As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 2010
Registration No.
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM N-14
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
o Pre-Effective Amendment No.
o Post-Effective Amendment No.
(Check appropriate Box or Boxes)
Turner Funds
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
c/o The CT Corporation System
101 Federal Street
Boston, MA 02110
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
610-251-0268
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code)
Name and Address of Agent for Service: | | with a copy to: |
| | |
Michael P. Malloy | | Brian F. McNally |
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP | | Turner Investment Partners, Inc. |
One Logan Square | | 1205 Westlakes Dr., Suite 100 |
Suite 2000 | | Berwyn, PA 19312-2414 |
Philadelphia, PA 19103 | | |
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective under the Securities Act of 1933.
Title of Securities Being Registered: Units of beneficial interest
It is proposed that this filing will become effective on January 14, 2011 pursuant to Rule 488.
An indefinite amount of the Registrant’s securities has been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. In reliance upon such Rule, no filing fee is being paid at this time.
TURNER FUNDS
FORM N-14
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
Item No. | | Heading |
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Part A | | |
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1. | | Beginning of Registration Statement and Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus | | Cover Page of Registration Statement; Cross-Reference Sheet; Front Cover Page of Combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus |
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2. | | Beginning and Outside Back Cover Page of Prospectus | | Table of Contents |
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3. | | Fee Table, Synopsis Information, and Risk Factors | | Summary; Board’s Consideration of the Reorganization; The Reorganization; Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization; Comparative Fees and Expenses; Overview of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund; Voting Information; Principal Risk Factors; Risks of Investing in the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund |
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4. | | Information About the Transaction | | Information about the Reorganization; Trustees’ Considerations; The Plan of Reorganization; Description of the Securities to be Issued; Federal Income Tax Consequences; Capitalization |
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5. | | Information About the Registrant | | Summary; Comparative Fees and Expenses; Principal Risk Factors; Comparison of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund; Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies; Other Investment Practices and Investment Securities of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund; Investment Adviser and Advisory Fee Information; Other Service Providers; Administration Arrangements; Dividends and Other Distributions; Additional Information About the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund; Financial Highlights; Materials Incorporated by Reference; Other Information; Available Information |
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6. | | Information About the Company Being Acquired | | Summary; Comparative Fees and Expenses; Overview of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund; Principal Risk Factors; Comparison of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Funds; Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies; Other Investment Practices and Investment Securities of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund; Investment Adviser and Advisory Fee Information; Other Service Providers; Administration Arrangements; Dividends and Other Distributions; Additional Information About the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund; Financial Highlights; Materials |
| | | | Incorporated by Reference; Other Information; Available Information |
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7. | | Voting Information | | Voting Information |
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8. | | Interest of Certain Persons and Experts | | Not Applicable |
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9. | | Additional Information Required for Reoffering by Persons Deemed to be Underwriters | | Not Applicable |
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Part B | | |
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10. | | Cover Page | | Cover Page |
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11. | | Table of Contents | | Not Applicable |
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12. | | Additional Information About the Registrant | | Incorporation of Documents by Reference into the Statement of Additional Information |
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13. | | Additional Information About the Fund Being Acquired | | Incorporation of Documents by Reference into the Statement of Additional Information |
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14. | | Financial Statements | | Pro Forma Financial Statements |
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Part C | | |
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Items 15-17. Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate Item, so numbered, in Part C of this Registration Statement. |
Turner Funds
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund
1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100
Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312
January [ ], 2011
Dear Shareholder:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Turner Funds (the “Trust”), we are pleased to invite you to a special meeting of shareholders of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Large Cap Growth Fund”) to be held at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time) on February 28, 2011 at the offices of Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”), 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312 (the “Special Meeting”). At the Special Meeting, you will be asked to approve a plan of reorganization, dated as of November 19, 2010 (the “Plan of Reorganization”), which contemplates the reorganization of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Large Cap Growth Fund”) into the Turner Core Growth Fund (the “Core Growth Fund”). Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund will be subject to the reorganization. The Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund are sometimes referred to as the “Funds.” The Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund effective January 31, 2011.
The Trustees of the Trust unanimously recommend that you vote to approve the proposed reorganization.
· Similar Investment Objectives and Policies; Same Lead Portfolio Manager and Investment Adviser
The investment objectives of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund are identical — long term capital appreciation. The Large Cap Growth Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in equity securities of U.S. companies with very large market capitalizations that Turner believes have strong earnings growth potential. Large cap companies are defined for this purpose as companies with market capitalizations at the time of purchase in the range of those market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell Top 200 Growth Index, the Core Growth Fund’s current benchmark. The Core Growth Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing primarily in equity securities of U.S. companies, typically medium to large sized companies, that Turner considers to have strong earnings growth potential. The Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund effective January 31, 2011, and will invest primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in equity securities of U.S. companies with very large market capitalizations as of that date.
Turner serves as investment adviser to each of the Funds, with Robert Turner as lead portfolio manager for each of the Funds. With respect to both Funds, Mr. Turner is assisted by a team of investment professionals.
· Lower Gross Total Operating Expenses; Same Net Total Operating Expenses; No Sales Loads
The gross total operating expense ratio for the Turner Core Growth Fund is lower than that of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund. Taking into account fee waivers and expense reimbursements, the total operating expense ratio for the Turner Core Growth Fund is the same as that of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund. There will be no sales loads imposed in connection with the reorganization.
· Comparable Recent Relative Performance
Although past performance is no assurance of future results, the investment performance of the Core Growth Fund over the one- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2009 has been better than that of the Large Cap Growth Fund. The investment performance of the Core Growth Fund over the first three quarters of 2010, however, lagged that of the Large Cap Growth Fund.
· Potential Economies of Scale
Shareholders of both the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund should benefit from the greater efficiencies and economies of scale that can result from an investment in a larger combined fund, including potential lower expense ratios and greater portfolio management efficiencies. After reviewing and considering, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, a number of factors relating to the Trust, the Funds and Turner, the Trustees determined that the reorganization is in the best interests of the Large Cap Growth and Core Growth Funds and that the interests of the existing shareholders of those Funds would not be diluted as a result of the reorganization.
The Core Growth Fund shares you receive in the reorganization will have the same total dollar value as the total dollar value of the Large Cap Growth Fund shares that you held immediately prior to the reorganization. The net asset value of the Large Cap Growth Fund will not be affected by the reorganization. That means that the reorganization will not result in a dilution of any shareholder’s interest. Therefore, the market value of your shares will remain the same, although the number of shares you own after the reorganization may change. The exchange of Large Cap Growth Fund shares for Core Growth Fund shares is intended to be tax-free under federal income tax laws.
For more information about the reorganization, please carefully review the enclosed materials. The formal Notice of Special Meeting, a Combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus, a Proxy Ballot and a Fund prospectus are enclosed.
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Please return your Proxy Ballot or follow the instructions in the enclosed materials to vote on-line or by telephone so that your vote will be counted.
Your vote is important to us regardless of the number of shares that you own. Please vote by returning your Proxy Ballot today in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. You also may vote your proxy by a toll-free phone call or by voting on-line, as indicated in the enclosed materials.
If you have any questions about the reorganization, please do not hesitate to contact the Trust toll free at 1-800-224-6312.
We look forward to your attendance at the Special Meeting or receiving your proxy card(s) or your on-line or telephone instructions so that your shares may be voted at the Special Meeting.
| Sincerely, |
| |
| Thomas R. Trala |
| President and Trustee |
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TURNER FUNDS
January [ ], 2011
Questions & Answers
For Shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund:
The following questions and answers provide an overview of the proposal to reorganize the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund. We also encourage you to read the full text of the combined proxy statement/prospectus (the “Proxy/Prospectus”) that follows.
Q: What are shareholders being asked to vote upon?
A: Shareholders of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Large Cap Growth Fund”) are being asked in the attached Proxy/Prospectus to consider and approve a proposal to reorganize that Fund into the Turner Core Growth Fund (the “Core Growth Fund”). The Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund effective January 31, 2011.
Q. Why has the reorganization of the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund been recommended?
A: The Trustees of the Trust (the “Trustees”), including those Trustees who are not “interested persons” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), have determined that the reorganization of the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund is in the best interest of the shareholders of each of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund and that interests of the existing shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund will not be diluted as a result of the reorganization.
Shareholders of both the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund should benefit from the greater efficiencies that are expected to result from the reorganization. The gross total operating expenses of the Core Growth Fund after the reorganization are expected to be lower than the current gross total operating expenses of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the net total operating expenses of the Core Growth Fund are the same as those of the Large Cap Growth Fund in light of Turner’s contractual commitment to limit expenses of the Core Growth Fund through January 31, 2012.
The Trustees reviewed and considered, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, a number of factors relating to the reorganization. The Trustees also considered that neither the Large Cap Growth Fund nor the Core Growth Fund will bear any direct fees or expenses in connection with the reorganization. Under the Plan of Reorganization, dated as of November 19, 2010 (the “Plan of Reorganization”), which contemplates the reorganization of the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund, all of the fees and expenses in connection with entering into and carrying out the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization
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whether or not the transactions contemplated are concluded will be paid by Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”).
Q: What is the anticipated timing of the reorganization?
A: The Special Meeting of shareholders to consider the proposal is scheduled to occur on February 28, 2011. If all necessary approvals are obtained, the proposed reorganization will likely take place on approximately March 7, 2011.
Q: Who will receive the Proxy/Prospectus material?
A: The Proxy/Prospectus will be mailed to all persons and entities that held shares of record in the Large Cap Growth Fund on or about January 3, 2011. Please note that in some cases record ownership of and/or voting authority over Large Cap Growth Fund shares may reside with a fiduciary or other agent. In these cases, the fiduciary or other agent may receive the combined Proxy/Prospectus.
Q: How is the Large Cap Growth Fund proposed to be reorganized?
A: The Plan of Reorganization, approved by the Trustees, contemplates the reorganization of the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund. If the reorganization is approved by shareholders, Large Cap Growth Fund shareholders who do not wish to have their Large Cap Growth Fund shares exchanged for shares of the Core Growth Fund as part of the reorganization should redeem their shares prior to the consummation of the reorganization. If you redeem your shares, you may recognize a taxable gain or loss based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them.
Q: What are the costs and federal tax implications to shareholders in connection with the proposed reorganization?
A: The Trust will not bear any direct fees or expenses in connection with the reorganization. Under the Plan of Reorganization, Turner has agreed to pay all of the fees and expenses in connection with entering into and carrying out the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization whether or not the transactions contemplated are concluded.
The exchange of Large Cap Growth Fund shares for Core Growth Fund shares is intended to be tax-free under federal income tax laws, and is conditioned on receipt of a tax opinion to that effect. Nonetheless, it is possible that the sale of securities by the Large Cap Growth Fund prior to the reorganization, whether in the ordinary course of business or in anticipation of the reorganization, might increase the amount of the final distribution made by the Large Cap Growth Fund prior to the reorganization. Immediately prior to the reorganization, the Large Cap Growth Fund will declare and pay a final distribution to shareholders of all of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s remaining undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain, if any, recognized in taxable years ending on or before the day of the reorganization.
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Turner Funds
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund
1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100
Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held On February 28, 2011
To Shareholders of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund:
NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT a special meeting (the “Special Meeting”) of the shareholders of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Large Cap Growth Fund”) of the Turner Funds (the “Trust”), will be held at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time), on February 28, 2011 at the offices of Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”), 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312 for the purpose of considering and voting upon:
ITEM 1. A proposal to approve a Plan of Reorganization which provides for and contemplates: (1) the transfer of all of the assets and liabilities of the Large Cap Growth Fund to the Turner Core Growth Fund (the “Core Growth Fund”) in exchange for Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund; and (2) the distribution of the Institutional Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund to the shareholders of Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the distribution of the Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund to the shareholders of Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund in liquidation of the Large Cap Growth Fund.
Item 1 is described in the attached Combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The Trustees of the Trust (the “Trustees”) unanimously recommend that you vote in favor of the proposal.
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on January 3, 2011 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Special Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof.
You are requested to mark, date, sign and return promptly in the enclosed envelope the accompanying proxy ballot that is being solicited by the Trustees. This is important to ensure a quorum at the Special Meeting. You also may return proxies by: 1) touch-tone voting or 2) voting on-line. Proxies may be revoked at any time before they are exercised by submitting to the Trust a written notice of revocation or a subsequently executed proxy or by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person.
| By Order of the Board of Trustees, |
| |
| |
| Thomas R. Trala |
| President and Trustee, Turner Funds |
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We need your proxy vote immediately. You may think that your vote is not important, but it is. By law, the Special Meeting will have to be adjourned with respect to the Large Cap Growth Fund without conducting any business if shares representing a majority interest in the Large Cap Growth Fund entitled to vote in person or by proxy at the meeting are not represented at the meeting. In that event, the Trust would continue to solicit votes for a certain period of time in an attempt to achieve a quorum. Your vote could be critical in allowing the Trust to hold the Special Meeting as scheduled, so please return your proxy ballot immediately or vote on-line or by telephone.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY
OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 28, 2011
The Notice of Special Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement/Prospectus are available on the Trust’s website at www.turnerinvestments.com.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Thomas R. Trala
President and Trustee, Turner Funds
January [ ] , 2011
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COMBINED PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
January [ ], 2011
TURNER FUNDS
1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100
Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312
1-800-224-6312
This combined proxy statement/prospectus (“Proxy/Prospectus”) is being sent to shareholders of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Large Cap Growth Fund”), a series of the Turner Funds, a Massachusetts business trust (the “Trust”). The Trust’s Trustees (the “Trustees”) have called a Special Meeting of Shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) at the offices of Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”) on February 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time.
At the Special Meeting, shareholders will be asked:
· To approve a Plan of Reorganization dated as of November 19, 2010 (the “Plan of Reorganization”) which provides for and contemplates: (1) the transfer of all of the assets and liabilities of the Large Cap Growth Fund to the Turner Core Growth Fund (the “Core Growth Fund”) in exchange for Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund; and (2) the distribution of the Institutional Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund to the shareholders of Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the distribution of the Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund to the shareholders of Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund in liquidation of the Large Cap Growth Fund.
Plan of Reorganization. The Plan of Reorganization, which is attached as Appendix A, provides for the transfer of all of the assets and liabilities of the Large Cap Growth Fund to the Core Growth Fund in exchange for Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund. As a result of the reorganization, shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund will become shareholders of the Core Growth Fund (the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund are sometimes referred to as “Funds”). The transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization are referred to collectively as the “Reorganization.” The Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund effective January 31, 2011.
This Proxy/Prospectus sets forth concisely the information that a Large Cap Growth Fund shareholder should know before voting on the Reorganization and investing in the Core Growth Fund, and should be retained for future reference. It is both a proxy statement for the Special Meeting and a prospectus for the Core Growth Fund.
Additional information is set forth in the Statement of Additional Information dated January [ ] , 2011, relating to this Proxy/Prospectus, in the statutory prospectus dated January 31,
2010, as supplemented, for the Turner Funds, and in the summary prospectus dated January 31, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. The Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy/Prospectus is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and is available without charge by calling the Trust at the telephone number stated above or by writing the Trust at the following address: Turner Funds, 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312. In addition, a current summary prospectus accompanies this Proxy/Prospectus. The Annual Report for the Funds for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 can be obtained without charge by calling or writing the Trust at the telephone number or address stated above. Each of these documents together with other information about the Funds is also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
This Proxy/Prospectus is expected to be first sent to shareholders on or about January 17, 2011. Turner Investment Partners, Inc. (“Turner”) has retained Broadridge to provide solicitation services in connection with the Special Meeting at an estimated cost of $[ ] Turner will pay for this expense.
The SEC has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Proxy/Prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
Table of Contents
SUMMARY | | 1 |
| | |
Board’s Consideration of the Reorganization | | 1 |
The Reorganization | | 1 |
Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization | | 3 |
Comparative Fees and Expenses | | 3 |
Overview of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund | | 7 |
Voting Information | | 9 |
| | |
PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS | | 9 |
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Risks of Investing in the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund | | 9 |
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION | | 12 |
| | |
Trustees’ Considerations | | 12 |
The Plan of Reorganization | | 13 |
Description of the Securities to be Issued | | 15 |
Federal Income Tax Consequences | | 16 |
Capitalization | | 18 |
| | |
COMPARISON OF THE LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND AND THE CORE GROWTH FUND | | 19 |
| | |
Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies | | 19 |
Other Investment Practices and Investment Securities of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund | | 20 |
Investment Adviser and Advisory Fee Information | | 21 |
Other Service Providers | | 21 |
Administration Arrangements | | 22 |
Dividends and Other Distributions | | 22 |
| | |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND AND THE CORE GROWTH FUND | | 22 |
| | |
Financial Highlights | | 22 |
Materials Incorporated By Reference | | 24 |
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VOTING INFORMATION | | 24 |
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General Information | | 24 |
Shareholder and Board Approvals | | 25 |
Quorum and Adjournment | | 25 |
Principal Shareholders | | 26 |
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OTHER INFORMATION | | 29 |
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Shareholder Proposals | | 29 |
Other Business | | 29 |
Householding | | 29 |
Available Information | | 29 |
Financial Statements | | 30 |
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SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES | | 30 |
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APPENDIX A | | A-1 |
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SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain information contained in this Proxy/Prospectus and the Plan of Reorganization. The Plan of Reorganization governs the terms of the Reorganization and is attached as Appendix A.
Board’s Consideration of the Reorganization
At a meeting held on November 19, 2010, the Trustees considered the Plan of Reorganization and the Reorganization of the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund. Based upon their evaluation of the information presented to them, and in light of their fiduciary duties under federal and state law, the Trustees, including all Trustees who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)), who were represented by independent legal counsel, determined that participation in the Reorganization, as contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization, was in the best interests of the shareholders of each Fund and that the interests of the existing shareholders of each Fund will not be diluted as a result of the Reorganization. For additional information, see “Information About the Reorganization — Trustees’ Considerations.”
The Trustees unanimously recommend that shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund approve the Plan of Reorganization.
The Reorganization
As set forth in the Plan of Reorganization, the Reorganization between the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund would involve:
· The acquisition of all of the assets of the Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund by the Core Growth Fund and the assumption by the Core Growth Fund of all of the liabilities of the Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, in exchange for Institutional Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund having an aggregate value equal to the aggregate net asset value of Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the effective time of the Reorganization;
· The acquisition of all of the assets of the Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund by the Core Growth Fund and the assumption by the Core Growth Fund of all of the liabilities of the Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, in exchange for Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund having an aggregate value equal to the aggregate net asset value of Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the effective time of the Reorganization;
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· The distribution of the Core Growth Fund’s Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares to each holder of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares, respectively, as of the effective time of the Reorganization; and
· The complete liquidation of the Large Cap Growth Fund.
As a result of the Reorganization, each Large Cap Growth Fund shareholder will become a shareholder of the Core Growth Fund and will hold, immediately after the Reorganization, Core Growth Fund shares having a total dollar value equal to the total dollar value of the shares such shareholder held in the Large Cap Growth Fund immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Reorganization. The exchange of shares in the Reorganization is intended to be tax-free under federal income tax laws.
If approved, the Reorganization will occur as of the opening of business on or about March 7, 2011, or another date selected by the Trust. Approval of the Reorganization requires the approval of the holders of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund or (2) 67% or more of the voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund present at the Special Meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund are represented at the Special Meeting in person or by proxy. See “Information about the Reorganization” and “Voting Information” below.
At a meeting of the Board of Trustees on November 19, 2010, management of Turner, investment adviser to the Funds, presented to the Trustees for their consideration a proposal to reorganize the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund. Representatives of Turner explained that the Large Cap Growth Fund was not expected to reach the necessary scale needed in order to reduce expenses and achieve other economic efficiencies for the Fund’s shareholders. After review and evaluation of the possible alternatives, Turner recommended that the Trustees consider the Reorganization.
At that meeting, the Trustees reviewed and considered, with the assistance of independent legal counsel, a number of factors relating to the Trust, the Funds and Turner. For the reasons cited above and the additional reasons set forth below under “Information About the Reorganization — Trustees’ Considerations,” the Trustees unanimously recommend the approval of the proposed Reorganization by Large Cap Growth Fund shareholders.
Turner anticipates selling a portion of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s portfolio holdings shortly prior to or after the Reorganization. To the extent that the Large Cap Growth Fund’s securities holdings are sold prior to the Reorganization, the proceeds of such sales will be held in temporary investments or reinvested in assets that the Core Growth Fund may hold. The sale of securities either prior to the Reorganization or shortly thereafter could result in the Large Cap Growth Fund or the Core Growth Fund realizing gains, and making taxable distributions to shareholders attributable to those gains, that would not otherwise have been realized but for the Reorganization. Such a sale of assets and the reinvestment of the proceeds would involve brokerage and other transactional costs to be borne by the Large Cap Growth Fund.
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Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Reorganization
It is intended that the Reorganization will not result in the recognition, for federal income tax purposes, of gain or loss by the Large Cap Growth Fund, the Core Growth Fund or their respective shareholders. Nonetheless, the sale of securities by the Large Cap Growth Fund prior to the Reorganization, whether in the ordinary course of business or in anticipation of the Reorganization, may increase the amount of the final distribution made by the Large Cap Growth Fund prior to the Reorganization. Immediately prior to the Reorganization, the Large Cap Growth Fund will declare and pay a distribution to shareholders of all of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s remaining undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain, if any, recognized in taxable years ending on or before the day of the Reorganization.
The Trust has received an opinion from its counsel, Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, (based on certain facts, qualifications, assumptions and representations) to the effect that the Reorganization, for federal income tax purposes, will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). See “Information About the Reorganization — Federal Income Tax Consequences,” below.
Comparative Fees and Expenses
Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund Expenses
Expense Ratio Tables. Expenses of mutual funds are often measured by their expense ratios (i.e., the ratio of their total expenses for a year divided by their average daily net asset value over the same year). The total expenses of the Institutional Class and Investor Class of the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund differ on a gross basis, but are the same on a net total basis due to contractual fee waivers and expense reimbursements currently in place by Turner.
The following table: (1) compares the fees and expenses for both classes of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund and (2) shows the estimated fees and expenses for both classes of the Core Growth Fund on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Reorganization. The purpose of these tables is to assist shareholders in understanding the various costs and expenses that investors in these portfolios will bear as shareholders. The tables enable you to compare and contrast the recent expense levels for the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund and obtain a general idea of what the expense levels would be if the Reorganization occurs. The tables do not reflect any charges that may be imposed by institutions directly on their customer accounts in connection with investments in the portfolios. Pro forma expense levels shown should not be considered an actual representation of future expenses or performance. Such pro forma expense levels project levels but actual expenses may be greater or less than those shown.
The annual operating expenses of the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund are based on actual expenses for the twelve months ended September 30, 2010. The Combined Fund (as defined below) pro forma expense ratios are constructed by assuming that the Reorganization
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occurred on September 30, 2010 and assume that the Funds’ fee waivers were in effect for the Combined Fund at this time.
For financial statement purposes the Core Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor of the Reorganization. As the accounting survivor, the Core Growth Fund’s operating history will be used for financial reporting purposes.
Example Table. Following the expense ratio table are expense examples intended to help you compare and contrast the cost of investing in Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of: (1) the Large Cap Growth Fund as it currently exists, (2) the Core Growth Fund as it currently exists, and (3) the Core Growth Fund if it acquires the Large Cap Growth Fund (i.e., the “pro forma” figure) (the Turner Large Growth Fund, or the “Combined Fund”).
The examples depict the dollar amount of expenses on a hypothetical investment in each of the Funds for the periods shown. In the “pro forma” line, the dollar figures shown are computed based on the total operating expense figures from the corresponding expense ratio table (and not the net operating expense figure). In other words, the examples do not reflect any expense waivers or reimbursements.
Institutional Class Shares
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
| | Large Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class Shares | | Core Growth Fund Institutional Class Shares | | Combined Fund Institutional Class Shares (Pro Forma) | |
| | | | | | | |
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | | None | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | |
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) | | None | | 2.00 | %(1) | 2.00 | %(1) |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
| | Large Cap Growth Fund Institutional Class Shares | | Core Growth Fund Institutional Class Shares | | Combined Fund Institutional Class Shares (Pro Forma) | |
| | | | | | | |
Investment Advisory Fees | | 0.60 | % | 0.60 | % | 0.60 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees | | None | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Other Expenses (2) | | 0.39 | % | 0.27 | % | 0.31 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Shareholder Servicing Fee | | None | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | | 0.99 | % | 0.87 | % | 0.91 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements (3) | | (0.30 | )% | (0.18 | )% | (0.22 | )% |
| | | | | | | |
Net Total Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements | | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % |
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(1) Applies to redemptions (including exchanges) within 90 days of purchase. At this time, purchases of Institutional Class of the Core Growth Fund (or of the Combined Fund) will not be subject to the redemption fee described above. The Core Growth Fund (and the Combined Fund) will notify all existing shareholders if and when it decides to implement the fee.
(2) “Total Other Expenses” include dividends and interest on securities that the Fund sells short (“short-sale dividends and interest”). Short-sale dividends and interest are treated as an expense, and increase the Fund’s total expense ratio.
(3) Turner has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse Fund expenses to keep the “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements” of the Institutional Class Shares of the Funds (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses and interest expenses relating to short sales) from exceeding 0.69% through January 31, 2012.
Investor Class Shares
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment)
| | Large Cap Growth Fund Investor Class Shares | | Core Growth Fund Investor Class Shares | | Combined Fund Investor Class Shares (Pro Forma) | |
| | | | | | | |
Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) | | None | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | |
Redemption Fee (as a percentage of amount redeemed, if applicable) | | None | | 2.00 | %(1) | 2.00 | %(1) |
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
| | Large Cap Growth Fund Investor Class Shares | | Core Growth Fund Investor Class Shares | | Combined Fund Investor Class Shares (Pro Forma) | |
Investment Advisory Fees | | 0.60 | % | 0.60 | % | 0.60 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Distribution (12b-1) Fees | | None | | None | | None | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Other Expenses (2) | | 0.64 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.56 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Shareholder Servicing Fee (3) | | 0.25% | | 0.25% | | 0.25% | |
| | | | | | | |
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses | | 1.24 | % | 1.12 | % | 1.16 | % |
| | | | | | | |
Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements (4) | | (0.30 | )% | (0.18 | )% | (0.22 | )% |
| | | | | | | |
Net Total Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % |
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(1) Applies to redemptions (including exchanges) within 90 days of purchase. At this time, purchases of Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund (or of the Combined Fund) will not be subject to the redemption fee described above. The Core Growth Fund (and the Combined Fund) will notify all existing shareholders if and when it decides to implement the fee.
(2) “Total Other Expenses” include dividends and interest on securities that the Fund sells short (“short-sale dividends and interest”). Short-sale dividends and interest are treated as an expense, and increase the Fund’s total expense ratio.
(3) The “Shareholder Servicing Fee” is included as part of each Fund’s “Total Other Expenses” and is presented here for information purposes only.
(4) Turner has contractually agreed to waive fees and reimburse Fund expenses to keep the “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses after Fee Waivers and Expense Reimbursements” of the Investor Class Shares of the Funds (excluding acquired fund fees and expenses and interest expenses relating to short sales) from exceeding 0.94% through January 31, 2012.
Examples
The following Examples are intended to help you compare the cost of investing in: (1) the Large Cap Growth Fund as it currently exists; (2) the Core Growth Fund as it currently exists; and (3) the Core Growth Fund if it acquires the Large Cap Growth Fund (i.e., the Combined Fund Pro Forma) with the cost of investing in other mutual funds. The Examples assume that you invest $10,000 in Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares, as applicable, of the Large Cap Growth Fund, the Core Growth Fund or the Combined Fund for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The Examples also assume that your investment has a 5% return, Fund operating expenses are as stated under “Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses” and you reinvest all dividends and distributions. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your approximate cost of investing $10,000 in the Funds would be:
Institutional Class Shares
| | 1 year | | 3 years | | 5 years | | 10 years | |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund | | $ | 70 | | $ | 285 | | $ | 518 | | $ | 1,186 | |
Turner Core Growth Fund | | $ | 70 | | $ | 260 | | $ | 465 | | $ | 1,056 | |
Combined Fund Pro Forma | | $ | 70 | | $ | 268 | | $ | 482 | | $ | 1,099 | |
Investor Class Shares
| | 1 year | | 3 years | | 5 years | | 10 years | |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund | | $ | 96 | | $ | 364 | | $ | 652 | | $ | 1,474 | |
Turner Core Growth Fund | | $ | 96 | | $ | 338 | | $ | 600 | | $ | 1,347 | |
Combined Fund Pro Forma | | $ | 96 | | $ | 347 | | $ | 617 | | $ | 1,389 | |
The purpose of the foregoing tables is to assist an investor in understanding the various costs and expenses that an investor will bear directly or indirectly. The examples should not be considered a representation of future expenses which may be more or less than those shown. The assumed 5% annual return is hypothetical and should not be considered a representation of past or future annual return. Actual returns may be greater or less than the assumed amount.
Certain institutions that sell Fund shares and/or their salespersons may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of the Funds for services to their
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customers’ accounts and/or the Funds. For more information regarding such compensation, see “Distribution of Fund Shares” in the Funds’ prospectus and “Distribution and Shareholder Services” in their Statement of Additional Information.
Overview of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund
Comparison of Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies
The following chart summarizes the investment objective of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund (to be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund).
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund:
Investment Objective: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategy: The Turner Large Cap Growth Fund invests primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in equity securities of U.S. companies with very large market capitalizations that Turner believes have strong earnings growth potential. For this purpose the Fund considers U.S. companies to include those companies headquartered or doing a substantial portion of their business in the United States. Large cap companies are defined for this purpose as companies with market capitalizations at the time of purchase in the range of those market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell Top 200 Growth Index (the “Growth Index”), the Fund’s current benchmark. The Fund may also purchase securities of smaller companies that offer growth potential. The Fund invests in securities of companies that are diversified across economic sectors and will attempt to maintain sector concentrations that approximate those of the Growth Index.
Portfolio exposure is generally limited to 5% of assets in any single issuer, subject to exceptions for the most heavily weighted securities in the Growth Index. Turner pursues a bottom-up strategy that blends quantitative and qualitative analysis to find growth companies with superior earnings prospects, reasonable valuations, and favorable trading-volume and price patterns. A stock becomes a sell candidate if Turner detects deterioration in the company’s earnings growth potential. Turner may also trim positions to adhere to capitalization or capacity constraints, to maintain sector neutrality or to adjust stock position size relative to the Growth Index.
The Fund may buy and sell securities frequently as part of its investment strategy. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities, including ADRs.
Turner Core Growth Fund:
Investment Objective: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategy: The Turner Core Growth Fund invests primarily in equity securities of U.S. companies that Turner considers to have strong earnings growth potential. For this purpose the Fund considers U.S. companies to include those companies headquartered or
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doing a substantial portion of their business in the United States. The Fund invests in securities of companies that Turner believes are favorably priced in relation to their fundamental value and will likely appreciate over time. While the Fund typically invests in the equity securities of medium to large sized companies, it may invest in companies of any size or in any industry in order to achieve its objective. In selecting companies for the Fund, Turner typically invests for the long term and chooses securities that it believes offer strong opportunities for long-term growth of capital. Turner generally considers selling a security when it reaches a target price, when it fails to perform as expected, or when other opportunities appear more attractive.
The Fund may buy and sell securities frequently as part of its investment strategy. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities, including ADRs. The Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund effective January 31, 2011, and in accordance with its new name will invest primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in equity securities of U.S. companies with very large market capitalizations as of that date.
The investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the Large Cap Growth Fund are, in general, similar to those of the Core Growth Fund. However, there are certain differences between the investment policies and restrictions of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund. For example, the Core Growth Fund typically invests in medium to large companies while the Large Cap Growth Fund typically invests in very large companies. As discussed above, however, effective January 31, 2011, the Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund and will adopt a policy whereby it will invest primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in equity securities of U.S. companies with very large market capitalizations. For additional information about the investment policies and restrictions of the Funds, see “Comparison of the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund — Investment Objectives and Principal Strategies — Other Investment Practices and Investment Securities of the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund and Comparison of Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund — Investment Objectives and Principal Strategies — Investment Restrictions.”
Service Providers
Turner serves as investment adviser to each Fund.
For a detailed description of the management of the Funds, including Turner and other service providers to the Funds, see “Comparison of Large Cap Growth and Core Growth Fund — Investment Adviser and Advisory Fee Information,” “Comparison of Large Cap Growth and Core Growth Fund — Other Service Providers,” and the Funds’ prospectus which accompanies this Proxy/Prospectus.
Share Class Characteristics and Shareholder Transactions and Services
Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Funds are offered at net asset value with no front-end or contingent deferred sales charges.
The purchase, redemption, dividend, exchange (as to each share class) and other policies and procedures of the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund are identical. At this time,
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purchases of Institutional Class and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund (or of the Combined Fund) will not be subject to a 2.00% redemption fee for redemptions (including exchanges) within 90 days of purchase. See the prospectus for more information.
Voting Information
The Trustees are furnishing this Proxy/Prospectus in connection with the solicitation of proxies. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on January 3, 2011, will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Shares represented by a properly executed proxy will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. If no instruction is made, the named proxies will vote in favor of the proposal set forth in the Notice of Meeting. Proxies may be revoked at any time before they are exercised by submitting to the Trust a written notice of revocation or a subsequently executed proxy or by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person. For additional information, see “Voting Information” below.
PRINCIPAL RISK FACTORS
Risks of Investing in the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund
An investment in the Large Cap Growth Fund or the Core Growth Fund is subject to specific risks arising from the types of securities in which the Large Cap Growth Fund or the Core Growth Fund invests and general risks arising from investing in any mutual fund. There is no assurance that the Large Cap Growth Fund or the Core Growth Fund will meet its investment objective, and investors could lose money by investing in the Large Cap Growth Fund or the Core Growth Fund.
The principal risks applicable to the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Funds are described in the table that follows below. More information about certain types of portfolio securities and investment techniques, and their associated risks, is provided in the statement of additional information (the “SAI”) of the Funds. You should consider the investment risks discussed in SAI of the Funds which are important to your investment choice.
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Principal Risk | | Funds Subject to Risk |
| | |
Equity Securities — Equity securities include common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants, rights to acquire common or preferred stocks, and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stocks. Investments in equity securities in general are subject to market risks that may cause their prices to fluctuate over time. The value of securities convertible into equity securities, such as warrants or convertible debt, is also affected by prevailing interest rates, the credit quality of the issuer and any call provision. Fluctuations in the value of equity securities in which the Funds invest will cause the net asset value of the Funds to fluctuate. An investment in the Funds may be more suitable for long-term investors who can bear the risk of short-term principal fluctuations. | | Both Funds |
| | |
Tax Risk —The Funds are generally subject to tax unless they make taxable distributions to their shareholders of the Funds’ net income and realized capital gains. Shareholder redemptions may force a Fund to sell securities, resulting in realized gains and taxable distributions to the remaining shareholders. | | Both Funds |
| | |
Investment Style Risk — The Funds invest in companies Turner believes have strong earnings growth potential. Turner’s investment approach may be out of favor at times, causing a Fund to underperform funds that also seek capital appreciation but use different approaches to the stock selection and portfolio construction process. | | Both Funds |
| | |
Mid Cap Risk — Medium capitalization companies may be more vulnerable to adverse business or economic events than larger, more established companies. In particular, these medium capitalization companies may have limited product lines, markets and financial resources, and may depend upon a relatively small management group. Therefore, medium capitalization stocks may be more volatile than those of larger companies. | | Core Growth Fund |
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Principal Risk | | Funds Subject to Risk |
| | |
Large Cap Risk — Large capitalization growth stocks may underperform other segments of the equity market or the equity markets as a whole. The Large Cap Growth Fund invests in companies that Turner believes have strong earnings growth potential. Turner’s investment approach may be out of favor at times, causing the Large Cap Growth Fund to underperform funds that also seek capital appreciation but use different approaches to the stock selection and portfolio construction process. | | Large Cap Growth Fund |
| | |
Non-Diversification Risk — The Large Cap Growth Fund is non-diversified, which means that it may invest in the securities of fewer issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, it may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, and may experience increased volatility. In addition, because it focuses primarily on U.S. growth companies, the Large Cap Growth Fund generally will hold fewer stocks in larger percentage amounts than funds that are more broadly diversified and with a different focus. | | Large Cap Growth Fund |
| | |
Foreign Securities Risk — The Funds are subject to risks due to foreign investments. Foreign stocks involve special risks not typically associated with U.S. stocks. The stocks held by the Funds may underperform other types of stocks, and they may not increase or may decline in value. The risks associated with foreign investments are heightened when investing in emerging markets. The government and economies of emerging market countries feature greater instability than those of more developed countries. Such investments tend to fluctuate in price more widely and to be less liquid than other foreign investments. | | Both Funds |
| | |
Portfolio Turnover Risk — The Funds may buy and sell securities frequently as part of their investment strategies. This may result in higher transaction costs and additional tax liabilities. The Funds’ portfolio turnover rates are described in the Financial Highlights. | | Both Funds |
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INFORMATION ABOUT THE REORGANIZATION
Significant features of the Reorganization are summarized below. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan of Reorganization which is attached as Appendix A.
Trustees’ Considerations
At a meeting held on November 19, 2010, the Trustees approved the Plan of Reorganization. The Board of Trustees is proposing the Reorganization in an attempt to reduce expenses associated with the operations of both Funds. The Board of Trustees determined that the Funds have identical investment objectives and similar investment strategies. The Board of Trustees considered the potential effects of the Reorganization on expense ratios over time. It was expected that the larger Combined Fund should realize economies of scale that may, in the long run, result in lower expense ratios. Therefore, given the long-term reduction of expenses expected to be realized by combining the Funds, the consistent level of fees payable by the shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Combined Fund, and the compatibility between the investment objectives and principal strategies of both Funds, the Board of Trustees determined that the Reorganization would enable the shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund to continue their individual investment programs without substantial disruption. In addition, the shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund will have the same shareholder rights since both Funds are series of the Trust governed by the same Agreement and Declaration of Trust and Bylaws. The Board of Trustees considered various factors in reviewing the proposed Reorganization. Such factors include, but are not limited to the following:
· improved operating efficiencies of the Funds after the Reorganization due to the combination of similar Funds;
· the gross total operating expenses of the Core Growth Fund after the reorganization (the Combined Fund) are expected to be lower than the current gross total operating expenses of the Large Cap Growth Fund. However, the net total operating expenses are expected to remain equal to the pre-reorganization level of both the Core Growth Fund and Large Cap Growth Fund because Turner has contractually committed to limit expenses of the Core Growth Fund through January 31, 2012;
· the expected realization of economies of scale in the long run that should over time reduce the operating expense ratios for the Combined Fund as a result of Turner managing one fund instead of two funds with identical investment objectives and similar investment strategies if the Combined Fund’s gross total operating expenses fall below the contractual expense limitations for the Core Growth Fund;
· similarities between the investment objectives, policies and strategies of the Large Cap Growth Fund and those of the Core Growth Fund;
· the expectation of no reduction of the services provided to the Large Cap Growth Fund shareholders after the Reorganization;
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· the proposed Reorganization will not result in the recognition of any gain or loss for federal income tax purposes by the Large Cap Growth Fund, the Core Growth Fund or their respective shareholders;
· neither the Large Cap Growth Fund nor the Core Growth Fund will bear any direct fees or expenses in connection with the reorganization;
· the proposed Reorganization is in the best interests of both Funds and their shareholders and will not dilute the interests of either Fund’s shareholders;
· the Large Cap Growth Fund shareholders will have the opportunity to vote on the Reorganization; and
· the investment performance of the Core Growth Fund over the one- and five-year periods ending December 31, 2009 has been better than that of the Large Cap Growth Fund but has lagged that of the Large Cap Growth Fund over the first three quarters of 2010.
In addition, the Trustees considered the capital loss tax carryforwards of the Large Cap Growth Fund, which totaled approximately $27,427,000 as of the end of the Fund’s last taxable year ended September 30, 2010, and the capital loss carryforwards of the Core Growth Fund, which totaled approximately $267,644,000 as of September 30, 2010. The Trustees were informed that $11,642,000 of the capital loss carryforwards of the Large Cap Growth Fund will expire at the end of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s current taxable year, if not used, and that the Reorganization will have the effect of shortening the length of that current taxable year by causing it to end on the day of the Reorganization. The Trustees were also informed that the remaining capital loss tax carryforwards of the Large Cap Growth Fund will carry over to the Core Growth Fund in the Reorganization, and will generally be usable thereafter despite the annual limitations discussed in “Information About the Reorganization — Federal Income Tax Consequences,” below. Under these circumstances, and given the relative net asset values of the two Funds, it appears that the Reorganization is likely to have the effect, from the perspective of shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund, of increasing the amount of capital loss carryforwards available for reducing future taxable distributions, despite the expiration of some of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s capital loss carryforwards at the end of its current taxable year. The Trustees also considered the effect of the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the “RIC Modernization Act”) on the Reorganization. As discussed in “Information About the Reorganization – Federal Income Tax Consequences,” below, the RIC Modernization Act, if enacted, will make capital loss carryforwards of a regulated investment company available indefinitely.
For these and other reasons, the Board of Trustees believes that the Reorganization is in the best interest of the Large Cap Growth Fund and its shareholders. THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE TRUST UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE REORGANIZATION.
The Plan of Reorganization
The following summary of the Plan of Reorganization is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Plan of Reorganization attached to this Proxy/Prospectus as Appendix A.
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The Plan of Reorganization provides that (1) the Core Growth Fund shall acquire all of the assets and assume all of the liabilities belonging to the Large Cap Growth Fund, (2) the Core Growth Fund shall issue Institutional Class Shares having an aggregate value equal to the aggregate net asset value of Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Effective Time of the Reorganization (as defined below), to all shareholders of Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund and issue Investor Class Shares having an aggregate value equal to the aggregate net asset value of Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Effective Time of the Reorganization, to all shareholders of Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, and (3) the Large Cap Growth Fund will liquidate.
Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions described below, such acquisition is scheduled to occur upon at the opening of business on approximately March 7, 2011 or on a later date as the parties may agree (the “Effective Time of the Reorganization”).
With respect to the Reorganization, each shareholder of the Large Cap Growth Fund will receive the number of full and fractional (to the third decimal place) Institutional Class Shares and/or Investor Class Shares, as applicable, of the Core Growth Fund equal in value to the value of the Institutional Class Shares and/or Investor Class Shares held as of the close of regularly scheduled trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) at the Effective Time of the Reorganization. Immediately upon receipt of Core Growth Fund shares, the Large Cap Growth Fund will liquidate and distribute pro-rata to its shareholders of record as of the Effective Time of the Reorganization the shares of the Core Growth Fund received by the Large Cap Growth Fund in the Reorganization.
The liquidation and distribution of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s shares will be accomplished by the transfer of the Core Growth Fund’s shares then credited to the account of the Large Cap Growth Fund on the books of the Core Growth Fund to open accounts on the share records of the Core Growth Fund in the names of the shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund. The aggregate net asset values of the Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund to be credited to the shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund will be equal to the aggregate net asset values of the Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund owned by such shareholders at the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the Effective Time of the Reorganization. All issued and outstanding shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund will simultaneously be canceled on the books of the Large Cap Growth Fund.
Under the Plan of Reorganization, the Trust will not bear any fees or expenses in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization. All of the fees and expenses in connection with entering into and carrying out the transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization will be paid by Turner.
The Plan of Reorganization contains a number of conditions precedent that must occur in order for the Reorganization to occur. These include, among others, that: (1) the shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund approve the Reorganization; (2) the Trust receives from its counsel
14
the tax opinion discussed below under “Federal Income Tax Consequences”; and (3) the Trust receives from its counsel an opinion that the Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Combined Fund issued pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization will, when sold, be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
The Plan of Reorganization may be terminated and the Reorganization abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization upon the vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
Approval of the Reorganization requires the approval of the holders of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund or (2) 67% or more of the voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund present at the Special Meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund are represented at the Special Meeting in person or by proxy. See the section of this Proxy/Prospectus entitled “Voting Information” for more information.
Turner anticipates selling portions of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s securities shortly before or after the Reorganization. To the extent that the Large Cap Growth Fund’s securities holdings are sold prior to the Reorganization; the proceeds of such sales will be held in temporary investments or reinvested in assets that the Core Growth Fund may hold. The sale of securities either prior to the Reorganization or shortly thereafter could result in the Large Cap Growth Fund or the Core Growth Fund realizing gains, and making taxable distributions to shareholders attributable to those gains, that would not otherwise have been realized but for the Reorganization. Such a sale of assets and the reinvestment of the proceeds would involve brokerage and other transactional costs to be borne by the Large Cap Growth Fund.
If the Reorganization is approved, Large Cap Growth Fund shareholders who do not wish to have their shares exchanged for shares of the Core Growth Fund as part of the Reorganization should redeem their shares prior to the consummation of the Reorganization. If you redeem your shares, you will recognize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes, based on the difference between your tax basis in the shares and the amount you receive for them.
Description of the Securities to be Issued
Shareholders of Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund as of the Effective Time of the Reorganization will receive full and/or fractional Institutional Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund in accordance with the procedures provided for in the Plan of Reorganization, as described above, and shareholders of Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund as of the Effective Time of the Reorganization will receive full and/or fractional Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund in accordance with the procedures provided for in the Plan of Reorganization. The Core Growth Fund shares to be issued in connection with each Reorganization will be fully paid and non-assessable when issued, and will have no pre-emptive or conversion rights.
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Federal Income Tax Consequences
The exchange of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s assets for the Core Growth Fund shares and the assumption of the liabilities of the Large Cap Growth Fund pursuant to the Plan of Reorganization is intended to qualify for federal income tax purposes as a tax-free reorganization under section 368(a) of the Code. The Trust has received the opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, counsel to the Trust, to the effect that on the basis of the existing provisions of the Code, Treasury regulations under it, current administrative rulings and pronouncements and court decisions, and certain facts, qualifications, assumptions and representations, with respect to the Reorganization, for federal income tax purposes:
(1) the acquisition of the assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund by the Core Growth Fund in exchange for Core Growth Fund shares and the assumption by the Core Growth Fund of the liabilities of the Large Cap Growth Fund, followed by the distribution of those shares to the Large Cap Growth Fund shareholders will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(C) or (D) of the Code, and each such Fund will be “a party to the reorganization” within the meaning of section 368(b) of the Code;
(2) the Large Cap Growth Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the transfer of its assets and liabilities to the Core Growth Fund in exchange for Core Growth Fund shares and the distribution of those shares to the shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund;
(3) the Core Growth Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of the assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund in exchange for Core Growth Fund shares and the assumption of the liabilities of the Large Cap Growth Fund;
(4) no shareholder of the Large Cap Growth Fund will recognize gain or loss upon the receipt of Core Growth Fund shares in exchange for Large Cap Growth Fund shares;
(5) each shareholder of the Large Cap Growth Fund will obtain an aggregate tax basis in the Core Growth Fund shares received in the exchange equal to the shareholder’s aggregate tax basis in the Large Cap Growth Fund shares exchanged;
(6) the tax basis of the assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund in the hands of the Core Growth Fund will be the same as the tax basis of those assets in the hands of the Large Cap Growth Fund immediately before the transfer;
(7) the holding period of Core Growth Fund shares received by each shareholder of the Large Cap Growth Fund will include the holding period of the corresponding Large Cap Growth Fund shares exchanged by that shareholder, provided that at the time of the exchange the Large Cap Growth Fund shares were held by that shareholder as capital assets; and
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(8) the holding period of the Core Growth Fund for the assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund transferred to it will include the period during which those assets were held by the Large Cap Growth Fund.
Shares held for the purpose of investment are generally considered to be capital assets.
The Trust has not sought, and will not seek, a tax ruling from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) on the tax treatment of the Reorganization. The opinion of counsel will not be binding on the IRS, nor will it preclude the IRS (or a court) from adopting a contrary position.
Immediately before the Reorganization, the Large Cap Growth Fund will pay a dividend or dividends that, together with all previous dividends, will have the effect of distributing to its shareholders all of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s remaining undistributed investment company taxable income and net capital gain, if any, recognized in taxable years ending on or before the day of the Reorganization. Any such dividends will generally be included in the taxable income of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s shareholders (other than shareholders that are tax-exempt entities).
As a result of the Reorganization, the Core Growth Fund will succeed to the tax attributes of the Large Cap Growth Fund, except that an annual limitation under sections 382 and 383 of the Code will generally apply to the Core Growth Fund’s ability to use any capital loss carryforward of the Large Cap Growth Fund and capital losses recognized in the first five years after the Reorganization that are attributable to net unrealized loss of the Large Cap Growth Fund as of the Effective time of the Reorganization. Under a de minimis rule that applies to net unrealized gains and losses for purposes of Sections 382 and 383, any net unrealized gain or loss of the Large Cap Growth Fund that exceeds the lesser of (i) 15% of the net asset value of the Large Cap Growth Fund or (ii) $10,000,000 will be treated as zero.
In general, the limitation for each taxable year will equal the sum of (1) the product of the net asset value of the Large Cap Growth Fund as of the Effective Time of the Reorganization multiplied by that month’s “long-term tax-exempt rate” (which is a market-based rate published by the IRS each month) plus (2) the amount of any unrealized built-in gains of the Large Cap Growth Fund as of the Effective Time of the Reorganization that the Core Growth Fund recognizes within the first five taxable years ending after the Effective Time of the Reorganization. The annual limitation will be proportionately reduced for the post-Effective Time of the Reorganization portion of the Core Growth Fund’s current taxable year after the Effective Time of the Reorganization and for any subsequent short taxable year.
Based on the capital loss carryforwards and net asset value of the Large Cap Growth Fund as of the end of its taxable year ended September 30, 2010 (and assuming that the Large Cap Growth Fund does not experience an extraordinarily large amount of losses between now and the date of the Reorganization), it does not appear that the annual limitation will be low enough relative to the size of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s capital loss carryforwards as to cause any of them to expire unused. (Moreover, the House of Representatives and the Senate have recently passed the RIC Modernization Act, which, if enacted, will provide, among other things, that capital loss carryforwards of regulated investment companies, such as the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund, may be carried forwarded indefinitely.)
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The capital loss tax carryforwards of the Large Cap Growth Fund totaled approximately $27,427,000 as of the end of the Fund’s last taxable year ended September 30, 2010, and the capital loss carryforwards of the Core Growth Fund totaled approximately $267,644,000 as of that date. $11,642,000 of the capital loss carryforwards of the Large Cap Growth Fund will expire at the end of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s current taxable year, if not used, and the Reorganization will have the effect of shortening the length of that current taxable year by causing it to end on the day of the Reorganization. The remaining capital loss tax carryforwards of the Large Cap Growth Fund will carry over to the Core Growth Fund in the Reorganization, and will generally be usable thereafter. Under these circumstances, and given the relative net asset values of the two Funds, it appears that the Reorganization is likely to have the effect, from the perspective of shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund, of increasing - rather than reducing - the amount of capital loss carryforwards available for reducing future taxable distributions.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers concerning the potential tax consequences of the Reorganization to them, including foreign, state and local tax consequences.
Capitalization
The following tables show the capitalization of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund as of September 30, 2010, and the capitalization of the Core Growth Fund on a pro-forma basis as of that date after giving effect to the Reorganization. The following are examples of the number of Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund that would be exchanged for Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund if the Reorganization shown had been consummated on September 30, 2010, and do not reflect the number of such shares or the value of such shares that would actually be received if the Reorganization depicted occurs.
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Turner Large Cap Growth Fund and Turner Core Growth Fund
| | Turner Large Cap Growth Fund | | Turner Core Growth Fund* | | Combined Fund Pro Forma | |
Institutional Class Shares | | | | | | | |
Net Assets: | | $ | 118,164,010 | | $ | 377,649,736 | | $ | 495,813,746 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share: | | $ | 4.84 | | $ | 10.56 | | $ | 10.56 | |
Shares Outstanding: | | 24,424,395 | | 35,778,341 | | 46,973,138 | |
Investor Class Shares | | | | | | | |
Net Assets: | | $ | 1,357,462 | | $ | 163,750,027 | | $ | 165,107,489 | |
Net Asset Value Per Share: | | $ | 4.81 | | $ | 10.49 | | $ | 10.49 | |
Shares Outstanding: | | 282,091 | | 15,610,829 | | 15,740,240 | |
* Turner Core Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor for financial statement purposes.
COMPARISON OF LARGE CAP GROWTH AND CORE GROWTH FUNDS
Investment Objectives and Principal Investment Strategies
This section briefly compares and contrasts the investment objectives and principal investment strategies of the Large Cap Growth Fund with those of the Core Growth Fund. More complete information may be found in the prospectus for the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund.
Investment Objectives:
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Turner Core Growth Fund: Seeks long-term capital appreciation.
Principal Investment Strategies:
The Turner Large Cap Growth Fund invests primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in equity securities of U.S. companies with very large market capitalizations that Turner believes have strong earnings growth potential. For this purpose the Fund considers U.S. companies to include those companies headquartered or doing a substantial portion of their business in the United States. Large cap companies are defined for this purpose as companies with market capitalizations at the time of purchase in the range of those market capitalizations of companies included in the Russell Top 200 Growth Index (the “Growth Index”), the Fund’s current
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benchmark. The Fund may also purchase securities of smaller companies that offer growth potential. The Fund invests in securities of companies that are diversified across economic sectors and will attempt to maintain sector concentrations that approximate those of the Growth Index.
Portfolio exposure is generally limited to 5% of assets in any single issuer, subject to exceptions for the most heavily weighted securities in the Growth Index. Turner pursues a bottom-up strategy that blends quantitative and qualitative analysis to find growth companies with superior earnings prospects, reasonable valuations, and favorable trading-volume and price patterns. A stock becomes a sell candidate if Turner detects deterioration in the company’s earnings growth potential. Turner may also trim positions to adhere to capitalization or capacity constraints, to maintain sector neutrality or to adjust stock position size relative to the Growth Index.
The Fund may buy and sell securities frequently as part of its investment strategy. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities, including ADRs.
The Turner Core Growth Fund invests primarily in equity securities of U.S. companies that Turner considers to have strong earnings growth potential. For this purpose the Fund considers U.S. companies to include those companies headquartered or doing a substantial portion of their business in the United States. The Fund invests in securities of companies that Turner believes are favorably priced in relation to their fundamental value and will likely appreciate over time. While the Fund typically invests in the equity securities of medium to large sized companies, it may invest in companies of any size or in any industry in order to achieve its objective. In selecting companies for the Fund, Turner typically invests for the long term and chooses securities that it believes offer strong opportunities for long-term growth of capital. Turner generally considers selling a security when it reaches a target price, when it fails to perform as expected, or when other opportunities appear more attractive.
The Fund may buy and sell securities frequently as part of its investment strategy. The Fund may also invest in foreign securities, including ADRs. The Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund effective January 31, 2011, and will invest primarily (at least 80% of its assets) in equity securities of U.S. companies with very large market capitalizations as of that date.
Other Investment Practices and Investment Securities of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund
Each of the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund may also buy other types of securities or employ other portfolio management techniques. Both of the Funds may engage in the same investment practices to the extent consistent with their respective investment objective and principal investment strategies, except that the Large Cap Growth Fund (i) is a non-diversified investment company, as defined in the 1940 Act, and (ii) may not purchase convertible securities. Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for the Funds, which is on file with the SEC and is available without charge by calling the Turner Fund at
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1-800-224-6312 or by writing to the Turner Funds, P.O. Box 219805, Kansas City, MO 64121-9805 for more information on the Funds’ investment techniques.
Fundamental Policies
Except with respect to diversification, both the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund have adopted identical fundamental policies. These fundamental polices cannot be changed with respect to a Fund without the consent of the holders of a majority of that Fund’s outstanding shares. The term “majority of the outstanding shares” means the vote of (i) 67% or more of a Fund’s shares present at a meeting, if more than 50% of the outstanding shares of a Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of a Fund’s outstanding shares, whichever is less.
The Core Growth Fund is diversified (as defined under the 1940 Act) and therefore will not, with respect to 75% of its assets: (i) purchase securities of any issuer (except securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities and repurchase agreements involving such securities) if, as a result, more than 5% of the total assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund would be invested in the securities of such issuer; or (ii) acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any one issuer. The Large Cap Growth Fund is not diversified (as defined under the 1940 Act) and therefore the above restriction does not apply to the Large Cap Growth Fund, which may invest in the securities of fewer issuers than a diversified fund such as the Core Growth Fund. As a result, the Large Cap Growth Fund may be more susceptible to a single adverse economic or regulatory occurrence affecting one or more of these issuers, and may experience increased volatility.
Investment Adviser and Advisory Fee Information
The Funds are managed on a day-to-day basis by Turner. As of September 30, 2010, Turner had assets under management of approximately $17 billion. As described in the Funds’ prospectus, the Funds are each subject to investment advisory fees at the annual rate (as a percentage of each Fund’s average daily net assets) of 0.60%.
Other Service Providers
The Funds have the same service providers. The names of these service providers are set forth below:
Distributor | | Foreside Fund Services, LLC |
Administrator | | Turner Investment Partners, Inc. |
Sub-Administrator | | Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. |
Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent | | DST Systems, Inc. |
Custodian | | Citibank, N.A. |
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | | KPMG LLP |
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Administration Arrangements
The Trust and Turner have entered into an administration agreement which provides that Turner will perform or supervise the performance of other administrative services, such as regulatory or performance reporting, fund accounting and related services, in connection with operation of the Turner Funds. Turner may enter into agreements with service providers to provide administration services to the Trust. Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc., 3435 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219, serves as the Trust’s sub-administrator.
Dividends and Other Distributions
Dividends from investment company taxable income and distributions from net capital gains, if any, are generally declared and paid annually by each Fund.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE LARGE CAP GROWTH FUND
AND THE CORE GROWTH FUND
Financial Highlights
The tables that follow present performance information about the Funds. This information is intended to help you understand each Fund’s financial performance for the past five years, or, if shorter, the period of each Fund’s operation. Some of this information reflects financial information for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table represent the rate that you would have earned (or lost) on an investment in a Fund, assuming you reinvested all of your dividends and distributions. The financial highlights for each period ended September 30 have been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm whose report, along with each Fund’s financial statements, appears in the annual report that accompanies our SAI. You can obtain the Turner Funds’ annual report, which contains more performance information, at no charge by calling 1-800-224-6312.
Selected data for a share of beneficial interest outstanding throughout each period
| | Net asset value, beginning of period | | Net investment income (loss) | | Realized and unrealized gaines (losses) on investments | | Total from investment operations | | Dividends from net investment income | | Distribution from capital gains | | Total dividends and distributions | |
Turner Core Growth Fund — Institutional Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 9.93 | | 0.02 | (1) | 0.65 | | 0.67 | | (0.04 | ) | — | | (0.04 | ) |
2009 | | $ | 10.41 | | 0.05 | (1) | (0.48 | ) | (0.43 | ) | (0.05 | ) | — | | (0.05 | ) |
2008 | | $ | 14.39 | | 0.06 | (1) | (4.01 | ) | (3.95 | ) | (0.03 | ) | — | | (0.03 | ) |
2007 | | $ | 11.65 | | 0.02 | | 2.77 | | 2.79 | | (0.05 | ) | — | | (0.05 | ) |
2006 | | $ | 10.93 | | 0.06 | | 0.69 | | 0.75 | | (0.03 | ) | — | | (0.03 | ) |
Turner Core Growth Fund — Investor Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 9.87 | | — | *(1) | 0.64 | | 0.64 | | (0.02 | ) | — | | (0.02 | ) |
2009 | | $ | 10.34 | | 0.03 | (1) | (0.47 | ) | (0.44 | ) | (0.03 | ) | — | | (0.03 | ) |
2008 | | $ | 14.33 | | 0.02 | (1) | (3.99 | ) | (3.97 | ) | (0.02 | ) | — | | (0.02 | ) |
2007 | | $ | 11.61 | | 0.02 | | 2.73 | | 2.75 | | (0.03 | ) | — | | (0.03 | ) |
2006 | | $ | 10.93 | | 0.07 | | 0.64 | | 0.71 | | (0.03 | ) | — | | (0.03 | ) |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund — Institutional Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 4.41 | | 0.01 | (1) | 0.43 | | 0.44 | | (0.01 | ) | — | | (0.01 | ) |
2009 | | $ | 4.59 | | 0.03 | (1) | (0.20 | )(2) | (0.17 | ) | (0.01 | ) | — | | (0.01 | ) |
2008 | | $ | 6.78 | | 0.01 | (1) | (2.19 | ) | (2.18 | ) | (0.01 | ) | — | | (0.01 | ) |
2007 | | $ | 5.58 | | 0.01 | (1) | 1.21 | | 1.22 | | (0.02 | ) | — | | (0.02 | ) |
2006 | | $ | 5.41 | | 0.01 | (1) | 0.17 | | 0.18 | | (0.01 | ) | — | | (0.01 | ) |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund — Investor Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 4.39 | | — | *(1) | 0.42 | | 0.42 | | — | * | — | | — | * |
2009 | | $ | 4.57 | | 0.02 | (1) | (0.19 | )(2) | (0.17 | ) | (0.01 | ) | — | | (0.01 | ) |
2008 | | $ | 6.77 | | — | *(1) | (2.19 | ) | (2.19 | ) | (0.01 | ) | — | | (0.01 | ) |
2007 (3) | | $ | 5.92 | | 0.01 | (1) | 0.84 | | 0.85 | | — | | — | | — | |
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| | Net asset value, end of period | | Total return | | Net assets end of period (000) | | Ratio of net expenses to average net assets†† | | Ratio of net expenses to average net assets | | Ratio of total expenses to average net assets | | Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average net assets†† | | Portfolio turnover rate††† | |
Turner Core Growth Fund — Institutional Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 10.56 | | 6.76 | % | $ | 377,650 | | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % | 0.87 | % | 0.20 | % | 178 | % |
2009 | | $ | 9.93 | | (3.97 | )% | $ | 381,277 | | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % | 0.92 | % | 0.65 | % | 126 | % |
2008 | | $ | 10.41 | | (27.53 | )% | $ | 360,083 | | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % | 0.90 | % | 0.42 | % | 200 | % |
2007 | | $ | 14.39 | | 24.00 | % | $ | 237,778 | | 0.68 | % | 0.68 | % | 1.06 | % | 0.42 | % | 103 | % |
2006 | | $ | 11.65 | | 6.91 | % | $ | 71,935 | | 0.59 | % | 0.59 | % | 1.20 | % | 0.77 | % | 124 | % |
Turner Core Growth Fund — Investor Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 10.49 | | 6.51 | % | $ | 163,750 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.12 | % | (0.05 | )% | 178 | % |
2009 | | $ | 9.87 | | (4.21 | )% | $ | 252,916 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.17 | % | 0.41 | % | 126 | % |
2008 | | $ | 10.34 | | (27.76 | )% | $ | 260,692 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.15 | % | 0.15 | % | 200 | % |
2007 | | $ | 14.33 | | 23.68 | % | $ | 37,541 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.31 | % | 0.15 | % | 103 | % |
2006 | | $ | 11.61 | | 6.52 | % | $ | 23,418 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.43 | % | 0.23 | % | 124 | % |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund — Institutional Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 4.84 | | 10.00 | % | $ | 118,164 | | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % | 0.99 | % | 0.19 | % | 149 | % |
2009 | | $ | 4.41 | | (3.52 | )% | $ | 94,664 | | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % | 1.21 | % | 0.75 | % | 107 | % |
2008 | | $ | 4.59 | | (32.16 | )% | $ | 28,975 | | 0.69 | % | 0.69 | % | 1.09 | % | 0.21 | % | 213 | % |
2007 | | $ | 6.78 | | 21.86 | % | $ | 37,814 | | 0.70 | % | 0.70 | % | 1.23 | % | 0.23 | % | 119 | % |
2006 | | $ | 5.58 | | 3.40 | % | $ | 19,510 | | 0.75 | % | 0.75 | % | 1.16 | % | 0.26 | % | 194 | % |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund — Investor Class Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
2010 | | $ | 4.81 | | 9.58 | % | $ | 1,357 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.24 | % | (0.07 | )% | 149 | % |
2009 | | $ | 4.39 | | (3.73 | )% | $ | 1,467 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.47 | % | 0.58 | % | 107 | % |
2008 | | $ | 4.57 | | (32.40 | )% | $ | 662 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.36 | % | (0.05 | )% | 213 | % |
2007 (3) | | $ | 6.77 | | 14.36 | %† | $ | 87 | | 0.94 | % | 0.94 | % | 1.51 | % | 0.13 | % | 119 | % |
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* | | Amount represents less than $0.01 per share. |
† | | Total return is for the period indicated and has not been annualized. |
†† | | Inclusive of fees paid indirectly, waivers and/or reimbursements. |
††† | | Excludes effect of in-kind transfers and mergers, as applicable. |
(1) | | Based on average shares outstanding. |
(2) | | The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period does not accord with the aggregate net losses on investments for the period because of sales and repurchases of fund shares in relation to fluctuating market value of the investments of the fund. |
(3) | | Commenced operations on January 31, 2007. All ratios for the period have been annualized. |
Amounts designated as “—” are either $0, not applicable or have been rounded to $0.
Materials Incorporated By Reference
Information about the Funds is included in the summary prospectus dated January 31, 2010, a copy of which accompanies this Proxy/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. The statutory prospectus of the Turner Funds, dated January 31, 2010, as supplemented, is also incorporated herein by reference. The Statement of Additional Information dated January [ ] , 2011, relating to this Proxy/Prospectus is incorporated herein by reference. This document is on file with the SEC, and is available without charge by calling the Trust at the telephone number stated above or by writing the Trust at the following address: Turner Funds, 1205 Westlakes Drive, Suite 100, Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312.
VOTING INFORMATION
General Information
The Trustees are furnishing this Proxy/Prospectus in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the Special Meeting. It is expected that the solicitation of proxies will be primarily by mail. Officers and service contractors of the Trust may also solicit proxies by telephone or otherwise. Shareholders may vote: (1) by mail, by marking, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy ballot(s) in the enclosed postage-paid envelope, (2) by touch-tone voting, or (3) by on-line voting. Any shareholder giving a proxy may revoke it at any time before it is exercised by submitting to the Trust a written notice of revocation or a subsequently executed proxy or by attending the Special Meeting and voting in person.
Only Large Cap Growth Fund shareholders of record at the close of business on January 3, 2011 will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. As of that date, the Large Cap Growth Fund had [ ] units of beneficial interest (“shares”) issued and outstanding. Each whole share held entitles the shareholder to one vote for each dollar (carried forward to two decimal places)
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of net asset value of such share and each fractional share is entitled to a proportionate fractional vote.
The votes of the shareholders of the Core Growth Fund are not being solicited since their approval or consent is not necessary for the Reorganization to take place.
If an accompanying proxy is executed and returned in time for the Special Meeting, the shares covered thereby will be voted in accordance with the proxy on all matters that may properly come before the Special Meeting.
Shareholder and Board Approvals
The Plan of Reorganization is being submitted for approval by the Large Cap Growth Fund’s shareholders at the Special Meeting pursuant to the Trust’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and was unanimously approved by the Trustees at a meeting held on November 19, 2010. A majority in interest of the Large Cap Growth Fund entitled to vote constitutes a quorum at the Special Meeting. Approval of the Reorganization requires the approval of the holders of the lesser of (1) more than 50% of the outstanding voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund or (2) 67% or more of the voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund present at the Special Meeting if more than 50% of the outstanding voting interests of the Large Cap Growth Fund are represented at the Special Meeting in person or by proxy. A vote for the Plan of Reorganization includes a vote for the Reorganization; conversely, a vote against the Plan of Reorganization is a vote against the Reorganization.
Quorum and Adjournment
In the event that at the time any session of the Special Meeting is called to order a quorum is not present in person or by proxy, the persons named as proxies may vote those proxies which have been received to postpone or adjourn the Special Meeting to a later date. In the event that a quorum is present but sufficient votes in favor of the proposal have not been received, the persons named as proxies may propose one or more adjournments of the Special Meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies with respect to such proposal. Any such postponement or adjournment will require the affirmative vote of a majority in interest of the Large Cap Growth Fund present in person or by proxy and voting at the session of the Special Meeting to be postponed or adjourned. The persons named as proxies will vote those proxies which they are entitled to vote in favor of any such proposal in favor of such a postponement or adjournment, and will vote those proxies required to be voted against any such proposal against any such postponement or adjournment. Subject to the foregoing, the Special Meeting may be adjourned and readjourned without further notice to shareholders.
A quorum is constituted with respect to the Large Cap Growth Fund by the presence in person or by proxy of the holders of a majority in interest of the Large Cap Growth Fund entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. For purposes of determining the presence of a quorum for transacting business at the Special Meeting, abstentions will be treated as shares that are present at the Special Meeting but which have not been voted. Abstentions will have the effect of a “no” vote for purposes of obtaining the requisite approvals of the Plan of Reorganization. Broker
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“non-votes” (that is, proxies from brokers or nominees indicating that such persons have not received instructions from the beneficial owners or other persons entitled to vote shares on a particular matter with respect to which the brokers or nominees do not have discretionary power) will be considered for quorum determination purposes to be present at the Special Meeting but will have the effect of a “no” vote for purposes of obtaining the requisite approvals of the Plan of Reorganization.
Principal Shareholders
As of September 30, 2010, the officers and Trustees of the Trust as a group owned or controlled less than 1% of the outstanding shares of each of the Core Growth Fund and the Large Cap Growth. The following table sets forth the name, address and share ownership of each person known to the Trust to have ownership with respect to 5% or more of a class of the Large Cap Growth Fund as of September 30, 2010. The type of ownership of each entry listed on the table is record ownership. The percentage of the Core Growth Fund that would be owned by the below named shareholders upon consummation of the Reorganization is expected to decline.
Large Cap Growth Fund | | Name and Address | | Class; Amount of Shares Owned | | Percentage of Class Owned | | Percentage of Fund Owned |
| | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS 5TH FL 200 LIBERTY ST 1 WORLD FIN CTR NEW YORK, NY 10281 | | Institutional — 1,438,254.5900 | | 5.89 % | | 5.82% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS / TEAM S 101 MONTGOMERY ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104-4151 | | Investor — 158,244.7880 | | 56.10 % | | 0.64% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS 200 LIBERTY STREET ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER NEW YORK, NY 10281-1003 | | Investor — 38,960.3330 | | 13.81 % | | 0.16% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | SETRU & CO ATTN:WAYNE BRACKNEY PO BOX 30918 | | Investor — 32,455.1480 | | 11.51 % | | 0.13% |
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| | BILLINGS, MT 59107-0918 | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | MG TRUST COMPANY CUST FBO BERWICK DENTAL ARTS INC P/S PLAN 700 17TH ST STE 300 DENVER, CO 80202-3531 | | Investor — 16,421.0750 | | 5.82 % | | 0.07% |
The following table sets forth the name, address and share ownership of each person known to the Trust to have ownership with respect to 5% or more of a class of the Core Growth Fund as of September 30, 2010. The type of ownership of each entry listed on the table is record ownership. The percentage of the Core Growth Fund that would be owned by the below named shareholder upon consummation of the Reorganization is expected to decline.
Core Growth Fund | | Name and Address | | Class; Amount of Shares Owned | | Percentage of Class Owned | | Percentage of Fund Owned |
| | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS / TEAM S 101 MONTGOMERY ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104-4151 | | Institutional — 6,356,786.4250 | | 17.77 % | | 12.38% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS 200 LIBERTY STREET ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER NEW YORK, NY 10281-1003 | | Institutional — 5,021,464.8450 | | 14.03 % | | 9.78% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | EDWARD D JONES & CO ATTN MUTUAL FUND SHAREHOLDER ACCOUNTING 201 PROGRESS PKWY MARYLAND HTS, MO 63043-3009 | | Institutional — 4,531,395.3090 | | 12.66 % | | 8.83% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | MAC & CO A/C ATTN MUTUAL FUND OPS PO BOX 3198 PITTSBURGH, PA 15230-3198 | | Institutional — 2,060,878.4230 | | 5.76 % | | 4.02% |
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Core Growth Fund | | Name and Address | | Class; Amount of Shares Owned | | Percentage of Class Owned | | Percentage of Fund Owned |
| | STANDARD INSURANCE COMPANY ATTN SEP ACCOUNT 1100 SW 6TH AVE PORTLAND OR 97204-1020 | | Investor — 3,554,344.1390 | | 22.71 % | | 6.88% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | NATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT OF OUR CUSTOMERS 200 LIBERTY STREET ONE WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER NEW YORK, NY 10281-1003 | | Investor — 3,001,880.3420 | | 19.18 % | | 5.81% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | CHARLES SCHWAB & CO ATTN MUTUAL FUNDS / TEAM S 101 MONTGOMERY ST SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104-4151 | | Investor — 2,433,907.1110 | | 15.55 % | | 4.71% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | MERRILL LYNCH PIERCE FENNER & SMITH INC FOR THE SOLE BENEFIT OF ITS CUSTOMERS ATTN SERVICE TEAM 4800 DEER LAKE DR E FL 3 JACKSONVILLE, FL 32246-6484 | | Investor — 1,606,317.5230 | | 10.26 % | | 3.11% |
| | | | | | | | |
| | ING LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY COMPANY PO BOX 990065 HARTFORD, CT 06199-0065 | | Investor — 1,262,183.3080 | | 8.07 % | | 2.44% |
For purposes of the 1940 Act, any person who owns directly or through one or more controlled companies more than 25% of the voting securities of a company is presumed to “control” such company. Accordingly, to the extent that a shareholder identified in the foregoing table is identified as the beneficial holder of more than 25% of a class, or is identified as the holder of record of more than 25% of a class and has voting and/or investment power, it may be presumed to control such class.
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OTHER INFORMATION
Shareholder Proposals
As a general matter, the Trust does not hold annual meetings of shareholders unless otherwise required by the 1940 Act. By observing this policy, the Trust seeks to avoid the expenses customarily incurred in the preparation of proxy material and the holding of shareholder meetings. If the Reorganization is not completed, the next meeting of the shareholders of the Trust will be held at such time as the Board of Trustees may determine or at such time as may be legally required. Shareholders wishing to submit proposals for inclusion in a proxy statement for a subsequent shareholder’s meeting should send their written proposals to the Trust at its address stated on the first page of this Proxy/Prospectus.
Other Business
The Trust and Turner know of no business to be presented to the Special Meeting other than the matters set forth in this Proxy/Prospectus.
Householding
To reduce expenses and demonstrate respect for the environment, we will deliver a single copy of the Funds’ financial reports, prospectuses, proxy statements and other similar documents, including this Proxy/Prospectus, to multiple investors who: share a post office box or residential street address; and either have the same last name or we reasonably believe to be members of the same family, unless we receive contrary instructions from you. If you wish to receive individual delivery of the documents, please contact us at 1-800-224-6312, and individual delivery of the documents will begin within 30 days of your request. Otherwise, delivery of a single copy of the documents to multiple investors will continue indefinitely.
Available Information
The Trust is subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the 1940 Act and in accordance therewith, files reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy statements, registration statements and other information filed by Turner may be inspected without charge and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. In addition, these materials can be inspected and copied at certain of the following regional offices of the SEC listed below: Northeast Regional Office, 3 World Financial Center, Suite 400, New York, New York 10281; Southeast Regional Office, 801 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1800, Miami, Florida 33131; Midwest Regional Office, 175 West Jackson Boulevard, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60604; Central Regional Office, 1801 California Street, Suite 1500, Denver, Colorado 80202; and Pacific Regional Office, 5670 Wilshire Boulevard, 11 Floor, Los Angeles, California 90036. Copies of such materials also can be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services, Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549. Some of these items are also available on the Internet at www.sec.gov. Information included in the Proxy/Prospectus concerning the Trust was provided by the Trust.
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Financial Statements
The Funds’ audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, including KPMG LLP’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, are included in the Funds' most recent Annual Report and are incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information relating to this Proxy/Prospectus.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
Shareholder inquiries may be addressed to the Trust in writing at the address, or by phone at the phone number, on the cover page of this Proxy/Prospectus.
* * *
Shareholders who do not expect to be present at the Special Meeting are requested to mark, sign and date the enclosed proxy and return it in the enclosed envelope. No postage is required if mailed in the United States. Shareholders also may vote on-line or by telephone.
The Trust will furnish, without charge, copies of its 2010 Annual Report to any shareholder upon request by writing the Trust at the following address: Turner Funds, P.O. Box 219805, Kansas City, MO 64121-9805 or by telephone at 1-800-224-6312.
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Appendix A
PLAN OF REORGANIZATION
This PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (the “Plan”) is dated the 19th day of November, 2010, and has been adopted by the Board of Trustees of The Turner Funds (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust, to provide for the reorganization of its Turner Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Transferor Fund”) into its Turner Core Growth Fund (the “Surviving Fund”). The Transferor Fund and the Surviving Fund (each a “Fund” and together, the “Funds”) are each separate investment portfolios of the Trust.
A. Background
The Trust is an open-end management investment company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act”). The Board of Trustees of the Trust has determined that it is in the best interests of the Transferor Fund and its respective shareholders to be reorganized through the transfer of all of its assets and liabilities to the Surviving Fund upon the terms set forth in this Plan (the “Reorganization”).
This Plan is intended to be and is adopted as a plan of reorganization and liquidation within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and any successor provision.
B. The Reorganization
1. At the Effective Time of the Reorganization (as defined below in Section 5 of this Article B), substantially all property of every description, and substantially all interests, rights, privileges and powers of the Transferor Fund, subject to substantially all liabilities of the Transferor Fund, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise (such assets subject to such liabilities are herein referred to as the “Assets”) will be transferred and conveyed by the Transferor Fund to the Surviving Fund and will be assumed by the Surviving Fund, such that at and after the Effective Time of the Reorganization the Assets of the Transferor Fund will become and be the Assets of the Surviving Fund. In exchange for the transfer of the Assets of the Transferor Fund, the Surviving Fund will contemporaneously issue to the Transferor Fund full and fractional Class I Shares (Institutional Class Shares) and Class II Shares (Investor Class Shares) of the Surviving Fund. The number of Class I Shares of the Surviving Fund so issued will have an aggregate net asset value equal to the value of the Assets of Class I Shares of the Transferor Fund. The number of Class II Shares of the Surviving Fund so issued will have an aggregate net asset value equal to the value of the Assets of Class II Shares of the Transferor Fund. The net asset value of Class I Shares and Class II Shares of the Transferor Fund and of Class I Shares and Class II Shares of the Surviving Fund shall be determined as of 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on the business day preceding the Effective Time of the Reorganization, or at such
A-1
other time as may be determined by the Board of Trustees or an authorized officer of the Trust. The net asset value of Class I Shares and Class II Shares of the Transferor Fund and Class I Shares and Class II Shares of the Surviving Fund shall be computed in the manner set forth in the Funds’ then current prospectus under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. At and after the Effective Time of the Reorganization, all debts, liabilities, obligations and duties of Class I Shares and Class II Shares of the Transferor Fund will attach to Class I Shares and Class II Shares of the Surviving Fund, respectively, as aforesaid and may thenceforth be enforced against the Surviving Fund to the same extent as if the same had been incurred by it.
2. Prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization, the Transferor Fund shall have declared a dividend or dividends, with a record date and ex-dividend date prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization, which, together with all previous dividends, shall have the effect of distributing to its shareholders all of its net investment income, if any, for the taxable periods or years ended on or before September 30, 2010 and for the period from said date to and including the Effective Time of the Reorganization (computed without regard to any deduction for dividends paid) and all of its net capital gain, if any, realized in taxable years or periods ended on or before September 30, 2010 and in the period from said date to and including the Effective Time of the Reorganization.
3. At the Effective Time of the Reorganization, the Transferor Fund will make a liquidating distribution to the holders of its Class I Shares of Class I Shares of the Surviving Fund such that the number of Class I Shares of the Surviving Fund that are distributed to Class I shareholders of the Transferor Fund will, as indicated above in Section 1 of this Article B, have an aggregate net asset value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Class I Shares of the Transferor Fund that are outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization. Each such Class I shareholder will have the right to receive any unpaid dividends or other distributions that were declared before the Effective Time of the Reorganization with respect to Class I Shares of the Transferor Fund held by the shareholder immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization.
At the Effective Time of the Reorganization, the Transferor Fund also will make a liquidating distribution to the holders of its Class II Shares of Class II Shares of the Surviving Fund such that the number of Class II Shares of the Surviving Fund that are distributed to Class II shareholders of the Transferor Fund will, as indicated above in Section 1 of this Article B, have an aggregate net asset value equal to the aggregate net asset value of the Class II Shares of the Transferor Fund that are outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization. Each such Class II shareholder will have the right to receive any unpaid dividends or other distributions that were declared before the Effective Time of the Reorganization with respect to Class II Shares of the Transferor Fund held by the shareholder immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization.
4. The stock transfer books of the Trust with respect to the Transferor Fund will be permanently closed as of the close of business on the day immediately preceding the Effective Time of the Reorganization. Redemption requests received thereafter by the Trust with respect
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to the Transferor Fund will be deemed to be redemption requests for shares of the Surviving Fund issued in the Reorganization.
5. The “Effective Time of the Reorganization” for purposes of this Plan shall be the opening of business on March 7, 2011, or at such other time as may be determined by the Board of Trustees or an officer of the Trust.
C. Actions by Shareholders of the Transferor Fund
Prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization and as a condition thereto, the Board of Trustees of the Trust will call, and the Trust will hold, a meeting of the shareholders of the Transferor Fund to consider and vote upon:
(1) Approval of this Plan and the transactions contemplated hereby.
(2) Such other matters as may be determined by the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
D. Conditions to the Reorganization
Consummation of this Plan and the Effective Time of the Reorganization will be subject to:
(1) the approval of the matters referred to in Article C of this Plan by the shareholders of the Transferor Fund in the manner required by law and otherwise deemed necessary or advisable by the Board of Trustees of the Trust; and
(2) the following additional conditions:
a. The Trust will have received an opinion of Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, based on reasonable representations and assumptions, to the effect that:
(i) the shares of the Surviving Fund issued pursuant to this Plan will, when issued in accordance with the provisions hereof, be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable; and
(ii) for federal income tax purposes: (A) the acquisition of the assets of the Transferor Fund by the Surviving Fund in exchange for Surviving Fund shares and the assumption by the Surviving Fund of the liabilities of the Transferor Fund, followed by the distribution of those shares to the Transferor Fund shareholders will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of section 368(a)(1)(C) or (D) of the Code, and each such Fund will be “a party to the reorganization” within the meaning of section 368(b) of the Code; (B) the Transferor Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the transfer of its assets and liabilities to the Surviving Fund; (C) the Surviving Fund will recognize no gain or loss upon the receipt of the assets of the Transferor Fund in exchange for Surviving Fund shares and the assumption of the liabilities of
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the Transferor Fund; (D) no shareholder of the Transferor Fund will recognize gain or loss upon the receipt of Surviving Fund shares in exchange for Transferor Fund shares; (E) each shareholder of the Transferor Fund will obtain an aggregate tax basis in the Surviving Fund shares received in the exchange equal to the shareholder’s aggregate tax basis in the Transferor Fund shares exchanged; (F) the tax basis of the assets of the Transferor Fund in the hands of the Surviving Fund will be the same as the tax basis of those assets in the hands of the Transferor Fund immediately before the transfer; (G) the holding period of Surviving Fund shares received by each shareholder of the Transferor Fund will include the holding period of the corresponding Transferor Fund shares exchanged by that shareholder, provided that at the time of the exchange the Transferor Fund shares were held by that shareholder as capital assets; and (H) the holding period of the Surviving Fund for the assets of the Transferor Fund transferred to it will include the period during which those assets were held by the Transferor Fund.
b. All necessary approvals, registrations and exemptions required under federal and state laws will have been obtained.
E. Miscellaneous
1. This Plan and the transactions contemplated hereby will be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
2. This Plan and the Reorganization contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time for any reason prior to the Effective Time of the Reorganization upon the vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
3. At any time prior to or (to the fullest extent permitted by law) after approval of this Plan by the shareholders of the Transferor Fund, the Trust may, upon authorization by the Board of Trustees and with or without the approval of shareholders of the Transferor Fund, amend any of the provisions of this Plan.
4. The transaction expenses incurred in connection with the Reorganization will be borne by Turner Investment Partners, Inc.
5. All persons dealing with the Trust or a Fund must look solely to the property of the Trust or such Fund for the enforcement of any claims as none of its trustees, officers, agents or shareholders assume any personal liability for obligations entered into on behalf of the Trust. No Fund shall be liable for any claims against any other Fund. The Trust and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. specifically acknowledge and agree that any liability of the Trust under this Plan with respect to a particular Fund, or in connection with the transactions contemplated herein with respect to a particular Fund, shall be discharged only out of the assets of the particular Fund and that no other portfolio of the Trust shall be liable with respect thereto.
6. The Trust, by consent of its Board of Trustees, or an officer authorized by such Board of Trustees, may waive any condition to the obligations of the Transferor Fund or
A-4
Surviving Fund hereunder if, in its or such officer’s judgment, such waiver will not have a material adverse effect on the interests of the shareholders of the Transferor Fund and the Surviving Fund.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Plan to be duly executed all as of the day and year first above written.
| THE TURNER FUNDS |
| on behalf of the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund and the Turner Core Growth Fund |
| |
| By | /s/ Thomas R. Trala |
| Name: Thomas R. Trala |
| Title: President |
| |
| Turner Investment Partners, Inc. hereby agrees to join this Plan of Reorganization solely for purposes of Article E(4) and (5) of the Plan |
| |
| TURNER INVESTMENT PARTNERS, INC. |
| |
| By: | /s/ Brian F. McNally |
| Name: Brian F. McNally |
| Title: General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer, Principal |
A-5
PART B
TURNER FUNDS
Turner Core Growth Fund
Statement of Additional Information
January [ ], 2011
Acquisition of all of the assets and liabilities of: | By and in exchange for shares of: |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund | Turner Core Growth Fund |
(the “Large Cap Growth Fund”) | (the “Core Growth Fund”) |
(each, a series of the Turner Funds)
1205 Westlakes Drive
Suite 100
Berwyn, Pennsylvania 19312
This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), which is not a prospectus, supplements and should be read in conjunction with the Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated January [ ], 2011 (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”) relating specifically to the Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Large Cap Growth Fund which is scheduled to be held on February 28, 2011. A copy of the Proxy Statement/Prospectus may be obtained upon request and without charge by calling the Turner Funds toll free at 800-224-6312. Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the same meanings as are given to them in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The Reorganization is expected to occur in accordance with the terms of the Plan of Reorganization.
General Information:
This SAI and the Proxy Statement/Prospectus are related to the proposed acquisition of all of the assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund by the Core Growth Fund and the assumption by the Core Growth Fund of all of the liabilities of the Large Cap Growth Fund, in exchange for Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund having an aggregate value equal to the net asset value of Institutional Class Shares and Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, respectively, as of the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the effective time of the Reorganization; the distribution of the Core Growth Fund’s Institutional Class Shares to each holder of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s Institutional Class Shares, as of the effective time of the Reorganization, and the distribution of the Core Growth Fund’s Investor Class Shares to each holder of the Large Cap Growth Fund’s Institutional Class Shares, as of the effective time of the Reorganization; and the complete
1
liquidation of the Large Cap Growth Fund (collectively, the “Reorganization”). The Core Growth Fund will be renamed Turner Large Growth Fund effective January 31, 2011.
Incorporation of Documents By Reference into the Statement of Additional Information
This Statement of Additional Information incorporates by reference the following documents:
(1) Statement of Additional Information of the Turner Funds dated January 31, 2010 (previously filed on EDGAR, Accession No. 0001104659-10-003349), as supplemented May 25, 2010 (previously filed on EDGAR, Accession No. 0001104659-10-030660), June 11, 2010 (previously filed on EDGAR, Accession No. 0001104659-10-033515), September 13, 2010 (previously filed on EDGAR, Accession No. 0001104659-10-048284) and November 19, 2010 (previously filed on EDGAR, Accession No. 0001104659-10-059328).
(2) The audited financial statements and related report of the independent registered public accounting firm included in the Turner Funds’ Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010 (previously filed on EDGAR, Accession No. 0001104659-10-061886). No other parts of the Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.
Pro Forma Financial Statements
Under the Plan of Reorganization, the Large Cap Growth Fund will be reorganized into the Core Growth Fund. Shown below are unaudited pro forma financial statements for the combined Core Growth Fund, assuming the Reorganization, as more fully described in the combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus dated January [ ], 2011, had been consummated as of September 30, 2010.
The Pro Forma Combined Schedules of Investments and the Pro Forma Combined Statement of Assets and Liabilities has been adjusted to give effect to the Reorganization as if it had occurred on September 30, 2010. The Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations is for the twelve-months ended September 30, 2010 and has been adjusted to give effect to the Reorganization as if it had occurred October 1, 2009.
The unaudited pro forma combined schedules and financial statements are presented for informational purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the financial condition that actually would have resulted if the Reorganization had been consummated on September 30, 2010. These pro forma numbers have been estimated in good faith based on information regarding the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund for the twelve month period ended September 30, 2010.
The following unaudited pro forma combined schedules and financial statements have been derived from the schedules and financial statements of the Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund and such information has been adjusted to give effect to the Reorganization as if it had occurred on September 30, 2010. The unaudited pro forma combined schedules and
2
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes of the Core Growth Fund included in its Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference to the extent stated above. The combination of Large Cap Growth Fund and Core Growth Fund will be accounted for as a tax-free reorganization.
3
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund
Turner Core Growth Fund
Pro Forma Combined
Schedule of Investments(a)
As of September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
| | | | Turner | | Turner | | | |
| | % of | | Large Cap | | Core Growth | | Pro Forma | |
| | Combined | | Growth Fund | | Fund | | Combined | |
| | Net Assets | | Shares | | Value (000) | | Shares | | Value (000) | | Shares | | Value (000) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock† | | 100.3 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consumer discretionary | | 13.2 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Amazon.com* | | | | 13,030 | | $ | 2,046 | | 58,840 | | $ | 9,241 | | 71,870 | | $ | 11,287 | |
Coach | | | | 38,950 | | 1,673 | | 154,700 | | 6,646 | | 193,650 | | 8,319 | |
DIRECTV, Cl A* | | | | 40,180 | | 1,673 | | 144,920 | | 6,033 | | 185,100 | | 7,706 | |
Dollar Tree* | | | | 22,195 | | 1,082 | | 78,255 | | 3,816 | | 100,450 | | 4,898 | |
Guess? | | | | 35,820 | | 1,455 | | 96,105 | | 3,905 | | 131,925 | | 5,360 | |
Las Vegas Sands* | | | | 67,200 | | 2,342 | | 301,910 | | 10,522 | | 369,110 | | 12,864 | |
priceline.com* | | | | 3,900 | | 1,359 | | 11,630 | | 4,051 | | 15,530 | | 5,410 | |
Pulte Group* | | | | 109,450 | | 959 | | 818,190 | | 7,167 | | 927,640 | | 8,126 | |
Starbucks | | | | 99,830 | | 2,554 | | 310,440 | | 7,941 | | 410,270 | | 10,495 | |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide | | | | 44,650 | | 2,346 | | 122,640 | | 6,445 | | 167,290 | | 8,791 | |
Urban Outfitters* | | | | 41,000 | | 1,289 | | 75,460 | | 2,372 | | 116,460 | | 3,661 | |
Total consumer discretionary | | | | | | 18,778 | | | | 68,139 | | | | 86,917 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consumer staples | | 9.2 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Archer-Daniels-Midland | | | | 56,880 | | 1,816 | | 323,620 | | 10,330 | | 380,500 | | 12,146 | |
Mead Johnson Nutrition, Cl A | | | | 34,320 | | 1,953 | | 187,040 | | 10,645 | | 221,360 | | 12,598 | |
PepsiCo | | | | 81,740 | | 5,431 | | 336,950 | | 22,387 | | 418,690 | | 27,818 | |
Whole Foods Market* # | | | | 45,790 | | 1,699 | | 174,869 | | 6,489 | | 220,659 | | 8,188 | |
Total consumer staples | | | | | | 10,899 | | | | 49,851 | | | | 60,750 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Energy | | 11.2 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cimarex Energy | | | | 25,480 | | 1,686 | | 81,370 | | 5,385 | | 106,850 | | 7,071 | |
Concho Resources* | | | | 20,710 | | 1,370 | | 80,850 | | 5,350 | | 101,560 | | 6,720 | |
ConocoPhillips | | | | 45,600 | | 2,619 | | 208,330 | | 11,964 | | 253,930 | | 14,583 | |
First Solar* # | | | | 6,310 | | 930 | | 28,700 | | 4,229 | | 35,010 | | 5,159 | |
Halliburton | | | | 103,740 | | 3,431 | | 423,390 | | 14,002 | | 527,130 | | 17,433 | |
National Oilwell Varco | | | | 25,520 | | 1,135 | | 87,730 | | 3,901 | | 113,250 | | 5,036 | |
Occidental Petroleum | | | | 27,390 | | 2,144 | | 137,790 | | 10,789 | | 165,180 | | 12,933 | |
QEP Resources | | | | — | | — | | 165,100 | | 4,976 | | 165,100 | | 4,976 | |
Total energy | | | | | | 13,315 | | | | 60,596 | | | | 73,911 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financials | | 12.6 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
American Express | | | | 49,600 | | 2,084 | | 325,600 | | 13,685 | | 375,200 | | 15,769 | |
Bank of Nova Scotia | | | | 20,750 | | 1,106 | | — | | — | | 20,750 | | 1,106 | |
CB Richard Ellis Group, Cl A* | | | | 74,500 | | 1,362 | | 312,620 | | 5,715 | | 387,120 | | 7,077 | |
Citigroup* | | | | 259,430 | | 1,012 | | 2,326,800 | | 9,074 | | 2,586,230 | | 10,086 | |
Digital Realty Trust # | | | | — | | — | | 95,830 | | 5,913 | | 95,830 | | 5,913 | |
HDFC Bank ADR # | | | | — | | — | | 27,020 | | 4,982 | | 27,020 | | 4,982 | |
Health Care REIT | | | | — | | — | | 59,770 | | 2,829 | | 59,770 | | 2,829 | |
Host Hotels & Resorts | | | | — | | — | | 393,270 | | 5,695 | | 393,270 | | 5,695 | |
IntercontinentalExchange* | | | | 10,800 | | 1,131 | | 71,550 | | 7,493 | | 82,350 | | 8,624 | |
MSCI, Cl A* | | | | — | | — | | 108,570 | | 3,606 | | 108,570 | | 3,606 | |
Simon Property Group | | | | — | | — | | 92,230 | | 8,553 | | 92,230 | | 8,553 | |
T. Rowe Price Group | | | | — | | — | | 177,620 | | 8,892 | | 177,620 | | 8,892 | |
Total financials | | | | | | 6,695 | | | | 76,437 | | | | 83,132 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Health care | | 10.9 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Abbott Laboratories | | | | 48,580 | | 2,538 | | 221,910 | | 11,593 | | 270,490 | | 14,131 | |
Alexion Pharmaceuticals* | | | | — | | — | | 84,520 | | 5,440 | | 84,520 | | 5,440 | |
Allergan | | | | 23,920 | | 1,591 | | 124,580 | | 8,288 | | 148,500 | | 9,879 | |
Celgene* | | | | 19,420 | | 1,119 | | 74,560 | | 4,296 | | 93,980 | | 5,415 | |
Cerner* | | | | 13,070 | | 1,098 | | 46,380 | | 3,895 | | 59,450 | | 4,993 | |
Express Scripts* | | | | 24,390 | | 1,188 | | 112,490 | | 5,478 | | 136,880 | | 6,666 | |
Hospira* | | | | — | | — | | 75,964 | | 4,331 | | 75,964 | | 4,331 | |
Human Genome Sciences* | | | | 30,170 | | 899 | | 149,959 | | 4,467 | | 180,129 | | 5,366 | |
Intuitive Surgical* | | | | 4,150 | | 1,177 | | 25,278 | | 7,172 | | 29,428 | | 8,349 | |
Universal Health Services, Cl B | | | | 34,380 | | 1,336 | | 156,452 | | 6,080 | | 190,832 | | 7,416 | |
Total health care | | | | | | 10,946 | | | | 61,040 | | | | 71,986 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Industrials | | 7.7 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Caterpillar | | | | 35,020 | | 2,756 | | 143,630 | | 11,301 | | 178,650 | | 14,057 | |
CSX | | | | 24,330 | | 1,346 | | — | | — | | 24,330 | | 1,346 | |
Cummins | | | | 30,220 | | 2,737 | | 137,890 | | 12,490 | | 168,110 | | 15,227 | |
Deere | | | | 22,770 | | 1,589 | | 106,850 | | 7,456 | | 129,620 | | 9,045 | |
Delta Air Lines* | | | | 90,800 | | 1,057 | | 341,080 | | 3,970 | | 431,880 | | 5,027 | |
Fastenal # | | | | 24,240 | | 1,289 | | 89,990 | | 4,787 | | 114,230 | | 6,076 | |
Total industrials | | | | | | 10,774 | | | | 40,004 | | | | 50,778 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | Turner | | Turner | | | |
| | % of | | Large Cap | | Core Growth | | Pro Forma | |
| | Combined | | Growth Fund | | Fund | | Combined | |
| | Net Assets | | Shares | | Value (000) | | Shares | | Value (000) | | Shares | | Value (000) | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Information technology | | 26.7 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Acme Packet* | | | | 15,600 | | 592 | | — | | — | | 15,600 | | 592 | |
Akamai Technologies* | | | | 15,790 | | 792 | | — | | — | | 15,790 | | 792 | |
Apple* | | | | 30,780 | | 8,734 | | 116,720 | | 33,119 | | 147,500 | | 41,853 | |
ASML Holding, NY Shares | | | | 54,930 | | 1,633 | | 237,750 | | 7,068 | | 292,680 | | 8,701 | |
Atheros Communications* | | | | 31,590 | | 832 | | — | | — | | 31,590 | | 832 | |
Baidu ADR* | | | | 16,440 | | 1,687 | | 51,030 | | 5,237 | | 67,470 | | 6,924 | |
Broadcom, Cl A | | | | 103,210 | | 3,653 | | 288,080 | | 10,195 | | 391,290 | | 13,848 | |
Cognizant Technology Solutions, Cl A* | | | | 40,810 | | 2,631 | | — | | — | | 40,810 | | 2,631 | |
Cypress Semiconductor* | | | | 109,070 | | 1,372 | | — | | — | | 109,070 | | 1,372 | |
F5 Networks* | | | | 18,670 | | 1,938 | | 78,900 | | 8,190 | | 97,570 | | 10,128 | |
Factset Research Systems | | | | — | | — | | 74,769 | | 6,066 | | 74,769 | | 6,066 | |
Fidelity National Information Services | | | | — | | — | | 322,740 | | 8,756 | | 322,740 | | 8,756 | |
Lam Research* | | | | 64,120 | | 2,684 | | 322,930 | | 13,515 | | 387,050 | | 16,199 | |
Micron Technology* | | | | 142,755 | | 1,029 | | 393,450 | | 2,837 | | 536,205 | | 3,866 | |
Motorola* | | | | 305,600 | | 2,607 | | 659,430 | | 5,625 | | 965,030 | | 8,232 | |
NetApp* | | | | 34,990 | | 1,742 | | 90,570 | | 4,510 | | 125,560 | | 6,252 | |
Netlogic Microsystems* | | | | 50,920 | | 1,404 | | — | | — | | 50,920 | | 1,404 | |
QUALCOMM | | | | 66,000 | | 2,978 | | 296,580 | | 13,382 | | 362,580 | | 16,360 | |
Salesforce.com* | | | | 17,440 | | 1,950 | | 67,490 | | 7,545 | | 84,930 | | 9,495 | |
SanDisk* | | | | 35,150 | | 1,288 | | 99,590 | | 3,650 | | 134,740 | | 4,938 | |
VMware, Cl A* | | | | 25,000 | | 2,124 | | 66,930 | | 5,685 | | 91,930 | | 7,809 | |
Total information technology | | | | | | 41,670 | | | | 135,380 | | | | 177,050 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Materials | | 3.2 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cliffs Natural Resources | | | | 15,590 | | 997 | | 70,970 | | 4,536 | | 86,560 | | 5,533 | |
Goldcorp | | | | 46,560 | | 2,026 | | 199,950 | | 8,702 | | 246,510 | | 10,728 | |
United States Steel | | | | 27,470 | | 1,204 | | 79,030 | | 3,465 | | 106,500 | | 4,669 | |
Total materials | | | | | | 4,227 | | | | 16,703 | | | | 20,930 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Telecommunication services | | 4.6 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
America Movil, Ser L ADR | | | | — | | — | | 196,610 | | 10,485 | | 196,610 | | 10,485 | |
American Tower, Cl A* | | | | 28,670 | | 1,470 | | — | | — | | 28,670 | | 1,470 | |
NII Holdings* | | | | — | | — | | 224,750 | | 9,237 | | 224,750 | | 9,237 | |
Sprint Nextel* | | | | — | | — | | 1,938,110 | | 8,974 | | 1,938,110 | | 8,974 | |
Total telecommunication services | | | | | | 1,470 | | | | 28,696 | | | | 30,166 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Utilities | | 1.0 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Questar | | | | — | | — | | 391,235 | | 6,858 | | 391,235 | | 6,858 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Common Stock | | | | | | 118,774 | | | | 543,704 | | | | 662,478 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cash equivalent | | 2.3 | % | | | | | | | | | | | | |
BlackRock TempCash Fund Institutional Shares 0.240%** (1) | | | | 4,759,963 | | 4,760 | | 10,643,165 | | 10,643 | | 15,403,128 | | 15,403 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Cash equivalent | | | | | | 4,760 | | | | 10,643 | | | | 15,403 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments | | 102.6 | % | | | $ | 123,534 | | | | $ | 554,347 | | | | $ | 677,881 | |
Liabilities in excess of other assets | | -2.6 | % | | | (4,013 | ) | | | (12,947 | ) | | | (16,960 | ) |
Net Assets | | 100.0 | % | | | $ | 119,521 | | | | $ | 541,400 | | | | $ | 660,921 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total Investments at Cost | | | | | | $ | 103,879 | | | | $ | 453,019 | | | | $ | 556,898 | |
| As of September 30, 2010, all of the investments of both funds and the pro forma combined fund were considered Level 1. Please see Note 3 in Pro Forma Notes to Combining Financial Statements for further information regarding fair value measurements. |
(a) | No adjustments are shown to the unaudited pro forma combined schedule of investments due to the fact that upon consummation of the merger, securities may need to be sold in order for the Core Growth Fund to comply with its prospectus restrictions. The foregoing sentence shall not restrict in any way the ability of the investment adviser from buying or selling securities in the normal course of such fund’s business and operations. |
* | Non-income producing security. |
** | Rate shown is the 7-day effective yield as of September 30, 2010. |
*** | This number is listed in thousands. |
† | More narrow industries are utilized for compliance purposes, whereas broad sectors are utilized for reporting purposes. |
# | Security fully or partially on loan at September 30, 2010. The total value of securities on loan at September 30, 2010, was $3,911*** for Large Cap Growth Fund, $10,377*** for Core Growth Fund, and $14,288*** for the pro forma combined fund. Certain of these securities may have been sold prior to period end and are included in receivable for investment securities sold on the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. |
(1) | The Funds lend securities in their portfolios pursuant to a securities lending agreement (“Lending Agreement”) with Morgan Stanley. Unless otherwise agreed, security loans made pursuant to the Lending Agreement are required at all times to be secured by collateral equal to at least 100% of the market value of the securities loaned. Cash collateral received is invested pursuant to the terms of the Lending Agreement in the BlackRock TempCash Fund, Institutional Shares, a money market fund. All such investments are made at the risk of the Funds. As such, the Funds are liable for investment losses. The Funds receive an annual fee for their participation in the Lending Agreement based on projected lending activity. This security was fully or partially purchased with cash collateral received from securities lending. The total value of such security at September 30, 2010 was $4,028*** for Large Cap Growth Fund, $10,643*** for Core Growth Fund, and $14,671*** for the pro forma combined fund. |
| |
| ADR - American Depositary Receipt Cl - Class NY - New York REIT - Real Estate Investment Trust Ser - Series |
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund
Turner Core Growth Fund
Pro Forma Combined
Statement of Assets and Liabilities (000)
As of September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
| | Turner | | Turner | | | | | |
| | Large Cap | | Core Growth | | Pro Forma | | Pro Forma | |
| | Growth Fund | | Fund | | Adjustments | | Combined | |
Assets: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Investment securities, at cost | | $ | 103,879 | | $ | 453,019 | | $ | — | | $ | 556,898 | |
Investment securities, at value | | $ | 123,534 | * | $ | 554,347 | * | $ | — | | $ | 677,881 | * |
Deposits with brokers for options | | 150 | | 150 | | — | | 300 | |
Receivable for investment securities sold | | 2,866 | | 18,010 | | — | | 20,876 | |
Receivable for capital shares sold | | 168 | | 964 | | — | | 1,132 | |
Prepaid expenses | | 19 | | 54 | | — | | 73 | |
Receivable for dividend income | | 31 | | 290 | | — | | 321 | |
Reclaim receivable | | — | | 24 | | — | | 24 | |
Total assets | | 126,768 | | 573,839 | | — | | 700,607 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Liabilities: | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Cash overdraft | | — | | 4,751 | | — | | 4,751 | |
Payable for investment securities purchased | | 2,997 | | 13,466 | | — | | 16,463 | |
Payable due to shareholder servicing | | — | | 120 | | — | | 120 | |
Obligation to return securities lending collateral | | 4,028 | | 10,643 | | — | | 14,671 | |
Payable for capital shares redeemed | | 192 | | 3,321 | | — | | 3,513 | |
Other accrued expenses | | 30 | | 138 | | — | | 168 | |
Total liabilities | | 7,247 | | 32,439 | | — | | 39,686 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net assets | | $ | 119,521 | | $ | 541,400 | | $ | — | | $ | 660,921 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net Assets: | | | | | | | | | |
* Includes market value of securities on loan | | $ | 3,911 | | $ | 10,377 | | $ | — | | $ | 14,288 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio capital | | $ | 127,153 | | $ | 707,458 | | $ | — | | $ | 834,611 | |
Undistributed net investment income | | 153 | | 539 | | — | | 692 | |
Accumulated net realized loss on investments, securities sold short, written options and foreign currency transactions | | (27,440 | ) | (267,925 | ) | — | | (295,365 | ) |
Net unrealized appreciation on investments, written options and securities sold short | | 19,655 | | 101,328 | | — | | 120,983 | |
Net Assets | | $ | 119,521 | | $ | 541,400 | | $ | — | | $ | 660,921 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding shares of beneficial interest (1) | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Institutional Class Shares (a)(2) | | 24,424,395 | | 35,778,341 | | (13,229,598 | ) | 46,973,138 | |
Investor Class Shares (b)(2) | | 282,091 | | 15,610,829 | | (152,680 | ) | 15,740,240 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net Assets | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Institutional Class Shares (a)(2) | | $ | 118,164,010 | | $ | 377,649,736 | | $ | — | | $ | 495,813,746 | |
Investor Class Shares (b)(2) | | 1,357,462 | | 163,750,027 | | — | | 165,107,489 | |
Net Assets | | $ | 119,521,472 | | $ | 541,399,763 | | $ | — | | $ | 660,921,235 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net asset value, offering and redemption price per share | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Institutional Class Shares | | $ | 4.84 | | $ | 10.56 | | $ | — | | $ | 10.56 | |
Investor Class Shares | | $ | 4.81 | | $ | 10.49 | | $ | — | | $ | 10.49 | |
(a) Institutional Class shares of Large Cap Growth Fund are exchanged for new Institutional Class shares of Core Growth Fund.
(b) Investor Class shares of Large Cap Growth Fund are exchanged for new Investor Class shares of Core Growth Fund.
(1) Unlimited authorization — par value $0.00001.
(2) Shares and Net Assets have not been rounded.
Amounts designated as “—” are either not applicable, $0 or have been rounded to $0.
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund
Turner Core Growth Fund
Pro Forma Combined
Statement of Operations (000)
For the Year Ended September 30, 2010
(Unaudited)
| | Turner | | Turner | | | | | |
| | Large Cap | | Core Growth | | Pro Forma | | Pro Forma | |
| | Growth Fund | | Fund | | Adjustments | | Combined | |
Investment Income: | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend | | $ | 1,062 | | $ | 6,732 | | $ | — | | $ | 7,794 | |
Securities lending | | 5 | | 43 | | — | | 48 | |
Foreign taxes withheld | | (6 | ) | (86 | ) | — | | (92 | ) |
Total Investment Income | | 1,061 | | 6,689 | | — | | 7,750 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Expenses | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory fees | | 728 | | 4,495 | | — | | 5,223 | |
Administrator fees | | 172 | | 1,061 | | — | | 1,233 | |
Shareholder service fees(1) | | 3 | | 769 | | — | | 772 | |
Chief compliance officer fees | | 8 | | 50 | | — | | 58 | |
Custodian fees | | 17 | | 44 | | (6 | )(2) | 55 | |
Transfer agent fees | | 138 | | 256 | | (5 | )(2) | 389 | |
Printing fees | | 27 | | 168 | | — | | 195 | |
Registration fees | | 43 | | 48 | | (31 | )(2) | 60 | |
Professional fees | | 37 | | 242 | | — | | 279 | |
Trustees’ fees | | 12 | | 75 | | — | | 87 | |
Insurance and other fees | | 16 | | 90 | | (5 | )(2) | 101 | |
Total expenses | | 1,201 | | 7,298 | | (47 | ) | 8,452 | |
Less: | | | | | | | | | |
Investment advisory fee waiver | | (361 | ) | (1,360 | ) | 47 | | (1,674 | ) |
Net expenses | | 840 | | 5,938 | | — | | 6,778 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net investment income | | 221 | | 751 | | — | | 972 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net realized gain from securities sold | | 1,898 | | 28,303 | † | — | | 30,201 | |
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments | | 10,470 | | 6,444 | | — | | 16,914 | |
Net realized and unrealized gain on investments | | 12,368 | | 34,747 | | — | | 47,115 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Net increase in net assets resulting from operations | | $ | 12,589 | | $ | 35,498 | | $ | — | | $ | 48,087 | |
(1) Attributable to Investor Class Shares only.
(2) Decrease due to the elimination of of duplicative expenses achieved by merging the funds.
† Includes realized gains and losses as a result of in-kind transactions (see Note 13 in the Notes to Financial Statements of the Funds dated September 30, 2010).
Amounts designated as “—” are either not applicable, $0 or have been rounded to $0.
Turner Large Cap Growth Fund
Turner Core Growth Fund
Pro Forma Notes to Combining Financial Statements
September 30, 2010 (Unaudited)
1. Description of the Funds
The Turner Core Growth Fund (the “Core Growth Fund”) and the Turner Large Cap Growth Fund (the “Large Cap Growth Fund”), each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”, are series of the Turner Funds (the “Trust”), a Massachusetts business trust registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company with thirteen active portfolios as of September 30, 2010. The Core Growth Fund is registered as a diversified portfolio of the Trust while the Large Cap Growth Fund is non-diversified.
The Funds are registered to offer different classes of shares: Institutional Class Shares, Investor Class Shares, Retirement Class Shares, Class C Shares, or a combination of the four. The assets of each Fund are segregated, and a shareholder’s interest is limited to the Fund in which shares are held. The Funds’ prospectuses provide a description of each Fund’s investment objectives, policies, and strategies along with information on the classes of shares currently being offered.
Expenses that are specifically attributed to one of the Funds are charged to that Fund. Certain other expenses of the Funds are prorated among the Funds on the basis of relative daily net assets. Other common expenses of the Trust are allocated among the Funds on the basis of relative daily net assets.
Class specific expenses are borne by that class. Income, non-class specific expenses and realized/unrealized gains and losses are allocated to the respective classes on the basis of the relative daily net assets.
The Funds declare and distribute net investment income, if any, annually, as a dividend to shareholders. Any net realized capital gains on sales of securities for all Funds are distributed to shareholders at least annually.
2. Basis of Combination
The accompanying pro forma financial statements are presented to show the effect of the proposed acquisition of the Large Cap Growth Fund by the Core Growth Fund as if such acquisition had taken place as of September 30, 2010.
Under the terms of the Plan of Reorganization, the reorganization of the Large Cap Growth Fund into the Core Growth Fund will be accounted for by the method of accounting for tax-free mergers of investment companies. The acquisition would be accomplished by an acquisition of all of the net assets of the Large Cap Growth Fund in exchange for shares of the Core Growth Fund at net asset value. Institutional Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund will be issued in exchange for Institutional Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, and Investor Class Shares of the Core Growth Fund will be issued in exchange for Investor Class Shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund. The statement of assets and liabilities and the related statement of operations of the Large Cap Growth Fund and the Core Growth Fund have been combined as of and for the year ended September 30, 2010. Following the acquisition, the Core Growth Fund will be the accounting survivor. In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the historical cost of investment securities will be carried forward to the accounting survivor and the results of operations for pre-combination periods of the accounting survivor will not be restated.
The accompanying pro forma financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto of the Funds dated September 30, 2010, which are incorporated by reference into this Statement of Additional Information.
The following notes refer to the accompanying pro forma financial statements as if the above-mentioned acquisition of Large Cap Growth Fund by Core Growth Fund had taken place as of October 1, 2009.
3. Security Valuation
Securities listed on a securities exchange, market or automated quotation system for which quotations are readily available (except for securities traded on NASDAQ) are valued at the last quoted sale price on the primary exchange or market (foreign or domestic) on which they are traded, or, if there is no such reported sale, at the most recent quoted bid price for long positions and the most recent quoted ask price for short positions. For securities traded on NASDAQ, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price will be used. The prices for foreign securities are reported in local currency and converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates. Prices for most securities held in the Funds are provided daily by recognized independent pricing agents. If a security price cannot be obtained from an independent, third-party pricing agent, the Funds seek to obtain a bid price or ask price, as applicable, from at least one independent broker.
Securities for which market prices are not “readily available” are valued in accordance with Fair Value Procedures established by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”). The Funds’ Fair Value Procedures are implemented through a Fair Value Committee (the “Committee”) designated by the Board. Some of the more common reasons that may necessitate that a security be valued using Fair Value Procedures include: the security’s trading has been halted or suspended; the security has been delisted from a national exchange; the security’s primary trading market is temporarily closed at a time when under normal conditions it would be open; the security has not been traded for an extended period of time; the security’s primary pricing source is not able or willing to provide a price; or trading of the security is subject to local government-imposed restrictions. When a security is valued in accordance with the Fair Value Procedures, the Committee will determine the value after taking into consideration relevant information reasonably available to the Committee.
For securities that principally trade on a foreign market or exchange, a significant gap in time can exist between the time of a particular security’s last trade and the time at which a Fund calculates its net asset value. The closing prices of such securities may no longer reflect their market value at the time the Fund calculates net asset value if an event that could materially affect the value of those securities (a “Significant Event”) has occurred between the time of the security’s last close and the time that the Fund calculates net asset value. A Significant Event may relate to a single issuer or to an entire market sector. If the Funds’ adviser (the “Adviser”) becomes aware of a Significant Event that has occurred with respect to a security or group of securities after the closing of the exchange or market on which the security or securities principally trade, but before the time at which the Fund calculates net asset value, it may request that a Committee meeting be called. In addition, the Funds’ administrator (the “Administrator”) monitors price movements among certain selected indices, securities and/or baskets of securities that may be an indicator that the closing prices received earlier from foreign exchanges or markets may not reflect market value at the time the Fund calculates net asset value. If price movements in a monitored index or security exceed levels established by the Administrator and approved by the Committee, the Administrator notifies the Adviser for any Fund holding the relevant securities that such limits have been exceeded. In such event, the Adviser makes the determination whether a Committee meeting should be called based on the information provided.
In accordance with the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements and disclosures under GAAP, fair value is defined as the price that a fund would receive upon selling an investment in a timely transaction to an independent buyer in the
principal or most advantageous market. The guidance established a three-tier hierarchy to maximize the use of the observable market data and minimize the use of unobservable inputs and to establish classification of the fair value measurements for disclosure purposes. Inputs refer broadly to the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. Inputs may be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
The three-tier hierarchy of inputs is summarized in the three broad Levels listed below:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical investments
Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar investments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.)
Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including a fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments)
The valuation techniques used by the Funds to measure fair value in accordance with the guidance, during the year ended September 30, 2010 maximized the use of observable inputs and minimized the use of unobservable inputs. For the year ended September 30, 2010, there have been no significant changes to the Funds’ fair valuation methodologies. Fair value measurement classifications are summarized in each Fund’s Schedule of investments. Changes in valuation techniques may result in transfers in or out of an investment’s assigned level within the hierarchy during the reporting period. For each Fund there were no significant transfers between the levels during the reporting period, based on the input levels assigned under the hierarchy at the beginning and end of the reporting period.
4. Capital Shares
The pro forma net asset value per share assumes the issuance of shares of the Core Growth Fund that would have been issued at September 30, 2010, in connection with the proposed reorganization. The number of shares assumed to be issued is equal to the net asset value of shares of the Large Cap Growth Fund, as of September 30, 2010, divided by the net asset value per share of the shares of the Core Growth Fund as of as of September 30, 2010.
The pro forma number of shares outstanding, by class, for the combined fund consists of the following at September 30, 2010:
Class of Shares | | Shares of Core Growth Fund Pre- Combination | | Additional Shares Assumed Issued in Reorganization | | Total Outstanding Shares Post- Combination | |
Institutional Class | | 35,778,341 | | 11,194,797 | | 46,973,138 | |
Investor Class | | 15,610,829 | | 129,411 | | 15,740,240 | |
5. Federal Tax Information
Each of the Funds is classified as a separate taxable entity for Federal income tax purposes. Each of the Funds intends to continue to qualify as a separate “regulated investment company” under the Internal Revenue Code and make the requisite distributions to shareholders that will be sufficient to relieve it from Federal income tax and Federal excise tax. Therefore, no Federal tax provision is required.
At September 30, 2010, the total cost of securities for Federal income tax purposes and the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation for the investments held by the Funds, excluding securities sold short and written options, were as follows (000):
Fund | | Federal Tax Cost | | Unrealized Appreciation | | Unrealized Depreciation | | Net Unrealized Appreciation/ Depreciation | |
Large Cap Growth Fund | | $ | 103,893 | | $ | 21,450 | | $ | (1,809 | ) | $ | 19,641 | |
Core Growth Fund | | 454,788 | | 106,003 | | (6,444 | ) | 99,559 | |
Pro Forma Combined Fund | | 558,681 | | 127,453 | | (8,253 | ) | 119,200 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The tax cost of investments will remain unchanged for the combined fund.
TURNER FUNDS
FORM N-14
PART C – OTHER INFORMATION
Article VIII of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, which is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Registration Statement, provides for the indemnification of the Registrant’s Trustees and officers. Certain of the Registrant’s agreements with service providers also provide for indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise, the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and, therefore, is unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such trustees, directors, officers or controlling persons in connection with the shares being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issues.
Item 16. | Exhibits |
| | | |
| (1) | (a) | Agreement and Declaration of Trust of the Registrant dated January 26, 1996 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement as filed on February 1, 1996. |
| | | |
| | (b) | Certificate of Amendment to Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated March 28, 1997 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 as filed on April 10, 1997. |
| | | |
| | (c) | Certificate of Amendment to the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated August 17, 2001 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit a(3) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 as filed on January 28, 2002. |
| | | |
| (2) | (a) | By-Laws are incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 of the Registrant’s Registration Statement as filed on February 1, 1996. |
| | (b) | Amendment to Section 5 of the By-Laws of the Registrant, effective February 19, 2010 is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(2) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 as filed on May 4, 2010. |
| | | |
| (3) | Not Applicable |
| | |
| (4) | Plan of Reorganization dated November 19, 2010 is attached as Appendix A of the combined Proxy Statement/Prospectus of this Registration Statement on Form N-14. |
| | | |
| (5) | Article III, Article IV, Section 6, Article V, Article VI, Article IX of the Registrant’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit (1) and Sections 2, 7, 12.6 and 12.7 of the Registrant’s Amended and Restated By-Laws incorporated by reference as Exhibit (2). |
| | | |
| (6) | (a) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5(a) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 as filed on January 28, 1997. |
| | | |
| | (b) | Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit d(4) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 as filed on November 17, 1998. |
| | | |
| | (c) | Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Management LLC, with respect to the Small Cap Equity Fund, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(9) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 as filed on March 14, 2002. |
| | | |
| | (d) | Amendment to Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(5) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 as filed on May 31, 2005. |
| | | |
| | (e) | Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(4) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 as filed on July 25, 2005. |
| | | |
| | (f) | Amendment to Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(6) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 44 as filed on November 17, 2006. |
2
| | (g) | Amendment to Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(8) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 53 as filed on April 21, 2008. |
| | | |
| | (h) | Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(9) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 as filed on May 5, 2009. |
| | | |
| | (i) | Amended Schedule A to the Investment Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(10) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 as filed on May 4, 2010. |
| | | |
| (7) | Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Foreside Fund Services, LLC, is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(1) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 as filed on November 19, 2010. |
| | | |
| (8) | Not applicable. |
| | | |
| (9) | (a) | Global Custodial Services Agreement between the Registrant and Citibank, N.A. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(1) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 as filed on November 19, 2010. |
| | | |
| | (b) | Amendment to the Global Custodial Services Agreement between Registrant and Citibank, N.A. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 as filed on November 19, 2010. |
| | | |
| (10) | (a) | Amended and Restated Rule 12b-1 plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m)(1) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 as filed on May 31, 2005. |
| | | |
| | (b) | Rule 12b-1 plan for Class C Shares is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (m)(2) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 as filed on July 13, 2009. |
| | | |
| | (c) | Amended Rule 18f-3 plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n)(1) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 38 as filed on May 31, 2005. |
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| | (d) | Amended Schedule A to the Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n)(2) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 as filed on May 5, 2009. |
| | | |
| | (e) | Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n)(3) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 as filed on July 13, 2009. |
| | | |
| | (f) | Amended Schedule A to the Amended Rule 18f-3 Plan is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (n)(4) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 as filed on May 4, 2010. |
| | | |
| (11) | Opinion and consent of counsel that shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable is filed herewith. |
| | | |
| (12) | Opinion of counsel with respect to certain tax consequences is filed herewith. |
| | | |
| (13) | (a) | Amended and Restated Administration Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(1) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 51 as filed on February 22, 2008. |
| | | |
| | (b) | Sub-Administration Agreement between Turner Investment Partners, Inc., and Citi Fund Services Ohio, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(2) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 68 as filed on November 19, 2010. |
| | | |
| | (c) | Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and DST Systems, Inc. is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(3) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 as filed on January 23, 1998. |
| | | |
| | (d) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement by and among the Registrant, Turner Investment Partners, Inc. and Turner Investment Management LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(5) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 50 as filed on January 25, 2008. |
| | | |
| | (e) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. relating to the Core Growth 130/30 Fund, the Quantitative Broad Market Equity Fund and Institutional Shares of the Midcap Growth Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(4) of the Registrant’s Post- Effective Amendment No. 53 as filed on April 21, 2008. |
| | | |
| | (f) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. relating to the Core Growth 130/30 Fund and the Quantitative Broad Market Equity Fund is incorporated by |
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| | | reference to Exhibit (h)(6) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 55 as filed on June 16, 2008. |
| | | |
| | (g) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. relating to Investor Class Shares of the Turner International Core Growth Fund and the Turner Quantitative Large Cap Value Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(7) of the Registrant’s Post- Effective Amendment No. 57 as filed on October 27, 2008. |
| | | |
| | (h) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement by and among the Registrant, Turner Investment Partners, Inc. and Turner Investment Management LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(9) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 59 as filed on January 23, 2009. |
| | | |
| | (i) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. relating to Institutional and Investor Class Shares of the Turner Spectrum Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(11) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 61 as filed on May 5, 2009. |
| | | |
| | (j) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. relating to Class C Shares of the Turner Spectrum Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(13) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 63 as filed on July 13, 2009. |
| | | |
| | (k) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement by and among the Registrant, Turner Investment Partners, Inc. and Turner Investment Management LLC is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(14) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 as filed on January 27, 2010. |
| | | |
| | (l) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. relating to Institutional Class, Investor Class and Class C Shares of the Turner Spectrum Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(15) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 65 as filed on January 27, 2010. |
| | | |
| | (m) | Contractual Fee/Expense Waiver Agreement between the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. relating to the Turner Global Opportunities Fund is incorporated by reference to Exhibit (h)(17) of the Registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 67 as filed on May 4, 2010. |
| | | |
| | (n) | Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement by and among the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. and Turner Investment Management LLC is filed herewith. |
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| (14) | Consent of KPMG LLP is filed herewith. |
| | |
| (15) | Not Applicable |
| | |
| (16) | Powers of Attorney of Alfred C. Salvato, Janet F. Sansone, and John T. Wholihan are filed herewith. |
| | |
| (17) | Form of Proxy Cards are filed herewith. |
| | |
Item 17. | Undertakings |
| | |
| | (1) | The undersigned Registrant agrees that prior to any public reoffering of the securities registered through the use of a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement by any person or party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “1933 Act”), the reoffering prospectus will contain the information called for by the applicable registration form for reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called for by the other items of the applicable form. |
| | | |
| | (2) | The undersigned Registrant agrees that every prospectus that is filed under paragraph (1) above will be filed as a part of an amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until the amendment is effective, and that, in determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement for the securities offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering of them. |
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SIGNATURES
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed on behalf of the registrant, in the City of Berwyn, and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the 15th day of December, 2010.
| TURNER FUNDS |
| |
| By: | /s/ Ty S. Edwards |
| | Ty S. Edwards |
| | Controller and Chief Financial Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the 1933 Act, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Thomas R. Trala | | Trustee | | December 15, 2010 |
Thomas R. Trala | | | | |
| | | | |
*JANET F. SANSONE | | Trustee | | December 15, 2010 |
Janet F. Sansone | | | | |
| | | | |
* ALFRED C. SALVATO | | Trustee and Chairman of the Board | | December 15, 2010 |
Alfred C. Salvato | | | | |
| | | | |
* JOHN T. WHOLIHAN | | Trustee | | December 15, 2010 |
John T. Wholihan | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Thomas R. Trala | | President and Chief Executive Officer | | December 15, 2010 |
Thomas R. Trala | | | | |
| | | | |
/s/ Ty S. Edwards | | Controller and Chief Financial Officer | | December 15, 2010 |
Ty S. Edwards | | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
*By: | /s/ Brian F. McNally | | | | |
| Brian F. McNally | | | | |
| Attorney-In-Fact (pursuant to Power of Attorney) | | |
Exhibit Index
(11) | Opinion and consent of counsel that shares will be validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable |
| |
(12) | Opinion of counsel with respect to certain tax consequences |
| |
(13)(n) | Contractual Fee Waiver Agreement by and among the Registrant and Turner Investment Partners, Inc. and Turner Investment Management LLC |
| |
(14) | Consent of KPMG LLP |
| |
(16) | Powers of Attorney of Alfred C. Salvato, Janet F. Sansone and John T. Wholihan |
| |
(17) | Form of Proxy Cards |
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