Exhibit (g)
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
Between
FARMERS INVESTMENT TRUST
and
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
Series/Trust
21B
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
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1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held By
It.................................................................1
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property
of the Fund Held by the Custodian..................................2
2.1 Holding Securities........................................2
2.2 Delivery of Securities....................................2
2.3 Registration of Securities................................4
2.4 Bank Accounts.............................................5
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds.............................5
2.6 Collection of Income......................................5
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies....................................5
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of
Securities Purchased......................................7
2.9 Appointment of Agents.....................................7
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities System...............7
2.10A Deposit of Fund Assets with ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Service Corporation....8
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct
Paper System..............................................9
2.12 Segregated Account.......................................10
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes..................11
2.14 Proxies..................................................11
2.15 Communications Relating to Portfolio
Securities...............................................11
3. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales
of Shares of the Fund.............................................11
4. Proper Instructions...............................................12
5. Actions Permitted Without Express Authority.......................12
6. Evidence of Authority.............................................13
7. Duties of Custodian With Respect to the Books of Account
and Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income.................13
8. Records...........................................................13
9. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountants.........................14
10. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants ................14
11. Compensation of Custodian.........................................14
12. Responsibility of Custodian.......................................14
13. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment.......................15
14. Successor Custodian...............................................16
15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions............................16
16. Additional Funds..................................................17
17. Massachusetts Law to Apply........................................17
18. Prior Contracts...................................................17
19. Shareholder Communications Election...............................17
20. Limitation of Liability ..........................................18
CUSTODIAN CONTRACT
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This Contract between Farmers Investment Trust, a business trust
organized and existing under the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
having its principal place of business at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇-▇▇▇▇ hereinafter called the "Fund", and State Street Bank and Trust
Company, a Massachusetts trust company, having its principal place of business
at ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇▇, hereinafter called the
"Custodian",
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Fund is authorized to issue shares in separate series,
with each such series representing interests in a separate portfolio of
securities and other assets; and
WHEREAS, the Fund intends to initially offer shares in five series,
Income Portfolio, Income with Growth Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio, Growth with
Income Portfolio and Growth Portfolio (such series together with all other
series subsequently established by the Fund and made subject to this Contract in
accordance with paragraph 16, being herein referred to as the "Portfolio(s)");
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements
hereinafter contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian and Property to be Held by It
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The Fund hereby employs the Custodian as the custodian of the assets of
the Portfolios of the Fund pursuant to the provisions of the Declaration of
Trust. The Fund on behalf of the Portfolio(s) agrees to deliver to the Custodian
all securities and cash of the Portfolios, and all payments of income, payments
of principal or capital distributions received by it with respect to all
securities owned by the Portfolio(s) from time to time, and the cash
consideration received by it for such new or treasury shares of beneficial
interest of the Fund representing interests in the Portfolios, ("Shares") as may
be issued or sold from time to time. The Custodian shall not be responsible for
any property of a Portfolio held or received by the Portfolio and not delivered
to the Custodian. With respect to uncertificated shares of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ group of
mutual funds as defined in Rule 11a-3 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, (the "▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Mutual Funds") the holding of confirmation statements
that identify the shares as being recorded in the Custodian's name on behalf of
the Portfolios will be deemed custody for purposes hereof.
Upon receipt of "Proper Instructions" (within the meaning of Article
4), the Custodian shall on behalf of the applicable Portfolio(s) from time to
time employ one or more sub-custodians, but only in accordance with an
applicable vote by the Board of Trustees of the Fund on behalf of the applicable
Portfolio(s), and provided that the Custodian shall have no more or less
responsibility or liability to the Fund on account of any actions or omissions
of any sub-custodian so employed than any such sub-custodian has to the
Custodian.
2. Duties of the Custodian with Respect to Property of the Fund Held By
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the Custodian
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2.1 Holding Securities. The Custodian shall hold and physically segregate
for the account of each Portfolio all non-cash property, including all
securities owned by such Portfolio, other than (a) securities which are
maintained pursuant to Section 2.10 in a clearing agency which acts as
a securities depository or in a book-entry system authorized by the
U.S. Department of the Treasury, collectively referred to herein as
"Securities System"; (b) commercial paper of an issuer for which State
Street Bank and Trust Company acts as issuing and paying agent ("Direct
Paper") which is deposited and/or maintained in the Direct Paper System
of the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.11; and (c) uncertificated
shares of the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ family of mutual funds owned by the Fund which
are maintained pursuant to Section 2.10A in an account with ▇▇▇▇▇▇
Service Corporation ("KSC") as transfer agent for the ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ funds.
2.2 Delivery of Securities. The Custodian shall release and deliver
securities owned by a Portfolio held by the Custodian, in a Securities
System account of the Custodian, in the Custodian's Direct Paper book
entry system account ("Direct Paper System Account") or in an account
at KSC only upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf
of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing instructions when
deemed appropriate by the parties, and only in the following cases:
1) Upon sale of such securities for the account of the Portfolio
and receipt of payment therefor;
2) Upon the receipt of payment in connection with any repurchase
agreement related to such securities entered into by the
Portfolio;
3) In the case of a sale effected through a Securities System, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 2.10 hereof;
4) To the depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for securities of the Portfolio;
5) To the issuer thereof or its agent when such securities are
called, redeemed, retired or otherwise become payable;
provided that, in any such case, the cash or other
consideration is to be delivered to the Custodian;
6) To the issuer thereof, or its agent, for transfer into the
name of the Portfolio or into the name of any nominee or
nominees of the Custodian or into the name or nominee name of
any agent appointed pursuant to Section 2.9 or into the name
or nominee name of any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to
Article 1; or for exchange for a different number of bonds,
certificates or other evidence representing the same
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aggregate face amount or number of units; provided that, in
any such case, the new securities are to be delivered to the
Custodian;
7) Upon the sale of such securities for the account of the
Portfolio, to the broker or its clearing agent, against a
receipt, for examination in accordance with "street delivery"
custom; provided that in any such case, the Custodian shall
have no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from
the delivery of such securities prior to receiving payment for
such securities except as may arise from the Custodian's own
negligence or willful misconduct;
8) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or
readjustment of the securities of the issuer of such
securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion contained
in such securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement;
provided that, in any such case, the new securities and cash,
if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
9) In the case of warrants, rights or similar securities, the
surrender thereof in the exercise of such warrants, rights or
similar securities or the surrender of interim receipts or
temporary securities for definitive securities; provided that,
in any such case, the new securities and cash, if any, are to
be delivered to the Custodian;
10) For delivery in connection with any loans of securities made
by the Portfolio, but only against receipt of adequate
collateral as agreed upon from time to time by the Custodian
and the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, which may be in the
form of cash or obligations issued by the United States
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, except that in
connection with any loans for which collateral is to be
credited to the Custodian's account in the book-entry system
authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the
Custodian will not be held liable or responsible for the
delivery of securities owned by the Portfolio prior to the
receipt of such collateral;
11) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by
the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio requiring a pledge of
assets by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, but only
against receipt of amounts borrowed;
12) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the
Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and a member of The
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities
exchange, or of any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with
transactions by the Portfolio of the Fund;
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13) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement among the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, the
Custodian, and a Futures Commission Merchant registered under
the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance with the
rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any
Contract Market, or any similar organization or organizations,
regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by
the Portfolio of the Fund;
14) Upon receipt of instructions from the transfer agent
("Transfer Agent") for the Fund, for delivery to such Transfer
Agent or to the holders of shares in connection with
distributions in kind, as may be described from time to time
in the currently effective prospectus and statement of
additional information of the Fund, related to the Portfolio
("Prospectus"), in satisfaction of requests by holders of
Shares for repurchase or redemption; and
15) For any other proper corporate purpose, but only upon receipt
of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf
of the applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution
of the Board of Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed
by an officer of the Fund and certified by the Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, specifying the securities of the
Portfolio to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which
such delivery is to be made, declaring such purpose to be a
proper corporate purpose, and naming the person or persons to
whom delivery of such securities shall be made.
16) In the case of a sale processed through KSC for shares of the
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Mutual Funds ("▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares"), in accordance
with Section 2.10A hereof;
2.3 Registration of Securities. Securities held by the Custodian (other
than bearer securities) shall be registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of any nominee of the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio or of any nominee of the Custodian which nominee shall be
assigned exclusively to the Portfolio, unless the Fund has authorized
in writing the appointment of a nominee to be used in common with other
registered investment companies having the same investment adviser as
the Portfolio, or in the name or nominee name of any agent appointed
pursuant to Section 2.9 or in the name or nominee name of any
sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Article 1. All securities accepted
by the Custodian on behalf of the Portfolio under the terms of this
Contract shall be in "street name" or other good delivery form. If,
however, the Fund directs the Custodian to maintain securities in
"street name", the Custodian shall utilize its best efforts only to
timely collect income due the Fund on such securities and to notify the
Fund on a best efforts basis only of relevant corporate actions
including, without limitation, pendency of calls, maturities, tender or
exchange offers.
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2.4 Bank Accounts. The Custodian shall open and maintain a separate bank
account or accounts in the name of each Portfolio of the Fund, subject
only to draft or order by the Custodian acting pursuant to the terms of
this Contract, and shall hold in such account or accounts, subject to
the provisions hereof, all cash received by it from or for the account
of the Portfolio, other than cash maintained by the Portfolio in a bank
account established and used in accordance with Rule 17f-3 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940. Funds held by the Custodian for a
Portfolio may be deposited by it to its credit as Custodian in the
Banking Department of the Custodian or in such other banks or trust
companies as it may in its discretion deem necessary or desirable;
provided, however, that every such bank or trust company shall be
qualified to act as a custodian under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and that each such bank or trust company and the funds to be
deposited with each such bank or trust company shall on behalf of each
applicable Portfolio be approved by vote of a majority of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund. Such funds shall be deposited by the Custodian in
its capacity as Custodian and shall be withdrawable by the Custodian
only in that capacity.
2.5 Availability of Federal Funds. Upon mutual agreement between the Fund
on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian, the Custodian
shall, upon the receipt of Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf
of a Portfolio, make federal funds available to such Portfolio as of
specified times agreed upon from time to time by the Fund and the
Custodian in the amount of checks received in payment for Shares of
such Portfolio which are deposited into the Portfolio's account.
2.6 Collection of Income. Subject to the provisions of Section 2.3, the
Custodian shall collect on a timely basis all income and other payments
with respect to registered securities held hereunder to which each
Portfolio shall be entitled either by law or pursuant to custom in the
securities business, and shall collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments with respect to bearer securities if, on the date of
payment by the issuer, such securities are held by the Custodian or its
agent thereof and shall credit such income, as collected, to such
Portfolio's custodian account. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Custodian shall detach and present for payment all
coupons and other income items requiring presentation as and when they
become due and shall collect interest when due on securities held
hereunder. Income due each Portfolio on securities loaned pursuant to
the provisions of Section 2.2 (10) shall be the responsibility of the
Fund. The Custodian will have no duty or responsibility in connection
therewith, other than to provide the Fund with such information or data
as may be necessary to assist the Fund in arranging for the timely
delivery to the Custodian of the income to which the Portfolio is
properly entitled.
2.7 Payment of Fund Monies. Upon receipt of Proper Instructions from the
Fund on behalf of the applicable Portfolio, which may be continuing
instructions when deemed appropriate by the parties, the Custodian
shall pay out monies of a Portfolio in the following cases only:
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1) Upon the purchase of domestic securities, options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts for the account of
the Portfolio but only (a) against the delivery of such
securities or evidence of title to such options, futures
contracts or options on futures contracts to the Custodian (or
any bank, banking firm or trust company doing business in the
United States or abroad which is qualified under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, to act as a
custodian and has been designated by the Custodian as its
agent for this purpose) registered in the name of the
Portfolio or in the name of a nominee of the Custodian
referred to in Section 2.3 hereof or in proper form for
transfer; (b) in the case of a purchase effected through a
Securities System, in accordance with the conditions set forth
in Section 2.10 hereof; (c) in the case of a purchase of
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares, in accordance with the conditions set
forth in Section 2.10A hereof; (d) in the case of a purchase
involving the Direct Paper System, in accordance with the
conditions set forth in Section 2.11; (e) in the case of
repurchase agreements entered into between the Fund on behalf
of the Portfolio and the Custodian, or another bank, or a
broker-dealer which is a member of NASD, (i) against delivery
of the securities either in certificate form or through an
entry crediting the Custodian's account at the Federal Reserve
Bank with such securities or (ii) against delivery of the
receipt evidencing purchase by the Portfolio of securities
owned by the Custodian along with written evidence of the
agreement by the Custodian to repurchase such securities from
the Portfolio or (f) for transfer to a time deposit account of
the Fund in any bank, whether domestic or foreign; such
transfer may be effected prior to receipt of a confirmation
from a broker and/or the applicable bank pursuant to Proper
Instructions from the Fund as defined in Article 5;
2) In connection with conversion, exchange or surrender of
securities owned by the Portfolio as set forth in Section 2.2
hereof;
3) For the redemption or repurchase of Shares issued by the
Portfolio as set forth in Article 4 hereof;
4) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the
Portfolio, including but not limited to the following payments
for the account of the Portfolio: interest, taxes, management,
accounting, transfer agent and legal fees, and operating
expenses of the Fund whether or not such expenses are to be in
whole or part capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
5) For the payment of any dividends on Shares of the Portfolio
declared pursuant to the governing documents of the Fund;
6) For payment of the amount of dividends received in respect of
securities sold short;
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7) For any other proper purpose, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees or of the Executive Committee of the Fund signed by
an officer of the Fund and certified by its Secretary or an
Assistant Secretary, specifying the amount of such payment,
setting forth the purpose for which such payment is to be
made, declaring such purpose to be a proper purpose, and
naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to be
made.
2.8 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased.
Except as specifically stated otherwise in this Contract, in any and
every case where payment for purchase of securities for the account of
a Portfolio is made by the Custodian in advance of receipt of the
securities purchased in the absence of specific written instructions
from the Fund on behalf of such Portfolio to so pay in advance, the
Custodian shall be absolutely liable to the Fund for such securities to
the same extent as if the securities had been received by the
Custodian.
2.9 Appointment of Agents. The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust
company which is itself qualified under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, to act as a custodian, as its agent to carry out such
of the provisions of this Article 2 as the Custodian may from time to
time direct; provided, however, that the appointment of any agent shall
not relieve the Custodian of its responsibilities or liabilities
hereunder. SSC shall not be deemed an agent or subcustodian of the
Custodian for purposes of this Section 2.9 or any other provision of
this Agreement.
2.10 Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems. The Custodian may deposit
and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in a clearing agency
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section
17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which acts as a securities
depository, or in the book-entry system authorized by the U.S.
Department of the Treasury and certain federal agencies, collectively
referred to herein as "Securities System" in accordance with applicable
Federal Reserve Board and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and
regulations, if any, and subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in a
Securities System provided that such securities are
represented in an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the
Securities System which shall not include any assets of the
Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or
otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in a Securities System shall
identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
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3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that such securities have been transferred
to the Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records
of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the
account of the Portfolio. The Custodian shall transfer
securities sold for the account of the Portfolio upon (i)
receipt of advice from the Securities System that payment for
such securities has been transferred to the Account, and (ii)
the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the
Portfolio. Copies of all advices from the Securities System of
transfers of securities for the account of the Portfolio shall
identify the Portfolio, be maintained for the Portfolio by the
Custodian and be provided to the Fund at its request. Upon
request, the Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio confirmation of each transfer to or from the account
of the Portfolio in the form of a written advice or notice and
shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio copies of
daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's transactions in
the Securities System for the account of the Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund for the Portfolio with
any report obtained by the Custodian on the Securities
System's accounting system, internal accounting control and
procedures for safeguarding securities deposited in the
Securities System;
5) The Custodian shall have received from the Fund on behalf of
the Portfolio the initial or annual certificate, as the case
may be, required by Article 14 hereof;
6) Anything to the contrary in this Contract notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the benefit of the
Portfolio for any loss or damage to the Portfolio resulting
from use of the Securities System by reason of any negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of its
agents or of any of its or their employees or from failure of
the Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such
rights as it may have against the Securities System; at the
election of the Fund, it shall be entitled to be subrogated to
the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim against
the Securities System or any other person which the Custodian
may have as a consequence of any such loss or damage if and to
the extent that the Portfolio has not been made whole for any
such loss or damage.
2.10A Deposit of Fund Assets with ▇▇▇▇▇▇ Service Corporation. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund
Shares shall be deposited and/or maintained in an account maintained
with KSC as transfer agent for the funds. KSC shall be deemed to be
acting as if it is a "depositary" for purposes of Rule 17f-4 of the
Investment Company Act of 1940. The Fund hereby directs the Custodian
to deposit and/or maintain such securities with KSC, subject to the
following provisions:
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1) The Custodian shall keep ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares owned by a
Portfolio with KSC provided that such securities are
maintained in an account in the books and records of KSC in
the name of the Custodian as custodian for the Portfolio.
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund
Shares which are maintained with KSC shall identify by
book-entry those ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares belonging to the
Portfolio;
3) The Custodian shall pay for ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares purchased for
the account of the Portfolio upon (i) receipt of advice from
the Portfolio's investment adviser that such securities have
been purchased and will be transferred to the account of the
Custodian, on behalf of the Portfolio, on the books and
records of KSC, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records
of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the
account of the Portfolio. The Custodian shall receive
confirmation from KSC of the purchase of such securities and
the transfer of such securities to the Custodian's account
with KSC only after such payment is made. The Custodian shall
transfer ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares redeemed for the account of a
Portfolio (i) upon receipt of an advice from the Portfolio's
investment adviser that such securities have been redeemed and
that payment for such securities will be transferred to the
Custodian and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of
the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment for the
account of the Portfolio. The Custodian will receive
confirmation from KSC of the redemption of such securities and
payment therefor only after such securities are redeemed.
Copies of all advices from the Portfolio's investment adviser
of purchases and sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares for the account
of the Portfolio shall identify the Portfolio, be maintained
for the Portfolio by the Custodian, and be provided to the
investment adviser at its request;
4) The Custodian shall be not be liable to the Fund or any
Portfolio for any loss or damage to the Fund or any Portfolio
resulting from maintenance of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares with KSC
except for losses resulting directly from the negligence,
misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of its
agents or of any of its or their employees.
2.11 Fund Assets Held in the Custodian's Direct Paper System. The Custodian
may deposit and/or maintain securities owned by a Portfolio in the
Direct Paper System of the Custodian subject to the following
provisions:
1) No transaction relating to securities in the Direct Paper
System will be effected in the absence of Proper Instructions
from the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) The Custodian may keep securities of the Portfolio in the
Direct Paper System only if such securities are represented in
an account ("Account") of the Custodian in the
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Direct Paper System which shall not include any assets of the
Custodian other than assets held as a fiduciary, custodian or
otherwise for customers;
3) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the
Portfolio which are maintained in the Direct Paper System
shall identify by book-entry those securities belonging to the
Portfolio;
4) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the
account of the Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the
records of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer
of securities to the account of the Portfolio. The Custodian
shall transfer securities sold for the account of the
Portfolio upon the making of an entry on the records of the
Custodian to reflect such transfer and receipt of payment for
the account of the Portfolio;
5) The Custodian shall furnish the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio confirmation of each transfer to or from the account
of the Portfolio, in the form of a written advice or notice,
of Direct Paper on the next business day following such
transfer and shall furnish to the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each
day's transaction in the Securities System for the account of
the Portfolio;
6) The Custodian shall provide the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio with any report on its system of internal accounting
control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
2.12 Segregated Account. The Custodian shall upon receipt of Proper
Instructions from the Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio
establish and maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on
behalf of each such Portfolio, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities, including securities maintained in
an account by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2.10 hereof, (i) in
accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Fund on
behalf of the Portfolio, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered
under the Exchange Act and a member of the NASD (or any futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act),
relating to compliance with the rules of The Options Clearing
Corporation and of any registered national securities exchange (or the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any registered contract
market), or of any similar organization or organizations, regarding
escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Portfolio, (ii) for purposes of segregating cash or government
securities in connection with options purchased, sold or written by the
Portfolio or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased
or sold by the Portfolio, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the
Portfolio with the procedures required by Investment Company Act
Release No. 10666, or any subsequent release or releases of the
Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the maintenance of
segregated accounts by registered investment companies and (iv) for
other proper
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corporate purposes, but only, in the case of clause (iv), upon receipt
of, in addition to Proper Instructions from the Fund on behalf of the
applicable Portfolio, a certified copy of a resolution of the Board of
Trustees or of the Executive Committee signed by an officer of the Fund
and certified by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary, setting forth
the purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring such
purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
2.13 Ownership Certificates for Tax Purposes. The Custodian shall execute
ownership and other certificates and affidavits for all federal and
state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to securities of each Portfolio held by it and in
connection with transfers of securities.
2.14 Proxies. The Custodian shall, with respect to the securities held
hereunder, cause to be promptly executed by the registered holder of
such securities, if the securities are registered otherwise than in the
name of the Portfolio or a nominee of the Portfolio, all proxies,
without indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted,
and shall promptly deliver to the Portfolio such proxies, all proxy
soliciting materials and all notices relating to such securities.
2.15 Communications Relating to Portfolio Securities. Subject to the
provisions of Section 2.3, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the
Fund for each Portfolio all written information (including, without
limitation, pendency of calls and maturities of securities and
expirations of rights in connection therewith and notices of exercise
of call and put options written by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio
and the maturity of futures contracts purchased or sold by the
Portfolio) received by the Custodian from issuers of the securities
being held for the Portfolio. With respect to tender or exchange
offers, the Custodian shall transmit promptly to the Portfolio all
written information received by the Custodian from issuers of the
securities whose tender or exchange is sought and from the party (or
his agents) making the tender or exchange offer. If the Portfolio
desires to take action with respect to any tender offer, exchange offer
or any other similar transaction, the Portfolio shall notify the
Custodian at least three business days prior to the date on which the
Custodian is to take such action.
3. Payments for Repurchases or Redemptions and Sales of Shares of the Fund
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
From such funds as may be available for the purpose but subject to the
limitations of the Declaration of Trust and any applicable votes of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund pursuant thereto, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of
instructions from the Transfer Agent, make funds available for payment to
holders of Shares who have delivered to the Transfer Agent a request for
redemption or repurchase of their Shares. In connection with the redemption or
repurchase of Shares of a Portfolio, the Custodian is authorized upon receipt of
instructions from the Transfer Agent to wire funds to or through a commercial
bank designated by the redeeming shareholders. In connection with the redemption
or repurchase of Shares of the Fund, the Custodian shall honor checks drawn
11
on the Custodian by a holder of Shares, which checks have been furnished by the
Fund to the holder of Shares, when presented to the Custodian in accordance with
such procedures and controls as are mutually agreed upon from time to time
between the Fund and the Custodian.
The Custodian shall receive from the distributor for the Shares or from
the Transfer Agent of the Fund and deposit into the account of the appropriate
Portfolio such payments as are received for Shares of that Portfolio issued or
sold from time to time by the Fund. The Custodian will provide timely
notification to the Fund on behalf of each such Portfolio and the Transfer Agent
of any receipt by it of payments for Shares of such Portfolio.
4. Proper Instructions
-------------------
Proper Instructions as used herein means a writing signed or initialed
by one or more person or persons as the Board of Trustees shall have from time
to time authorized. Each such writing shall set forth the specific transaction
or type of transaction involved, including a specific statement of the purpose
for which such action is requested. Oral instructions will be considered Proper
Instructions if the Custodian reasonably believes them to have been given by a
person authorized to give such instructions with respect to the transaction
involved. The Fund shall cause all oral instructions to be confirmed in writing.
Upon receipt of a certificate of the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary as to
the authorization by the Board of Trustees of the Fund accompanied by a detailed
description of procedures approved by the Board of Trustees, Proper Instructions
may include communications effected directly between electro-mechanical or
electronic devices provided that the Board of Trustees and the Custodian are
satisfied that such procedures afford adequate safeguards for the Portfolios'
assets. For purposes of this Section, Proper Instructions shall include
instructions received by the Custodian pursuant to any three-party agreement
which requires a segregated asset account in accordance with Section 2.12.
5. Actions Permitted without Express Authority
-------------------------------------------
The Custodian may in its discretion, without express authority from the
Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio:
1) make payments to itself or others for minor expenses of
handling securities or other similar items relating to its
duties under this Contract, provided that all such payments
shall be accounted for to the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio;
2) surrender securities in temporary form for securities in
definitive form;
3) endorse for collection, in the name of the Portfolio, checks,
drafts and other negotiable instruments; and
4) in general, attend to all non-discretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase,
transfer and other dealings with the securities and
12
property of the Portfolio except as otherwise directed by the
Board of Trustees of the Fund.
6. Evidence of Authority
---------------------
The Custodian shall be protected in acting upon any instructions,
notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument or paper believed by
it to be genuine and to have been properly executed by or on behalf of the Fund.
The Custodian may receive and accept a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund as conclusive evidence (a) of the authority of any person
to act in accordance with such vote or (b) of any determination or of any action
by the Board of Trustees pursuant to the Declaration of Trust as described in
such vote, and such vote may be considered as in full force and effect until
receipt by the Custodian of written notice to the contrary.
7. Duties of Custodian with Respect to the Books of Account and
------------------------------------------------------------
Calculation of Net Asset Value and Net Income
---------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary information to
the entity or entities appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund to keep
the books of account of each Portfolio and/or compute the net asset value per
share of the outstanding shares of each Portfolio or, if directed in writing to
do so by the Fund on behalf of the Portfolio, shall itself keep such books of
account and/or compute such net asset value per share. If so directed, the
Custodian shall also calculate daily the net income of the Portfolio as
described in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related to such Portfolio
and shall advise the Fund and the Transfer Agent daily of the total amounts of
such net income and, if instructed in writing by an officer of the Fund to do
so, shall advise the Transfer Agent periodically of the division of such net
income among its various components. The Fund acknowledges and agrees that, with
respect to investments maintained with KSC, KSC is the sole source of
information on the number of shares of a fund held by it on behalf of a
Portfolio and that the Custodian has the right to rely on holdings information
furnished by KSC to the Custodian in performing its duties under this Contract,
including without limitation, the duties set forth in this Section 7 and in
Section 8 hereof; provided, however, that the Custodian shall be obligated to
reconcile information as to purchases and sales of ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ Fund Shares contained
in trade instructions and confirmations received by the Custodian and to report
promptly any discrepancies to KSC. The calculations of the net asset value per
share and the daily income of each Portfolio shall be made at the time or times
described from time to time in the Fund's currently effective prospectus related
to such Portfolio.
8. Records
-------
The Custodian shall with respect to each Portfolio create and maintain
all records relating to its activities and obligations under this Contract in
such manner as will meet the obligations of the Fund under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, with particular attention to Section 31 thereof and Rules
31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder. All such records shall be the property of the Fund
and shall at all times during the regular business hours of the Custodian be
open for inspection by duly
13
authorized officers, employees or agents of the Fund and employees and agents of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Custodian shall at the Fund's
request, supply the Fund with a tabulation of securities owned by each Portfolio
and held by the Custodian and shall, when requested to do so by the Fund and for
such compensation as shall be agreed upon between the Fund and the Custodian,
include certificate numbers in such tabulations.
9. Opinion of Fund's Independent Accountant
----------------------------------------
The Custodian shall take all reasonable action, as the Fund on behalf
of each applicable Portfolio may from time to time request, to obtain from year
to year favorable opinions from the Fund's independent accountants with respect
to its activities hereunder in connection with the preparation of the Fund's
Form N-1A, and Form N-SAR or other annual reports to the Securities and Exchange
Commission and with respect to any other requirements of such Commission.
10. Reports to Fund by Independent Public Accountants
-------------------------------------------------
The Custodian shall provide the Fund, on behalf of each of the
Portfolios at such times as the Fund may reasonably require, with reports by
independent public accountants on the accounting system, internal accounting
control and procedures for safeguarding securities, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts, including securities deposited and/or maintained
in a Securities System, relating to the services provided by the Custodian under
this Contract; such reports, shall be of sufficient scope and in sufficient
detail, as may reasonably be required by the Fund to provide reasonable
assurance that any material inadequacies would be disclosed by such examination,
and, if there are no such inadequacies, the reports shall so state.
11. Compensation of Custodian
-------------------------
The Custodian shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for its
services and expenses as Custodian, as agreed upon from time to time between the
Fund on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and the Custodian.
12. Responsibility of Custodian
---------------------------
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Contract and shall be held harmless in acting
upon any notice, request, consent, certificate or other instrument reasonably
believed by it to be genuine and to be signed by the proper party or parties,
including any futures commission merchant acting pursuant to the terms of a
three-party futures or options agreement. The Custodian shall be held to the
exercise of reasonable care in carrying out the provisions of this Contract, but
shall be kept indemnified by and shall be without liability to the Fund for any
action taken or omitted by it in
14
good faith without negligence. It shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel (who may be counsel for the Fund) on all matters, and shall be
without liability for any action reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such
advice.
If the Fund on behalf of a Portfolio requires the Custodian to take any
action with respect to securities, which action involves the payment of money or
which action may, in the opinion of the Custodian, result in the Custodian or
its nominee assigned to the Fund or the Portfolio being liable for the payment
of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Fund on behalf of the
Portfolio, as a prerequisite to requiring the Custodian to take such action,
shall provide indemnity to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to
it.
If the Fund requires the Custodian, its affiliates, subsidiaries or
agents, to advance cash or securities for any purpose (including but not limited
to securities settlements, foreign exchange contracts and assumed settlement)
for the benefit of a Portfolio or in the event that the Custodian or its nominee
shall incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or
liabilities in connection with the performance of this Contract, except such as
may arise from its or its nominee's own negligent action, negligent failure to
act or willful misconduct, any property at any time held for the account of the
applicable Portfolio shall be security therefor and should the Fund fail to
repay the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be entitled to utilize
available cash and to dispose of such Portfolio's assets to the extent necessary
to obtain reimbursement.
13. Effective Period, Termination and Amendment
-------------------------------------------
This Contract shall become effective as of its execution, shall
continue in full force and effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, may
be amended at any time by mutual agreement of the parties hereto and may be
terminated by either party by an instrument in writing delivered or mailed,
postage prepaid to the other party, such termination to take effect not sooner
than thirty (30) days after the date of such delivery or mailing; provided,
however that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under
Section 2.10 hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the
Secretary or an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees of the Fund has
approved the initial use of a particular Securities System by such Portfolio, as
required by Rule 17f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended and
that the Custodian shall not with respect to a Portfolio act under Section 2.11
hereof in the absence of receipt of an initial certificate of the Secretary or
an Assistant Secretary that the Board of Trustees has approved the initial use
of the Direct Paper System by such Portfolio; provided further, however, that
the Fund shall not amend or terminate this Contract in contravention of any
applicable federal or state regulations, or any provision of the Declaration of
Trust, and further provided, that the Fund on behalf of one or more of the
Portfolios may at any time by action of its Board of Trustees (i) substitute
another bank or trust company for the Custodian by giving notice as described
above to the Custodian, or (ii) immediately terminate this Contract in the event
of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by the
Comptroller of the Currency or upon the happening of a like event at the
direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
15
Upon termination of the Contract, the Fund on behalf of each applicable
Portfolio shall pay to the Custodian such compensation as may be due as of the
date of such termination and shall likewise reimburse the Custodian for its
costs, expenses and disbursements.
14. Successor Custodian
-------------------
If a successor custodian for the Fund or one or more of the Portfolios
shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund, the Custodian shall,
upon termination, deliver to such successor custodian at the office of the
Custodian, duly endorsed and in the form for transfer, all securities of each
applicable Portfolio then held by it hereunder and shall transfer to an account
of the successor custodian all of the securities of each such Portfolio held in
a Securities System or at KSC.
If no such successor custodian shall be appointed, the Custodian shall,
in like manner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a vote of the Board of
Trustees of the Fund, deliver at the office of the Custodian and transfer such
securities, funds and other properties in accordance with such vote.
In the event that no written order designating a successor custodian or
certified copy of a vote of the Board of Trustees shall have been delivered to
the Custodian on or before the date when such termination shall become
effective, then the Custodian shall have the right to deliver to a bank or trust
company, which is a "bank" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940,
doing business in Boston, Massachusetts, of its own selection, having an
aggregate capital, surplus, and undivided profits, as shown by its last
published report, of not less than $25,000,000, all securities, funds and other
properties held by the Custodian on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and all
instruments held by the Custodian relative thereto and all other property held
by it under this Contract on behalf of each applicable Portfolio and to transfer
to an account of such successor custodian all of the securities of each such
Portfolio held in any Securities System or at KSC. Thereafter, such bank or
trust company shall be the successor of the Custodian under this Contract.
In the event that securities, funds and other properties remain in the
possession of the Custodian after the date of termination hereof owing to
failure of the Fund to procure the certified copy of the vote referred to or of
the Board of Trustees to appoint a successor custodian, the Custodian shall be
entitled to fair compensation for its services during such period as the
Custodian retains possession of such securities, funds and other properties and
the provisions of this Contract relating to the duties and obligations of the
Custodian shall remain in Rill force and effect.
15. Interpretive and Additional Provisions
--------------------------------------
In connection with the operation of this Contract, the Custodian and
the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios, may from time to time agree on
such provisions interpretive of or in addition to the provisions of this
Contract as may in their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of
this Contract. Any such interpretive or additional provisions shall be in a
writing signed by both parties and shall be annexed hereto, provided that no
such interpretive or additional provisions shall contravene any applicable
federal or state regulations or any provision of the Declaration of Trust
16
of the Fund. No interpretive or additional provisions made as provided in the
preceding sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Contract.
16. Additional Funds
----------------
In the event that the Fund establishes one or more series of Shares in
addition to Income Portfolio, Income with Growth Portfolio, Balanced Portfolio,
Growth with Income Portfolio and Growth Portfolio with respect to which it
desires to have the Custodian render services as custodian under the terms
hereof, it shall so notify the Custodian in writing, and if the Custodian agrees
in writing to provide such services, such series of Shares shall become a
Portfolio hereunder.
17. Massachusetts Law to Apply
--------------------------
This Contract shall be construed and the provisions thereof interpreted
under and in accordance with laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
18. Prior Contracts
---------------
This Contract supersedes and terminates, as of the date hereof, all
prior contracts between the Fund on behalf of each of the Portfolios and the
Custodian relating to the custody of the Fund's assets.
19. Shareholder Communications Election
-----------------------------------
Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 14b-2 requires banks which hold
securities for the account of customers to respond to requests by issuers of
securities for the names, addresses and holdings of beneficial owners of
securities of that issuer held by the bank unless the beneficial owner has
expressly objected to disclosure of this information. In order to comply with
the rule, the Custodian needs the Fund to indicate whether it authorizes the
Custodian to provide the Fund's name, address, and share position to requesting
companies whose securities the Fund owns. If the Fund tells the Custodian "no",
the Custodian will not provide this information to requesting companies. If the
Fund tells the Custodian "yes" or does not check either "yes" or "no" below, the
Custodian is required by the rule to treat the Fund as consenting to disclosure
of this information for all securities owned by the Fund or any funds or
accounts established by the Fund. For the Fund's protection, the Rule prohibits
the requesting company from using the Fund's name and address for any purpose
other than corporate communications. Please indicate below whether the Fund
consents or objects by checking one of the alternatives below.
YES [ ] The Custodian is authorized to release the Fund's
name, address, and share positions.
17
NO [ ] The Custodian is not authorized to release the Fund's
name, address, and share positions.
20. Limitation of Liability
-----------------------
The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and references
in this Contract to the Fund mean and refer to the Trustees from time to time
serving under its Declaration of Trust on file with the Secretary of State of
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as the same may be amended from time to time,
pursuant to which the Fund conducts its business. It is expressly agreed that
the obligations of the Fund hereunder shall not be binding upon any of the
Trustees, shareholders, nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Fund, as
provided in said Declaration of Trust. Moreover, if the Fund has more than one
series or Portfolio, no series or Portfolio of the Fund other than the series or
Portfolio on whose behalf a specified transaction shall have been undertaken
shall be responsible for the obligations of the Fund, and persons engaging in
transactions with the Fund shall look only to the assets of that series or
Portfolio to satisfy those obligations. The execution and delivery of this
Contract has been authorized by the Trustees and signed by an authorized officer
of the Fund, acting as such, and neither such authorization by such Trustees nor
such execution and delivery by such officer shall be deemed to have been made by
any of them but shall bind only the trust property of the Fund as provided in
such Declaration of Trust.
18
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this instrument to
be executed in its name and behalf by its duly authorized representative and its
seal to be hereunder affixed as of the 17th day of February, 1999.
ATTEST FARMERS INVESTMENT TRUST
/s/ILLEGIBLE By /s/▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
------------------------ -------------------------
ATTEST STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
/s/▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ By /s/ILLEGIBLE
------------------------ -------------------------
Executive Vice President