UNITED STATES |
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
Washington, D.C. 20549 |
FORM N-CSR |
CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED |
MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES |
Investment Company Act File Number: 811-07173 |
T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Funds, Inc. |
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter) |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
David Oestreicher |
100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
(Name and address of agent for service) |
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (410) 345-2000 |
Date of fiscal year end: May 31 |
Date of reporting period: May 31, 2011 |
Item 1: Report to Shareholders
Personal Strategy Income Fund | May 31, 2011 |
The views and opinions in this report were current as of May 31, 2011. They are not guarantees of performance or investment results and should not be taken as investment advice. Investment decisions reflect a variety of factors, and the managers reserve the right to change their views about individual stocks, sectors, and the markets at any time. As a result, the views expressed should not be relied upon as a forecast of the fund’s future investment intent. The report is certified under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires mutual funds and other public companies to affirm that, to the best of their knowledge, the information in their financial reports is fairly and accurately stated in all material respects.
REPORTS ON THE WEB
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Manager’s Letter
Fellow Shareholders
U.S. stocks overcame significant headwinds and generated robust returns as fallout from the ongoing European debt crisis, political and social unrest in the oil-rich Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and the devastating Japanese earthquake roiled markets. Non-U.S. equities also advanced, though returns varied widely across regions. Domestic bonds produced modest gains overall, with investors in higher-yielding segments of the market enjoying better returns. Non-U.S. bonds outperformed their U.S. counterparts, helped by a weaker dollar against most major currencies. In this environment, all of the Personal Strategy Funds posted solid gains and outperformed their respective benchmarks for the 6- and 12-month periods ended May 31, 2011.
MARKET ENVIRONMENT
As 2010 came to a close, U.S. economic growth regained momentum with the assistance of extensive monetary and fiscal stimulus. Business activity expanded in this accommodative environment, and consumer income and spending showed gradual improvement. However, the U.S. economy did not grow as rapidly as expected in the first quarter of 2011, and ominous clouds emerged overseas. The European sovereign debt crisis continued to simmer, while political uprisings spread across the MENA region and stoked fears of oil supply disruptions. In mid-March, a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan, raising questions about the impact on global manufacturing supply chains and corporate profits in the world’s third-largest economy.
Major U.S. stock indexes steadily pushed higher before hitting resistance in late February, when the turmoil in the MENA region escalated into civil war in Libya. Markets dipped further on news of the devastation in Japan, leading many investors to fear that a significant correction was in the making. Equities proved resilient, however, and reached new highs for the year in late April amid near-record corporate earnings and a wave of merger and acquisition activity. Stocks retreated in the final month of the period as risk aversion returned in the wake of mixed economic data. U.S. mid-cap shares outperformed small- and large-caps in the six months since our last report on November 30, 2010. Value shares outperformed growth among large-cap stocks, while the reverse was true in the small- and mid-cap universes. Non-U.S. equities also advanced, though returns varied widely across regions. Non-U.S. developed markets generally outperformed emerging market equities.
U.S. bonds also generated positive returns. Commercial mortgage-backed securities and high yield bonds were among the stronger sectors as investors sought larger coupons, while investment-grade corporate bonds posted more modest gains. Treasury securities benefited from strong demand in anticipation of renewed quantitative easing but gave back some of their gains in November as yields rose across all maturities. Concern grew that the latest round of quantitative easing—the Federal Reserve’s so-called QE2 plan to purchase $600 billion in longer-term Treasury bonds—would further weaken the U.S. dollar and contribute to inflationary pressures in many overseas markets. Slow but continuing recoveries in non-U.S. developed markets helped to keep inflation and interest rates low and allowed corporations to bolster their balance sheets. Emerging markets bonds offered attractive yields while continuing their robust growth as a burgeoning middle class fuels more domestic consumption. Non-U.S. bonds outperformed their U.S. counterparts, helped by a weaker dollar against most major currencies.
PORTFOLIO REVIEW AND POSITIONING
Stocks
Large-cap value and small-cap U.S. stocks were among the funds’ strongest performers over the six months since our last report. Oil holdings such as Chevron, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes gained as rising global energy demand and social unrest in the Middle East combined to drive oil prices higher. Among small-caps, Concho Resources’ focus on onshore drilling proved beneficial as its offshore competitors continued to struggle with fallout from the massive Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Non-U.S. developed market stocks also boosted fund returns over the last six months. French insurer AXA and Swedish retail bank Swedbank posted solid gains. In late February, AXA reported earnings that were in line with expectations after three years of disappointment, and the company should continue to benefit from growth in its life insurance and asset management divisions. Swedbank benefited from a relatively strong economic backdrop in the Nordic region and a significant presence in the improving economies of the Baltic region. Our allocation to U.S. large-cap growth stocks was positive in absolute terms but detracted from the fund’s returns versus its benchmark. Search engine giant Google, computer chip maker Broadcom, and wireless infrastructure operator Crown Castle International weighed on performance. (Please refer to the portfolio of investments for a complete list of holdings and the amount each represents in the portfolio.)
We are overweight stocks versus bonds as equities appear reasonably valued. While recent economic news indicates a modest and uneven recovery, stocks appear to be supported by favorable earnings prospects and reasonable balance sheets. We are neutral between U.S. growth and value stocks as the favorable economic and profit cycle supporting value shares is offset by the attractive valuations of growth stocks. Valuations currently favor large-cap stocks over small-caps as the latter’s strong performance has reinforced the rich pricing in the small-cap universe. U.S. growth prospects appear better than those of overseas developed markets, but we remain neutral between the two as the stronger growth has been priced into current U.S. stock valuations. We are overweight to emerging markets equities given more attractive opportunities for growth over the medium and longer term relative to non-U.S. developed equity markets.
We will be increasing the international equity exposure of the Personal Strategy Funds gradually over the coming months, moving from roughly 20% to approximately 30% of their total equity allocation. International developed and emerging market equities continue to increase as a percentage of the global equity market and now represent nearly 60% of the world market capitalization. These areas often include countries that enjoy higher gross domestic product growth rates than the U.S. and companies with higher long-term earnings growth potential or more favorable valuations, offering attractive investment opportunities that complement U.S. investments. The funds’ domestic equity exposure will be proportionately reduced so that each portfolio maintains its current overall allocation to stocks and bonds.
We will also be purchasing shares in companies that derive a substantial portion of their profits or revenues from “real assets.” Real assets include any investments that have physical properties, such as energy and natural resources, real estate, basic materials, equipment, utilities and infrastructure, and commodities. Exposure to companies operating in this space is intended to expand the funds’ broad diversification and to position them to perform well under a variety of market conditions, including periods of rising inflation. We believe the additional flexibility afforded to our portfolio management team will help create long-term value for our shareholders.
Bonds
Within our fixed income portfolios, out-of-benchmark allocations to high yield, emerging markets, and non-U.S. dollar-denominated bonds provided a substantial boost to performance over the second half of the period. (The fixed income portion of the portfolio is benchmarked against the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index, which does not have an allocation to these sectors.) Security selection in our investment-grade, emerging market, and non-U.S. dollar-denominated bonds also helped to lift returns relative to the index.
We are overweight to high yield relative to investment-grade bonds following a period of strong returns and an associated decline in yield spreads relative to Treasury bonds. We favor high yield bonds given a gradually improving economy and modest default rate expectations as issuers take advantage of low rates to refinance debt and extend maturities. Yields on government bonds are above trough levels in light of U.S. fiscal and monetary stimulus measures, although interest rates remain at historically low levels. A number of factors could push Treasury yields higher, including a gradually improving U.S. economy, continued new supply of Treasuries, reduced demand as Japan begins to finance reconstruction efforts, and the wind-down of the Fed’s quantitative easing program. We increased our allocation to non-U.S. dollar-denominated bonds relative to U.S. investment-grade bonds as current U.S. monetary policy and the likelihood of persistent budget deficits could weigh on the dollar. We continue to favor emerging markets bonds over U.S. investment-grade bonds given the former’s attractive fundamentals and yields.
PERFORMANCE COMPARISON
Personal Strategy Income Fund
The Personal Strategy Income Fund gained 8.68% for the six-month period and 17.32% for the 12-month period ended May 31, 2011. As shown in the Performance Comparison table, the fund significantly outpaced each of its benchmarks over both periods. Out-of-benchmark allocations to non-U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, and emerging markets bonds were the biggest contributors to fund performance over both periods. Security selection in the fund’s underlying portfolios also boosted returns, with particularly strong selection among large-cap value and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as U.S. investment-grade bonds. An overweight allocation to equities versus fixed income securities was favorable as equities outperformed. Please see the Portfolio Review and Positioning section on page 3 for more information.
The fund’s target allocation to equities was 44% at the end of the current reporting period, unchanged from our previous report on November 30, 2010. The target allocation to bonds and cash was 56% at the end of the period, also unchanged from our previous report. The actual allocations may differ due to market conditions, trading environment, time horizon, and other factors.
Personal Strategy Balanced Fund
The Personal Strategy Balanced Fund gained 11.19% for the six-month period and 21.70% for the 12-month period ended May 31, 2011. As shown in the Performance Comparison table, the fund outpaced each of its benchmarks over both periods. Out-of-benchmark allocations to non-U.S. dollar-denominated, high yield, and emerging markets bonds were among the most significant contributors to fund performance over both periods. Security selection in the fund’s underlying portfolios also boosted fund returns, with particularly strong selection among large-cap value and small-cap U.S. stocks, as well as U.S. investment-grade bonds. An overweight allocation to equities versus fixed income securities was favorable as equities outperformed. However, our underweight position in small-cap versus large-cap stocks weighed on relative returns as the small-cap sector outperformed. Please see the Portfolio Review and Positioning section on page 3 for more information.
The fund’s target allocation to equities was 64% at the end of the current reporting period, unchanged from our previous report on November 30, 2010. The target allocation to bonds and cash was 36% at the end of the period, also unchanged from our previous report. The actual allocations may differ due to market conditions, trading environment, time horizon, and other factors.
Personal Strategy Growth Fund
The Personal Strategy Growth Fund gained 13.55% for the six-month period and 25.78% for the 12-month period ended May 31, 2011. As shown in the Performance Comparison table, the fund modestly outpaced the Morningstar index over both periods but led its other benchmarks by comfortable margins. Out-of-benchmark allocations to non-U.S. dollar-denominated bonds, high yield bonds, and emerging markets bonds were among the most significant contributors to fund performance over both periods. Security selection in the fund’s underlying portfolios also boosted returns, with particularly strong selection among large-cap value and small-cap U.S. stocks, non-U.S. developed market stocks, and U.S. investment-grade bonds. An overweight allocation to equities versus fixed income securities was favorable as equities outperformed. However, our underweight position in small-cap versus large-cap stocks weighed on relative returns as the small-cap sector outperformed. Please see the Portfolio Review and Positioning section on page 3 for more information.
The fund’s target allocation to equities was 84% at the end of the current reporting period, unchanged from our previous report on November 30, 2010. The target allocation to bonds and cash was 16% at the end of the period, also unchanged from our previous report. The actual allocations may differ due to market conditions, trading environment, time horizon, and other factors.
OUTLOOK
The global economy continues to recover at a modest, if uneven, pace. Corporations are in much better financial shape than they have been in some time and should do well as the global economic recovery gradually unfolds. The U.S. and other developed markets remain on a path toward moderate economic growth. Key emerging markets have largely been able to promote growth and contain inflation and should continue to benefit from increasing industrialization and expanding consumer wealth.
However, challenges remain. Public debt in the developed world continues to grow at an alarming rate, fed by extensive social welfare programs and massive economic stimulus costs. Although emerging markets generally enjoy healthier fiscal positions, policymakers in these countries face their own challenges as they try to tame mounting inflationary pressures without undermining economic growth. In an uneven economic environment, the identification of attractive long-term investment opportunities will depend on strong fundamental research, a disciplined security selection and asset allocation process, and careful attention to risk. These attributes have always formed the core of our investment approach, and we believe they will continue to add value for shareholders over the long term.
In closing, I would like to inform my fellow shareholders that I will be retiring at the end of 2011 after more than two decades with T. Rowe Price. I am pleased to announce that Charles Shriver has agreed to assume responsibility for the Personal Strategy Funds effective October 1, 2011. Charles has helped to manage the funds for the past 12 years, and we will continue to work closely over the coming months to ensure a thoughtful and seamless transition. I am extremely grateful to my fellow shareholders for the trust you have placed in me through the years, and I am confident that Charles will work hard to maintain your trust in the future.
Respectfully submitted,
Edmund M. Notzon III
Co-Chairman of the funds’ Investment Advisory Committee
Charles Shriver
Co-Chairman of the funds’ Investment Advisory Committee
June 17, 2011
The committee chairmen have day-to-day responsibility for managing the portfolios and works with committee members in developing and executing the funds’ investment programs.
RISKS OF INVESTING
As with all stock and bond mutual funds, each fund’s share price can fall because of weakness in the stock or bond markets, a particular industry, or specific holdings. Stock markets can decline for many reasons, including adverse political or economic developments, changes in investor psychology, or heavy institutional selling. The prospects for an industry or company may deteriorate because of a variety of factors, including disappointing earnings or changes in the competitive environment. In addition, the investment manager’s assessment of companies held in a fund may prove incorrect, resulting in losses or poor performance even in rising markets.
Bonds are subject to interest rate risk, the decline in bond prices that usually accompanies a rise in interest rates, and credit risk, the chance that any fund holding could have its credit rating downgraded or that a bond issuer will default (fail to make timely payments of interest or principal), potentially reducing the fund’s income level and share price. High yield corporate bonds could have greater price declines than funds that invest primarily in high-quality bonds. Companies issuing high yield bonds are not as strong financially as those with higher credit ratings, so the bonds are usually considered speculative investments.
Funds that invest overseas may carry more risk than funds that invest strictly in U.S. assets. Risks can result from varying stages of economic and political development; differing regulatory environments, trading days, and accounting standards; and higher transaction costs of non-U.S. markets. Non-U.S. investments are also subject to currency risk, or a decline in the value of a foreign currency versus the U.S. dollar, which reduces the dollar value of securities denominated in that currency.
GLOSSARY
Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index: An unmanaged index that tracks investment-grade bonds, including corporate, government, and mortgage-backed securities.
Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Ex-U.S. Dollar Bond Index: An index that tracks an international basket of bonds that contained 65.8% government, 12.4% corporate, 13.5% agency, and 8.3% mortgage-related bonds as of December 31, 2008.
Citigroup 3-Month Treasury Bill Index: An unmanaged index that tracks short-term U.S. government debt instruments.
Combined index portfolios: Unmanaged portfolios composed of the following underlying indexes:
• Personal Strategy Income—40% stocks (31.6% Russell 3000 Index, 8.4% MSCI All-Country World ex-U.S.A. Index), 40% bonds (Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index), and 20% money market securities (Citigroup 3-Month Treasury Bill Index).
• Personal Strategy Balanced—60% stocks (47.4% Russell 3000 Index, 12.6% MSCI All-Country World ex-U.S.A. Index), 30% bonds (Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index), and 10% money market securities (Citigroup 3-Month Treasury Bill Index).
• Personal Strategy Growth—80% stocks (63.2% Russell 3000 Index, 16.8% MSCI All-Country World ex-U.S.A. Index) and 20% bonds (Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index).
Credit Suisse High Yield Index: Tracks the performance of domestic noninvestment-grade corporate bonds.
Gross domestic product (GDP): The total market value of all goods and services produced in a country in a given year.
Linked performance benchmark – Personal Strategy Balanced Fund: Reflects the performance of the Merrill Lynch-Wilshire Capital Market Index from June 1, 2009, through June 30, 2009, and the performance of the Morningstar Moderate Target Risk Index from July 1, 2009, through the end of the reporting period.
Linked performance benchmark – Personal Strategy Growth Fund: Reflects the performance of the Merrill Lynch-Wilshire Capital Market Index from June 1, 2009, through June 30, 2009, and the performance of the Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index from July 1, 2009, through the end of the reporting period.
Linked performance benchmark – Personal Strategy Income Fund: Reflects the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Index from June 1, 2009, through June 30, 2009, and the performance of the Morningstar Moderately Conservative Target Risk Index from July 1, 2009, through the end of the reporting period.
Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Conservative Funds Index: A peer group benchmark that measures the performance of similar funds with a mix of between 20% and 40% equities, with the remainder invested in bonds and short-term investments.
Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Growth Funds Index: A peer group benchmark that measures the performance of similar funds with a mix of between 60% and 80% equities, with the remainder invested in bonds and short-term investments.
Lipper Mixed-Asset Target Allocation Moderate Funds Index: A peer group benchmark that measures the performance of similar funds with a mix of between 40% and 60% equities, with the remainder invested in bonds and short-term investments.
Morningstar Moderately Conservative Target Risk Index: Represents a portfolio of global equities (fixed at 40%), bonds, and other asset classes.
Morningstar Moderate Target Risk Index: Represents a portfolio of global equities (fixed at 60%), bonds, and other asset classes.
Morningstar Moderately Aggressive Target Risk Index: Represents a portfolio of global equities (fixed at 80%), bonds, and other asset classes.
MSCI All Country World ex-U.S.A. Index: An index that measures equity market performance of developed and emerging countries, excluding the U.S.
MSCI Emerging Markets Index: A capitalization-weighted index of stocks from 26 emerging market countries that only includes securities that may be traded by foreign investors.
Russell 3000 Index: An index that tracks the performance of the 3,000 largest U.S. companies, representing approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.
S&P 500 Index: An index that tracks the stocks of 500 primarily large-cap U.S. companies.
Yield curve: A graph depicting the relationship between yields and maturity dates for a set of similar securities. These curves are in constant flux. One of the key activities in managing any fixed income portfolio is to study the trends reflected by yield curves.
Performance and Expenses
GROWTH OF $10,000 |
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the fund over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with benchmarks, which may include a broad-based market index and a peer group average or index. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns as well as mutual fund averages and indexes.
GROWTH OF $10,000 |
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the fund over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with benchmarks, which may include a broad-based market index and a peer group average or index. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns as well as mutual fund averages and indexes.
GROWTH OF $10,000 |
This chart shows the value of a hypothetical $10,000 investment in the fund over the past 10 fiscal year periods or since inception (for funds lacking 10-year records). The result is compared with benchmarks, which may include a broad-based market index and a peer group average or index. Market indexes do not include expenses, which are deducted from fund returns as well as mutual fund averages and indexes.
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FUND EXPENSE EXAMPLE |
As a mutual fund shareholder, you may incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads, and (2) ongoing costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other fund expenses. The following example is intended to help you understand your ongoing costs (in dollars) of investing in the fund and to compare these costs with the ongoing costs of investing in other mutual funds. The example is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the most recent six-month period and held for the entire period.
Actual Expenses
The first line of the following table (“Actual”) provides information about actual account values and expenses based on the fund’s actual returns. You may use the information in this line, together with your account balance, to estimate the expenses that you paid over the period. Simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the first line under the heading “Expenses Paid During Period” to estimate the expenses you paid on your account during this period.
Hypothetical Example for Comparison Purposes
The information on the second line of the table (“Hypothetical”) is based on hypothetical account values and expenses derived from the fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed 5% per year rate of return before expenses (not the fund’s actual return). You may compare the ongoing costs of investing in the fund with other funds by contrasting this 5% hypothetical example and the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of the other funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
Note: T. Rowe Price charges an annual small-account maintenance fee of $10, generally for accounts with less than $2,000 ($500 for UGMA/UTMA). The fee is waived for any investor whose T. Rowe Price mutual fund accounts total $25,000 or more, accounts employing automatic investing, and IRAs and other retirement plan accounts that utilize a prototype plan sponsored by T. Rowe Price (although a separate custodial or administrative fee may apply to such accounts). This fee is not included in the accompanying table. If you are subject to the fee, keep it in mind when you are estimating the ongoing expenses of investing in the fund and when comparing the expenses of this fund with other funds.
You should also be aware that the expenses shown in the table highlight only your ongoing costs and do not reflect any transaction costs, such as redemption fees or sales loads. Therefore, the second line of the table is useful in comparing ongoing costs only and will not help you determine the relative total costs of owning different funds. To the extent a fund charges transaction costs, however, the total cost of owning that fund is higher.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS |
T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Funds, Inc. (the corporation), is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act). The Personal Strategy Income Fund (the fund), a diversified, open-end management investment company, is one portfolio established by the corporation. The fund commenced operations on July 29, 1994. The fund seeks the highest total return over time consistent with a primary emphasis on income and a secondary emphasis on capital growth. The fund pursues this objective by investing in a diversified portfolio typically consisting of about 40% stocks, 40% bonds, and 20% money market securities.
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation The accompanying financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), which require the use of estimates made by management. Management believes that estimates and valuations are appropriate; however, actual results may differ from those estimates, and the valuations reflected in the accompanying financial statements may differ from the value ultimately realized upon sale or maturity.
Investment Transactions, Investment Income, and Distributions Income and expenses are recorded on the accrual basis. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are amortized for financial reporting purposes. Paydown gains and losses are recorded as an adjustment to interest income. Dividends received from mutual fund investments are reflected as dividend income; capital gain distributions are reflected as realized gain/loss. Earnings on investments recognized as partnerships for federal income tax purposes reflect the tax character of such earnings. Dividend income and capital gain distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income tax-related interest and penalties, if incurred, would be recorded as income tax expense. Investment transactions are accounted for on the trade date. Realized gains and losses are reported on the identified cost basis. Distributions to shareholders are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Income distributions are declared and paid quarterly. Capital gain distributions, if any, are generally declared and paid by the fund annually.
Currency Translation Assets, including investments, and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollar values each day at the prevailing exchange rate, using the mean of the bid and asked prices of such currencies against U.S. dollars as quoted by a major bank. Purchases and sales of securities, income, and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of the transaction. The effect of changes in foreign currency exchange rates on realized and unrealized security gains and losses is reflected as a component of security gains and losses.
Rebates and Credits Subject to best execution, the fund may direct certain security trades to brokers who have agreed to rebate a portion of the related brokerage commission to the fund in cash. Commission rebates are reflected as realized gain on securities in the accompanying financial statements and totaled $9,000 for the year ended May 31, 2011. Additionally, the fund earns credits on temporarily uninvested cash balances held at the custodian, which reduce the fund’s custody charges. Custody expense in the accompanying financial statements is presented before reduction for credits.
New Accounting Pronouncement On June 1, 2010, the fund adopted new accounting guidance that requires enhanced disclosures about fair value measurements in the financial statements. Adoption of this guidance had no impact on the fund’s net assets or results of operations.
NOTE 2 - VALUATION
The fund’s financial instruments are reported at fair value as defined by GAAP. The fund determines the values of its assets and liabilities and computes its net asset value per share at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), normally 4 p.m. ET, each day that the NYSE is open for business.
Valuation Methods Equity securities listed or regularly traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter (OTC) market are valued at the last quoted sale price or, for certain markets, the official closing price at the time the valuations are made, except for OTC Bulletin Board securities, which are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices. A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange is valued at the quotation on the exchange determined to be the primary market for such security. Listed securities not traded on a particular day are valued at the mean of the latest bid and asked prices for domestic securities and the last quoted sale price for international securities.
Debt securities are generally traded in the OTC market. Securities with remaining maturities of one year or more at the time of acquisition are valued at prices furnished by dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing service, which considers the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity, and type, as well as prices quoted by dealers who make markets in such securities. Securities with remaining maturities of less than one year at the time of acquisition generally use amortized cost in local currency to approximate fair value. However, if amortized cost is deemed not to reflect fair value or the fund holds a significant amount of such securities with remaining maturities of more than 60 days, the securities are valued at prices furnished by dealers who make markets in such securities or by an independent pricing service.
Investments in mutual funds are valued at the mutual fund’s closing net asset value per share on the day of valuation. Investments in private investment companies are valued at the entity’s net asset value (or equivalent) as of the valuation date. Financial futures contracts are valued at closing settlement prices. Swaps are valued at prices furnished by independent swap dealers or by an independent pricing service.
Other investments, including restricted securities, and those financial instruments for which the above valuation procedures are inappropriate or are deemed not to reflect fair value are stated at fair value as determined in good faith by the T. Rowe Price Valuation Committee, established by the fund’s Board of Directors.
For valuation purposes, the last quoted prices of non-U.S. equity securities may be adjusted under the circumstances described below. If the fund determines that developments between the close of a foreign market and the close of the NYSE will, in its judgment, materially affect the value of some or all of its portfolio securities, the fund will adjust the previous closing prices to reflect what it believes to be the fair value of the securities as of the close of the NYSE. In deciding whether it is necessary to adjust closing prices to reflect fair value, the fund reviews a variety of factors, including developments in foreign markets, the performance of U.S. securities markets, and the performance of instruments trading in U.S. markets that represent foreign securities and baskets of foreign securities. A fund may also fair value securities in other situations, such as when a particular foreign market is closed but the fund is open. The fund uses outside pricing services to provide it with closing prices and information to evaluate and/or adjust those prices. The fund cannot predict how often it will use closing prices and how often it will determine it necessary to adjust those prices to reflect fair value. As a means of evaluating its security valuation process, the fund routinely compares closing prices, the next day’s opening prices in the same markets, and adjusted prices.
Valuation Inputs Various inputs are used to determine the value of the fund’s financial instruments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:
Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments
Level 2 – observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices (including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk)
Level 3 – unobservable inputs
Observable inputs are those based on market data obtained from sources independent of the fund, and unobservable inputs reflect the fund’s own assumptions based on the best information available. The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level. For example, non-U.S. equity securities actively traded in foreign markets generally are reflected in Level 2 despite the availability of closing prices because the fund evaluates and determines whether those closing prices reflect fair value at the close of the NYSE or require adjustment, as described above. The following table summarizes the fund’s financial instruments, based on the inputs used to determine their values on May 31, 2011:
Following is a reconciliation of the fund’s Level 3 holdings for the year ended May 31, 2011. Gain (loss) reflects both realized and change in unrealized gain (loss) on Level 3 holdings during the period, if any, and is included on the accompanying Statement of Operations. The change in unrealized gain (loss) on Level 3 instruments held at May 31, 2011, totaled $(9,000) for the year ended May 31, 2011.
NOTE 3 - DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
During the year ended May 31, 2011, the fund invested in derivative instruments. As defined by GAAP, a derivative is a financial instrument whose value is derived from an underlying security price, foreign exchange rate, interest rate, index of prices or rates, or other variable; it requires little or no initial investment and permits or requires net settlement. The fund invests in derivatives only if the expected risks and rewards are consistent with its investment objectives, policies, and overall risk profile, as described in its prospectus and Statement of Additional Information. The fund may use derivatives for a variety of purposes, such as seeking to hedge against declines in principal value, increase yield, invest in an asset with greater efficiency and at a lower cost than is possible through direct investment, or to adjust credit exposure. The risks associated with the use of derivatives are different from, and potentially much greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in the instruments on which the derivatives are based. Investments in derivatives can magnify returns positively or negatively; however, the fund at all times maintains sufficient cash reserves, liquid assets, or other SEC-permitted asset types to cover the settlement obligations under its open derivative contracts.
The fund values its derivatives at fair value, as described below and in Note 2, and recognizes changes in fair value currently in its results of operations. Accordingly, the fund does not follow hedge accounting, even for derivatives employed as economic hedges. The fund does not offset the fair value of derivative instruments against the right to reclaim or obligation to return collateral.
The following table summarizes the fair value of the fund’s derivative instruments held as of May 31, 2011, and the related location on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities, presented by primary underlying risk exposure:
Additionally, the amount of gains and losses on derivative instruments recognized in fund earnings during the year ended May 31, 2011, and the related location on the accompanying Statement of Operations is summarized in the following table by primary underlying risk exposure:
Futures Contracts The fund is subject to interest rate risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and uses futures contracts to help manage such risk. The fund may enter into futures contracts to manage exposure to interest rates, security prices, foreign currencies, and credit quality; as an efficient means of adjusting exposure to all or part of a target market; to enhance income; as a cash management tool; and/or to adjust credit exposure. A futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and purchase by another of a specified amount of a particular underlying financial instrument at an agreed-upon price, date, time, and place. The fund currently invests only in exchange-traded futures, which generally are standardized as to maturity date, underlying financial instrument, and other contract terms. Upon entering into a futures contract, the fund is required to deposit with the broker cash or securities in an amount equal to a certain percentage of the contract value (initial margin deposit); the margin deposit must then be maintained at the established level over the life of the contract. Subsequent payments are made or received by the fund each day to settle daily fluctuations in the value of the contract (variation margin), which reflect changes in the value of the underlying financial instrument. Variation margin is recorded as unrealized gain or loss until the contract is closed. The value of a futures contract included in net assets is the amount of unsettled variation margin; net variation margin receivable is reflected as an asset, and net variation margin payable is reflected as a liability on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Risks related to the use of futures contracts include possible illiquidity of the futures markets, contract prices that can be highly volatile and imperfectly correlated to movements in hedged security values and/or interest rates, and potential losses in excess of the fund’s initial investment. During the year ended May 31, 2011, the fund’s exposure to futures, based on underlying notional amounts, was generally between 0% and 2% of net assets.
Credit Default Swaps The fund is subject to credit risk in the normal course of pursuing its investment objectives and uses swap contracts to help manage such risk. The fund may use swaps in an effort to manage exposure to changes in interest rates and credit quality, to adjust overall exposure to certain markets, to enhance total return or protect the value of portfolio securities, to serve as a cash management tool, and/or to adjust portfolio duration or credit exposure. Credit default swaps are agreements where one party (the protection buyer) agrees to make periodic payments to another party (the protection seller) in exchange for protection against specified credit events, such as certain defaults and bankruptcies related to an underlying credit instrument, index, or issuer thereof. Upon occurrence of a specified credit event, the protection seller is required to pay the buyer the difference between the notional amount of the swap and the value of the underlying credit, either in the form of a net cash settlement or by paying the gross notional amount and accepting delivery of the relevant underlying credit. Generally, the payment risk for the seller of protection is inversely related to the current market price of the underlying credit; therefore, the payment risk increases as the price of the relevant underlying credit declines due to market valuations of credit quality. As of May 31, 2011, the notional amount of protection sold by the fund totaled $540,000 (0.0% of net assets), which reflects the maximum potential amount the fund could be required to pay under such contracts. The value of a swap included in net assets is the unrealized gain or loss on the contract plus or minus any unamortized premiums paid or received, respectively. Appreciated swaps and premiums paid are reflected as assets, and depreciated swaps and premiums received are reflected as liabilities on the accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Net periodic receipts or payments required by swaps are accrued daily and are recorded as realized gain or loss for financial reporting purposes; fluctuations in the fair value of swaps are reflected in the change in net unrealized gain or loss and are reclassified to realized gain or loss upon termination prior to maturity or cash settlement. Risks related to the use of credit default swaps include the possible inability of the fund to accurately assess the current and future creditworthiness of underlying issuers, the possible failure of a counterparty to perform in accordance with the terms of the swap agreements, potential government regulation that could adversely affect the fund’s swap investments, and potential losses in excess of the fund’s initial investment. During the year ended May 31, 2011, the fund’s exposure to swaps, based on underlying notional amounts, was generally less than 1% of net assets.
NOTE 4 - OTHER INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Consistent with its investment objective, the fund engages in the following practices to manage exposure to certain risks and/or to enhance performance. The investment objective, policies, program, and risk factors of the fund are described more fully in the fund’s prospectus and Statement of Additional Information.
Noninvestment-Grade Debt Securities At May 31, 2011, approximately 18% of the fund’s net assets were invested, either directly or through its investment in T. Rowe Price institutional funds, in noninvestment-grade debt securities, commonly referred to as “high yield” or “junk” bonds. The noninvestment-grade bond market may experience sudden and sharp price swings due to a variety of factors, including changes in economic forecasts, stock market activity, large sustained sales by major investors, a high-profile default, or a change in the market’s psychology. These events may decrease the ability of issuers to make principal and interest payments and adversely affect the liquidity or value, or both, of such securities.
Restricted Securities The fund may invest in securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale. Prompt sale of such securities at an acceptable price may be difficult and may involve substantial delays and additional costs.
Repurchase Agreements All repurchase agreements are fully collateralized by U.S. government securities. Collateral is in the possession of the fund’s custodian or, for tri-party agreements, the custodian designated by the agreement. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral, the fund could experience a delay in recovering its value and a possible loss of income or value if the counterparty fails to perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
TBA Purchase and Sale Commitments During the year ended May 31, 2011, the fund entered into to be announced (TBA) purchase and/or sale commitments, pursuant to which it agrees to purchase or sell, respectively, mortgage-backed securities for a fixed unit price, with payment and delivery at a scheduled future date beyond the customary settlement period for such mortgage-backed securities. With TBA transactions, the particular securities to be delivered are not identified at the trade date; however, delivered securities must meet specified terms, including issuer, rate, and mortgage term, and be within industry-accepted “good delivery” standards. The fund generally enters into TBA purchase transactions with the intention of taking possession of the underlying mortgage securities; however, for either purchase or sale transactions, the fund also may extend the settlement by “rolling” the transaction. Until settlement, the fund maintains cash reserves and liquid assets sufficient to settle its TBA commitments.
Securities Lending The fund lends its securities to approved brokers to earn additional income. It receives as collateral cash and U.S. government securities valued at 102% to 105% of the value of the securities on loan. Cash collateral is invested by the fund’s lending agent(s) in accordance with investment guidelines approved by management. Although risk is mitigated by the collateral, the fund could experience a delay in recovering its securities and a possible loss of income or value if the borrower fails to return the securities or if collateral investments decline in value. Securities lending revenue recognized by the fund consists of earnings on invested collateral and borrowing fees, net of any rebates to the borrower and compensation to the lending agent. In accordance with GAAP, investments made with cash collateral are reflected in the accompanying financial statements, but collateral received in the form of securities are not. On May 31, 2011, the value of loaned securities was $33,958,000 and cash collateral investments totaled $34,603,000.
T. Rowe Price Term Asset-Backed Opportunity Fund, L.L.C. During the year ended May 31, 2011, the fund was invested in the T. Rowe Price Term Asset-Backed Opportunity Fund, L.L.C. (private fund), a private investment company managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. that participates in the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF) program created and administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (FRBNY). The TALF program provided eligible borrowers with term loans secured by eligible asset-backed securities and/or commercial mortgage-backed securities, which were either owned by the borrower or purchased by the borrower and subsequently pledged as collateral for a TALF loan. TALF loans generally are nonrecourse in nature. The private fund is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. It has a limited life extending five years from the date on which the TALF program closed for any new loans, which was June 30, 2010. The private fund can have two possible extensions (one year each) with the consent of a majority of its investors. Invested capital generally will be returned to investors as underlying securities are liquidated and the TALF loans are repaid or mature, with the balance paid at maturity of the private fund. Ownership interests in the private fund may not be redeemed, sold, or assigned. As of May 31, 2011, outstanding capital commitments may no longer be called by the private fund.
American and Global Depository Receipts The fund may invest in American Depository Receipts (ADRs) and/or Global Depository Receipts (GDRs), certificates issued by U.S. and international banks that represent ownership of foreign securities held by the issuing bank. ADRs and GDRs are transferable, trade on established markets, and entitle the holder to all dividends and capital gains paid by the underlying foreign security. Issuing banks generally charge a security administration fee. Such fees are included in custody and accounting expense in the accompanying Statement of Operations and totaled $2,000 for the year ended May 31, 2011.
Counterparty Risk and Collateral The fund has entered into collateral agreements with certain counterparties to mitigate counterparty risk associated with certain over-the-counter (OTC) financial instruments, including swaps, forward currency exchange contracts, TBA purchase commitments, and OTC options (collectively, covered OTC instruments). Subject to certain minimum exposure requirements (which typically range from $100,000 to $500,000), collateral requirements generally are determined and transfers made based on the net aggregate unrealized gain or loss on all OTC instruments covered by a particular collateral agreement with a specified counterparty. Collateral, both pledged by the fund to a counterparty and pledged by a counterparty to the fund, is held in a segregated account by a third-party agent and can be in the form of cash or debt securities issued by the U.S. government or related agencies. Securities posted as collateral by the fund to a counterparty are so noted in the accompanying Portfolio of Investments and remain in the fund’s net assets. As of May 31, 2011, no collateral had been posted by the fund to counterparties. In accordance with GAAP, cash pledged by counterparties to the fund is included in the fund’s net assets; however, securities pledged by counterparties to the fund are not recorded by the fund. As of May 31, 2011, collateral pledged by counterparties to the fund consisted of $100,000 cash.
At any point in time, the fund’s risk of loss from counterparty credit risk on covered OTC instruments is the aggregate unrealized gain on appreciated covered OTC instruments in excess of collateral, if any, pledged by the counterparty to the fund. Counterparty risk related to exchange-traded futures and options contracts is minimal because the exchange’s clearinghouse provides protection against counterparty defaults. In accordance with the terms of the relevant derivatives agreements, counterparties to OTC derivatives may be able to terminate derivative contracts prior to maturity after the occurrence of certain stated events, such as a decline in net assets above a certain percentage or a failure by the fund to perform its obligations under the contract. Upon termination, all transactions would typically be liquidated and a net amount would be owed by or payable to the fund. Generally, for exchange-traded derivatives such as futures and options, each broker, in its sole discretion, may change margin requirements applicable to the fund.
Other Purchases and sales of portfolio securities other than short-term securities aggregated $268,658,000 and $280,793,000, respectively, for the year ended May 31, 2011. Purchases and sales of U.S. government securities aggregated $188,432,000 and $171,031,000, respectively, for the year ended May 31, 2011.
NOTE 5 - FEDERAL INCOME TAXES
No provision for federal income taxes is required since the fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code and distribute to shareholders all of its taxable income and gains. Distributions determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations may differ in amount or character from net investment income and realized gains for financial reporting purposes. Financial reporting records are adjusted for permanent book/tax differences to reflect tax character but are not adjusted for temporary differences.
The fund files U.S. federal, state, and local tax returns as required. The fund’s tax returns are subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities until expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, which is generally three years after the filing of the tax return but which can be extended to six years in certain circumstances. Tax returns for open years have incorporated no uncertain tax positions that require a provision for income taxes.
Reclassifications to paid-in capital relate primarily to a tax practice that treats a portion of the proceeds from each redemption of capital shares as a distribution of taxable net investment income. Reclassifications between income and gain relate primarily the character of paydown gains and losses on asset-backed securities. For the year ended May 31, 2011, the following reclassifications were recorded to reflect tax character; there was no impact on results of operations or net assets:
Distributions during the years ended May 31, 2011 and May 31, 2010, totaled $23,165,000 and $20,180,000, respectively, and were characterized as ordinary income for tax purposes. At May 31, 2011, the tax-basis cost of investments and components of net assets were as follows:
The difference between book-basis and tax-basis net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) is attributable to the deferral of losses from wash sales and losses from certain derivative contracts for tax purposes. The fund intends to retain realized gains to the extent of available capital loss carryforwards. During the year ended May 31, 2011, the fund utilized $29,597,000 of capital loss carryforwards. The fund’s unused capital loss carryforwards as of May 31, 2011, all expire in fiscal 2018. In accordance with federal income tax regulations applicable to investment companies, recognition of capital and/or currency losses on certain transactions realized between November 1 and the fund’s fiscal year-end is deferred for tax purposes until the subsequent year (post-October loss deferrals); however, such losses are recognized for financial reporting purposes in the year realized.
NOTE 6 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The fund is managed by T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (Price Associates), a wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (Price Group). The investment management agreement between the fund and Price Associates provides for an annual investment management fee, which is computed daily and paid monthly. The fee consists of an individual fund fee, equal to 0.15% of the fund’s average daily net assets, and a group fee. The group fee rate is calculated based on the combined net assets of certain mutual funds sponsored by Price Associates (the group) applied to a graduated fee schedule, with rates ranging from 0.48% for the first $1 billion of assets to 0.28% for assets in excess of $300 billion. The fund’s group fee is determined by applying the group fee rate to the fund’s average daily net assets. At May 31, 2011, the effective annual group fee rate was 0.30%.
In addition, the fund has entered into service agreements with Price Associates and two wholly owned subsidiaries of Price Associates (collectively, Price). Price Associates computes the daily share price and provides certain other administrative services to the fund. T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., provides shareholder and administrative services in its capacity as the fund’s transfer and dividend disbursing agent. T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services for certain retirement accounts invested in the fund. For the year ended May 31, 2011, expenses incurred pursuant to these service agreements were $184,000 for Price Associates; $337,000 for T. Rowe Price Services, Inc.; and $404,000 for T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc. The total amount payable at period-end pursuant to these service agreements is reflected as Due to Affiliates in the accompanying financial statements.
The fund may invest in the T. Rowe Price Reserve Investment Fund and the T. Rowe Price Government Reserve Investment Fund (collectively, the T. Rowe Price Reserve Investment Funds), open-end management investment companies managed by Price Associates and considered affiliates of the fund. The T. Rowe Price Reserve Investment Funds are offered as cash management options to mutual funds, trusts, and other accounts managed by Price Associates and/or its affiliates and are not available for direct purchase by members of the public. The T. Rowe Price Reserve Investment Funds pay no investment management fees.
The fund may also invest in certain T. Rowe Price institutional funds (underlying institutional funds) as a means of gaining efficient and cost-effective exposure to certain markets. The underlying institutional funds are open-end management investment companies managed by Price Associates and are considered affiliates of the fund. Each underlying institutional fund pays an all-inclusive management and administrative fee to Price Associates. To ensure that the fund does not incur duplicate fees, Price Associates has agreed to permanently waive a portion of its management fee charged to the fund in an amount sufficient to fully offset the fees paid by the underlying institutional funds related to fund assets invested therein. Accordingly, the accompanying Statement of Operations includes management fees permanently waived pursuant to this agreement. Annual fee rates and amounts waived within the accompanying Statement of Operations related to shares of the underlying institutional funds for the year ended May 31, 2011, are as follows:
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM |
To the Board of Directors of T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Funds, Inc. and
Shareholders of T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Income Fund
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Income Fund (one of the portfolios comprising T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Funds, Inc., hereafter referred to as the “Fund”) at May 31, 2011, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as “financial statements”) are the responsibility of the Fund’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at May 31, 2011 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers, and confirmation of the underlying funds by correspondence with the transfer agent, provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Baltimore, Maryland
July 15, 2011
TAX INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) FOR THE TAX YEAR ENDED 5/31/11 |
We are providing this information as required by the Internal Revenue Code. The amounts shown may differ from those elsewhere in this report because of differences between tax and financial reporting requirements.
The fund’s distributions to shareholders included $508,000 from short-term capital gains.
For taxable non-corporate shareholders, $6,916,000 of the fund’s income represents qualified dividend income subject to the 15% rate category.
For corporate shareholders, $4,969,000 of the fund’s income qualifies for the dividends-received deduction.
INFORMATION ON PROXY VOTING POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND RECORDS |
A description of the policies and procedures used by T. Rowe Price funds and portfolios to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities is available in each fund’s Statement of Additional Information, which you may request by calling 1-800-225-5132 or by accessing the SEC’s website, sec.gov. The description of our proxy voting policies and procedures is also available on our website, troweprice.com. To access it, click on the words “Our Company” at the top of our corporate homepage. Then, when the next page appears, click on the words “Proxy Voting Policies” on the left side of the page.
Each fund’s most recent annual proxy voting record is available on our website and through the SEC’s website. To access it through our website, follow the directions above, then click on the words “Proxy Voting Records” on the right side of the Proxy Voting Policies page.
HOW TO OBTAIN QUARTERLY PORTFOLIO HOLDINGS |
The fund files a complete schedule of portfolio holdings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters of each fiscal year on Form N-Q. The fund’s Form N-Q is available electronically on the SEC’s website (sec.gov); hard copies may be reviewed and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room, 450 Fifth St. N.W., Washington, DC 20549. For more information on the Public Reference Room, call 1-800-SEC-0330.
APPROVAL OF INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT |
On March 9, 2011, the fund’s Board of Directors (Board) unanimously approved the continuation of the investment advisory contract (Contract) between the fund and its investment advisor, T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (Advisor). The Board considered a variety of factors in connection with its review of the Contract, also taking into account information provided by the Advisor during the course of the year, as discussed below:
Services Provided by the Advisor
The Board considered the nature, quality, and extent of the services provided to the fund by the Advisor. These services included, but were not limited to, management of the fund’s portfolio and a variety of related activities, as well as financial and administrative services, reporting, and communications. The Board also reviewed the background and experience of the Advisor’s senior management team and investment personnel involved in the management of the fund. The Board concluded that it was satisfied with the nature, quality, and extent of the services provided by the Advisor.
Investment Performance of the Fund
The Board reviewed the fund’s average annual total returns over the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods, as well as the fund’s year-by-year returns, and compared these returns with a wide variety of previously agreed upon comparable performance measures and market data, including those supplied by Lipper and Morningstar, which are independent providers of mutual fund data. On the basis of this evaluation and the Board’s ongoing review of investment results, and factoring in the relative market conditions during certain of the performance periods, the Board concluded that the fund’s performance was satisfactory.
Costs, Benefits, Profits, and Economies of Scale
The Board reviewed detailed information regarding the revenues received by the Advisor under the Contract and other benefits that the Advisor (and its affiliates) may have realized from its relationship with the fund, including research received under “soft dollar” agreements and commission-sharing arrangements with broker-dealers. The Board considered that the Advisor may receive some benefit from soft-dollar arrangements pursuant to which research is received from broker-dealers that execute the applicable fund’s portfolio transactions. The Board also received information on the estimated costs incurred and profits realized by the Advisor and its affiliates from advising T. Rowe Price mutual funds, as well as estimates of the gross profits realized from managing the fund in particular. The Board concluded that the Advisor’s profits were reasonable in light of the services provided to the fund. The Board also considered whether the fund or other funds benefit under the fee levels set forth in the Contract from any economies of scale realized by the Advisor. Under the Contract, the fund pays a fee to the Advisor composed of two components—a group fee rate based on the aggregate assets of certain T. Rowe Price mutual funds (including the fund) that declines at certain asset levels and an individual fund fee rate that is assessed on the assets of the fund. The Board determined that it would be appropriate to introduce another breakpoint into the group fee rate, effective May 1, 2011, to allow fund shareholders to participate in additional economies of scale. The Board concluded that the advisory fee structure for the fund continued to provide for a reasonable sharing of benefits from any economies of scale with the fund’s investors.
Fees
The Board reviewed the fund’s management fee rate, operating expenses, and total expense ratio and compared them with fees and expenses of other comparable funds based on information and data supplied by Lipper. The information provided to the Board indicated that the fund’s management fee rate (after including reductions of the management fee that resulted from the fund’s investments in T. Rowe Price institutional funds) was above the median for certain groups of comparable funds but at or below the median for other groups of comparable funds. The information also indicated that the fund’s total expense ratio was below the median for comparable funds. The Board also reviewed the fee schedules for institutional accounts of the Advisor and its affiliates with similar mandates. Management provided the Board with information about the Advisor’s responsibilities and services provided to institutional account clients, which are more limited than its responsibilities for the fund and other T. Rowe Price mutual funds that it advises, and showing that the Advisor performs significant additional services and assumes greater risk for the fund and other T. Rowe Price mutual funds that it advises than it does for institutional account clients. On the basis of the information provided, the Board concluded that the fees paid by the fund under the Contract were reasonable.
Approval of the Contract
As noted, the Board approved the continuation of the Contract. No single factor was considered in isolation or to be determinative to the decision. Rather, the Board was assisted by the advice of independent legal counsel and concluded, in light of a weighting and balancing of all factors considered, that it was in the best interests of the fund to approve the continuation of the Contract (including the fees to be charged for services thereunder).
ABOUT THE FUND’S DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
Your fund is overseen by a Board of Directors (Board) that meets regularly to review a wide variety of matters affecting the fund, including performance, investment programs, compliance matters, advisory fees and expenses, service providers, and other business affairs. The Board elects the fund’s officers, who are listed in the final table. At least 75% of the Board’s members are independent of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (T. Rowe Price), and its affiliates; “inside” or “interested” directors are employees or officers of T. Rowe Price. The business address of each director and officer is 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. The Statement of Additional Information includes additional information about the fund directors and is available without charge by calling a T. Rowe Price representative at 1-800-225-5132.
Independent Directors | |
Name | |
(Year of Birth) | Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships of Public Companies and |
Year Elected* | Other Investment Companies During the Past Five Years |
William R. Brody | President and Trustee, Salk Institute for Biological Studies (2009 |
(1944) | to present); Director, Novartis, Inc. (2009 to present); Director, IBM |
2009 | (2007 to present); President and Trustee, Johns Hopkins University |
(1996 to 2009); Chairman of Executive Committee and Trustee, | |
Johns Hopkins Health System (1996 to 2009) | |
Jeremiah E. Casey | Retired |
(1940) | |
2005 | |
Anthony W. Deering | Chairman, Exeter Capital, LLC, a private investment firm (2004 to |
(1945) | present); Director, Under Armour (2008 to present); Director, Vornado |
2001 | Real Estate Investment Trust (2004 to present); Director, Mercantile |
Bankshares (2002 to 2007); Member, Advisory Board, Deutsche Bank | |
North America (2004 to present) | |
Donald W. Dick, Jr. | Principal, EuroCapital Partners, LLC, an acquisition and management |
(1943) | advisory firm (1995 to present) |
1994 | |
Karen N. Horn | Senior Managing Director, Brock Capital Group, an advisory and |
(1943) | investment banking firm (2004 to present); Director, Eli Lilly and |
2003 | Company (1987 to present); Director, Simon Property Group (2004 |
to present); Director, Norfolk Southern (2008 to present); Director, | |
Fannie Mae (2006 to 2008) | |
Theo C. Rodgers | President, A&R Development Corporation (1977 to present) |
(1941) | |
2005 | |
John G. Schreiber | Owner/President, Centaur Capital Partners, Inc., a real estate invest- |
(1946) | ment company (1991 to present); Cofounder and Partner, Blackstone |
2001 | Real Estate Advisors, L.P. (1992 to present); Director, General Growth |
Properties, Inc. (2010 to present) | |
Mark R. Tercek | President and Chief Executive Officer, The Nature Conservancy (2008 |
(1957) | to present); Managing Director, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (1984 |
2009 | to 2008) |
*Each independent director oversees 129 T. Rowe Price portfolios and serves until retirement, | |
resignation, or election of a successor. |
Inside Directors | |
Name | |
(Year of Birth) | |
Year Elected* | |
[Number of T. Rowe Price | Principal Occupation(s) and Directorships of Public Companies and |
Portfolios Overseen] | Other Investment Companies During the Past Five Years |
Edward C. Bernard | Director and Vice President, T. Rowe Price; Vice Chairman of the Board, |
(1956) | Director, and Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; Chairman of |
2006 | the Board, Director, and President, T. Rowe Price Investment Services, |
[129] | Inc.; Chairman of the Board and Director, T. Rowe Price Retirement |
Plan Services, Inc., T. Rowe Price Savings Bank, and T. Rowe Price | |
Services, Inc.; Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and | |
Director, T. Rowe Price International; Chief Executive Officer, Chairman | |
of the Board, Director, and President, T. Rowe Price Trust Company; | |
Chairman of the Board, all funds | |
Brian C. Rogers, CFA, CIC | Chief Investment Officer, Director, and Vice President, T. Rowe Price; |
(1955) | Chairman of the Board, Chief Investment Officer, Director, and Vice |
2006 | President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc.; Vice President, T. Rowe Price |
[74] | Trust Company; Vice President, Personal Strategy Funds |
*Each inside director serves until retirement, resignation, or election of a successor. |
Officers | |
Name (Year of Birth) | |
Position Held With Personal Strategy Funds | Principal Occupation(s) |
Christopher D. Alderson (1962) | Director and President-International Equity, |
Vice President | T. Rowe Price International; Director and Vice |
President, Price Hong Kong and Price Singapore; | |
Vice President, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | |
E. Frederick Bair, CFA, CPA (1969) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company |
Jerome A. Clark, CFA (1961) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price Investment Services, |
Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Kimberly E. DeDominicis (1976) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Trust Company |
Roger L. Fiery III, CPA (1959) | Vice President, Price Hong Kong, Price |
Vice President | Singapore, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price Group, |
�� | Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and T. Rowe |
Price Trust Company | |
Mark S. Finn, CFA, CPA (1963) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc. |
John R. Gilner (1961) | Chief Compliance Officer and Vice President, |
Chief Compliance Officer | T. Rowe Price; Vice President, T. Rowe Price |
Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Investment | |
Services, Inc. | |
Gregory S. Golczewski (1966) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price and T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Trust Company |
Gregory K. Hinkle, CPA (1958) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Treasurer | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company; |
formerly Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP | |
(to 2007) | |
Ian D. Kelson (1956) | President-International Fixed Income, T. Rowe |
Vice President | Price International; Vice President, T. Rowe |
Price and T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. | |
John H. Laporte, CFA (1945) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company |
Patricia B. Lippert (1953) | Assistant Vice President, T. Rowe Price and |
Secretary | T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc. |
Raymond A. Mills, Ph.D., CFA (1960) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and |
T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Edmund M. Notzon III, Ph.D., CFA (1945) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, T. Rowe |
Price Investment Services, Inc., and T. Rowe | |
Price Trust Company | |
David Oestreicher (1967) | Director and Vice President, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Investment Services, Inc., T. Rowe Price Trust |
Company, and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc.; Vice | |
President, Price Hong Kong, Price Singapore, | |
T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc., T. Rowe | |
Price International, and T. Rowe Price Retirement | |
Plan Services, Inc. | |
Larry J. Puglia, CFA, CPA (1960) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company |
Deborah D. Seidel (1962) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price Investment Services, |
Inc., and T. Rowe Price Services, Inc. | |
Charles M. Shriver, CFA (1967) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Executive Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and |
T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Robert W. Smith (1961) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company |
Guido F. Stubenrauch (1970) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | |
Mark J. Vaselkiv (1958) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Trust Company |
Julie L. Waples (1970) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | |
Richard T. Whitney, CFA (1958) | Vice President, T. Rowe Price, T. Rowe Price |
Vice President | Group, Inc., T. Rowe Price International, and |
T. Rowe Price Trust Company | |
Unless otherwise noted, officers have been employees of T. Rowe Price or T. Rowe Price International | |
for at least 5 years. |
Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR, applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of this code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR. No substantive amendments were approved or waivers were granted to this code of ethics during the period covered by this report.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrant’s Board of Directors/Trustees has determined that Mr. Anthony W. Deering qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR. Mr. Deering is considered independent for purposes of Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
(a) – (d) Aggregate fees billed to the registrant for the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by the registrant’s principal accountant were as follows:
Audit fees include amounts related to the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements and services normally provided by the accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings. Audit-related fees include amounts reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and specifically include the issuance of a report on internal controls and, if applicable, agreed-upon procedures related to fund acquisitions. Tax fees include amounts related to services for tax compliance, tax planning, and tax advice. The nature of these services specifically includes the review of distribution calculations and the preparation of Federal, state, and excise tax returns. All other fees include the registrant’s pro-rata share of amounts for agreed-upon procedures in conjunction with service contract approvals by the registrant’s Board of Directors/Trustees.
(e)(1) The registrant’s audit committee has adopted a policy whereby audit and non-audit services performed by the registrant’s principal accountant for the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant require pre-approval in advance at regularly scheduled audit committee meetings. If such a service is required between regularly scheduled audit committee meetings, pre-approval may be authorized by one audit committee member with ratification at the next scheduled audit committee meeting. Waiver of pre-approval for audit or non-audit services requiring fees of a de minimis amount is not permitted.
(2) No services included in (b) – (d) above were approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.
(f) Less than 50 percent of the hours expended on the principal accountant’s engagement to audit the registrant’s financial statements for the most recent fiscal year were attributed to work performed by persons other than the principal accountant’s full-time, permanent employees.
(g) The aggregate fees billed for the most recent fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year by the registrant’s principal accountant for non-audit services rendered to the registrant, its investment adviser, and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $1,226,000 and $1,879,000, respectively, and were less than the aggregate fees billed for those same periods by the registrant’s principal accountant for audit services rendered to the T. Rowe Price Funds.
(h) All non-audit services rendered in (g) above were pre-approved by the registrant’s audit committee. Accordingly, these services were considered by the registrant’s audit committee in maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Schedule of Investments.
Not applicable. The complete schedule of investments is included in Item 1 of this Form N-CSR.
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
Not applicable.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
Not applicable.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
Not applicable.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
(a) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures within 90 days of this filing and have concluded that the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of that date, in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the registrant in this Form N-CSR was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported timely.
(b) The registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are aware of no change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s second fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 12. Exhibits.
(a)(1) The registrant’s code of ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is attached.
(2) Separate certifications by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, are attached.
(3) Written solicitation to repurchase securities issued by closed-end companies: not applicable.
(b) A certification by the registrant's principal executive officer and principal financial officer, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and required by Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940, is attached.
SIGNATURES | |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment | |
Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the | |
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. | |
T. Rowe Price Personal Strategy Funds, Inc. | |
By | /s/ Edward C. Bernard |
Edward C. Bernard | |
Principal Executive Officer | |
Date | July 15, 2011 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment | |
Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of | |
the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. | |
By | /s/ Edward C. Bernard |
Edward C. Bernard | |
Principal Executive Officer | |
Date | July 15, 2011 |
By | /s/ Gregory K. Hinkle |
Gregory K. Hinkle | |
Principal Financial Officer | |
Date | July 15, 2011 |