerial duties as are requested by the Board of Directors. The
Funds pay for all expenses of their operations not specifically assumed by the
Adviser. The Board of Directors may arrange for the Adviser to perform any of
the corporate management services necessary or advisable for the operations of
the Funds or contract with another person to perform them. In the absence of
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties, the Adviser will not be subject to liability to the
Funds or any shareholder of the Funds for any act or omission in the course of,
or in connection with, rendering services thereunder or for any losses that may
be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security.
TERMS OF THE NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT. Shareholders are being asked to approve
the New Sub-Advisory Agreement without material change from the Existing
Sub-Advisory Agreement. The following discussion of the New Sub-Advisory
Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the form of the New
Sub-Advisory Agreement set forth in Appendix G. The Adviser, not the Funds, pays
for the Sub-Adviser's services.
As under the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement, Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.
("Sub-Adviser"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Adviser, located at 609 Fifth
Avenue, New York, New York 10017, agrees to perform research and portfolio
management functions for the Funds on behalf of the Adviser.
The Sub-Adviser performs research and portfolio management services as requested
by the Adviser. The Sub-Adviser is responsible for complying with stated
policies and applicable laws, including compliance with the Adviser's Code of
Ethics. As payment for its services, the Adviser pays the Sub-Adviser's
reasonable direct and indirect costs associated with the maintenance of an
office and the performance of the terms of the Agreement and, in addition, an
agreed profit margin. All the fees paid to the Sub-Adviser are paid by the
Adviser and not the Funds. The fees paid by the Funds will not be effected by
the New Sub-Advisory Agreement.
The Adviser and the Board of Directors believe the New Sub-Advisory Agreement is
advantageous to the Funds because it enables the Adviser, through the
Sub-Adviser, to continue to attract additional, experienced personnel to perform
services on behalf of the Funds but who desire to remain in the vicinity of New
York City.
The last time the Existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements were presented
to shareholders for approval was June 15, 1999, for initial approval of the
agreements.
ADVISORY FEES. No new fees are being added and no fees are being increased. The
advisory fee is calculated and paid monthly and is normally expressed as an
annual percentage of each Fund's average net assets.
Each of the Funds pays the Adviser a fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of average
daily net assets. These fees may be higher than those of most other mutual
funds, but are not necessarily higher than those paid by funds with similar
objectives. Under the Sub-Advisory Agreement, the Adviser pays all of the
Sub-Adviser's direct and indirect costs of operations. The Adviser and not the
Funds pay all of the fees paid to the Sub-Adviser. For the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999, each Fund paid the Adviser an advisory fee equal to an annual
rate of 0.75% of its daily average net assets.
Appendix H lists other investment companies with investment objectives similar
to the Funds which the Adviser serves as investment adviser. The Adviser also
serves as sub-adviser to other investment companies with similar investment
objectives. As sub-adviser, the Adviser is not responsible for managing the
investment companies or supervising other service providers and the negotiated
fees reflect this fact.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES, Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser, subject to
the general supervision of the Funds' Board of Directors, provides advisory
services, which are described above. The Funds bear all expenses other than
those specifically assumed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement,
including preparation of its tax returns, financial reports to regulatory
authorities, dividend determinations, transaction and accounting matters related
to its custodian bank, transfer agency, custodial and shareholder
11
services and qualification of its shares under federal securities laws. Each
Fund reimburses the Adviser for providing certain services including accounting
and administrative services. During the period ended December 31, 1999, Davis
Value Portfolio, Davis Financial Portfolio and Davis Real Estate Portfolio
reimbursed the Adviser a total of $12,000 and $24 for accounting and
administrative services, respectively. These services will not be affected by
the approval or disapproval of Proposal 2.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS. Shelby Cullom Davis & Co. ("SCD") is a broker-dealer who
may be considered an affiliated person of the Adviser because it is also
controlled by Davis family members. SCD executes certain brokerage transactions
for the Funds. The Adviser follows procedures designed to ensure that the
commissions paid to SCD are equal to or less than those paid to other brokers in
connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities and that
the commissions charged the Funds by SCD do not exceed commissions charged to
other clients in connection with comparable transactions involving similar
securities. The Funds paid the following commissions to SCD during the period
ended December 31, 1999:
DOLLAR % OF TOTAL
FUND NAME AMOUNT COMMISSIONS
--------- ------ -----------
Davis Value Portfolio $37 0.34%
Davis Financial Portfolio N/A N/A
Davis Real Estate Portfolio N/A N/A
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION OF THE NEW ADVISORY AND SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENTS.
If approved by shareholders, the New Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements will
take effect immediately upon the change in control and will remain in effect
through January 1, 2003, and thereafter, but only as long as their continuance
is approved at least annually by: (i) the vote, cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose, of a majority of the Independent Directors, and (ii) the
vote of either a majority of the Directors or a majority of the outstanding
shares of the Fund. If the New Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements are not
approved, the change in control described above will be delayed while other
options are considered. If Proposal 2 is not approved, the Existing Advisory and
Sub-Advisory Agreements will continue in effect through June 15, 2001, and
thereafter only as long as their continuance is approved at least annually as
described above.
MATTERS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD
On March 20, 2000, the Board of Directors, including all of the Independent
Directors approved of the Existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements without
any material changes. At that meeting the Independent Directors were notified of
the proposed change in control.
On June 13, 2000, the Board of Directors, including all of the Independent
Directors approved the New Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements following the
change in control and called for a meeting of shareholders to approve the New
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements following the change in control.
In their March 20, 2000, meeting, the Independent Directors reviewed materials
specifically relating to the Existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements.
These materials included: (i) information on the investment performance of each
Fund compared against a peer group of funds, (ii) sales and redemption data in
respect of each Fund, (iii) information concerning the expenses of each Fund
compared against a peer group of funds, and (iv) The Adviser's and Sub-Adviser's
operations and financial condition. The Directors, including the Independent
Directors, regularly review, among other issues: (i) arrangements in respect of
the distribution of Fund's shares, (ii) the allocation of each Fund's brokerage,
if any, including allocations to brokers affiliated with the Adviser and the use
of "soft" commission dollars to pay Fund expenses and to pay for research and
other similar services, (iii) the Adviser's management of the relationships with
the Funds' third party providers, including custodian and transfer agents, (iv)
the resources devoted to and the record of compliance with the Funds' investment
policies and restrictions and
12
with policies on personal securities transactions, and (v) the nature, cost and
character of non-investment management services provided by the Adviser and its
affiliates.
In their June 13, 2000, meeting, the Independent Directors considered the New
Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements including: (i) the Adviser and Sub-Adviser
do not anticipate any material changes in their operations as a result of the
proposed change in control, (ii) each of the Funds would continue to be managed
by the same portfolio managers, (iii) Shelby M.C. Davis will continue as Senior
Research Adviser and Founder as described in the current prospectuses of each
Fund, (iv) the Adviser's and Sub-Adviser's senior management will not change as
a result of the change in control and (v) the Advisory and Sub-Advisory
Agreements will be materially unchanged, including no new fees and no increase
in fees.
CONCLUSION. In considering the Existing Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements in
the March meetings and the New Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements in June, the
Board of Directors and the Independent Directors did not identify any single
factor as all-important or controlling. Based on their evaluation of all
material factors and assisted by the advice of independent counsel, the
Directors and Independent Directors concluded that the New Advisory and
Sub-Advisory Agreements are fair and reasonable and that they should be approved
without material change following the change in control.
The Board of Directors, including the Independent Directors, voted to approve
the submission of the New Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements to shareholders
of the Funds and recommends that shareholders vote FOR Proposal 2.
13
PROPOSAL 3:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMENDING FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
BACKGROUND
Each Fund operates in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and
restrictions described in its prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information.
The Funds generally classify their investment policies as either "fundamental"
or "non-fundamental." A fundamental policy may be changed only by shareholder
vote, while non-fundamental policies may be changed by vote of a Fund's Board of
Directors. The 1940 Act requires mutual funds to classify only certain policies
as fundamental. With this proposal, the Funds seek to modernize their
fundamental policies and gain greater investment flexibility by adopting a set
of uniform fundamental investment policies. A copy of the proposed uniform
fundamental investment policies is included in Appendix I.
The Funds were organized in June 1999, and their fundamental investment policies
have not limited the Adviser's investment strategies. Thus, most of the proposed
changes will not result in any material change in the Adviser's investment
strategies. The only exception is Proposal 3A, which would allow Davis Real
Estate Portfolio to make more concentrated investments in the Adviser's favorite
companies.
The Adviser recently performed a comprehensive review of the fundamental and
non-fundamental policies of all mutual funds that it manages. Based on the
recommendations of the Adviser, the Board of Directors has approved policy
revisions that would allow the Adviser greater flexibility to respond to a
changing investment environment, subject to the supervision of the Board of
Directors and consistent with legal requirements, including published SEC staff
positions. The Adviser believes that the proposed changes will enhance its
ability to manage the Funds' investment portfolios.
If each element of Proposal 3 is approved, each of the Funds will have a uniform
set of fundamental policies, except for diversification and concentration
policies, as described below. Each of the Funds also has a number of
non-fundamental policies that the Board of Directors can change or eliminate
without the expense and delay of holding a shareholder meeting. After the
results of the shareholders meetings are known, the Board of Directors will
consider which non-fundamental policies should be added, changed or eliminated.
Each proposed change to a Fund's fundamental policies recommended by the Board
of Directors is discussed in detail below. The exact language of each
fundamental policy is presented, often followed by further discussion of the
policy. If approved, the fundamental policy could not be changed again without a
shareholder vote. The discussion following the fundamental policy could be
changed by the Board of Directors without a shareholder vote to reflect changes
in the governing law. In order to help you understand the proposed changes, we
have attached Appendixes I and J to this proxy statement. Appendix I shows the
proposed uniform fundamental polices that each of the Funds would adopt.
Appendix J shows each Fund's current fundamental policies proposed to be
replaced by new fundamental policies or eliminated.
VOTING REQUIREMENTS
Approval of each element of Proposal 3 requires the favorable vote of a majority
of the eligible votes of a Fund as defined by the 1940 Act. Proposal 3 is
separated into elements specific to each type of fundamental policy involved,
e.g., diversification, borrowing and concentration. You may vote separately for
or against each element of Proposal 3.
14
If shareholders of a Fund approve some, but not all, elements of Proposal 3, the
Fund will have a combination of certain current fundamental policies and certain
new fundamental policies. The Funds intend to implement new policies after the
meeting, as soon as practicable.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR Proposal 3 and all its
elements.
PROPOSAL 3A:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO AMEND FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES REGARDING DIVERSIFICATION
Although the Funds do not currently have a fundamental policy concerning
diversification, each of the Funds is currently diversified. If this element of
Proposal 3 is adopted Davis Value Portfolio and Davis Financial Portfolio would
each adopt the proposed uniform fundamental policy regarding diversification,
but this would not result in a material change in their fundamental policies
regarding diversification.
This element of Proposal 3 would give Davis Real Estate Portfolio greater
investment flexibility by permitting the Fund to acquire larger positions in the
securities of individual companies. The Adviser believes that this increased
flexibility may provide opportunities to enhance investment performance. At the
same time, investing a larger percentage of a Fund's assets in a single issuer's
securities increases the Fund's exposure to risks associated with that issuer's
financial condition and business operations. The Adviser will use the increased
flexibility to invest more than 5% of a Fund's total assets in an issuer's
securities only when it believes the securities' potential return justifies
accepting the risks associated with the higher level of investment.
Appendix J shows each Fund's current fundamental policy.
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON DIVERSIFICATION FOR DAVIS VALUE PORTFOLIO AND
DAVIS FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO WOULD BE:
Diversification. The Fund may not make any investment that is inconsistent with
its classification as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act.
Further Explanation of Diversification Policy. To remain classified as a
diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund must conform with
the following: With respect to 75% of its total assets, a diversified investment
company may not invest more than 5% of its total assets, determined at market or
other fair value at the time of purchase, in the securities of any one issuer,
or invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one
issuer determined at the time of purchase. These limitations do not apply to
investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the United States ("U.S.")
government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON DIVERSIFICATION FOR DAVIS REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO
WOULD BE:
Diversification. The Fund is not required to diversify its investments.
Further Explanation of Diversification Policy. The Fund intends to remain
classified as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.
This requires the Fund to conform with the following: at the end of each quarter
of the taxable year, at least 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets must
be represented by: cash and cash items; U.S. government securities; securities
of other regulated investment companies and "other securities." For this
purpose, "other securities" does not include investments in the securities of
any one issuer that represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund's total
assets or more than 10% of the issuer's outstanding voting securities.
15
PROPOSAL 3B:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO AMEND FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES REGARDING CONCENTRATION
Davis Financial Portfolio and Davis Real Estate Portfolio both concentrate their
investments in specific industries. Davis Value Portfolio is prohibited from
investing 25% or more of its assets in companies considered to be in a single
industry. A fund that concentrates its investments in a single industry may be
subject to greater risks than a fund that does not concentrate its investments.
The fund's investment performance, both good and bad, may be expected to reflect
the economic performance of the industry in which it concentrates.
This element of Proposal 3 would simplify each Fund's fundamental policies
regarding concentration, but would not result in a material change. Appendix J
shows each Fund's current fundamental policy.
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON CONCENTRATION FOR DAVIS VALUE PORTFOLIO WOULD BE:
Concentration. The Fund may not concentrate its investments in the securities of
issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry.
Further Explanation of Concentration Policy. The Fund may not invest 25% or more
of its total assets, taken at market value, in the securities of issuers
primarily engaged in any particular industry (other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON CONCENTRATION FOR DAVIS FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO WOULD
BE:
Concentration. Davis Financial Portfolio concentrates its investments in the
financial services industry.
Further Explanation of Concentration Policy. During normal market conditions,
the Fund is required to invest 25% or more of its total assets in companies
"principally engaged" in financial services. The Fund currently intends to
invest 65% or more of its total assets in companies principally engaged in
financial services during normal market conditions.
A company is "principally engaged" in financial services if it owns financial
services related assets constituting at least 50% of the total value of its
assets, or if at least 50% of its revenues are derived from its provision of
financial services. Companies in the financial services industry include
commercial banks, industrial banks, savings institutions, finance companies,
diversified financial services companies, investment banking firms, securities
brokerage houses, investment advisory companies, leasing companies, insurance
companies and companies providing similar services.
The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value,
in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry (other
than issuers in the financial services industry or securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON CONCENTRATION FOR DAVIS REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO
WOULD BE:
Concentration. Davis Real Estate Portfolio concentrates its investments in real
estate securities.
Further Explanation of Concentration Policy. During normal market conditions,
the Fund is required to invest 25% or more of its total assets in real estate
securities. The Fund currently intends to invest 65% or more of its total assets
in real estate securities during normal market conditions.
Real estate securities are issued by companies that have at least 50% of the
value of their assets, gross income, or net profits attributable to ownership,
financing, construction, management or sale of real estate, or to products or
services that are related to real estate or the real estate industry. Real
estate companies include real estate investment trusts or other securitized real
estate investments, brokers, developers, lenders and companies with substantial
real estate holdings such as paper, lumber, hotel and entertainment companies.
16
The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value,
in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry (other
than real estate securities or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
PROPOSAL 3C:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO AMEND FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
REGARDING SENIOR SECURITIES
Each of the Funds currently has a fundamental policy governing the issuance of
senior securities. If this element of Proposal 3 is adopted each Fund would
adopt the proposed uniform fundamental policy regarding senior securities, but
this would not result in a material change in their fundamental policies.
Issuing senior securities generally leverages a fund's assets and potentially
exposes the fund to leveraged losses. Appendix J shows each Fund's current
fundamental policy.
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON ISSUING SENIOR SECURITIES FOR EACH FUND WOULD BE:
Issuing Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior securities, except as
permitted under applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff
positions.
Further Explanation of Issuing Senior Securities. The Fund may not issue senior
securities nor sell short more than 5% of its total assets, except as provided
by the 1940 Act and any rules, regulations or orders issued thereunder. This
limitation does not apply to selling short against the box. The 1940 Act defines
a "Senior Security" as any bond, debenture, note or similar obligation
constituting a security and evidencing indebtedness.
PROPOSAL 3D:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO AMEND FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES REGARDING BORROWING
Each of the Funds currently has a fundamental policy regarding borrowing. If
this element of Proposal 3 is adopted each Fund would adopt the proposed uniform
fundamental policy regarding borrowing, but this would not result in a material
change in their fundamental policies. Neither the current policy nor the
proposed policy allows the Funds to purchase additional portfolio securities if
borrowing exceeds 5% of total assets. This prevents the Funds from borrowing
money for the purpose of leveraging their portfolios. Borrowing may be useful in
a number of situations, such as to meet unanticipated redemptions without
selling portfolio securities at disadvantageous prices. Borrowing money to meet
redemptions rather than immediately selling portfolio securities would have the
effect of temporarily leveraging a fund's assets and potentially exposing the
fund to leveraged losses. The Adviser believes that this more flexible
fundamental borrowing policy is in the best interests of the funds and their
shareholders because it will allow the Funds, subject to approval by the Board
of Directors, to adapt to future developments in investment practices and
changes in the governing laws and regulations without the delay and cost of a
shareholder meeting. Appendix J shows each Fund's current fundamental policy.
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON BORROWING FOR EACH FUND WOULD BE:
Borrowing. The Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted by
applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff positions.
Further Explanation of Borrowing Policy. The Fund may borrow from banks and
enter into reverse repurchase agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total
assets, taken at market value. The Fund may also borrow up to an additional 5%
of its total assets from banks or others. The Fund may borrow only as a
temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes such as the redemption
of Fund shares. The
17
Fund may purchase additional securities so long as borrowings do not exceed 5%
of its total assets. The Fund may obtain such short-term credit as may be
necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. In
the event that market fluctuations cause borrowing to exceed the limits stated
above, the Adviser would act to remedy the situation as promptly as possible
(normally within three business days), although it is not required to dispose of
portfolio holdings immediately if the Fund would suffer losses as a result.
PROPOSAL 3E:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO AMEND FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES REGARDING UNDERWRITING
Each of the Funds currently has a fundamental policy regarding underwriting. If
this element of Proposal 3 is adopted each Fund would adopt the proposed uniform
fundamental policy regarding underwriting, but this would not result in a
material change in their fundamental policies. Appendix J shows each Fund's
current fundamental policy. Underwriting securities can result in losses due to
the volatility of equity markets. The Funds have not engaged in underwriting in
the past and do not intend to do so regardless of whether this element of
Proposal 3 is approved. Replacing the current fundamental policy with a more
flexible fundamental policy could provide investment flexibility in the future
by allowing the Board of Directors to adopt appropriate policies without the
time and expense of holding a meeting of shareholders. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors believes that approval of this element of Proposal 3 is in the best
interests of the Funds and their shareholders.
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON UNDERWRITING FOR EACH FUND WOULD BE:
Underwriting. The Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers except to
the extent permitted by applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC
staff positions.
Further Explanation of Underwriting Policy. The Fund may not underwrite
securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriter in connection with the disposition of its portfolio securities.
PROPOSAL 3F:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO AMEND FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES
REGARDING INVESTMENTS IN COMMODITIES AND REAL ESTATE
The 1940 Act requires every mutual fund to adopt a fundamental policy regarding
investment in commodities and real estate. Each of the Funds' current
fundamental policy restricting investments in commodities and real estate is
more restrictive than required by the 1940 Act. In addition, the current
fundamental policies deal explicitly with futures contracts and options, which
is not required under the 1940 Act. Appendix J shows each Fund's current
fundamental policies.
This element of Proposal 3 would adopt a new fundamental policy restricting
investments in commodities and real estate, which provides more flexibility. The
proposed fundamental policy will not prevent Davis Real Estate Portfolio (or the
other Funds) from investing in securities issued by real estate companies.
Investments in commodities, futures contracts and options can be volatile and
are often leveraged. Direct investments in real estate (as opposed to investing
in securities issued by real estate companies) can be illiquid. The Funds do not
intend to change their investment strategies and invest in commodities, futures
contracts, options, or directly in real estate as a result of a change in this
policy. The Adviser believes that this more flexible fundamental policy
restricting investments in commodities, futures contracts, options and real
estate is in the best interests of the funds and their shareholders because it
will allow the Funds, subject to approval by the Board of Directors, to adapt to
future developments in investment practices and changes in the governing laws
and regulations without the delay and cost of a shareholder meeting.
18
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY FOR ALL FUNDS REGARDING INVESTMENTS IN COMMODITIES
AND REAL ESTATE WOULD BE:
Investments in Commodities and Real Estate. The Fund may not purchase or sell
commodities or real estate, except to the extent permitted by applicable law,
including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff positions.
Further Explanation of Policy Restricting Investments in Commodities and Real
Estate. The Fund may purchase or sell financial futures contracts, options on
financial futures contracts, currency contracts, and options on currency
contracts as described in its prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund
may invest in securities that are directly or indirectly secured by real estate,
or securities issued by issuers that invest in real estate.
PROPOSAL 3G:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL TO AMEND FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES REGARDING MAKING LOANS
Each of the Funds currently has a fundamental policy regarding making loans. If
this element of Proposal 3 is adopted each Fund would adopt the proposed uniform
fundamental policy regarding making loans, but this would not result in a
material change in their fundamental policies. Even though the Funds do not
pursue current income as an investment objective, they may benefit from the
incremental income earned from activities such as stock lending. This additional
income may offset a portion of the Fund's operational expenses. Lending money or
securities involves the risk that a Fund may suffer a loss if a borrower does
not repay a loan when due. To manage this risk the Funds deal only with
counter-parties they believe to be creditworthy and require that the
counter-party deposit collateral with the Funds. Appendix J shows each Fund's
current fundamental policy.
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY FOR ALL FUNDS REGARDING MAKING LOANS WOULD BE:
Making Loans. The Fund may not make loans to other persons, except as allowed by
applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff positions.
Further Explanation of Lending Policy. The acquisition of investment securities
or other investment instruments is not be deemed to be the making of a loan.
To generate income and offset expenses, the Fund may lend portfolio securities
to broker-dealers and other financial institutions, which the Adviser believes
to be creditworthy in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at
market value. While securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any
income accruing on the security. The Fund may invest any collateral it receives
in additional portfolio securities, such as U.S. Treasury notes, certificates of
deposit, other high-grade, short-term obligations or interest-bearing cash
equivalents. The Fund is still subject to gains or losses due to changes in the
market value of securities that it has lent.
When the Fund lends its securities, it will require the borrower to give the
Fund collateral in cash or government securities. The Fund will require
collateral in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of
the securities lent, including accrued interest. The Fund has the right to call
a loan and obtain the securities lent any time on notice of not more than five
business days. The Fund may pay reasonable fees in connection with such loans.
19
PROPOSAL 4:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF KPMG LLP AS
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF THE FUNDS
By a vote of the Independent Directors, the firm of KPMG LLP has been selected
as independent accountants for each of the Funds to sign or certify any
financial statements of each Fund required by any law or regulation to be
certified by an independent accountant and filed with the SEC or any state.
Pursuant to the 1940 Act, such selection requires the ratification of
shareholders. In addition, as required by the 1940 Act, the vote of the
Directors is subject to the right of the Funds, by vote of a majority of their
eligible votes at any meeting called for the purpose of voting on such action,
to terminate such employment without penalty. KPMG LLP has advised the Funds
that to the best of its knowledge and belief, as of the record date, no KPMG LLP
professional had any direct or material indirect ownership interest in the Funds
inconsistent with the independence standards pertaining to accountants.
The independent accountants examine annual financial statements for the Funds
and provide other audit and tax-related services. In recommending the selection
of the Fund's accountants, the Audit Committee reviewed the nature and scope of
the services to be provided (including non-audit services) and whether the
performance of such services would affect the accountants' independence.
Representatives of KPMG LLP are not expected to be present at the Meeting, but
have been given the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will
be available should any matter arise requiring their presence.
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: Definitions of Some Terms used in this Proxy
APPENDIX B: Eligible Votes of Each Fund
APPENDIX C: Nominees owning over 1% of any Fund
and Shareholders owning over 5% of any Fund
APPENDIX D: Audit Committee Charter
APPENDIX E: Officers of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., the Adviser and
the Sub-Adviser
APPENDIX F: New Advisory Agreement
APPENDIX G: New Sub-Advisory Agreement
APPENDIX H: Other Investment Companies Which Davis Selected Advisers serves
as Investment Adviser
APPENDIX I: Proposed Fundamental Policies
APPENDIX J: Current Fundamental Policies for Each Fund
20
APPENDIX A:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFINITIONS OF SOME TERMS USED IN THIS PROXY
1940 ACT: The Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations
thereunder.
ADVISER: Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.
BOARD OR BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The board of directors for Davis Variable Account
Fund, Inc.
CORPORATION: Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc., is organized as a Maryland
corporation.
DIRECTOR: A member of the Board of Directors.
ELIGIBLE VOTE: The Funds' shares are not offered directly to the public, but are
sold exclusively to insurance companies as a pooled funding vehicle for variable
annuity and variable life insurance contracts issued by separate accounts of the
insurance companies. Legally, the insurance companies own the shares and will
vote them. This Proxy is soliciting voting instructions from investors in the
insurance companies' separate accounts. The holder of each full share of a Fund
outstanding as of the close of business on the record date is entitled to one
vote for each dollar of net asset value, and each fractional share is entitled
to a proportionate share of one vote upon each matter properly submitted to the
meetings.
EXISTING ADVISORY AGREEMENT: The existing advisory agreement between the Adviser
and Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.
EXISTING SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT: The existing sub-advisory agreement between the
Adviser and Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., on behalf of Davis Variable
Account Fund, Inc.
FUND: Any of the three authorized series of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.:
Davis Value Portfolio, Davis Financial Portfolio and Davis Real Estate
Portfolio.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS: KPMG LLP serves as independent accountants of the Davis
Variable Account Funds, Inc.
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS: Those directors who, under the 1940 Act, are not
considered "interested persons" of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.
INVESTMENT POLICIES: The investment objectives, policies and restrictions
described in Davis Variable Account Fund's prospectuses and Statement of
Additional Information.
MEETING: Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.'s Special Meeting of Shareholders and
any adjournment(s) thereof.
NEW ADVISORY AGREEMENT: The proposed advisory agreement between the Adviser and
Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc. All terms of the New Advisory Agreement are in
substance identical to those of the Existing Advisory Agreement, no new fees are
being proposed and no fees are being increased.
NEW SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT: The proposed sub-advisory agreement between the
Adviser and Davis Selected Advisers-NY, Inc. on behalf of Davis Variable Account
Fund, Inc. All terms of the New Sub-Advisory Agreement are in substance
identical to those of the Existing Sub-Advisory Agreement, no new fees are being
proposed and no fees are being increased.
NOMINEE: An individual nominated for election or re-election to the Board of
Directors.
APPENDIX A:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFINITIONS OF SOME TERMS USED IN THIS PROXY (CONT.)
PROPOSAL: One of the four proposals described in the proxy statement.
PROXY STATEMENT: The proxy statement itself, not including supplemental
material.
RECORD DATE: The date for determining which Davis Variable Account Fund
shareholders are entitled to notice of and to vote at a meeting and any
adjournment(s) thereof.
SEC: The Securities and Exchange Commission.
SHAREHOLDER: Each investor in an insurance separate account that owns shares of
the Funds is referred to as a shareholder. Legally, the insurance companies
themselves are the actual owners of the Funds' shares and this proxy is
soliciting voting instructions.
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A legal document which supplements the
prospectus and provides more detailed information about each of the Funds. You
may obtain a copy without charge by calling the Davis Funds at 1-800-279-0279.
SUB-ADVISER: Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.
VOTE: Shareholders are being asked to vote on four proposals. Legally,
shareholders are submitting voting instructions to the insurance companies which
own the Funds' shares in separate accounts. The insurance companies will their
vote shares in accordance with shareholder instructions.
APPENDIX B:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ELIGIBLE VOTES
as of September 8, 2000
FUND TOTAL
--------------------------------------------------------
Davis Value Portfolio $69,555,329
Davis Financial Portfolio $8,660,630
Davis Real Estate Portfolio $2,845,310
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC. $81,061,269
APPENDIX C:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEES AND SHAREHOLDERS
NOMINEES OWNING MORE THAN 1% OF SHARES OF ANY FUND
There are no nominees who, as of September 8, 2000, owned more than 1% of the
total outstanding shares of any of the Funds.
SHAREHOLDERS OWNING MORE THAN 5% OF SHARES OF ANY FUND
The following table sets forth the name and holdings of any persons known by the
Funds to be a record owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any of
its Funds as of September 8, 2000. Other than as indicated below, the Funds are
not aware of any shareholder that beneficially owns in excess of 25% of the
Funds' total outstanding shares.
APPENDIX C:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEES AND SHAREHOLDERS (CONT.)
APPENDIX D:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC., AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
as amended 12/07/99
1. The Audit Committee shall be composed entirely of independent
directors.
2. The purposes of the Audit Committee are:
(a) to oversee the Funds' accounting and financial reporting policies
and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the
internal controls of certain service providers;
(b) to oversee the quality and objectivity of the Funds' financial
statements and the independent audit thereof; and
(c) to act as a liaison between the Funds' independent auditors and
the full Board of Directors.
The function of the Audit Committee is oversight; it is management's
responsibility to maintain appropriate systems for accounting and
internal control and the auditor's responsibility to plan and perform a
proper audit.
3. To carry out its purposes, the Audit Committee shall have the following
duties and powers:
(a) to recommend the selection, retention or termination of auditors
and, in connection therewith, to evaluate the independence of the
auditors, including whether the auditors provide any consulting
services to the manager, and to receive the auditors' specific
representations as to their independence;
(b) to meet with the Funds' independent auditors, including private
meetings, as necessary (i) to review the arrangements for and
scope of the annual audit and any special audits; (ii) to discuss
any matters of concern relating to the Funds' financial
statements, including any adjustments to such statements
recommended by the auditors, or other results of said audit(s);
(iii) to consider the auditors' comments with respect to the
Funds' financial policies, procedures and internal accounting
controls and management's responses thereto; and (iv) to review
the form of opinion the auditors propose to render to the Board
and shareholders;
(c) to consider the effect upon the Funds of any changes in accounting
principles or practices proposed by management or the auditors;
(d) to review the fees charged by the auditors for audit and non-audit
services;
(e) to investigate improprieties or suspected improprieties in fund
operations;
(f) to consider such other matters as the full Board shall request the
Committee to review, including but not limited to, advisory,
sub-advisory, and underwriting agreements, Rule 12b-1 distribution
plans, custodian and shareholder servicing issues, regulatory
matters and taxation issues; and
(g) to report its activities to the full Board on a regular basis and
to make such recommendations with respect to the above and other
matters as the Committee may deem necessary or appropriate.
4. The Committee shall meet on a regular basis and is empowered to hold
special meetings as circumstances require.
5. The Committee shall regularly meet with the Treasurer of the Funds and
with internal auditors, if any, for the management company.
APPENDIX D:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC., AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER (CONT.)
6. The Committee shall have the resources and authority appropriate to
discharge its responsibilities, including the authority to retain
special counsel and other experts or consultants at the expense of the
appropriate Fund(s).
7. The Committee shall review this Charter at least annually and recommend
any changes to the full Board of Directors.
APPENDIX E:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICERS OF DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC., THE ADVISER AND THE SUB-ADVISER
OFFICERS OF DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
* These persons are also officers of the Adviser.
(1) Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., 609 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
10017.
(2) Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., 124 East Marcy Street, Santa Fe,
New Mexico 87501.
(3) Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson,
Arizona 85706.
APPENDIX E:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICERS OF DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC., THE ADVISER AND THE SUB-ADVISER
(CONT.)
OFFICERS OF THE ADVISER
AS GENERAL PARTNER, DAVIS INVESTMENTS, LLC WILL MANAGE THE
BUSINESS AFFAIRS OF THE ADVISER. THE DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
OF DAVIS INVESTMENTS, LLC, ARE:
Shelby M.C. Davis is the father of Andrew A Davis and Christopher C. Davis.
(1) Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., 609 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
10017.
(2) Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., 124 East Marcy Street, Santa Fe,
New Mexico 87501.
(3) Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson,
Arizona 85706.
APPENDIX E:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OFFICERS OF DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC., THE ADVISER AND THE SUB-ADVISER
(CONT.)
OFFICERS OF THE SUB-ADVISER
THE SUB-ADVISER IS A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF THE ADVISER
ORGANIZED AS A DELAWARE CORPORATION. ITS OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS ARE:
NAME POSITION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHRISTOPHER C. DAVIS(1) Chairman (Director), Chief Executive Officer &
President
ANDREW A. DAVIS(2) Director, Vice President
RUSSELL O. WIESE(1) Director, Vice President
KENNETH C. EICH(3) Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
GARY P. TYC(3) Vice President, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary
THOMAS D. TAYS(3) Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
The principal occupation of each of the directors and officers is working for
the Adviser and/or Sub-Adviser.
(1) Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., 609 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York
10017.
(2) Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc., 124 East Marcy Street, Santa Fe,
New Mexico 87501.
(3) Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., 2949 East Elvira Road, Suite 101, Tucson,
Arizona 85706.
APPENDIX F:
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT - DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
JANUARY 1, 2001
Davis Selected Advisers, L.P.
2949 E. Elvira Road, Suite 101
Tucson, Arizona 85706
Dear Sirs:
We herewith confirm our agreement with you as follows:
1. Acting as an Investment Company, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P., to Serve as
Investment Adviser. We desire to employ the capital of Davis Variable
Account Fund, Inc. (the "Company") by investing and reinvesting the same in
securities of the type and in accordance with the limitations specified in
the registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), of which we enclose a
copy, and in such manner and to such extent as may from time to time be
approved by our Board of Directors. We desire to employ you to supervise
and assist in the management of this business for us. You shall, for all
purposes herein, be deemed an independent contractor, and shall, unless
otherwise expressly provided for or authorized, have no authority to act
for or to represent us.
2. Employees, Officers, Directors. In this connection it is understood that
you will from time to time employ or associate with yourselves such person
or persons as you may believe to be particularly fitted to assist you in
the execution of this Agreement, it being understood that the compensation
of such person or persons shall be paid by you and that no obligation may
be incurred on our behalf in any such respect. This does not apply to such
individuals as we may in due course elect as officers of our corporation,
except that no officer, director, stockholder or employee of your firm
shall receive compensation from us for acting as director, officer or
employee of our corporation, and you agree to pay the compensation of all
such persons. We understand that, during the continuance of this agreement,
officers of your firm will, if elected, serve as directors of our
corporation and as its principal officers.
3. Exclusive Authority, Information. You are to have complete and exclusive
authority to develop and handle for us any business of the type
above-mentioned which you may consider advantageous for us, subject to the
direction and control of our officers and directors. You will furnish us
with such statistical information with respect to the securities which we
may hold or contemplate purchasing, as we may request. We wish to be kept
in touch with important developments affecting our Company and shall expect
you on your own initiative to furnish us from time to time with such
information as you may believe appropriate for this purpose, whether
concerning the individual companies whose securities are included in our
portfolio or the industries in which they are engaged. We shall also expect
you of your own motion to advise us whenever, in your opinion, conditions
are such as to make it desirable that a specific security be eliminated
from our portfolio.
4. Exercise of Best Judgment, Limitation on Liability. We shall expect of you
your best judgment in rendering these services to us, and we agree as an
inducement to your undertaking the same that you shall not be liable
hereunder for any mistake of judgment or in any other event whatsoever,
except for
APPENDIX F:
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT, DVAF (CONT.)
lack of good faith, provided that nothing herein shall be deemed to protect
or purport to protect you against any liability to us or to our security
holders to which you would otherwise be subject by reason of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, or gross negligence in the performance of your
duties hereunder, or by reason of your reckless disregard of your
obligations and duties hereunder.
5. Fee for Services. In consideration of such services, we shall pay you a
monthly fee as of the last day of each month in each year based upon the
average daily value of net assets during a month for which the monthly fee
is calculated, as follows:
a monthly rate of 1/12 of 0.75% of the value of average daily net
assets during the month;
provided, however, that such fee for any period which shall not be a full
monthly period shall be prorated according to the proportion which such
period bears to the full month, and no payment of any fee shall be made
before the commencement of the public offering of any common stock. For
this purpose, the value of our net assets shall be computed in the same
manner as the value of such net assets are computed in connection with the
determination of the net asset value of our shares.
6. Clerical Services, Responsibility for Expenses. Except as otherwise
provided below in this paragraph, you will attend to, or arrange for the
performance, at your expense, of such clerical and accounting work related
to the investment and reinvestment of our capital for us as we may specify.
We shall, however, bear all costs and expenses of or attendant upon: (i)
preparation of our federal, state and local tax returns; (ii) preparation
of documents we must file with the Securities and Exchange Commission;
(iii) determination of the status and payment of dividends; (iv)
reconciling and reviewing output of our custodian bank, determining the
adequacy of various accruals, approving our expenses, authorizing our bank
to receive and disburse money and securities and verifications related
thereto, and interfacing with our auditors; (v) verification of our
security ledger and preparation and maintenance of other corporate books
and records; (vi) brokerage commissions and other transaction expenses;
(vii) stockholders' and Directors' meetings; (viii) corporate reports and
proxy materials, including their preparation, printing and distribution;
(ix) fees of Directors not affiliated with you or any other firm acting as
an investment adviser to us; (x) taxes and interest expenses; (xi) reports
to government authorities including all expenses and costs relating to such
reports and to state securities law compliance; (xii) custodian and
transfer agent fees; (xiii) association membership dues; (xiv) premiums on
all insurance and bonds maintained for us or on our behalf; (xv) retention
of the transfer agent and registrar for our shares and the disbursing agent
for our stockholders, including costs and expenses attendant upon
shareholder servicing, purchase, repurchase and redemption of our shares;
(xvi) our counsel; and (xvii) our independent auditors. We may arrange for
you to provide some or all of the services relating to items (i) to (xvii)
above, and any other services not directly relating to investment and
reinvestment of our capital, upon such terms and conditions, including
compensation, as we may agree, and subject to the approval and review of
our Board of Directors.
All of our expenses shall be paid by us except for those you specifically
agree to assume under this Agreement.
7. Portfolio Transactions.
(a) Best Execution. You are authorized to place purchase and sale orders
for our portfolio transactions with brokers and/or dealers which in
your best judgment, are able to achieve "best execution" of such
orders. "Best execution" shall mean prompt and reliable execution at
the most favorable security price obtainable, taking into account
research and other services available and the reasonableness of
commission charges. Purchases and sales of securities not listed or
traded on a
securities exchange shall ordinarily be executed with primary market
makers, acting as principal, except where, in your judgment, better
prices and execution may otherwise be obtained.
(b) Brokerage and Research. You are authorized to allocate brokerage and
principal business to hereinafter referred to as "brokers") who have
provided brokerage and research services, as such services are defined
in 1‑800‑279‑0279.
Section 28(e)16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (the "1934
Act") for us and/or other accounts, if any, for which you exercise
investment discretion (as defined in Section 3(a)(35) of the 1934 Act)
and to cause us to pay a commission for effecting a securities
transaction in excess of the amount another broker would have charged
for effecting that transaction if you determine in good faith that such
amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services provided by such broker, viewed in
terms of either that particular transaction or your overall
responsibilities with respect to us and the other accounts, if any, as
to which you exercise investment discretion. In reaching such
determination, you will not be required to place or attempt to place a
specific dollar value on the research or execution services of a broker
or on the portion of any commission reflecting either of said services.
(c) Sales of Shares. Portfolio transactions may be allocated to any broker
or dealer taking into account the sale by such broker or dealer of our
shares. Any such allocation shall be made in accordance with the
provisions of this agreement relating to obtaining "best execution."
8. Non-Exclusive Services, Use of Name. You may act as investment adviser for
any other person, firm or corporation. We recognize that you have given us
the right to use the name "Davis" in our corporate title. If for any reason
you no longer act as our investment adviser, we shall remove the name
"Davis" from our corporate title upon demand made by you.
9. Effective Date, Term, Termination. This Agreement shall become effective
for an initial period of not more than two years from its effective date,
and shall continue in full force and effect continuously thereafter, if its
continuance is approved at least annually as required by the 1940 Act. The
effective date of this Agreement shall be the date this Agreement has been
approved as required by the 1940 Act. As of such effective date, this
Agreement shall supersede all prior investment advisory agreements between
the parties. This Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the
payment of any penalty, by our Board of Directors or by vote of a majority
of our outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940 Act) on 60
days' written notice to you, or by you on 60 days' written notice to us,
and it shall be automatically terminated in the event of its assignment (as
defined in said Act).
10. Series Offered by the Company. As of the date of this Agreement, the
Company has three series of shares (the Davis Value Portfolio, Davis
Financial Portfolio, and Davis Real Estate Portfolio) and this Agreement
shall apply to those series. In the event that the Company shall create
future series, this Agreement shall apply to and be effective as to each
such series, provided (i) that as to any additional series there may be a
different fee payable to you, and (ii) this Agreement, as amended, to
reflect any change in fees, is approved as required by the 1940 Act. The
effective date of this Agreement as to each such series shall be the date
that it is so approved or any later date as shall be agreed to by you and the Company.
If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding, will you so kindly
indicate by signing and returning to us the enclosed copy hereof.
APPENDIX F:
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INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT, DVAF (CONT.)
Very truly yours,
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
By:
---------------------------------------
Its:
--------------------------------------
Accepted as of the day and year first above written.
DAVIS SELECTED ADVISERS, L.P.
By: DAVIS INVESTMENTS, LLC, General Partner
By:
---------------------------------------------
Its:
--------------------------------------------
APPENDIX G:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT - DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC. (CONT.)
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
JANUARY 1, 2001
Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.
609 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10017
Re: Sub-Advisory Agreement for Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.
This is to confirm that Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (the "Adviser"), is
retaining Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc. ("DSA-NY"), as investment
sub-adviser for the portfolio of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc. (the "Fund").
The terms and conditions of your retention are as follows:
1. Service as Sub-Adviser. DSA-NY shall act as an investment sub-adviser for
the Fund and will provide such investment management and research services
as the Adviser shall request subject to the general supervision of the
Board of Directors of the Fund, Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. (the
"Adviser"), and to any applicable provisions as are in effect from time to
time of (a) the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Fund; (b) the
prospectus, statement of additional information and other information set
forth in the Fund's registration documents under the Securities Act of 1933
and the Investment Company Act of 1940 ("1940 Act"), including any
supplements thereto; (c) the Investment Advisory Agreement between the
Adviser and the Fund (the "Investment Advisory Agreement"), the Adviser's
and the Fund's Code of Ethics; and (d) any additional policies or
guidelines established by the Fund's Board of Directors or the Adviser.
DSA-NY acknowledges receipt of copies of the above documents as in effect
on the date of acceptance of this letter. The Adviser agrees that it will
promptly deliver to DSA-NY any amendments, changes or additions of or to
these documents.
2. Securities Transactions. DSA-NY agrees that all securities transactions
will conform to (a) the stated objectives and policies of the Fund; (b) the
brokerage policies set forth in the Investment Advisory Agreement (which
are hereby incorporated by reference herein) and the registration
documents; and (c) those investment and brokerage policies or guidelines
directed by the Board of Directors of the Fund, any committee thereof and
the Adviser.
3. Independent Contractor. DSA-NY shall be an independent contractor. Unless
otherwise expressly provided or authorized hereunder, or by the Board of
Directors of the Fund, DSA-NY shall have no authority to represent the Fund
or the Adviser in any way or otherwise be an agent of the Adviser or the
Fund, except with regard to the execution of securities transactions on
behalf of the Fund with registered broker/dealers, including broker/dealers
affiliated with the Adviser, provided such transactions comply with Rule
17e-1Section 30(h) of the 1940 Act.
4. Reports and Other Documentation. DSA-NY shall provide the Adviser with any
reports, analyses or other documentation the Adviser requests including
those related to placement of security transactions, its administrative
responsibilities and its responsibility to monitor compliance with stated
investment objectives, policies and limitations and the investment
performance of the Fund. DSA-NY agrees,
APPENDIX G:
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SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT - DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC. (CONT.)
directly or through an agent, to provide daily information with respect to
any portfolio transactions of the Fund to the Adviser. DSA-NY agrees to
provide all documentation reasonably required by the Adviser to maintain
the Fund's accounting records in accordance with the 1940 Act, and the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the regulations issued thereunder, and
to preserve copies of all documents and records related to asset
transactions, positions and valuations relatedas applied to the Fund, inrequire the manner
and for the periods prescribed by such regulations. DSA-NY further agrees
that all documents and records it maintains relating to the Fund are the
propertyFund's officers, Directors, Adviser, affiliates of the Fund,investment adviser, and will be surrendered to the Adviser or the Fund
upon the request of either. DSA-NY agrees to provide information and to
allow inspection of such documents and records at reasonable times by any
authorized representative of the Adviser, the Fund's Board of Directors or
any committee thereof, the Fund's independent public accountants or
appropriate regulatory authorities. DSA-NY shall provide to the Adviser a
copy of its Form ADV as filed with the SEC and as amended from time to
time, and a written list of persons DSA-NY has authorized to give written
and/or oral instructions to the Adviser and the Fund custodian.
5. Personnel Available. DSA-NY agrees to make its personnel who are engaged in
activities on behalf of the Fund available at reasonable times for
consultations with the Adviser's personnel and the Fund's Board of
Directors or any committee thereof, including attendance at their meetings,
wherever situated. In addition, personnel of DSA-NY, at the request of the
Adviser, will attend other meetings to be scheduled at mutually convenient
times and shall be reimbursed for its reasonable expenses in connection
therewith.
6. Office Facilities, Equipment and Personnel. DSA-NY agrees to provide all
office facilities, equipment and personnel for carrying out its duties
hereunder at itsbeneficially own expense. In addition, DSA-NY shall, if requested by
the Adviser or the Fund, employ at its own expense and subject to the prior
written approval of the Adviser which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld (i) a public auditing firm, (ii) attorneys, and (iii) such other
professional staff as in the sole discretion of the Adviser are necessary
to assure the fulfillment of the terms and conditions of this agreement.
7. Non Exclusive Services. It is agreed that DSA-NY's services are not to be
deemed exclusive, and DSA-NY shall be free to render similar services or
other services to others provided that (i) its services hereunder are not
impaired and are not in violation of federal or state securities laws, and
(ii) that it shall not provide services to any registered investment
company other than the Fund or other investment companies managed by the
Adviser without the Adviser's prior express written permission.
8. Limitation of Liability, Expenses of Claims. In the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations or duties hereunder, DSA-NY, its officers, directors and
employees shall not be subject to liability for any act or omission in the
cause of, or connected with, rendering service hereunder or for any losses
that may be sustained in the purchase, holding or sale of any security. In
the event of any claim, arbitration, suit, or administrative proceedings in
which DSA-NY or the Adviser is a party and in which it is finally
determined that there is liability or wrongdoing by only one of us, the
party liable or found to be the wrongdoer shall pay for all liability and
expenses of such claim or proceeding including reasonable attorneys' fees.
If it is determined that there is liability or wrongdoing by both or
neither of us, then each shall pay their own liability and expenses. In the
event of any settlement of any such claim, arbitration, suit or proceeding
before final determination by a court or arbitrator(s), the liability and
expenses shall be assumed as agreed between the parties, but if there is no
agreement within thirty (30) days of such settlement, then the assumption
of liability and expenses shall be settled by arbitration, in accordance
with the then applicable rules of the American Arbitration Association.
Judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final and
binding and may be entered in any court having jurisdiction. The parties
shall pay for their
APPENDIX G:
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SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT - DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC. (CONT.)
own costs and expenses with respect to any such arbitration and may be
included in the arbitrator's award.
9. Compliance With Law, Code of Ethics. As investment sub-adviser, DSA-NY
understands that it will be responsible for complying with all provisions
of applicable law, including the 1940 Act, the Investment Advisers Act of
1940, and the Insider Trading and Securities Fraud Enforcement Act of 1988,
and all rules and regulations thereunder. DSA-NY agrees to adopt and comply
with the "Code of Ethics of and for Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. and the
Companies For Which It Acts As Investment Adviser" as in effect from time
to time and to keep in effect a policy and supervisory procedures designed
to prevent insider trading.
10. Payment for Services, Payment of Expenses. The parties acknowledge that
DSA-NY is controlled by or under common control with the Adviser. The
Adviser shall pay DSA-NY all reasonable direct and indirect costs
associated with the maintenance of an office and the performance of the
terms of this Agreement. The Adviser shall also reimburse expenses
expressly approved for reimbursement by the Adviser. Payment for DSA-NY's
services and reimbursement of expenses approved by the Adviser shall be
made monthly, in arrears, by the 15th day of the following month.
11. Term of Agreement, Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective
for an initial period of not more than two years from its effective date,
and shall continue in full force and effect continuously thereafter, if its
continuance is approved at least annually as required by the 1940 Act;
provided, however, that if the continuation of this Agreement is not
approved, DSA-NY may continue to serve in the manner and to the extent
permitted by the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations thereunder.
The effective date of this Agreement shall be the date this Agreement has
been approved as required by the 1940 Act.
12. Termination of Agreement, No Assignment. This Agreement shall automatically
terminate immediately in the event of its assignment (except as otherwise
permitted by the 1940 Act or rules thereunder), or in the event of the
termination of the Investment Advisory Agreement. This Agreement may be
terminated without payment of any penalty at any time (a) upon sixty (60)
days' written notice to DSA-NY by the Adviser or upon such sixty (60) days'
written notice to DSA-NY by the Fund pursuant to action by its Board of
Directors or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund, or (b) upon 60 or more days' written notice by DSA-NY to the
Adviser. The terms "assignment" and "vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities" shall have the meaning set forth in the 1940 Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder. Termination of this Agreement shall not
affect DSA-NY's right to receive payments on any unpaid balance of the
compensation earned and reimbursable expenses incurred prior to such
termination. Upon receipt of notification of termination as provided above,
DSA-NY shall immediately cease all activities in connection with the Fund
except as otherwise directed by the Adviser.
13. Use of "Davis" Name. DSA-NY agrees that it shall abide by the terms of the
agreement of the Adviser with the Fund as to the names of the Fund and the
Adviser and shall not use the name of the Adviser or the Fund without the
prior written consent of the Adviser or the Fund.
14. Independent Provisions. If any provisions of this Agreement shall be held
or made invalid by a court decision, statute or rule or otherwise, the
remainder shall not be thereby affected.
APPENDIX G:
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SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT - DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC. (CONT.)
15. Applicable State Law. The Agreement shall be construed according to the
laws of the State of New Mexico. It may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall
constitute one and the same agreement.
If the foregoing terms and conditions are acceptable to you, please so
acknowledge in the space provided. Upon your acceptance, the retention and the
mutual obligations in respect thereto shall be effective as provided herein.
Sincerely,
Davis Selected Advisers, L.P. Accepted and Approved this 1st day of
January, 2001
By Davis Investments, LLC Davis Selected Advisers - NY, Inc.
General Partner
By: By:
-------------------------- ----------------------------------
Its: Its:
------------------------- ---------------------------------
APPENDIX H:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT COMPANIES WITH INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES SIMILAR TO DAVIS VARIABLE
ACCOUNT FUND, INC., FOR WHICH DAVIS SELECTED ADVISERS, L.P., SERVES AS
INVESTMENT ADVISER
MANAGEMENT FEES PAID AS AN
FUND ANNUAL % OF NET ASSETS NET ASSETS*
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LARGE CAP EQUITY FUNDS
Davis New York Venture Fund 0.53% $14,515,157,707
Selected American Shares 0.57% $3,704,369,529
FINANCIAL SECTOR FUND
Davis Financial Fund 0.63% $899,513,963
REAL ESTATE SECTOR FUND
Davis Real Estate Fund 0.72% $314,508,143
* Net assets as of each Fund's most recently completed fiscal year-end.
APPENDIX I:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.,
PROPOSED UNIFORM FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
Each Fund operates in accordance with the investment objectives, policies and
restrictions described in its prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information.
Each Fund which approves all elements of Proposal 3 will adopt the fundamental
investment policies set forth below, which may not be changed without a
shareholder vote. Where necessary, an explanation beneath a fundamental policy
describes the Fund's practices with respect to that policy, as allowed by
current law. If the law governing a policy changes, the Fund's practices may
change accordingly without a shareholder vote.
Except for the fundamental investment policies regarding illiquid securities and
borrowing, all percentage restrictions apply as of the time of an investment
without regard to any later fluctuations in the value of portfolio securities or
other assets. All references to the assets of the Fund are in terms of current
market value.
A. DIVERSIFICATION
The New Fundamental Policy on Diversification for Davis Value Portfolio and
Davis Financial Portfolio:
DIVERSIFICATION. The Fund may not make any investment that is inconsistent with
its classification as a diversified investment company under the 1940 Act.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF DIVERSIFICATION POLICY. To remain classified as a
diversified investment company under the 1940 Act, the Fund must conform with
the following: With respect to 75% of its total assets, a diversified investment
company may not invest more than 5% of its total assets, determined at market or
other fair value at the time of purchase, in the securities of any one issuer,
or invest in more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one
issuer, determined at the time of purchase. These limitations do not apply to
investments in securities issued or guaranteed by the United States ("U.S.")
government or its agencies or instrumentalities.
The New Fundamental Policy on Diversification for Davis Real Estate Portfolio
would be:
DIVERSIFICATION. The Fund is not required to diversify its investments.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF DIVERSIFICATION POLICY. The Fund intends to remain
classified as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code.
This
APPENDIX I:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
PROPOSED UNIFORM FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES (CONT.)
requires the Fund to conform to the following: at the end of each quarter of the
taxable year, at least 50% of the valueregistered class of the Fund's total assets must be
represented by: cash and cash items; U.S. government securities;outstanding securities ("Reporting Persons"), to file reports of other regulated investment companies and "other securities." For this purpose,
"other securities" does not include investments in the securities of any one
issuer that represent more than 5% of the valueownership of the Fund's total assets or
more than 10% ofsecurities and changes in such ownership with the issuer's outstanding voting securities.
B. CONCENTRATION
THE NEW FUNDAMENTAL POLICY ON CONCENTRATION FOR DAVIS VALUE PORTFOLIO WOULD BE:
CONCENTRATION. The Fund may not concentrate its investments in the securities of
issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CONCENTRATION POLICY. The Fund may not invest 25% or more
of its total assets, taken at market value, in the securities of issuers
primarily engaged in any particular industry (other than securities issued or
guaranteedSEC. Such persons are required by the U.S. government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
The New Fundamental Policy on Concentration for Davis Financial Portfolio would
be:
CONCENTRATION. Davis Financial Portfolio concentrates its investments in the
financial services industry.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CONCENTRATION POLICY. During normal market conditions,Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") regulations to furnish the Fund is required to invest 25% or morewith copies of all such filings.
Based solely on its total assets in companies
"principally engaged" in financial services. The Fund currently intends to
invest 65% or more of its total assets in companies principally engaged in
financial services during normal market conditions.
A company is "principally engaged" in financial services if it owns financial
services related assets constituting at least 50%review of the total valuecopies of its
assets, or if at least 50% of its revenues are derivedsuch forms received by it and written representations from its provision of
financial services. Companies in the financial services industry include
commercial banks, industrial banks, savings institutions, finance companies,
diversified financial services companies, investment banking firms, securities
brokerage houses, investment advisory companies, leasing companies, insurance
companies and companies providing similar services.
The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value,
in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry (other
than issuers in the
APPENDIX I:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
PROPOSED UNIFORM FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES (CONT.)
financial services industry or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
The New Fundamental Policy on Concentration for Davis Real Estate Portfolio
would be:
CONCENTRATION. Davis Real Estate Portfolio concentrates its investments in real
estate securities.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF CONCENTRATION POLICY. During normal market conditions,certain Reporting Persons, the Fund is required to invest 25% or more ofbelieves that during the fiscal year ended XX, its total assets in real estate
securities. The Fund currently intends to invest 65% or more of its total assets
in real estate securities during normal market conditions.
Real estate securities are issued by companies that have at least 50% of the
value of their assets, gross income, or net profits attributable to ownership,
financing, construction, management or sale of real estate, or to products or
services that are related to real estate or the real estate industry. Real
estate companies include real estate investment trusts or other securitized real
estate investments, brokers, developers, lenders and companiesReporting Persons complied with substantial
real estate holdings such as paper, lumber, hotel and entertainment companies.
The Fund may not invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value,
in the securities of issuers primarily engaged in any particular industry (other
than real estate securities or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
government or its agencies or instrumentalities).
C. SENIOR SECURITIES
The New Fundamental Policy on Issuing Senior Securities for each Fund would be:
ISSUING SENIOR SECURITIES. The Fund may not issue senior securities, .except as
permitted underall applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff
positions.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF ISSUING SENIOR SECURITIES. The Fund may not issue senior
securities nor sell short more than 5% of its total assets, except as provided
by the 1940 Act and any rules, regulations or orders issued thereunder. This
limitation does not apply to selling short against the box. The 1940 Act defines
a "Senior Security" as any bond, debenture, note, or similar obligation
constituting a security and evidencing indebtedness.
APPENDIX I:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
PROPOSED UNIFORM FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES (CONT.)
D. BORROWING
The New Fundamental Policy on Borrowing for each Fund would be:
BORROWING. The Fund may not borrow money, except to the extent permitted by
applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff positions.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF BORROWING POLICY. The Fund may borrow from banks and
enter into reverse repurchase agreements in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total
assets, taken at market value. The Fund may also borrow up to an additional 5%
of its total assets from banks or others. The Fund may borrow only as a
temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes such as the redemption
of Fund shares. The Fund may purchase additional securities so long as
borrowings do not exceed 5% of its total assets. The Fund may obtain such
short-term credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales
of portfolio securities. In the event that market fluctuations cause borrowing
to exceed the limits stated above, the Adviser would act to remedy the situation
as promptly as possible (normally within three business days), although it is
not required to dispose of portfolio holdings immediately if the Fund would
suffer losses as a result.
E. UNDERWRITING
The New Fundamental Policy on Underwriting for each Fund would be:
UNDERWRITING. The Fund may not underwrite securities of other issuers except to
the extent permitted by applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC
staff positions.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF UNDERWRITING POLICY. The Fund may not underwrite
securities of other issuers, except insofar as the Fund may be deemed to be an
underwriter in connection with the disposition of its portfolio securities.
APPENDIX I:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
PROPOSED UNIFORM FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES (CONT.)
F. COMMODITIES AND REAL ESTATE
The New Fundamental Policy for each Fund Regarding Investments in Commodities
and Real Estate would be:
INVESTMENTS IN COMMODITIES AND REAL ESTATE. The Fund may not purchase or sell
commodities or real estate, except to the extent permitted by applicable law,
including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff positions.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF POLICY RESTRICTING INVESTMENTS IN COMMODITIES AND REAL
ESTATE. The Fund may purchase or sell financial futures contracts, options on
financial futures contracts, currency contracts, and options on currency
contracts as described in its prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, except that the Fund
may invest in securities that are directly or indirectly secured by real estate,
or securities issued by issuers that invest in real estate.
G. LOANS
The New Fundamental Policy for each Fund Regarding Making Loans would be:
MAKING LOANS. The Fund may not make loans to other persons, except as allowed by
applicable law, including the 1940 Act and published SEC staff positions.
FURTHER EXPLANATION OF LENDING POLICY. The acquisition of investment securities
or other investment instruments is not deemed to be the making of a loan.
To generate income and offset expenses, the Fund may lend portfolio securities
to broker-dealers and other financial institutions which the Adviser believes to
be creditworthy in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its total assets, taken at market
value. While securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income
accruing on the security. The Fund may invest any collateral it receives in
additional portfolio securities, such as U.S. Treasury notes, certificates of
deposit, other high-grade, short-term obligations or interest-bearing cash
equivalents. The Fund is still subject to gains or losses due to changes in the
market value of securities which it has lent.
When the Fund lends its securities, it will require the borrower to give the
Fund collateral in cash or government securities. The Fund will require
collateral in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of
the securities lent, including accrued interest. The Fund has the right to call
a loan and obtain the securities lent any time on notice of
APPENDIX I:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVIS VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUND, INC.
PROPOSED UNIFORM FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES (CONT.)
not more than five business days. The Fund may pay reasonable fees in connection
with such loans.
APPENDIX J:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
DAVIS VALUE PORTFOLIO, DAVIS FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO
AND DAVIS REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO
1. SENIOR SECURITIES. The Fund may not issue senior securities nor sell short
more than 5% of its total assets. This limitation does not apply to selling
short against the box.
2. BORROWING AND LEVERAGE. The Fund may borrow money from any source for
temporary purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of total assets. The Fund
may borrow money from banks as a temporary measure in amounts not exceeding
33 1/3% of the amount of its total assets (reduced by the amount of all
liabilities and indebtedness other than such borrowing) when deemed
desirable or appropriate to effect redemptions. The Fund will not purchase
portfolio securities on margin and will not purchase additional portfolio
securities while borrowings exceed 5% of the total assets of the Fund.
3. UNDERWRITING. The Fund will not engage in the underwriting of securities;
however, the Fund may technically be considered an "underwriter" if it
sells restricted securities.
4. CONCENTRATION. Davis Value Portfolio does not concentrate its investments
in any one industry and may not buy the securities of companies in any one
industry if 25% or more of the value of the Fund's total assets would then
be invested in companies in that industry. (U.S. Government Securities are
not included in this limitation.)
Davis Financial Portfolio concentrates its investments in the financial
services industry. Davis Real Estate Portfolio concentrates its investments
in the real estate industry.
5. COMMODITIES, FUTURES CONTRACTS, AND OPTIONS. The Fund may not purchase or
sell commodities, futures contracts, forward contracts, options, and other
derivative investments except for the sole purpose of hedging the portfolio
against market, currency, interest rate, and other risks. Hedging
transactions include, but are not limited to, writing covered calls,
purchasing protective puts, selling futures to hedge existing positions,
and buying futures in anticipation of purchasing the underlying securities.
This prohibition does not limit the Fund's ability to purchase warrants, or
adjustable rate debt obligations.
6. REAL ESTATE. The Fund may not purchase real estate or real estate mortgages
as such, but may purchase the liquid securities of companies, including
real estate investment trusts, holding real estate or interests (including
mortgage interests) therein.
7. LENDING. The Fund may not lend money, except that it may buy debt
securities customarily acquired by institutional investors. These debt
securities may comprise all or a portion of an issue of "restricted" debt
securities. The Fund may also buy debt securities which have been sold to
the public and may enter into repurchase agreements. The Fund may lend its
portfolio securities subject to having 100% collateral in cash, U.S.
Government Securities, or other liquid securities. The Fund will not lend
securities if such a loan would cause more than 33 1/3% of the total value
of its assets (including collateral received) to then be subject to such
loans.
DAVIS FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO
(A series of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.)
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the
Board of Directors of Davis Financial Portfolio
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies for such shares, hereby appoints
Kenneth Eich, Sharra Reed, and Thomas Tays, or any of them, attorneys of the
undersigned with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of the
above-referenced fund (the "Fund"), which the undersigned is entitled to vote at
the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund (the "Meeting") to be held on
December 1, 2000 at 3480 East Britannia Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85706 on December
1, 2000 commencing at 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and at any and all adjournment(s)
thereof. Receipt of the Notice of and Proxy Statement for said Meeting is
acknowledged.
If properly executed and returned, the shares presented by this proxy will be
voted as specified by the undersigned. As to any other matter, the shares will
be voted by said attorneys in accordance with their judgment.
filing requirements.
Please vote by returning your proxy today! Prompt response will save the expense of
additional solicitations.
If you do not vote your proxy, a D.F. King representative will request your vote
via telephone.
Choose the voting method that is most convenient for you. The voting methods are
listed in the order that costs the least to your Fund. A portion of these
expenses are passed on indirectly to you the shareholder in the form of your
Fund's expenses.
Proxy voting instructions
1. Facsimile (Fax) (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) Read both
sides of this proxy card. Complete, sign and date the card on the
reverse side. Fax the reverse side to 1-781-575-3957.
2. Telephone (Available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time) Complete the upper
part of the reverse side of this card. Call 1-800-290-6424 to speak
with a D.F. King representative. Read the completed part of this card
as prompted.
3. Mail (Available through US Postal Service) Please complete the reverse
side of this proxy card. Sign and date the reverse side of this proxy
card. Return the cardBallot in the enclosed postage paidpostage-paid envelope.
* If you choose one of these methods, do not return your proxy card in the
envelope.
[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
DAVIS FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO
Please refer to the lower portion of this card for the proposal summaries. The
full text of the proposals can be found within the enclosed proxy statements.
These proposals shall be voted at the meeting December
| Ryan Charles | |
| Secretary | |
| XX |
APPENDIX 1 2000.
Note: Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear below. If joint owners, EITHER
may sign this Proxy. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee,
guardian, or custodian for a minor, please give your full title. When signing on
behalf of a corporation or as a partner for a partnership, please give the full
corporate or partnership name and your title, if any.
CONTROL NUMBER:
RECORD DATE SHARES:
Review the Instructions for Proxy Card Endorsement outlined within the enclosed
proxy materials or the note on the reverse side of this card. Please be sure to
sign and date this Proxy Date below.
Date
- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Shareholder sign here Co-owner sign here
Detach this proxy card at the perforation below if you wish to mail your vote.
DETACH CARD
PROPOSAL SUMMARIES
1. Proposal to Elect Directors: (01) Wesley E. Bass, Jr., (02) Jeremy H.
Biggs, (03) Marc P. Blum, (04) Andrew A. Davis, (05) Christopher C. Davis,
(06) Jerry D. Geist, (07) D. James Guzy, (08) G. Bernard Hamilton,
(09) Laurence W. Levine, (10) Christian R. Sonne, (11) Marsha Williams.
FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL To Withhold authority to vote, mark "For All Except"
ALL ALL EXCEPT And write the nominee's number on the line below.
[ ] [ ] [ ] ----------------------------------------------------
2. To approve of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements with Davis Selected
Advisers, L.P. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Davis Selected Advisers -
New York, Inc.
FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL To Withhold authority to vote, mark "For All Except"
ALL ALL EXCEPT And write the nominee's number on the line below.
[ ] [ ] [ ] ----------------------------------------------------
3A. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Diversification.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3B. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Concentration.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3C. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Senior Securities.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3D. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Borrowing.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3E. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Underwriting.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3F. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Investments in Commodities
and Real Estate.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3G. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Making Loans.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
4. Proposal to Ratify the Selection of KPMG LLP as Independent Accountants of
the Funds.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
DAVIS REAL ESTATE
PORTFOLIO (A series of Davis
Variable Account Fund, Inc.)
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the
Board of Directors of Davis Real Estate Portfolio
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies for such shares, hereby appoints
Kenneth Eich, Sharra Reed, and Thomas Tays, or any of them, attorneys of the
undersigned with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of the
above-referenced fund (the "Fund"), which the undersigned is entitled to vote at
the Special Meeting of
OUTSTANDING SHARES
| Davis Financial Portfolio |
APPENDIX 2
Shareholders of the Fund (the "Meeting") to be held on
December 1, 2000 at 3480 East Britannia Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85706 on December
1, 2000 commencing at 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and at any and all adjournment(s)
thereof. Receipt of the Notice of and Proxy Statement for said Meeting is
acknowledged.
If properly executed and returned, the shares presented by this proxy will be
voted as specified by the undersigned. As to any other matter, the shares will
be voted by said attorneys in accordance with their judgment.
Please vote your proxy today! Prompt response will save the expense of
additional solicitations.
If you do not vote your proxy, a D.F. King representative will request your vote
via telephone.
Choose the voting method that is most convenient for you. The voting methods are
listed in the order that costs the least to your Fund. A portion of these
expenses are passed on indirectly to you the shareholder in the form of your
Fund's expenses.
Proxy voting instructions
1. Facsimile (Fax) (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Read both sides of this proxy card.
Complete, sign and date the card on the reverse side.
Fax the reverse side to 1-781-575-3957.
2. Telephone (Available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time)
Complete the upper part of the reverse side of this card.
Call 1-800-290-6424 to speak with a D.F. King representative.
Read the completed part of this card as prompted.
3. Mail (Available through US Postal Service)
Please complete the reverse side of this proxy card.
Sign and date the reverse side of this proxy card.
Return the card in the enclosed postage paid envelope.
* If you choose one of these methods, do not return your proxy card in the
envelope.
[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
DAVIS REAL ESTATE PORTFOLIO
Please refer to the lower portion of this card for the proposal summaries. The
full text of the proposals can be found within the enclosed proxy statement.
These proposals shall be voted at the meeting December 1, 2000.
Note: Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear below. If joint owners, EITHER
may sign this Proxy. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee,
guardian, or custodian for a minor, please give your full title. When signing on
behalf of a corporation or as a partner for a partnership, please give the full
corporate or partnership name and your title, if any.
CONTROL NUMBER:
RECORD DATE SHARES:
Review the Instructions for Proxy Card Endorsement outlined within the enclosed
proxy materials or the note on the reverse side of this card. Please be sure to
sign and date this Proxy Date below.
Date
- --------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Shareholder sign here Co-owner sign here
Detach this proxy card at the perforation below if you wish to mail your vote.
DETACH CARD
PROPOSAL SUMMARIES
1. Proposal to Elect Directors: (01) Wesley E. Bass, Jr., (02) Jeremy H.
Biggs, (03) Marc P. Blum, (04) Andrew A.Davis, (05) Christopher C. Davis,
(06) Jerry D. Geist, (07) D. James Guzy, (08) G. Bernard Hamilton,
(09)Laurence W. Levine, (10) Christian R. Sonne, (11) Marsha Williams.
FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL To Withhold authority to vote, mark "For All Except"
ALL ALL EXCEPT And write the nominee's number on the line below.
[ ] [ ] [ ] ----------------------------------------------------
2. To approve of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements with Davis Selected
Advisers, L.P. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Davis Selected Advisers -
New York, Inc.
FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL To Withhold authority to vote, mark "For All Except"
ALL ALL EXCEPT And write the nominee's number on the line below.
[ ] [ ] [ ] ----------------------------------------------------
3A. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Diversification.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3B. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Concentration.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3C. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Senior Securities.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3D. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Borrowing.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3E. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Underwriting.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3F. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Investments in Commodities
and Real Estate.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3G. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Making Loans.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
4. Proposal to Ratify the Selection of KPMG LLP as Independent Accountants of
the Funds.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
DAVIS VALUE PORTFOLIO
(A series of Davis Variable Account Fund, Inc.)
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the
Board of Directors of Davis Value Portfolio
The undersigned, revoking previous proxies for such shares, hereby appoints
Kenneth Eich, Sharra Reed, and Thomas Tays, or any of them, attorneys of the
undersigned with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of the
above-referenced fund (the "Fund"), which the undersigned is entitled to vote at
the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund (the "Meeting") to be held on
December 1, 2000 at 3480 East Britannia Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85706 on December
1, 2000 commencing at 11 a.m. Pacific Time, and at any and all adjournment(s)
thereof. Receipt of the Notice of and Proxy Statement for said Meeting is
acknowledged.
If properly executed and returned, the shares presented by this proxy will be
voted as specified by the undersigned. As to any other matter, the shares will
be voted by said attorneys in accordance with their judgment.
Please vote your proxy today! Prompt response will save the expense of
additional solicitations.
If you do not vote your proxy, a D.F. King representative will request your vote
via telephone.
Choose the voting method that is most convenient for you. The voting methods are
listed in the order that costs the least to your Fund. A portion of these
expenses are passed on indirectly to you the shareholder in the form of your
Fund's expenses.
Proxy voting instructions
1. Facsimile (Fax) (Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Read both sides of this proxy card.
Complete, sign and date the card on the reverse side.
Fax the reverse side to 1-781-575-3957.
2. Telephone (Available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time)
Complete the upper part of the reverse side of this card.
Call 1-800-290-6424 to speak with a D.F. King representative.
Read the completed part of this card as prompted.
3. Mail (Available through US Postal Service)
Please complete the reverse side of this proxy card.
Sign and date the reverse side of this proxy card.
Return the card in the enclosed postage paid envelope.
If you choose one of these methods, do not return your proxy card in the
envelope.
[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES
AS IN THIS EXAMPLE
DAVIS VALUE PORTFOLIO
Please refer to the lower portion of this card for the proposal summaries. The
full text of the proposals can be found within the enclosed proxy statement.
These proposals shall be voted at the meeting December 1, 2000.
NOTE: Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear below. If joint owners, EITHER
may sign this Proxy. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee,
guardian, or custodian for a minor, please give your full title. When signing on
behalf of a corporation or as a partner for a partnership, please give the full
corporate or partnership name and your title, if any.
CONTROL NUMBER:
RECORD DATE SHARES:
Review the Instructions for Proxy Card Endorsement outlined within the enclosed
proxy materials or the note on the reverse side of this card. Please be sure to
sign and date this Proxy Date below.
Date
- --------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Shareholder sign here Co-owner sign here
Detach this proxy card at the perforation below if you wish to mail your vote.
DETACH CARD
PROPOSAL SUMMARIES
1. Proposal to Elect Directors: (01) Wesley E. Bass, Jr., (02) Jeremy H.
Biggs, (03) Marc P. Blum, (04) Andrew A. Davis, (05) Christopher C. Davis,
(06) Jerry D. Geist, (07) D. James Guzy, (08) G. Bernard Hamilton,
(09) Laurence W. Levine, (10) Christian R. Sonne, (11) Marsha Williams.
FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL To Withhold authority to vote, mark "For All Except"
ALL ALL EXCEPT And write the nominee's number on the line below.
[ ] [ ] [ ] ----------------------------------------------------
2. To approve of the Advisory and Sub-Advisory Agreements with Davis Selected
Advisers, L.P. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Davis Selected Advisers -
New York, Inc.
FOR WITHHOLD FOR ALL To Withhold authority to vote, mark "For All Except"
ALL ALL EXCEPT And write the nominee's number on the line below.
[ ] [ ] [ ] ----------------------------------------------------
3A. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Diversification.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3B. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Concentration.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3C. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Senior Securities.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3D. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Borrowing.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3E. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Underwriting.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3F. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Investments in Commodities
and Real Estate.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
3G. Proposal to Amend Fundamental Policies Regarding Making Loans.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
4. Proposal to Ratify the Selection of KPMG LLP as Independent Accountants of
the Funds.
For Against Abstain
[ ] [ ] [ ]
owning over 5%
