IMPORTANT
VOTING
INFORMATION FOR
SHAREHOLDERS
TIAA-CREF INSTITUTIONAL
MUTUAL FUNDS
SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING
JANUARY 25 , 2006
Please
read this material carefully
before voting.
Dear Shareholder:
On January
25 , 2006, the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds will hold a special meeting
of the shareholders of its International Equity, Large-Cap Value, Small-Cap
Equity, Real Estate Securities, Social Choice Equity, Bond, Inflation-Linked
Bond and Money Market Funds.
The purpose
of this meeting is to vote on a proposed new investment management agreement
with Teachers Advisors, Inc. (the Advisor), the current investment
advisor to these Funds. This proposal is the same as the proposal for these
eight Funds originally presented for shareholder approval in a proxy statement
dated July 5, 2005, and voted on at a special shareholder meeting on August
31, 2005.
Because
approval of the proposed agreement is vital to the future operation of these
Funds, and because some shareholders have indicated a willingness to re-examine
their vote if given more time to fully consider the proposal, the Advisor has
recommended, and we have agreed, to provide a second opportunity to do so. As
before, we, the Funds independent Board of Trustees, unanimously recommend
that you vote FOR the new investment management agreement.
As explained
in the original proxy materials, the proposed new investment management agreement
would help ensure that the Funds remain fairly and competitively priced and
continue to serve shareholder needs, while also providing a sustainable fee
and expense structure that enables the Advisor to continue managing the Funds.
Its important for you to understand that although the new agreement would
result in higher advisory fees, the Funds would remain competitive with the
lower-priced offerings in the industry.
www.tiaa-cref
org.730 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
In submitting
this proposal to you a second time, we want to offer additional perspective
on both the proposal itself and on the careful deliberative process that led
to the Boards unanimous recommendation so that you have a fuller understanding
of these matters and can make an informed decision.
4 |
|
Thorough,
independent review of the proposal. The Board of Trustees
of the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds is completely independent of
the management of the Advisor. In considering the proposal, the Board conducted
a comprehensive review process that began in December 2004 and concluded
in May 2005. We questioned the Advisor rigorously and compared the Funds
performance and expenses with those of competing funds, using data supplied
by Lipper, Inc., widely recognized as a leading independent provider of
investment company data. In addition, we had the benefit of independent
legal counsel throughout our deliberations. |
4 |
|
Benefits
of the proposal. As a result of our in-depth review, we determined
that the proposal would benefit shareholders because it enables the Funds
Advisor to: |
|
|
Continue
to manage the day-to-day business affairs of the Funds; |
|
|
Retain
and attract highly qualified investment professionals; |
|
|
Increase
the capacity of its investment management staff and expand the depth and
scope of its analysts coverage; and |
|
|
Continue
to offer a high level of service to shareholders. |
4 |
|
Potential
consequences if proposal is not approved. If shareholders
do not approve the proposed new investment management agreement, the Advisor
has informed the Board that it may no longer be able to serve in its advisory
role to the Funds. In that case, the Advisor will recommend other possible
courses of action, including closing the Funds to new investments or liquidating
them, which could have negative consequences for shareholders. The Board
would consider the Advisors recommendations, along with all other
possible alternatives, in determining a course of action that would be in
the best interests of Fund shareholders. |
4 |
|
Fiduciary
responsibility and ongoing oversight. The Board has a fiduciary
responsibility to protect shareholder interests, which includes ensuring
that all fees are appropriate, fair, and conducive to the efficient |
|
|
and
effective operation of the Funds. If the proposed fee increases are approved
by shareholders, the Board will review the Advisors profitability
levels during its annual review of the Funds management arrangements
to ensure that the fees and any profits earned by the Advisor remain reasonable
in light of the Funds asset levels and performance. |
In conclusion,
the Board remains unanimous in its support of the proposal because we are convinced
that its approval represents the best possible outcome for shareholders. We
urge you to read the information on the following pages carefully, along with
the enclosed proxy statement, and vote FOR the new investment management
agreement.
The Board of Trustees
TIAA-CREF Institutional
Mutual Funds
TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
SPECIAL
SHAREHOLDER MEETING
JANUARY 25 , 2006
IMPORTANT
VOTING INFORMATION FOR SHAREHOLDERS
The TIAA-CREF Institutional
Mutual Funds (the Institutional Funds) will hold a special meeting
of the shareholders of its International Equity, Large-Cap Value, Small-Cap
Equity, Real Estate Securities, Social Choice Equity, Bond, Inflation-Linked
Bond and Money Market Funds on January 25 , 2006, to consider and vote on an important
proposal affecting these Funds. As a shareholder of record as of October 31,
2005, you are entitled to vote on this proposal, and your Board of Trustees
urges you to do so.
YOUR
VOTE IS IMPORTANT
The following Q&A provides
a summary of the proposal and describes the convenient options available for
voting your shares. (For a complete discussion of the proposal, please see the
enclosed proxy statement.) To help reach the level of shareholder participation
required, please vote today, even if you plan to attend the special meeting
on January 25. Simply follow the instructions on the enclosed proxy card(s) and
choose the voting method that works best for youInternet, telephone or
mail. Your prompt action will ensure your voice is heard, so vote your shares
now!
4 TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006
1. |
|
WHAT
PROPOSAL AM I BEING ASKED TO CONSIDER? |
You
are being asked to approve the adoption of a new investment management agreement
that would apply to each of the following TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds:
International Equity; Large-Cap Value; Small-Cap Equity; Real Estate Securities;
Social Choice Equity; Bond; Inflation-Linked Bond; and Money Market Funds. This
proposal, which would result in higher advisory fees for these eight Funds,
is the same as the proposal for these Funds originally presented for shareholder
approval in a proxy statement dated July 5, 2005, and voted on at a special
shareholder meeting on August 31, 2005.
2. |
|
WHY
HAS THIS PROPOSAL BEEN RESUBMITTED TO SHAREHOLDERS? |
In
the original proxy vote, shareholders of 21 Funds offered by TIAA-CREF Institutional
Mutual Funds approved a new investment management agreement with Teachers Advisors,
Inc. (the Advisor), the current investment advisor to the Funds.
Although many individual Fund shareholders supported the proposal, it was not
approved for the eight Funds listed above, primarily as a result of the voting
by a few large, institutional shareholders. However, because some of these shareholders
have indicated a willingness to re-examine their vote if given more time to
fully consider the proposal, the Advisor has recommended, and the Funds
independent Board of Trustees has agreed, to provide a second opportunity to
vote on it.
3. |
|
THE
GROWTH EQUITY FUND WAS AMONG THE INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS INCLUDED IN THE ORIGINAL
PROXY VOTE. WHY IS IT NOT PART OF THIS SECOND VOTE? |
In
the original vote, shareholders of the Growth Equity Fund did not approve the
proposed new investment management agreement. The Advisor determined, and the
Board concurred, that shareholders of this Fund were unlikely to change their
votes. In addition, as noted in the original proxy statement, the Advisor had
previously committed not to raise the advisory fee rate on the Growth Equity
Fund until April 2007. For these reasons, the Growth Equity Fund is not part
of the current proxy solicitation.
4. |
|
I
VOTED ON THIS PROPOSAL DURING THE ORIGINAL PROXY VOTE HELD LAST AUGUST.
DO I NEED TO VOTE AGAIN? |
Yes.
We are holding a new meeting to consider this proposal, with a new shareholder
record date. Any vote that you cast on this proposal
TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006 5
for the prior meeting does not count for this meeting, and you will need
to vote again.
5. |
|
WHAT
WILL HAPPEN IF SHAREHOLDERS DO NOT APPROVE THE NEW INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
AGREEMENT? |
The
Advisor has indicated that it may not be able to continue in its advisory role
to the eight Funds unless the new investment management agreement is approved,
since the fees under the current agreement are not adequate to cover the costs
of operating the Funds. If the new agreement is not approved, the Advisor may
recommend to the Board of Trustees other possible courses of action, including
a likely series of steps that could have negative consequences for shareholders:
4 |
|
First,
the Funds would be closed to new investments. |
4 |
|
Second,
subject to shareholder approval, the Advisor would seek to merge the Funds
into new funds with the same objectives, strategies and portfolio management,
but with higher fee rates comparable to those specified in the proposed
new investment management agreement. |
4 |
|
Finally,
if shareholders were to reject this proposed future merger, the Funds might
ultimately be liquidated, which could have negative tax consequences for
shareholders. |
The
Board would consider the Advisors recommendations, along with all other
possible alternatives, in determining a course of action that is in the best
interests of Fund shareholders.
6. |
|
HOW
WILL SHAREHOLDERS BE AFFECTED IF ANY OF THE FUNDS NEED TO BE CLOSED OR LIQUIDATED? |
Either
of these actions could have serious consequences for shareholders. Closing any
of the Funds to new investments would likely result in a decline in the Funds
total assets under management. This would reduce the Funds current economies
of scale and make the effective management of the Fund more difficult. Liquidating
any of the Funds could result in the sale of some holdings at prices disadvantageous
to investors. Additionally, liquidation could result in unexpected capital gains
distributions to investors, which could have adverse tax consequences for many
of them. The Funds Board of Trustees believes that approval of the new
investment management agreement is a better outcome for shareholders than closing
or liquidating the Funds.
6 TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006
7. |
|
HAS
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES APPROVED THIS PROPOSAL? |
Yes.
At a meeting held on May 17, 2005, the Board of Trustees of the TIAA-CREF Institutional
Mutual Funds unanimously approved the Advisors recommended proposal listed
above and described in full in the enclosed proxy statement. On October 26,
2005, the Board unanimously approved the Advisors recommendation to resubmit
the same proposal to shareholders.
8. |
|
HOW
DOES THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES SUGGEST THAT I VOTE? |
The
Board unanimously recommends that all eligible shareholders vote FOR
the proposal. In addition, at the time of the original proxy vote on this proposal,
Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) also recommended that shareholders
vote FOR the new investment management agreement. ISS is recognized
as a leading independent proxy advisory firm whose recommendations are relied
upon by major institutional investment firms, mutual funds, and other fiduciaries.
9. |
|
I
HAVE OTHER ACCOUNTS WITH TIAA-CREF. WILL THEY BE AFFECTED BY THIS PROPOSAL? |
No.
The specific proposals affect only the eight TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual
Funds specified in the enclosed proxy statement. They do not affect any
of the following TIAA-CREF products:
4 |
|
College
Retirement Equities Fund (CREF) investment accounts; |
4 |
|
TIAA
Real Estate Account; |
4 |
|
TIAA
Traditional Annuity; |
4 |
|
Variable
life insurance products; or |
4 |
|
Other
funds of the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds that are not being resolicited
for a vote. |
While
not the subject of this proxy vote, the Advisor is expected to recommend that
the TIAA-CREF Mutual Fundsa separate fund family designed primarily for
retail investorsbe consolidated with the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual
Funds in the near future if this vote is successful. If and when this proposed
consolidation is approved, the TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds would be merged into a
corresponding TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Fund and would become subject to
the fee and expense structure of that Fund.
TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006 7
10. |
|
WHY
IS THE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT BEING CHANGED? |
Since
the Funds were established, the Advisor has been committed to providing high-quality
investment management services at a low cost to shareholders. However, it has
become clear that the Advisor set its fees too low to continue to cover its
costs of operating the Funds. As a result, the Advisor has always operated the
Funds at a loss. Despite these annual losses, the Advisor has not requested
a fee increase since the Funds inception in 1999. It has become clear
that this situation cannot be sustained, particularly in light of continued
escalating costs related to increased compliance, regulatory, and reporting
requirements, as well as intensified competition for investment management talent.
The
proposed new investment management agreement with the Advisor is designed to
provide a reasonable and sustainable fee and expense structure for the Funds
while maintaining overall expenses at levels that are competitive with those
of other low-cost providers in the mutual fund industry. In addition, the proposed
fee increase would give the Advisor the flexibility and means to increase the
capacity of its investment management staff, expand the depth and scope of analyst
coverage, and attract and retain highly qualified investment management professionals
in a competitive environmentall of which would enhance the Advisors
ability to seek favorable investment returns for shareholders.
11. |
|
HOW
WILL THE NEW INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT AFFECT THE FUNDS? |
For
each of the eight Funds, the new investment management agreement will raise
advisory fees.
12. |
|
HOW
WILL TIAA-CREFS PROPOSED FUND FEES COMPARE TO THOSE OF OTHER COMPANIES? |
Even
after adopting the higher fees, the Funds would remain competitive with the
lower-priced offerings in the industry. (Please see page 15 of the
proxy statement for a comparison of each Funds total expenses to those
of similar funds in its industry peer group.)
13. |
|
IS
TIAA-CREF STILL COMMITTED TO BEING A LOW-COST, HIGH-VALUE PROVIDER? |
Yes.
TIAA-CREF is committed to operating low-cost, high-value mutual funds for all
shareholders. For this reason, the proposal to raise advisory fees on the actively
managed Institutional Mutual Funds was
8 TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006
made only after thorough and deliberate consideration of shareholders
interests by the Funds Board of Trustees. The Board determined that the
current level of fees being charged was too low for the Advisor to sustain and
that the proposed increase in fees would not unduly benefit the Advisor at the
expense of Fund shareholders. As part of its ongoing oversight of the Funds,
the Board of Trustees will annually monitor the level of fees and the Advisors
profits generated by the new agreement to ensure that they are reasonable.
14. |
|
AS
A SHAREHOLDER, HOW WILL I BENEFIT FROM THE NEW INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT? |
The
Board of Trustees has determined that the new investment management agreement
is fair and reasonable to the Funds and to shareholders because it would:
4 |
|
Enable
the Funds investment advisor to continue to offer you and other shareholders
the high-quality service you have come to expect from TIAA-CREF, and to
expand these shareholder services; |
4 |
|
Allow
the Advisor to continue to retain and attract talented investment professionals
and add new investment management personnel, which would benefit the Advisors
overall investment management program; and |
4 |
|
Help
ensure that the TIAA-CREF organization can continue to offer the Funds while
remaining competitive with other low-cost providers in our industry. |
15. |
|
IN
ADDITION TO THIS SPECIFIC PROPOSAL, DOES TIAA-CREF HAVE AN OVERALL LONG-TERM
PLAN FOR ITS MUTUAL FUND OFFERINGS? |
TIAA-CREF
is committed to operating low-cost, high-value mutual funds for all shareholders.
Approval of the new investment management agreement is an essential first step
in a broader effort to restructure and enhance TIAA-CREFs mutual fund
offerings so that the funds remain fairly and competitively priced for shareholders
and continue to serve shareholder needs.
Assuming
the new investment management agreement is approved, a planned second step,
while not part of this proxy vote, would be the consolidation of the TIAA-CREF
Mutual Funds into the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds in the near future.
If and when this proposed consolidation is approved, it would result in a streamlined
fund family with greater efficiency, consistent pricing and improved economies
of scaleall of which would permit the Funds to better serve your investment
needs. As mentioned previously, if the new
TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006 9
investment management agreement is not approved, the Advisor may create new
funds with the same objectives, strategies and portfolio management as these
eight Funds (but with the higher advisory fees specified in the enclosed proxy
statement), into which the existing eight Funds may be merged, subject to shareholder
approval. If these mergers are not approved, the Funds might then be liquidated.
16. |
|
WHEN
WILL THE PROPOSED CHANGE TAKE EFFECT? |
If
approved by shareholders, changes to the investment management agreement would
likely be implemented by February 1, 2006.
17. |
|
WHAT
LEVEL OF SHAREHOLDER SUPPORT IS NEEDED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL? |
Approval
of the new investment management agreement requires the lesser of (1) more than
50 percent of the total outstanding shares of the respective Funds or (2) at
least 67 percent of the shares present at the respective shareholders
meetings, either in person or by proxy, if more than 50 percent of the outstanding
shares are represented.
18. |
|
WHO
IS ENTITLED TO VOTE ON THESE CHANGES? |
For
each of the eight Funds, all shareholders of record as of October 31, 2005,
are eligible to vote on this proposal and are urged to do so.
19. |
|
WHO
IS BEARING THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH CONDUCTING THIS SECOND PROXY VOTE? |
All
expenses associated with this proxy vote, including the costs of holding the
shareholder meeting and soliciting shareholders, are being borne by the Advisor,
and not by any of the Institutional Funds.
20. |
|
WHEN
AND WHERE IS THE SPECIAL SHAREHOLDERS MEETING? |
The
special meeting of the shareholders of the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds
has been scheduled for January 25 , 2006, at 2:00 p.m., at 730 Third Avenue, 17th
Floor, New York, New York.
21. |
|
WHAT
METHOD OF VOTING MAY I USE? |
Simply
select the voting format that you find most convenient:
4 |
|
Telephone
(automated service):
Call the toll-free number shown on your proxy card(s) and follow the recorded
instructions |
4 |
|
Telephone
(to speak to a representative of D.F. King & Co., the Funds proxy
solicitor):
800 755-7250 (toll free) |
10 TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006
4 |
|
Internet:
Access the Web site shown on your proxy card(s) and follow the online instructions |
4 |
|
Mail:
Complete and return the enclosed proxy card(s) |
4 |
|
In
person:
Attend the special shareholder meeting on January 25 , 2006 |
Whichever
method you choose, please be sure to cast your vote as soon as possible. Even
if you plan to attend the special shareholder meeting, you can vote in advance
using one of the other methods.
22. |
|
WHO
SHOULD I CALL IF I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? |
If
you have questions related to the proxy material or need assistance in voting
your shares, please contact D.F. King & Co., the Funds proxy solicitor,
toll free at 800 755-7250.
TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS SPECIAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING JANUARY
25 , 2006 11
©2005 Teachers Insurance and
Annuity AssociationCollege Retirement Equities Fund (TIAA-CREF), New
York, NY 10017
Printed
on recycled paper |
Retail
A11074
(11/05) |
TIAA-CREF INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
730 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10017-3206
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 25 , 2006
The TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds (the Institutional
Funds) will hold a special meeting of the shareholders of its International Equity Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Small-Cap Equity Fund, Real Estate
Securities Fund, Social Choice Equity Fund, Bond Fund, Inflation-Linked Bond Fund, and Money Market Fund (the Funds) on January 25 ,
2006, at 2:00 p.m. at 730 Third Avenue, New York, New York. The agenda for the meeting is:
1. |
|
To approve a new investment management agreement between each
Fund and Teachers Advisors, Inc. |
2. |
|
To address any other business that may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
The Board of Trustees of the Institutional Funds has set October
31, 2005 as the record date for determining the number of votes entitled to be cast at the meeting or any adjournments thereof. You may vote at the
meeting (or any adjournments of the meeting) only if you were a shareholder of one or more of the Funds as of October 31, 2005.
By Order of the
Board of Trustees,
E. Laverne Jones
Secretary
Please vote as soon as possible before the meeting, even if you plan to attend the meeting. You can vote quickly and easily over the Internet,
by telephone, or by mail. Just follow the simple instructions that appear on your enclosed proxy card(s). A separate proxy card is provided for each
Fund in which you own shares. Since we cannot hold the meeting unless a quorum is reached, please help avoid the expense of a follow-up mailing by
voting today!
If you plan to attend the meeting, please call 1 877-535-3910,
ext. 2440 to obtain an admission pass. In accordance with TIAA-CREFs security procedures, a pass and appropriate picture identification will be
required to enter the special meeting. Please note that no laptop computers, recording equipment or cameras will be permitted, and please read the
instructions on the pass for additional information.
November 2 9 , 2005
TIAA-CREF INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
730 Third
Avenue
New York, New York 10017-3206
PROXY STATEMENT
Special Meeting of Shareholders
to be held on January 25 , 2006
The Board of Trustees (the Board) of the TIAA-CREF
Institutional Mutual Funds (the Institutional Funds) has called a special meeting of the shareholders of its International Equity Fund,
Large-Cap Value Fund, Small-Cap Equity Fund, Real Estate Securities Fund, Social Choice Equity Fund, Bond Fund, Inflation-Linked Bond Fund, and Money
Market Fund (each, a Fund and collectively, the Funds) to be held on January 25 , 2006, at 2:00 p.m. at 730 Third
Avenue, New York, New York. At the special meeting, shareholders will vote on whether to:
1. |
|
Approve a new investment management agreement between each Fund
and Teachers Advisors, Inc. (the Advisor); |
2. |
|
Address any other business that may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof. |
At this time, the Board does not know of any other matters being
presented at the meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The accompanying proxy forms will be used to vote at the meeting
of the Funds (or any adjournments of the meeting) being held on January 25 , 2006, at 730 Third Avenue, New York, New York at 2:00 p.m.
This proxy statement will first be mailed to shareholders on or about November 2 9 , 2005.
1
Shareholders of each Fund voting separately for their Fund will
be asked to consider the proposal to adopt a new investment management agreement.
VOTING INFORMATION
I believe I already voted on this proposal. Do I need to vote again?
Yes. The proposal to approve a new investment management
agreement for the Funds described in this proxy statement is indeed identical to the proposal that did not pass at the August 31, 2005 shareholders
meeting for those Funds. However, because we are holding a new meeting to consider this proposal, with a new shareholder record date, any vote that
you cast on this proposal for the prior meeting does not count for this meeting and you will need to vote again. For a discussion of why the
proposal is being brought to shareholders again, see page 5 and the accompanying letter to shareholders from the Board of Trustees of the
Institutional Funds and related Q & A .
(1) |
|
By marking, signing, and mailing the enclosed proxy card in the
postage-paid envelope provided; |
(2) |
|
By logging on to the Internet site shown on your proxy card(s)
and follow the on-screen instructions; |
(3) |
|
By dialing the toll free telephone number shown on your proxy
card(s) and follow the recorded instructions; and |
(4) |
|
By voting in person at the special meeting. |
You must complete a separate proxy form for each Fund in which
you own shares.
2
Can I Cancel or Change My Vote?
You may cancel or change your vote by simply voting again by: (1)
executing and returning later-dated proxy forms, (2) voting over the telephone; (3) voting through the Internet, or (4) voting in person at the
meeting. If you return the proxy form or vote by telephone or through the Internet, your vote must be received by 4 :00 p.m. ET on January
24 , 2006. If you vote in person at the meeting, you may vote any time up until the voting results are announced.
When you vote by proxy, you are appointing the persons named on
the proxy form as your agents to vote on your behalf at a meeting or any adjournments thereof. Unless you instruct them otherwise, the proxies will
vote FOR the approval of the new investment management agreement as it applies to your Fund(s). Although we are unaware of any other matters to be
presented at the meeting, if other matters are brought before the meeting or any adjournments thereof, the proxies will vote your shares using their
own best judgment. All proxies solicited by the Board of Trustees that are properly executed and received by the Secretary prior to the meeting, and
are not revoked, will be voted at the meeting.
Who May Vote; How Many Votes Do I Get?
Shareholders of each of the Funds as of October 31, 2005 (the
Record Date) will be eligible to vote at the meeting (or any adjournments thereof). Each outstanding full share of a Fund is entitled to
one vote and each outstanding fractional share is entitled to a proportionate fractional share of one vote. Therefore, the number of votes you will
have at the meeting will depend upon how many shares you own in the respective Fund on the Record Date. All shareholders of record on the Record Date
are entitled to vote.
Below is the number of shares of each Class of each Fund as of
the Record Date:
Fund
|
|
|
|
Retail Class
|
|
Institutional Class
|
|
Retirement Class
|
International Equity Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5 5,0 29,673.692 |
|
|
|
1 9 , 756 , 028 . 218 |
|
Large-Cap Value Fund |
|
|
|
|
12, 085 , 361 . 757 |
|
|
|
1 5 , 376 , 767 . 579 |
|
|
|
1 1 , 091 , 075 . 406 |
|
Small-Cap Equity Fund |
|
|
|
|
4,578,992.959 |
|
|
|
7,429,308.307 |
|
|
|
10,903,081.134 |
|
Real
Estate Securities Fund |
|
|
|
|
10,924,445.360 |
|
|
|
16,849,871.454 |
|
|
|
9,426,200.420 |
|
Social
Choice Equity Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,378,411.424 |
|
|
|
5,147,268 . 149 |
|
Bond
Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144,491,877.119 |
|
|
|
|
|
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund |
|
|
|
|
6,696,840.0 08 |
|
|
|
30,727,075.225 |
|
|
|
|
|
Money
Market Fund |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
199,471,549.756 |
|
|
|
|
|
3
How Many Votes Must Be Present for a Quorum or to Pass a
Vote?
In order to hold the meeting and vote on the items on the agenda,
we will need to have a quorum of shareholders present (in person or by proxy) at the meeting. A quorum means 10% of the votes that are entitled to be
cast. In determining whether a quorum has been reached, abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as being present at the meeting.
If a quorum is not present at the meeting, or if a quorum is
present at the meeting but sufficient votes to approve the proposal is not received, or if other matters arise requiring shareholder
attention, the persons named as proxy agents may propose and vote for one or more adjournments of the meeting in order to permit the
solicitation of additional votes. The proposal in this proxy statement may be voted on prior to any adjournment if sufficient votes have been
received for the proposal and such vote is otherwise appropriate.
The investment management agreement under Proposal 1 must be
approved by shareholders of each individual Fund, and will require the affirmative vote of the lesser of either (1) more than 50% of the eligible votes
of the Fund, or (2) 67% or more of the votes present (in person or by proxy) at the meeting, if more than 50% of the eligible votes are present at the
meeting in person or by proxy. Abstentions and broker non-votes will not count towards the number of votes in favor of the investment management
agreement, which means they will have the effect of a vote against this proposal.
Your vote is important for the future of the Funds! Please vote
your proxy by mail, Internet or telephone now!
4
PROPOSAL 1 APPROVAL OF NEW INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
AGREEMENT
The Board unanimously recommends the Advisors proposal
that shareholders of each Fund vote for the approval of a new investment management agreement with respect to their Fund.
What is the background behind this recommendation? Why are you asking shareholders to vote again?
At a meeting held on August 31, 2005, the shareholders of each of
the funds of the Institutional Funds voted on a proposal recommended by the Advisor and approved by the Board of Trustees for a new investment
management agreement that would increase the management fees on certain of the funds (the Proposed Agreement). The proposal was not
approved for certain of the Institutional Funds, including the International Equity Fund, Large-Cap Value Fund, Small-Cap Equity Fund, Real Estate
Securities Fund, Social Choice Equity Fund, Bond Fund, Inflation-Linked Bond Fund and Money Market Fund, the funds that are the subject of this proxy
statement (the Funds). The Advisor has informed the Board that without the fee increase provided for under this new investment management
agreement, it would be difficult for it to continue to operate the Funds as it currently does.
In light of this situation, the Board has evaluated a range of
options presented to it by the Advisor with the objective of selecting the option that, in its view, will best serve the interests of Fund
shareholders. One option that was presented by the Advisor to the Board for consideration when the Proposed Agreement was not approved initially in
August, was to take steps to close the Funds to new investment, while at the same time introducing substantially identical funds (with higher fee
levels) into which the old Funds might eventually be merged. In the course of assessing all the options, the Advisor and the Board took note that
although many individual Fund shareholders supported the proposal, the proposal was not approved primarily as the result of the votes of a few large,
institutional shareholders. However, since the August 31, 2005 shareholder meeting, certain of these large institutional shareholders have indicated
that they may be willing to reconsider their previous negative votes or abstentions on the Proposed Agreement.
Based on these facts, the Board of Trustees has accepted
the Advisors proposal to approach Fund shareholders once again and ask that they approve the Proposed Agreement for the Funds that was first
proposed pursuant to the proxy statement dated July 5, 2005. The Board agrees with the Advisor that this course of action will serve the best interests
of shareholders and result in the least disruption or unintended tax consequences.
In deciding to recommend once more that Fund shareholders
approve the Proposed Agreement, the Board considered that the terms of the Pro posed Agreement, including the fee rates, had not changed
since the Board initially approved the Proposed Agreement in May 2005. The Board also considered that the nature, extent and quality of
the services to be provided by the Advisor, the investment performance of the Funds and the Advisor, the profits to be realized
by
5
the Advisor and its affiliates in performing the
services contemplated by the Proposed Agreement, and the potential for shareholders to benefit from economies of scale under the Proposed
Agreement had not materially changed since the Boards initial approval of the Proposed Agreement. In addition, the Board also
considered that the comparative fee and performance information originally provided by Lipper, Inc., an independent provider of mutual fund
data (Lipper), was, in all material respects, still relevant information and could be relied upon for the competitive price and
performance position ing of the Funds under the Proposed Agreement. Based on the deter mination that nothing material had changed since its
approval of the Proposed Agreement, the Board recommended that Fund shareholders adopt the Proposed Agreement in a resolicitation. This
recommendation was made not only by the Trustees who were members of the Board at the time of the approval of the Proposed Agreement in
May 2005, but also by the two Trustees who had been elected to the Board since that time, Dr. Eugene Flood, Jr. and Prof. Howell E.
Jackson, based upon their review of the materials and information presented to the Board for its con sideration of the Proposed Agreement
on May 17, 2005. Please see the section below entitled What Factors Did the Board Consider in Approving the Proposed
Agreement? for a summary of the considerations involved in the Boards original approval of the Proposed
Agreement.
What is the rationale for recommending the Proposed Agreement?
The Advisor currently manages each of the Funds under an
investment management agreement, dated June 1, 1999, as amended September 3, 2002 and October 1, 2004 (the Current Agreement). It has
become clear that the extremely low level of fees that the Advisor has been charging under the Current Agreement has been too low to cover its costs
for operating most of the Funds, while sustaining a high quality of service for shareholders. In light of its ongoing losses, the Advisor has
recommended that the Board approve the Proposed Agreement. After thorough and deliberate consideration of shareholders interests, the Board of
Trustees is recommending again that shareholders approve the Proposed Agreement. The Proposed Agreement will:
|
|
Restructure the pricing and the services to be provided by the
Advisor under the Current Agreement, which will increase the level of management fees on the Funds. See page 1 1 for details
on the fees to be charged under the Proposed Agreement. |
|
|
At the Boards request, introduce a breakpoint schedule for
the Funds (except for Money Market Fund and Social Choice Equity Fund), which may eventually reduce the management fee rates modestly on
those Funds as total asset levels increase. |
|
|
Include provisions that will be applicable to all of the Funds
making the Advisor responsible for providing certain additional management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Funds,
including providing office space, equipment and facilities for maintaining its operations and supervising relations with the Funds other service
providers. Some of these services are currently paid for by the Funds as other expenses under a service agreement with the Advisor, which
will be discontinued if shareholders approve the Proposed Agreement (except with respect to retirement plan platform fees for the Retirement
Class). See pages 11-12 for more details. |
6
This proposal is designed to provide the Advisor with a
sustainable fee and expense structure for operating the Institutional Funds, so that overall expenses would continue to be competitive with the lower
cost providers in the industry. The continued reasonableness of the Funds fees would be monitored by the Board, which would review the
Advisors profitability levels annually. This proposal is part of a larger effort to restructure TIAA-CREFs mutual fund offerings so that
they will remain competitively priced and continue to serve shareholder needs. If the Proposed Agreement is approved, a second step in the
restructuring is expected to be the proposed merger of the TIAA-CREF Retail Mutual Funds into the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds, which, if
approved, would result in one larger, consistently priced fund family. The details of why the Advisor is seeking shareholder approval of the Proposed
Agreement are discussed below. The factors considered by the Board in determining the reasonableness and fairness of the Proposed Agreement are
described starting on page 12 under the heading What Factors D id the Board Consider in Approving the Proposed
Agreement? The Proposed Agreement is attached as Exhibit A.
Why is the Advisor Seeking to Restructure the Pricing of the Funds?
Since the Funds were established in 1999, the Advisor has been
committed to providing quality services to the Funds at a low cost to shareholders. In hindsight, it has become clear that the extremely low level of
fees that the Advisor has been charging to shareholders has been too low to cover its increasing costs for operating the Funds, while sustaining the
level and quality of service shareholders deserve.
The Advisor is requesting a management fee increase on the Funds
to enable the Advisor to continue to manage the Funds and provide high quality services to shareholders at low prices. It has become increasingly
expensive to operate mutual funds due to higher compliance and regulatory costs and intensified competition for talented portfolio managers and other
key investment management and administrative personnel. With the proposed new management fee rates, the Advisor expects to be able to:
|
|
Continue to manage the day-to-day business affairs of the
Funds |
|
|
Cover the costs of operating mutual funds |
|
|
Retain and attract highly qualified investment
professionals |
|
|
Increase the capacity of its investment management staff and
expand the depth and scope of its analysts coverage |
|
|
Continue to offer a high level of service to our shareholders and
take steps to enhance those services. |
Even with the proposed fee increase, the Funds would continue to
be competitive with the lower-priced offerings in the industry.
If a Funds shareholders approve the Proposed Agreement, its
terms, including the increased fees, are expected to go into effect for that Fund on February 1, 2006.
7
What will happen if certain Fund shareholders do not approve the Proposed Agreement?
If shareholders do not approve the Proposed Agreement for any
Fund, the Advisor has informed the Board that it may no longer be prepared to continue to operate that Fund. Unless the Proposed Agreement is approved,
the Advisor may recommend to the Board other possible courses of action, including a likely series of steps that could have negative consequences for
shareholders:
|
|
First, the Funds would be closed to new investments; |
|
|
Second, subject to shareholder approval, the Advisor would seek
to merge each Fund into a corresponding new fund with the same objective, strategies and portfolio management, but with higher fee rates comparable to
those specified in the Proposed Agreement; and |
|
|
Finally, if shareholders of any Fund rejected the merger, then
that Fund would ultimately be liquidated, which might involve negative tax consequences for shareholders. |
The Board would consider the Advisors recommendations,
along with all other possible alternatives, in determining the best course of action for Fund shareholders.
The Advisor is Teachers Advisors, Inc. (the Advisor),
a direct wholly owned subsidiary of TIAA-CREF Enterprises, Inc. and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association
of America (TIAA). TIAA and the Advisor are located at 730 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017. A chart attached as Exhibit B lists the
name, address, and principal occupation of each principal executive officer and director of the Advisor.
The Advisor currently manages each of the Funds under the Current
Agreement. The Advisor also serves as the investment adviser to the other investment portfolios of the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds, TIAA
Separate Account VA-1, TIAA-CREF Life Funds, and TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds. Both TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds and TIAA-CREF Life Funds are series investment
companies comprised of a number of investment portfolios. The Advisor, through its TIAA-CREF Asset Management (TCAM) division, also manages
large institutional client assets through unregistered commingled funds and on a separate account basis. A table setting forth the net assets of those
investment portfolios in the TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds, TIAA Separate Account VA-1 and the TIAA-CREF Life Funds that have investment objectives similar to
one of the Funds, and the management fee rate paid by each such portfolio to the Advisor, is attached hereto as Exhibit C.
In addition to the investment management agreement, the Funds
currently have in place a service agreement (the Service Agreement) with the Advisor, whereby the Advisor provides or arranges for the
provision of a variety of services for the ordinary operation of each Class of the Funds, including transfer agency, accounting, and administrative
services. If the Proposed Agreement is approved, the Advisor plans to terminate the current
8
Service Agreement, since some of these services will be
provided under the Proposed Agreement, while others, such as custody services, transfer agency services and regulatory fees, will be paid directly by
each Fund. A new services agreement between the Advisor and the Funds will be implemented solely for Retirement Class shares to cover the account
servicing expenses associated with this Class being offered on retirement plan platforms (the Retirement Class Service Agreement). Please
see Exhibit E for the amounts paid by the Funds to the Advisor under the Service Agreement for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 and the amounts
that would have been paid under the new arrangements that is, if only the new Retirement Class Service Agreement had been in effect during this
same fiscal year period.
To control the total expenses charged to shareholders, the
Advisor has agreed with the Funds to reimburse each Fund for other expenses (i.e., non-investment management fees) or for total expenses (in the case
of the Retail Class) that are above a certain level. Please see Exhibit D for more details on these expense reimbursements.
What are the terms of the Current Agreement with the Advisor, and how does the Proposed Agreement differ?
Under the Current Agreement, the Advisor manages the investments
and the investment strategy of each Fund and provides related general management services. Specifically, the Advisor is authorized, subject to the
control of the Board, to determine the selection, amount, and time to buy or sell securities for each Fund. The Advisor also maintains the Funds
books and records, prepares, on request, reports for the Board; makes available its officers to the Board for consultation and discussions regarding
the management of the Funds, and provides certain general management services to the Funds. The fees paid to the Advisor under the Current Agreement
are set forth below in a chart comparing current and proposed investment management fees.
The Current Agreement was last submitted to a shareholder vote
when the Funds were first organized in 1999 and was last approved by the Board on April 5, 2005. The Advisor substantially decreased the contractual
fees payable under the Current Agreement for certain of the Funds in September 2002.
Other than the services that the Advisor provides for the Funds,
the Funds are responsible for all other expenses incurred in their operations including any taxes, brokerage commissions on portfolio transactions,
expenses of issuance and redemption of shares, costs of preparing and distributing proxy material in the ordinary course of business (but not in the
case of the present proxy solicitation), auditing and legal expenses, certain expenses of registering and qualifying shares for sale, fees of trustees
who are not interested persons of (i.e., not affiliated with) TIAA, costs of printing and mailing the prospectus, statements of additional information,
and financial reports to existing shareholders, and any other charges or fees not specifically enumerated in the Current Agreement or the Service
Agreement. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, the Funds did not pay any brokerage commissions to an affiliated
broker/dealer.
9
In order for it to continue in effect, the Current Agreement must
be specifically approved at least annually by: (i) the Board, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of such Fund; and (ii) a
majority of those trustees who are not interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval. The Current Agreement may be terminated at any time with respect to any Fund by that Fund or by the Advisor, without penalty, on 60
days written notice. The Current Agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
The Proposed Agreement contains terms that are substantially the
same as the Current Agreement, except for the following important differences:
|
|
The Proposed Agreement provides for an increase in the management
fees for the Funds, as described below. |
|
|
At the Boards request, the Proposed Agreement introduces a
breakpoint schedule for most of the Funds, which may eventually modestly reduce the management fee rates on those Funds as total asset levels
increase. |
|
|
The Proposed Agreement includes provisions making the Advisor
responsible for providing certain additional management and administrative services necessary for the operation of the Funds, including providing
office space, equipment and facilities for maintaining its operations and supervising relations with the Funds other service providers. Many of
these services are currently paid for by the Funds as other expenses under a Service Agreement with the Advisor, which will be discontinued
(except with respect to retirement plan platform fees for the Retirement Class) if shareholders approve the Proposed Agreement. |
The management fees under the Proposed Agreement do not cover
certain expenses necessary to the Funds ordinary operation, including: custody services, transfer agency services, sub-transfer agency services,
and regulatory fees. These charges are borne by the Fund directly and paid out of Fund assets. Also, while under the current arrangements,
administrative services are provided by the Advisor pursuant to a separate Service Agreement, under the Proposed Agreement the expense of some of those
services will be paid for out of the Advisors management fee, thereby reducing those other direct Fund expenses. (Note, however, that this
reallocation of payments for certain services from the Service Agreement to the Proposed Agreement only accounts for a relatively small amount of the
increase in management fees under the Proposed Agreement.) In addition, the Advisor is agreeing to cap those expenses through expense reimbursement
arrangements. Please see Exhibit D for more details on these expense reimbursements.
10
What are the proposed fees under the Proposed Agreement for
the Funds? How do they differ from the Current Agreement?
Under both the Current Agreement and Proposed Agreement, each
Fund pays the Advisor a management fee that is calculated as a percentage of the average daily net assets for each Fund over each month at the annual
rates set forth in the table below (not all of these Funds offer all three share classes):
FUND
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
AGREEMENT
|
|
PROPOSED
AGREEMENT
|
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
0.09% |
|
0.50%
or less* |
LARGE-CAP
VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
0.08% |
|
0.45%
or less* |
SMALL-CAP
EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
0.08% |
|
0.48%
or less* |
SOCIAL
CHOICE EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
0.04% |
|
0.15% |
REAL
ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
0.09% |
|
0.50%
or less* |
BOND
FUND |
|
|
|
0.08% |
|
0.30%
or less* |
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND |
|
|
|
0.09% |
|
0.30%
or less* |
MONEY
MARKET FUND |
|
|
|
0.04% |
|
0.10% |
* |
|
At the Boards request, the management fees of these Funds
have modest breakpoints that may eventually gradually reduce the fee rates from the amounts indicated in the chart as each Funds assets grow. To
see the full breakpoint schedule for these Funds please see Exhibit A. To understand the impact of these breakpoints, please see the Funds most
recent shareholder report or go to www.tiaa-cref.org for the Funds net assets as of a relatively recent date. |
During the year ended September 30, 2005, the Funds paid an
aggregate of $ 3,168,663 in management fees to the Advisor. Had the Proposed Agreement been in effect during the same period, the Funds would
have paid an aggregate of $14,788,668 in management fees. The table below shows the amount of management fees paid during the year ended
September 30, 2005 on a per Fund basis, along with the amounts that would have been paid during the same period had the Proposed Agreement been in
effect (Pro Forma), and the percentage increase that the P ro F orma fees represent. (See Exhibit E for a comparison of the
Funds current and pro forma payments under its service arrangements for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2005.)
FUND
|
|
|
|
CURRENT
FEES
|
|
PRO
FORMA FEES
|
|
%
INCREASE
|
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
682,581 |
|
|
$ |
3,792,117 |
|
|
|
455.6 |
% |
LARGE-CAP
VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
337,031 |
|
|
$ |
1,895,799 |
|
|
|
462.5 |
% |
SMALL-CAP
EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
240,946 |
|
|
$ |
1,445,676 |
|
|
|
500.0 |
% |
SOCIAL
CHOICE EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
56,576 |
|
|
$ |
212,160 |
|
|
|
275.0 |
% |
REAL
ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
421,529 |
|
|
$ |
2,341,828 |
|
|
|
455.6 |
% |
BOND
FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
954,064 |
|
|
$ |
3,577,740 |
|
|
|
275.0 |
% |
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
400,210 |
|
|
$ |
1,334,033 |
|
|
|
233.3 |
% |
MONEY
MARKET FUND |
|
|
|
$ |
75,726 |
|
|
$ |
1 89,315 |
|
|
|
150.0 |
% |
11
While the new fees shown above would represent a substantial
increase in management fee revenue to the Advisor, the increase is not expected to result in unreasonable profits to the Advisor, due to the expenses
that the Advisor has incurred and continues to incur to operate the Funds, and the expense reimbursements committed to by the Advisor. In addition,
even with the new fees, the Funds would remain competitive with the lower-priced funds in the industry. See page 15 for a comparison of each
Funds total expense ratio with the median expense ratios of its peers.
For information about the overall impact of the proposed new
pricing structure on the Funds total expense ratios, see What Is the Overall Impact of the Proposal On the Funds Total Expense
Ratios? below.
What Factors Did the Board Consider in Approving the Proposed
Agreement?
The Advisors proposal to approve the Proposed Agreement and
present it to shareholders for their approval was carefully considered by the Board of Trustees at meetings held on December 7, 2004, January 19, 2005,
February 15, 2005, April 5, 2005, April 21, 2005 and May 17, 2005.* At each of these meetings, the Board, which was advised by independent counsel,
deliberated over the Advisors comprehensive plan to restructure the Funds to help ensure their continuing operation. In particular, the Board
assessed the Advisors proposal to increase management fees significantly for certain Funds in light of ongoing losses sustained by
the Advisor. Before and at these meetings, the Board received information relating to the Proposed Agreement and was given the opportunity to ask
questions and request additional information from the Advisor. After full and deliberate consideration, and after balancing the costs and
benefits to shareholders, on May 17, 2005, the Board determined that the arrangements under the Proposed Agreement were reasonable and fair to the
Funds and their shareholders. Therefore, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Proposed Agreement, and submit the Proposed Agreement to
shareholders for approval.
As indicated previously, the Proposed Agreement was submitted to
shareholders on July 5, 2005, and was not approved for the Funds at a shareholders meeting held on August 31, 2005, despite support by many
individual Fund shareholders. After careful consideration of various alternatives proposed by the Advisor at meetings held on September 22, 2005,
October 12, 2005, and October 26, 2005, and an indication that several large institutional shareholders might reconsider their vote, upon the
Advisors recommendation, the Board of Trustees voted to resubmit the Proposed Agreement to shareholders for approval.
As part of its original deliberations, the Board considered that
since the Funds were established, the Advisor had set its fees at extremely low levels, making it difficult for the Advisor to sustain the level and
quality of management and service shareholders expect in this competitive environment. They also considered that despite ongoing
losses
* |
|
Please note that Eugene Flood, Jr. and Howell E. Jackson, who are
currently Trustees of the Funds, did not become members of the Board until August 31, 2005. |
12
to the Advisor and the fact that its fees were much lower than
most of its peers, the Advisor had never previously asked for a fee increase. In fact, in 2002, the Advisor decreased its fees on certain F unds,
even as costs were rising, resulting in increased losses to the Advisor. The Board considered that, over that time, it has become increasingly
expensive to operate mutual funds due to the intensified competition for talented portfolio managers and other key investment management and
administrative personnel and higher compliance and regulatory costs.
The Board considered that the new proposed management fee rates
would enhance the Advisors ability to manage the day-to-day business affairs of the Funds, cover the increasing costs of offering mutual funds,
attract and retain highly qualified personnel, increase the capacity and scope of coverage of the investment management staff and maintain and improve
the quality of services to shareholders.
Significantly, the Board considered that while the
magnitude of the fee increase requested by the Advisor was large, even after the fee increase, the profits that the Advisor would earn on the Funds
overall would be reasonable, especially after the Advisors reimbursements, and that the Funds would continue to be competitive with the
lower-priced offerings in the industry.
As part of its deliberations, the Board reviewed detailed
information provided by the Advisor relating to the nature, extent and quality of the services currently provided by the Advisor and to be provided by
the Advisor under the Proposed Agreement. In particular, the Board reviewed detailed independent analysis of comparative expenses and performance data
for each class of shares of each of the Funds, prepared by Lipper . In addition, the Board received financial information about the Advisor and
its affiliated companies, including an analysis of the profitability of the Advisors operations, and the effect the proposed new arrangements
would have on the short-term and long-term financial condition of the Advisor. For details about each Fund, see the Fund-by-Fund synopsis of the
factors the Board considered in Exhibit F.
Additionally, the Board, both initially and after the August 31,
2005 shareholders meeting, discussed the other options presented by the Advisor for the Funds future if the Proposed Agreement was not
approved. At the September and October 2005 Board Meetings, the Trustees considered the Advisors recommended options for the Funds, which it had
indicated would most likely be:
|
|
First, closing the Funds to new investments; |
|
|
Second, subject to shareholder approval, seeking to merge each
Fund into a corresponding new fund with the same objective, strategies and portfolio management, but with higher fee rates comparable to those
specified in the Proposed Agreement; and |
|
|
Finally, if shareholders of any Fund rejected the merger, then
liquidating that Fund, which could involve negative tax consequences for shareholders. |
In the course of assessing all the options, the Advisor and the
Board took note that although many individual Fund shareholders supported the proposal, the proposal was not
13
approved primarily as the result of the votes of a few large,
institutional shareholders. The Advisor and the Board also noted that, since the August 31, 2005 shareholder meeting, certain of these large
institutional shareholders ha d indicated that they may be willing to reconsider their previous negative votes or abstentions on the Proposed
Agreement.
Based on these facts, and an analysis of the likelihood of
approval under various voting scenarios, the Advisor recommended, and the Board agreed, that the course of action that would continue to serve the best
interests of all Fund shareholders, and result in the least disruption or unintended tax consequences, would be to approach Fund shareholders once
again and ask that they approve the Proposed Agreement. The Board, at the recommendation of the Advisor, determined not to re-solicit the shareholders
of the Growth Equity Fund , who also did not approve the Proposed Agreement, based upon the improbability of approval of the proposal and the
Advisors commitment not to raise advisory fees for this Fund until April 2007. The Board also considered that Fund shareholders would not bear
the costs of this resolicitation since the Advisor would pay all related costs.
In determining whether to approve the Proposed Agreement at its
May 17, 2005 meeting, the Board reviewed many specific factors , which are discussed below. These factors were viewed in their totality, with
no single factor identified as the principal factor in determining whether to approve the Proposed Agreement .
The Nature and Quality of Services. The Board
considered that the Advisor is an experienced investment advisor that has managed the Institutional Funds since 1999 and the TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds
since 1997, and that the investment professionals of the Advisor also manage various accounts of CREF. The Board considered that the Advisor has
carried out its responsibilities for managing the assets of the Funds in a professional manner. In the course of their review of the quality of the
Advisors services, the Board examined the long-term performance of the Funds in general, and concluded that it was within an acceptable range
when compared with fund benchmarks and peers, or that, in the case of underperforming Funds, the Advisor was taking affirmative steps to enhance its
investment approach and personnel.
Performance. The Board considered the
performance of each Fund over the one-year, three-year, five-year (where applicable), and since inception periods and the Funds performance as
compared to their peer groups and benchmark indices. The Board considered the comparative performance data for each Fund prepared by Lipper, an
independent third party, for each class of each pertinent Fund, as well as each Funds performance against its performance benchmark. In looking
at this data, the Board considered that most of the Funds met their benchmarks over the one-year, three-year, five-year and since inception periods, as
applicable (when factoring in the effect of expenses), and ranked in the first, second, or third quintiles versus their peers, with some limited
exceptions. (This means, with certain exceptions, the Funds were in the first, second or third of five groups, in terms of performance, with first
being the best.)
14
Fees Charged by Other Advisers. An important
factor that the Board considered was the level of fees paid to other advisers for managing similar funds, as analyzed by Lipper. The Board determined
that the fees under the Current Agreement were significantly lower than those of competitors, and that even with the proposed increase in
management fees and increase in total expense ratios, each Fund would continue to be very competitively priced and below the pricing of the
average fund within the universe of mutual funds in its competitive peer group (except Inflation-Linked Bond Fund). They considered that the new
management fees for almost all of the repriced Funds would continue to be in the lowest quintile as compared with Institutional C lass funds in
the competitive peer group and universe identified by Lipper. (The lowest quintile means that a fund is in the best of five groups, i.e., the group
with the lowest expenses.) Significantly, the Board considered that under the Proposed Agreement, each Funds total expense ratio (except
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund) would be less than the median expense ratio for its peer group of mutual funds, and, in some cases, significantly less. The
table below compares the estimated total expense ratio (not including any waivers or reimbursements) of each existing class of each Fund that would be
subject to an increased fee under the Proposed Agreement if the Proposed Agreement had been in effect during the twelve-month period ended December 31,
2004 with the Lipper median total expense ratio for the Funds appropriate category.
Fund
|
|
|
|
Proposed
Total
Expense
Ratio
|
|
Median
Peer Total
Expense
Ratio
|
|
Difference
|
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.59% |
|
1.19% |
|
0.60% |
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND Retirement |
|
|
|
0.80% |
|
1.19% |
|
0.39% |
LARGE-CAP
VALUE FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.50% |
|
1.07% |
|
0.57% |
LARGE-CAP
VALUE FUND Retirement |
|
|
|
0.75% |
|
1.07% |
|
0.32% |
LARGE-CAP
VALUE FUND Retail |
|
|
|
0.99% |
|
1.05% |
|
0.06% |
SMALL-CAP
EQUITY FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.55% |
|
1.15% |
|
0.60% |
SMALL-CAP
EQUITY FUND Retirement |
|
|
|
0.78% |
|
1.15% |
|
0.37% |
SMALL-CAP
EQUITY FUND Retail |
|
|
|
1.16% |
|
1.26% |
|
0.10% |
SOCIAL
CHOICE EQUITY FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.25% |
|
0.99% |
|
0.74% |
SOCIAL
CHOICE EQUITY FUND Retirement |
|
|
|
0.48% |
|
0.99% |
|
0.51% |
REAL
ESTATE SECURITIES FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.59% |
|
1.11% |
|
0.52% |
REAL
ESTATE SECURITIES FUND Retirement |
|
|
|
0.80% |
|
1.11% |
|
0.31% |
REAL
ESTATE SECURITIES FUND Retail |
|
|
|
0.99% |
|
1.18% |
|
0.19% |
BOND
FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.34% |
|
0.69% |
|
0.35% |
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.35% |
|
0.35% |
|
0.00% |
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND Retail |
|
|
|
0.80% |
|
0.72% |
|
+0.08% |
MONEY
MARKET FUND Institutional |
|
|
|
0.15% |
|
0.43% |
|
0.28% |
15
Cost and Profitability. The Board considered that the Advisor is losing money managing the mutual fund business overall. The
Board reviewed financial and profitability data for 2004 and profitability on a pro forma basis assuming the proposed management fee increase
had been in effectshowing data for each of the F unds both before and after distribution expenditures. The Board considered
that very few Funds currently are profitable to the Advisor, and most are operating at a loss to the Advisor. The Board determined that the Proposed
Agreement would permit the Advisor to operate each of the Funds and the mutual fund business overall at profit
margins that were fair and reasonable in the short term in light of projected Fund expenses , anticipated expenditures of
the Advisor to maintain and improve the quality of services provided to shareholders, and the Advisors recent losses . In making this
determination, the B oard looked at a variety of factors, including , but not limited to, available profitability data for
public fund managers derived from public l y filed financial reports and existing legal precedent, as well as the
absolute dollar amount of profits that would be earned on each Fund. The Board also considered that it would be able to review the profitability
levels of the Advisor annually during its yearly review of the Funds management arrangements to ensure that the Advisors fees remained fair
and reasonable and that its profits for managing the Funds were not excessive.
The Board further considered that the costs and anticipated costs
of operating mutual funds have increased, including additional disclosure and compliance requirements, such as the USA PATRIOT Act requirements,
Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, and the requirement that mutual funds have a chief compliance officer. The Board considered that the proposed fee increase
would enhance the Advisors ability to attract and retain highly qualified investment and administrative professionals in a competitive investment
management environment. Heightened competition from traditional asset managers, banks, insurance companies and, particularly in recent years, hedge
funds, has driven up the costs of attracting and retaining key personnel and the cost of technology to update and maintain necessary systems for
effective investment management operations continues to grow. The Board also considered that the Advisor would like the flexibility and means to
increase the capacity of its investment management staff and expand the depth and scope of analyst coverage, to enhance its investment management
services to the Funds.
Economies of Scale. The Board considered
whether the Advisor has or would experience economies of scale on any of the Funds, and whether the proposed fees should contain breakpoints. The Board
carefully considered whether the proposed breakpoints would have any real effect on Fund fees. They determined that although the breakpoints discounts
appeared to be low compared to those of competitors, this was because the stated fees under the Proposed Agreement were already at low levels. The
Board ultimately determined that imposing a modest breakpoint schedule on the majority of the Funds might eventually allow some of the savings gained
from the growth of assets and economies of scale to be passed on to Fund shareholders. The Board expects to review the level of breakpoints as Fund
assets grow.
16
Comparisons with Other Clients of the
Advisor. The Board considered that the Advisor provides similar investment management services to each of the Institutional Funds, the
TIAA-CREF Mutual Funds, TIAA-CREF Life Funds, and TIAA Separate Account VA-1, although channels for distribution of interests in such funds differ
among them. In addition, the Advisor, through its TCAM division, manages large institutional client assets through unregistered commingled funds and
separate accounts with similar investment strategies and investment staff. The Board considered the schedule of fees for each of the comparable funds,
and determined that while the management fees may not be precisely the same for comparable funds, there were good reasons for the divergent pricing.
The Board also considered the assurances of the Advisor that the pricing on those affiliated funds that was not in line with the proposed
management fees would be revisited.
Other Benefits. At the Boards request,
the Advisor agreed to continue to be willing to cap other expenses and/or the total expenses of the Funds. The Board also considered that
the fee increase would help ensure that the expenses for running the Funds that are paid by the Advisor are not indirectly borne (in the form of
reduced declared dividends) by the TIAA participant base, some of who are shareholders of the Funds. Finally, the Board considered that with the
Proposed Agreement, the Advisor would have the flexibility to support multiple opportunities to expand the channels through which the Funds are
distributed, thereby increasing asset growth and enabling expenses to be spread over a wider asset base.
Based on its evaluation of all material factors and with the
assistance of independent counsel, the Board concluded that the proposed advisory fee structure is fair and reasonable to each of the Funds, its
shareholders, and to the Advisor.
What Is The Overall Impact Of The Proposal On The Funds
Total Expense Ratios?
The tables below provide data concerning each Funds fees
and expenses (for each share class) as a percentage of average net assets for each Funds most recent full fiscal year ended September 30, 2005
under the Current Agreement and if the Proposed Agreement had been in effect during the same period. Note that, as indicated above, if the new
arrangements had been in effect for the most recently completed fiscal years, all but one of the Funds total expense ratios would have been less
than the median expense ratios for their respective peer groups of mutual funds, and, in some cases, significantly less.
17
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
|
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
Other Expenses
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
Expense Reimbursement
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.11 |
% |
|
|
0.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.20 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
0.56 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.56 |
% |
LARGE - CAP VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.17 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.14 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.48 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
% |
SMALL-CAP EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.12 |
% |
|
|
0.20 |
% |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
% |
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.56 |
% |
|
|
0.01 |
% |
|
|
0.55 |
% |
SOCIAL CHOICE EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
0.10 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.10 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
0.20 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.20 |
% |
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.07 |
% |
|
|
0.16 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.16 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
0.56 |
% |
|
|
0.01 |
% |
|
|
0.55 |
% |
BOND FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
0.14 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.14 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.33 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.33 |
% |
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
0.01 |
% |
|
|
0.14 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
MONEY MARKET FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.10 |
% |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
% |
18
|
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
Other Expenses
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
Expense Reimbursement
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.49 |
% |
|
|
0.58 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.55 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.37 |
% |
|
|
0.87 |
% |
|
|
0.07 |
% |
|
|
0.80 |
% |
LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.43 |
% |
|
|
0.51 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.48 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
0.79 |
% |
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
0.75 |
% |
SMALL-CAP EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.46 |
% |
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
0.48 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
% |
|
|
0.37 |
% |
|
|
0.85 |
% |
|
|
0.07 |
% |
|
|
0.78 |
% |
SOCIAL CHOICE EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
|
|
0.48 |
% |
|
|
0.52 |
% |
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.44 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
% |
|
|
0.39 |
% |
|
|
0.54 |
% |
|
|
0.06 |
% |
|
|
0.48 |
% |
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.41 |
% |
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.47 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.34 |
% |
|
|
0.84 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.81 |
% |
RETAIL CLASS
|
|
|
|
Management Fees
|
|
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
|
|
Other Expenses
|
|
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
|
Expense Reimbursement
|
|
Net Annual Fund Operating Expenses
|
LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% * |
|
|
0.41 |
% |
|
|
0.49 |
% |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
0.44 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
|
|
0.25 |
% |
|
|
0.29 |
% |
|
|
0.99 |
% |
|
|
0.19 |
% |
|
|
0.80 |
% |
SMALL-CAP EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% * |
|
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
0.38 |
% |
|
|
0.08 |
% |
|
|
0.30 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
% |
|
|
0.25 |
% |
|
|
0.43 |
% |
|
|
1.16 |
% |
|
|
0.31 |
% |
|
|
0.85 |
% |
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% * |
|
|
0.41 |
% |
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.05 |
% |
|
|
0.45 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
|
|
0.25 |
% |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
0.99 |
% |
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.90 |
% |
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
|
0.09 |
% |
|
|
0.00 |
% * |
|
|
0.24 |
% |
|
|
0.33 |
% |
|
|
0.03 |
% |
|
|
0.30 |
% |
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
0.25 |
% |
|
|
0.25 |
% |
|
|
0.80 |
% |
|
|
0.30 |
% |
|
|
0.50 |
% |
* |
|
Shareholders of each of these Funds approved a new 12b-1
distribution p lan of up to 0.25% of average daily net assets on August 31, 2005. This plan will be implemented for each Fund on February
1, 2006, but all payments under the plan will be waived until April 2007. |
19
The following example indicates the expenses you would pay under
the current and proposed expense structures, assuming an initial investment of $10,000, a 5% total annual return each year, and redemption at the end
of each period. This example also assumes that there will be no expense reimbursement s or waivers in place after one year. Your actual cost may
be higher or lower.
INSTITUTIONAL CLASS
|
|
|
|
1
Year
|
|
3
Years
|
|
5
Years
|
|
10
Years
|
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
64 |
|
|
$ |
113 |
|
|
$ |
255 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
57 |
|
|
$ |
179 |
|
|
$ |
313 |
|
|
$ |
701 |
|
LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
52 |
|
|
$ |
93 |
|
|
$ |
214 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
154 |
|
|
$ |
269 |
|
|
$ |
604 |
|
SMALL-CAP EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
59 |
|
|
$ |
108 |
|
|
$ |
250 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
178 |
|
|
$ |
312 |
|
|
$ |
701 |
|
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
16 |
|
|
$ |
52 |
|
|
$ |
90 |
|
|
$ |
205 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
178 |
|
|
$ |
312 |
|
|
$ |
701 |
|
SOCIAL CHOICE EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
10 |
|
|
$ |
32 |
|
|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
128 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
20 |
|
|
$ |
64 |
|
|
$ |
113 |
|
|
$ |
255 |
|
BOND FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
45 |
|
|
$ |
79 |
|
|
$ |
179 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
34 |
|
|
$ |
106 |
|
|
$ |
185 |
|
|
$ |
418 |
|
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
14 |
|
|
$ |
47 |
|
|
$ |
84 |
|
|
$ |
191 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
35 |
|
|
$ |
109 |
|
|
$ |
191 |
|
|
$ |
431 |
|
MONEY MARKET FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
|
$ |
29 |
|
|
$ |
51 |
|
|
$ |
115 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
15 |
|
|
$ |
48 |
|
|
$ |
85 |
|
|
$ |
192 |
|
20
RETIREMENT CLASS
|
|
|
|
1
Year
|
|
3
Years
|
|
5
Years
|
|
10
Years
|
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
56 |
|
|
$ |
183 |
|
|
$ |
321 |
|
|
$ |
723 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
|
$ |
271 |
|
|
$ |
476 |
|
|
$ |
1,069 |
|
LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
161 |
|
|
$ |
282 |
|
|
$ |
638 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
77 |
|
|
$ |
248 |
|
|
$ |
435 |
|
|
$ |
976 |
|
SMALL-CAP EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
167 |
|
|
$ |
296 |
|
|
$ |
671 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
80 |
|
|
$ |
264 |
|
|
$ |
465 |
|
|
$ |
1,046 |
|
SOCIAL CHOICE EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
45 |
|
|
$ |
159 |
|
|
$ |
283 |
|
|
$ |
645 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
49 |
|
|
$ |
167 |
|
|
$ |
296 |
|
|
$ |
673 |
|
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
48 |
|
|
$ |
157 |
|
|
$ |
277 |
|
|
$ |
625 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
83 |
|
|
$ |
265 |
|
|
$ |
463 |
|
|
$ |
1,036 |
|
RETAIL CLASS
|
|
|
|
1
Year
|
|
3
Years
|
|
5
Years
|
|
10
Years
|
LARGE-CAP VALUE FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
45 |
|
|
$ |
207 |
|
|
$ |
384 |
|
|
$ |
902 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
82 |
|
|
$ |
297 |
|
|
$ |
530 |
|
|
$ |
1,205 |
|
SMALL-CAP EQUITY FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
31 |
|
|
$ |
169 |
|
|
$ |
320 |
|
|
$ |
766 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
87 |
|
|
$ |
339 |
|
|
$ |
612 |
|
|
$ |
1,400 |
|
REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
46 |
|
|
$ |
210 |
|
|
$ |
389 |
|
|
$ |
914 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
92 |
|
|
$ |
307 |
|
|
$ |
539 |
|
|
$ |
1,209 |
|
INFLATION-LINKED BOND FUND |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current |
|
|
|
$ |
31 |
|
|
$ |
1 58 |
|
|
$ |
297 |
|
|
$ |
7 08 |
|
Pro Forma |
|
|
|
$ |
51 |
|
|
$ |
226 |
|
|
$ |
417 |
|
|
$ |
975 |
|
21
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Set forth in Exhibit G, as of September 30, 2005, is a listing of
those persons who, to the Institutional Funds knowledge, own beneficially or of record 5% or more of the outstanding shares of any class of any
Fund. As of that same date, the Trustees and officers of Institutional Funds, individually and in the aggregate, owned less than 1% of any class of any
Fund, except as noted below.
Name
|
|
|
|
Fund
and Class
|
|
Shares
|
|
Percentage
|
Herbert
M. Allison, Jr. |
|
|
|
Small-Cap
Equity Fund (Retail Class) |
|
|
97,648.80 |
|
2.1 4 % |
Distributor
The shares of the Institutional Funds are distributed by
Teachers Personal Investors Services, Inc. (TPIS) , a subsidiary of TIAA that is registered as a broker-dealer and is a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The TIAA Board of Overseers, a New York membership corporation, owns all of the stock of TIAA. The
address for TPIS is 730 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3206.
OTHER MATTERS
Means of Soliciting Proxies
This proxy solicitation will be conducted mainly by mail,
telephone, and the Internet, but it may also be by any other method of electronic communication or by personal interview. The Funds have retained D. F.
King & Co., Inc. of New York, NY (DF King) to assist in the solicitation of proxies. The costs of retaining DF King, which are
anticipated to be $101,000, and other expenses incurred in connection with the drafting, printing and mailing of this proxy statement, the solicitation
of proxies and the holding of the special meeting, will be borne by the Advisor, and not by any of the Funds.
Proposals of Persons with Voting Rights
As a general matter, Institutional Funds does not hold regular
annual or other meetings of shareholders. Any shareholder who wishes to submit proposals to be considered at a special meeting of Institutional
Funds shareholders should send such proposals to the Funds Secretary. Proposals must be received a reasonable amount of time prior to any
meeting to be included in the proxy materials. Moreover, inclusion of such proposals is subject to limitations under the federal securities laws.
Persons named as proxies for any
22
subsequent shareholders meeting will vote in their
discretion with respect to proposals submitted on an untimely basis.
Annual Reports
If you would like a free copy of the Institutional Funds
most recent semi-annual and annual reports, you can visit the TIAA-CREF web site at www.tiaa-cref.org or use our on-line request form to request mailed
versions. Alternatively, you can call 1 -800-842-2776 or write to us at 730 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017-3206 to request copies of
these documents.
23
EXHIBIT A
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TIAA-CREF INSTITUTIONAL
MUTUAL FUNDS
THIS AGREEMENT is made this [___] day
of [__], 2006, by and between TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds (the Trust), a Delaware statutory trust, and Teachers Advisors, Inc.
(the Advisor), a Delaware corporation.
WHEREAS, Trust is registered as an
open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the 1940 Act), and currently consists of
several series divided into various classes (listed on Appendix A hereto), and may consist of additional series or classes in the future (collectively,
the Funds);
WHEREAS, Advisor is engaged principally
in the business of rendering investment advisory and management services and is registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act
of 1940, as amended (the Advisers Act);
WHEREAS, Trust desires to retain
Advisor to render investment advisory and management services to the Funds, in the manner and on the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement;
WHEREAS, Advisor is willing to provide
investment advisory and management services to the Funds in the manner and on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the
premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, Trust and Advisor hereby agree as follows:
1. Appointment.
Trust hereby appoints Advisor to act as
the Funds investment adviser and manager for the periods and on the terms set forth herein. Advisor hereby accepts the appointment as investment
adviser and manager, and agrees, subject to the supervision of the board of trustees of Trust (the Board), to furnish the services and
assume the obligations set forth in this Agreement for the compensation provided for herein.
2. Generally.
(a) As the Funds investment
adviser and manager, Advisor shall be subject to: (1) the restrictions of the Declaration of Trust of Trust, as amended from time to time; (2) the
provisions of the 1940 Act and the Advisers Act; (3) the statements relating to the Funds investment objectives, investment policies and
investment restrictions as set forth in the currently effective (and as amended from time to time) registration statement of Trust under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act), and the 1940 Act; (4) any applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the Code); and such other limitations as Trust shall communicate to Advisor in writing.
A-1
(b) Advisor shall, for all purposes
herein, be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall, unless otherwise expressly provided or authorized, have no authority to act for or
represent Trust or a Fund in any way or otherwise be deemed an agent of Trust or a Fund.
(c) Advisor shall, for purposes of this
Agreement, have and exercise full investment discretion and authority to act as agent for the Funds in buying, selling or otherwise disposing of or
managing the Funds investments, directly or through sub-advisers, subject to supervision by the Board.
3. Investment Advisory
Services
(a) Advisor shall provide the Funds
with such investment research, advice and supervision as Advisor may from time to time consider necessary or appropriate for the proper management of
the assets of each Fund, shall furnish continuously an investment program for each Fund, shall determine which securities or other investments shall be
purchased, sold or exchanged and what portions of each Fund shall be held in the various securities or other investments or cash, and shall take such
steps as are necessary to implement an overall investment plan for each Fund, including providing or obtaining such services as may be necessary in
managing, acquiring or disposing of securities, cash or other investments.
(b) Trust has furnished or will furnish
Advisor with copies of Trusts registration statement and Declaration of Trust, as currently in effect and agrees during the continuance of this
Agreement to furnish Advisor with copies of any amendments or supplements thereto before or at the time the amendments or supplements become effective.
Advisor will be entitled to rely on all documents furnished by Trust.
(c) Advisor shall take, on behalf of
each Fund, all actions that it deems necessary to implement the investment policies of such Fund, and in particular, to place all orders for the
purchase or sale of portfolio investments for the account of each Fund with brokers, dealers, futures commission merchants or banks selected by
Advisor. Advisor also is authorized as the agent of Trust to give instructions to any service provider serving as custodian of the Funds as to
deliveries of securities and payments of cash for the account of each Fund. In selecting brokers or dealers and placing purchase and sale orders with
respect to assets of a Fund, Advisor is directed at all times to seek to obtain best execution within the policy guidelines determined by the Board and
set forth in the current registration statement. Subject to this requirement and the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act), and other applicable provisions of law, Advisor may select brokers or dealers that are
affiliated with Advisor or Trust.
(d) Consistent with Advisors
obligation to provide best execution, Advisor may also take into consideration research and statistical information, wire, quotation and other services
provided by brokers and dealers to Advisor. Advisor is also authorized to effect individual securities transactions at commission rates in excess of
the minimum
A-2
commission rates available, if
Advisor determines in good faith that such amount of commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage, research and other services
provided by such broker or dealer, viewed in terms of either that particular transaction or Advisors overall responsibilities with respect to
each Fund. The policies with respect to brokerage allocation, determined from time to time by the Board are those disclosed in the currently effective
registration statement. Advisor will periodically evaluate the statistical data, research and other investment services provided to it by brokers and
dealers. Such services may be used by Advisor in connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement or in connection with other
advisory or investment operations including using such information in managing its own accounts.
(e) As part of carrying out its
obligations to manage the investment and reinvestment of the assets of each Fund consistent with the requirements under the 1940 Act, Advisor
shall:
(1) Perform research and
obtain and analyze pertinent economic, statistical, and financial data relevant to the investment policies of each Fund as set forth in Trusts
registration statement;
(2) Consult with the Board
and furnish to the Board recommendations with respect to an overall investment strategy for each Fund for review by the Board;
(3) Seek out and implement
specific investment opportunities, consistent with any investment strategies approved by the Board;
(4) Take such steps as are
necessary to implement any overall investment strategies approved by the Board for each Fund, including making and carrying out day-to-day decisions to
acquire or dispose of permissible investments, managing investments and any other property of the Fund, and providing or obtaining such services as may
be necessary in managing, acquiring or disposing of investments;
(5) Regularly report to the
Board with respect to the performance of the Funds, the implementation of any approved overall investment strategy and any other activities in
connection with management of the assets of each Fund;
(6) Maintain all required
books, accounts, records, memoranda, instructions or authorizations with respect to the investment-related activities of the Funds;
(7) Furnish any personnel,
office space, equipment and other facilities necessary for the investment-related activities of the Funds;
(8) Provide the Funds with
such accounting or other data concerning the Funds investment-related activities as shall be necessary or required to
A-3
prepare and to file all periodic
financial reports or other documents required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory entity;
(9) Assist in determining
each business day the net asset value of the shares of each Fund in accordance with applicable law; and
(10) Enter into any written
investment advisory or investment sub-advisory contract with another affiliated or unaffiliated party, subject to any approvals required by Section 15
of the 1940 Act, pursuant to which such party will carry out some or all of Advisors responsibilities (as specified in such investment advisory
or investment sub-advisory contract) listed above.
4. General Management
Services.
(a) Advisor shall manage or supervise
all aspects of the Funds operations, including transfer agency, dividend disbursing, legal, accounting, administrative and shareholder services.
These services may be provided by Advisor or by third-party service providers, such as custodians, transfer agents and fund administrators.
Advisors general management services shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Supervising the
performance of custodians, transfer agents, fund administrators, and other persons in any capacity deemed to be necessary to a Funds
operations;
(2) Furnishing or overseeing
the furnishing of any personnel, office space, equipment and other facilities necessary for the non-investment-related operations of the
Fund;
(3) Calculating or
monitoring the calculation of the net asset value of each Fund at such times and in such manner as specified in Trusts current registration
statement and at such other times upon which the parties hereto may from time to time agree;
(4) Providing or overseeing
the provision of customary accounting and auditing services for registered investment companies and their series, including portfolio accounting,
dividend and distribution determinations, and the calculation and preparation of any financial information or schedules, for Trust and the
Funds;
(5) Preparing and filing or
supervising the preparation and filing of all federal, state, and local tax returns and reports relating to each Fund;
(6) Preparing and filing or
supervising the preparation and filing of any documents required to be filed on behalf of Trust or the Funds with the Securities Exchange Commission
and/or other federal, state and local authorities as may be required by applicable law, including proxy
A-4
materials, registration statements
and post-effective amendments thereto, shareholder reports, and Rule 24f-2 notices;
(7) Preparing and filing or
supervising the preparation and filing of notices to qualify the Funds shares to be offered in such states;
(8) Maintaining or
overseeing the maintenance of such non-investment activity-related books and records of the Funds as may be required by applicable
law;
(9) Providing or overseeing
the organization and recordkeeping for meetings of the Board, including preparing such materials and reports and making its officers and employees
available to the Board for consultation and discussions regarding the operations and management of the Funds;
(10) Developing and
implementing or overseeing the development and implementation of a program to monitor Trusts and the Funds compliance with regulatory
requirements and the Funds own limitations and public statements; and
(11) Supervising or
providing any other services necessary for the ordinary operation of Trust and the Funds.
(b) Nothing in this
Agreement shall be deemed to diminish the obligations of any agent of Trust or other person not a party to this Agreement that is obligated to provide
services to the Funds.
5. Allocation of Charges and
Expenses.
(a) Advisor. Advisor assumes the expense of and shall pay for the performance of its investment-related obligations
under Section 3 of the Agreement, including the fees payable to any investment adviser or sub-adviser engaged pursuant to Section 3(e)(10) of this
Agreement, and its operational oversight obligations under Section 4 of this Agreement, but Advisor does not assume any of the expense of and shall not
pay for any Funds direct operational expenses (as detailed in Section 5(b)). Advisor shall at its own expense provide the office space, equipment
and facilities that is necessary to provide the investment-related and operational oversight services described under Sections 3 and 4, respectively,
of this Agreement, and shall pay all compensation of officers of Trust and all trustees of Trust who are affiliated persons of Advisor, except as
otherwise specified in this Agreement.
(b) Fund. Except
as provided in Section 5(a), each Fund shall bear all of its operational expenses including, but not limited to: compensation of Advisor under this
Agreement, custodian fees; transfer agent fees; pricing costs (including the daily calculation of net asset value); fund accounting fees; legal fees;
expenses of shareholders and/or trustees meetings; cost of printing and mailing shareholder reports
A-5
and proxy statements; maintenance
of non-investment-related books and records, compliance program development and implementation costs, costs of preparing, printing and mailing
registration statements and updated prospectuses to current shareholders; costs in connection with the registration or qualification of shares with
federal and state securities authorities and the continued qualification of shares for sale; expenses of all audits by Trusts independent
accountants, costs of preparing and filing reports with regulatory bodies; costs of the maintenance of Trusts fidelity bond required by Section
17(g) of the 1940 Act, or other insurance premiums; the fees of any trade association of which the Funds are members; fees and expenses of trustees who
are not interested persons (as such term is defined in the 1940 Act) of Trust (the disinterested trustees); brokerage
commissions, dealer markups and other expenses incurred in the acquisition or disposition of any securities or other investments; costs, including the
interest expense, of borrowing money; preparing and filing tax returns, the payment of any taxes; and extraordinary expenses (including extraordinary
litigation expenses and extraordinary consulting expenses).
(c) Allocation
Procedures. At least annually, within 60 days of the Trusts fiscal year end, or more frequently at the request of the Board, Advisor
will submit to the Board for review and approval at the Boards next regularly-scheduled meeting, the allocations of all charges and expenses
covered by this Section 5 and the methodology and rationale therefore, including all such allocations between the Trust and Advisor and between and
among the Funds.
6. Compensation of
Advisor.
(a) For the services
rendered, the facilities furnished and expenses assumed by Advisor, the Fund shall pay to Advisor at the end of each calendar month an annualized fee
calculated as a percentage of the average value of the net assets each day for each Fund during that month at the annual rates set forth at Appendix A
hereto.
(b) Advisors fee shall
be accrued daily proportionately at 1/365th (1/366th for a leap year) of the applicable annual rate set forth above. For the purpose of accruing
compensation, the net assets of each Fund shall be determined in the manner and on the dates set forth in the Declaration of Trust or the current
registration statement of Trust and, on days on which the net assets are not so determined, the net asset value computation to be used shall be as
determined on the immediately preceding day on which the net assets were determined.
(c) In the event of
termination of this Agreement, all compensation due through the date of termination will be calculated on a pro-rated basis through the date of
termination and paid within fifteen business days of the date of termination.
(d) During any period when
the determination of net asset value is suspended, the net asset value of a Fund as of the last business day prior to such suspension shall for this
purpose be deemed to be the net asset value at the close of each succeeding business day until it is again determined.
A-6
7. Limitation of
Liability.
(a) Advisor shall not be
liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss arising out of any investment or for any act or omission in the management of Trust
or any Fund, except (i) for willful misfeasance, bad faith or negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of reckless disregard of its
obligations and duties hereunder, and (ii) to the extent specified in Section 36(b) of the 1940 Act concerning loss resulting from a breach of
fiduciary duty with respect to the receipt of compensation.
(b) Advisor is hereby
expressly put on notice of the limitation of shareholder liability as set forth in the Declaration of Trust and agrees that obligations assumed by
Trust or each Fund pursuant to this Agreement shall be limited in all cases to Trust or that Fund and its respective assets. Advisor agrees that it
shall not seek satisfaction of any such obligation from the shareholders of Trust, nor from the trustees, officers, employees or agents of
Trust.
8. Activities of
Advisor.
(a) The services of Advisor
are not deemed to be exclusive, and Advisor is free to render services to others, so long as Advisors services under this Agreement are not
impaired. It is understood that trustees, officers, employees and shareholders of Trust are or may become interested persons of Advisor, as directors,
officers, employees and shareholders or otherwise, and that directors, officers, employees and shareholders of Advisor are or may become similarly
interested persons of Trust, and that Advisor may become interested in Trust or the Funds as a shareholder or otherwise.
(b) It is agreed that
Advisor may use any supplemental investment research obtained for the benefit of the Funds in providing investment advice to its other investment
advisory accounts. Advisor or its affiliates may use such information in managing their own accounts. Conversely, such supplemental information
obtained by the placement of business for Advisor or other entities advised by Advisor will be considered by and may be useful to Advisor in carrying
out its obligations to the Funds.
(c) Nothing in this
Agreement shall preclude the aggregation of orders for the sale or purchase of securities or other investments by two or more Funds or by the Funds and
other mutual funds, separate accounts, or other accounts (collectively, Advisory Clients) managed by Advisor, provided
that:
(1) Advisors actions
with respect to the aggregation of orders for multiple Advisory Clients, including the Funds, are consistent with the then-current positions in this
regard taken by the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff through releases, no-action letters, or otherwise; and
(2) Advisors policies
with respect to the aggregation of orders for multiple Advisory Clients have been previously submitted and periodically approved by the Board of
Trustees.
A-7
(d) Neither Advisor, nor any
of its directors, officers, or personnel, nor any person, firm, or corporation controlling, controlled by, or under common control with it shall act as
a principal or receive any commission as agent in connection with the purchase or sale of assets for a Fund, except as may be permitted under
applicable law.
9. Books and
Records.
(a) Advisor hereby
undertakes and agrees to maintain, in the form and for the period required by Rule 31a-2 and Rule 2a-7 under the 1940 Act, all records that are
required to be maintained by Trust pursuant to the requirements of Rule 31a-1 and Rule 2a-7 of the 1940 Act.
(b) Advisor agrees that all
books and records which it maintains for Trust are the property of Trust and further agrees to surrender promptly to Trust any such books, records or
information upon Trusts request. All such books and records shall be made available, within five business days of a written request, to
Trusts accountants or independent registered public accounting firm during regular business hours at Advisors offices. Trust or its
authorized representative shall have the right to copy any records in the possession of Advisor that pertain to Trust or the Funds. Such books,
records, information or reports shall be made available to properly authorized government representatives consistent with state and federal law and/or
regulations. In the event of the termination of this Agreement, all such books, records or other information shall be returned to Trust free from any
claim or assertion of rights by Advisor.
(c) Advisor further agrees
that it will not disclose or use any records or information obtained pursuant to this Agreement in any manner whatsoever except as authorized in this
Agreement and that it will keep confidential any information obtained pursuant to this Agreement and disclose such information only if Trust has
authorized such disclosure, or if such disclosure is required by federal or state regulatory authorities.
10. Duration and Termination
of this Agreement.
(a) This Agreement shall not
become effective with respect to a Fund unless and until it is approved by the Board, including a majority of trustees who are not parties to this
Agreement or interested persons of any such party, and by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of such Fund. This Agreement shall
come into full force and effect on the date that it is so approved, provided that it shall not become effective as to any subsequently created Fund
until it has been approved by the Board specifically for such Fund. As to each Fund, the Agreement shall continue in effect for two years from the date
on which it becomes effective and shall thereafter continue in effect from year to year so long as such continuance is specifically approved for such
Fund at least annually by: (i) the Board, or by the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting shares of such Fund; and (ii) a majority of those
trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or interested persons of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on
such approval.
A-8
(b) This Agreement may be
terminated at any time as to any Fund or to all Funds, without the payment of any penalty, by the Board or by vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting shares of the applicable Fund, or by Advisor, on 60 days written notice to the other party. If this Agreement is terminated only with
respect to one or more, but less than all, of the Funds, or if a different investment adviser is appointed with respect to a new Fund, the Agreement
shall remain in effect with respect to the remaining Fund(s).
(c) This Agreement shall
automatically terminate in the event of its assignment.
11. Amendments of this
Agreement. This Agreement may be amended as to each Fund only in accordance with the provisions of the 1940 Act.
12. Definitions of Certain
Terms. The terms assignment, affiliated person, interested person, and majority of the outstanding
voting shares when used in this Agreement, shall have the respective meanings specified in the 1940 Act.
13. Governing Law. This
Agreement shall be construed in accordance with laws of the State of New York, and applicable provisions of the 1940 Act, the Advisers Act, and the
1934 Act.
14. Severability. If
any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this Agreement shall
not be affected thereby.
15. Counterparts. This
Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall be deemed one
instrument.
16. Notices. All
notices and other communications provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or mailed first class, postage prepaid,
addressed as follows:
(a) |
|
If to Trust or the Funds TIAA-CREF Institutional
Mutual Funds 730 Third Avenue New York, New York 10017-3206 Attention:
[ ] |
(b) |
|
If to Advisor Teachers Advisors, Inc. 730 Third
Avenue New York, New York 10017-3206 Attention: Scott Evans |
A-9
or to such other address as Trust or Advisor shall designate by
written notice to the other.
17. Miscellaneous. Captions in this Agreement are included for convenience or reference only and in no way define or limit any
of the provisions hereof or otherwise affect their construction or effect.
A-10
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Trust and Advisor
have caused this Agreement to be executed in their names and on their behalf by and through their duly authorized officers on the day and year first
above written.
TIAA-CREF INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS
By:
Attest:
Title:
Title:
TEACHERS ADVISORS, INC.
By:
Attest:
Title:
Title:
A-11
APPENDIX A
International Equity Fund
Real Estate Securities
Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
$0.0
$1.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
Over $1.0
$2.5 |
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
% |
Over $2.5
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
Over
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.44 |
% |
Growth & Income Fund
Large-Cap Value
Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
$0.0
$1.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.45 |
% |
Over $1.0
$2.5 |
|
|
|
|
0.43 |
% |
Over $2.5
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.41 |
% |
Over
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.39 |
% |
Mid-Cap Growth Fund
Mid-Cap Value Fund
Small-Cap
Equity Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
$0.0
$0.5 |
|
|
|
|
0.48 |
% |
Over $0.5
$0.75 |
|
|
|
|
0.46 |
% |
Over $0.75
$1.00 |
|
|
|
|
0.44 |
% |
Over
$1.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.42 |
% |
High-Yield Bond Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
$0.0
$1.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.35 |
% |
Over $1.0
$2.5 |
|
|
|
|
0.34 |
% |
Over $2.5
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.33 |
% |
Over
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.32 |
% |
Bond Fund
Bond Plus Fund
Inflation-Linked Bond
Fund
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
$0.0
$1.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.30 |
% |
Over $1.0
$2.5 |
|
|
|
|
0.29 |
% |
Over $2.5
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.28 |
% |
Over
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.27 |
% |
Short-Term Bond
Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
$0.0
$1.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.25 |
% |
Over $1.0
$2.5 |
|
|
|
|
0.24 |
% |
Over $2.5
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.23 |
% |
Over
$4.0 |
|
|
|
|
0.22 |
% |
Large-Cap Growth Index Fund
Large-Cap Value Index Fund
Equity Index Fund
S&P 500 Index Fund
Mid-Cap Growth Index Fund
Mid-Cap Value Index Fund
Mid-Cap Blend Index Fund
Small-Cap
Growth Index Fund
Small-Cap Value Index Fund
Small-Cap Blend Index Fund
International Equity Index Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
All
Assets |
|
|
|
|
0.04 |
% |
Social Choice Equity Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
All
Assets |
|
|
|
|
0.15 |
% |
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
All
Assets |
|
|
|
|
0.00 |
% |
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
All
Assets |
|
|
|
|
0.10 |
% |
Lifecycle Fund 2010 Fund
Lifecycle Fund 2015 Fund
Lifecycle Fund 2020 Fund
Lifecycle Fund 2025
Fund
Lifecycle Fund 2030 Fund
Lifecycle Fund 2035 Fund
Lifecycle Fund 2040 Fund
Assets Under Management (Billions)
|
|
|
|
Fee Rate (average daily net assets)
|
All
Assets |
|
|
|
|
0.10 |
% |
A-12
EXHIBIT B
Information Regarding Directors and Principal Officer
of
the Advisor
Name and Address
|
|
|
|
Position with the Advisor
|
|
Principal Occupation
|
Scott C.
Evans TIAA-CREF 730 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017-3206 |
|
|
|
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Director Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of TIAA and the TIAA-CREF Funds; President and Chief Executive Officer of
Investment Management and Advisors; and Director of TIAA-CREF Life. |
Erwin W.
Martens TIAA-CREF 730 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017-3206 |
|
|
|
Director |
|
Executive Vice President, Risk Management, of TIAA and the TIAA-CREF Funds; Director of Services, TPIS, Tuition Financing and TIAA-CREF Life;
and Manager of Investment Management . |
Russell
Noles TIAA-CREF 730 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017-3206 |
|
|
|
Director |
|
Vice President and Acting Chief Financial Officer of TIAA and the TIAA-CREF Funds; Vice President of Advisors, TPIS, Tuition Financing and
Investment Management and Services; Director of TPIS, Tuition Financing; and Manager of Investment Management and Services. |
B-1
EXHIBIT C
Information on Comparable Funds Advised by the Advisor
Name
of Fund
|
|
|
|
Net
Assets1
|
|
Rate
of
Compensation2 3
|
|
Waivers
or
Reimbursements
|
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds
International Equity Fund |
|
|
|
$ 67,421,09 3 |
|
0.29% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds
Large-Cap Value Fund |
|
|
|
$ 46,798,075 |
|
0.24% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds
Small-Cap Equity Fund |
|
|
|
$ 44,533,07 5 |
|
0.10% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds
Real Estate Securities Fund |
|
|
|
$ 70,526,236 |
|
0.25% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds
Stock Index Fund |
|
|
|
$148,771,428 |
|
0.06% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds
Social Choice Equity Fund |
|
|
|
$ 30,470,7 08 |
|
0.07% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds Bond Fund |
|
|
|
$ 64,789,534 |
|
0.10% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Life Funds
Money Market Fund |
|
|
|
$ 36,492,989 |
|
0.06% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Mutual Funds
International Equity Fund |
|
|
|
$399,140,221 |
|
0.49% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Mutual Funds
Social Choice Equity Fund |
|
|
|
$148,804,368 |
|
0.27% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Mutual Funds
Equity Index Fund |
|
|
|
$360,658,540 |
|
0.26% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Mutual Funds
Money Market Fund |
|
|
|
$608,215,538 |
|
0.29% |
|
None |
TIAA-CREF
Mutual Funds
Bond Plus Fund |
|
|
|
$484,665,116 |
|
0.30% |
|
None |
TIAA
Separate Account VA-1 |
|
|
|
$916,074,668 |
|
0.30% |
|
Waived
down to 0.07% |
1 |
|
As of September 30, 2005. |
2 |
|
As a percentage of average daily net assets. |
3 |
|
The fees paid to the Advisor by the Funds in this chart are
unitary fees and include expenses other than management fees. |
C-1
EXHIBIT D
Advisors Caps on Other Expenses for Retirement
and Institutional Class Shares
|
|
|
|
Institutional
Class
|
|
Retirement
Class
|
International Equity Fund |
|
|
|
0.10% |
|
0.30% |
Large-Cap
Value Fund |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
0.30% |
Small-Cap
Equity Fund |
|
|
|
0.07% |
|
0.30% |
Social
Choice Equity Fund |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
0.33% |
Real
Estate Securities Fund |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
0.31% |
Bond
Fund |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
|
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
|
Money
Market Fund |
|
|
|
0.05% |
|
|
Advisors Caps on Total Expenses for Retail
Class Shares
|
|
|
|
Retail Class
|
Large-Cap Value
Fund |
|
|
|
|
0.80 |
% |
Small-Cap Equity
Fund |
|
|
|
|
0.85 |
% |
Real Estate
Securities Fund |
|
|
|
|
0.90 |
% |
Inflation-Linked
Bond Fund |
|
|
|
|
0.50 |
% |
D-1
EXHIBIT E
Service Agreement Payments
(for the 12 months ended September 30, 2005)
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Fees
|
|
Pro
Forma Fees *
|
|
%
Decrease
|
International Equity Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$180,589 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
International Equity Fund |
|
|
|
Retirement Class |
|
$531,918 |
|
$391,146 |
|
26.47% |
Large-Cap Value Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$ 53,059 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Large-Cap Value Fund |
|
|
|
Retirement Class |
|
$428,744 |
|
$315,253 |
|
26.47% |
Large-Cap Value Fund |
|
|
|
Retail Class |
|
$536,385 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Small-Cap Equity Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$ 33,477 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Small-Cap Equity Fund |
|
|
|
Retirement Class |
|
$ 511,653 |
|
$376,215 |
|
26.47% |
Small-Cap Equity Fund |
|
|
|
Retail Class |
|
$127,306 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Social
Choice Equity Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$ 20,414 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Social
Choice Equity Fund |
|
|
|
Retirement Class |
|
$133,822 |
|
$ 98,399 |
|
26.47% |
Real
Estate Securities Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$ 81,135 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100 % |
Real
Estate Securities Fund |
|
|
|
Retirement Class |
|
$420,519 |
|
$30 9 ,205 |
|
26.47% |
Real
Estate Securities Fund |
|
|
|
Retail Class |
|
$468,077 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Bond
Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$477,032 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$112,088 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund |
|
|
|
Retail Class |
|
$127,877 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
Money
Market Fund |
|
|
|
Institutional Class |
|
$ 56,794 |
|
$ 0 |
|
100% |
* |
|
Since a new Retirement Class Service Agreement would replace the
current Service Agreement if the new investment management arrangements are approved, this column reflects th at pro forma payments
will be made by the Retirement Class only, since the Institutional Class and Retail Class would no longer be subject to a Service
Agreement. |
E-1
EXHIBIT F
The Trustees considered the following specific factors (among
others) during their determination to approve the new investment management agreement for each Fund listed below. Note that for purposes of this
discussion, if a Fund is in the first quintile, it is in the best of five groups (i.e., the group has the best performance, or the lowest
expenses, as the case may be).
Large-Cap Value Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the first
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 14 out of 96 funds). |
|
|
The Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-year and since
inception periods ended 12/31/04. |
|
|
For the one-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the first
quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 20 out of 470 funds). (The Fund has not been in operation for three years.) |
|
|
The Advisor earned a modest profit on the Fund for the one-year
period ended 12/31/04. |
Small-Cap Equity Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the first
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 5 out of 115 funds). |
|
|
For the one-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the
second quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 198 out of 560 funds). (The Fund has not been in operation for three years.) |
|
|
The Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-year and since
inception periods ended 12/31/04. |
|
|
The Advisor earned a modest profit on the Fund for the one-year
period ended 12/31/04. |
F-1
Social Choice Equity Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the first
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 3 out of 93 funds). |
|
|
The Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-, three- and
five-year periods ended 12/31/04, underperformed its benchmark since inception through 12/31/04. |
|
|
For the one-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the
second quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 229 out of 697 funds). |
|
|
For the three- and five-year periods ended 12/31/04, the Fund was
in the third quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 203 out of 501 funds and 202 out of 338 funds, respectively). |
|
|
The Fund received an Overall Morningstar Rating of three stars
for the period ended 12/31/04. |
|
|
The Advisor had a net loss on the Fund for the one-year period
ended 12/31/04. |
Real Estate Securities Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the first
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 8 out of 40 funds). |
|
|
The Fund slightly underperformed its benchmark for the one-year
period and outperformed its benchmark in the three-year period. |
|
|
For the one-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the third
quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 88 out of 211 funds). (The Fund has not been in operation for three years.) |
|
|
The Advisor had a net loss on the Fund for the one-year period
ended 12/31/04. |
F-2
International Equity Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the first
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 14 out of 155 funds). |
|
|
The Fund underperformed its benchmark for the one- and five-year
periods, and outperformed its benchmark for the three-year and since inception periods. |
|
|
For the one-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the third
quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 151 out of 263 funds). |
|
|
For the three-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the
second quintile of its Performance Universe. (ranking 58 out of 226 funds) |
|
|
For the five-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the
fourth quintile of its Performance Universe. (ranking 101 out of 162 funds) |
|
|
The Fund received an Overall Morningstar Rating of three stars
for the period ended 12/31/04. |
|
|
The Advisor had a net loss on the Fund for the one-year period
ended 12/31/04. |
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the third
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 6 out of 10 funds). |
|
|
The Fund slightly underperformed its benchmark for the one-year
and since inception periods. |
|
|
For the one-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the
second quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 12 out of 54 funds). (The Fund has not been in operation for three years.) |
|
|
The Advisor had a net loss on the Fund for the one-year period
ended 12/31/04. |
F-3
Bond Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the first
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 24 out of 121 funds). |
|
|
The Fund slightly underperformed its benchmark for the one-year
period and outperformed its benchmark in the three-year, five-year and since inception periods. |
|
|
For the one-year period ended 12/31/04, the Fund was in the
second quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 149 out of 458 funds). |
|
|
For the three- and five-year periods ended 12/31/04, the Fund was
in the first quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 64 out of 379 funds and 46 out of 268 funds). |
|
|
The Fund received an Overall Morningstar Rating of four stars for
the period ended 12/31/04. |
|
|
The Advisor had a net loss on the Fund for the one-year period
ended 12/31/04. |
Money Market Fund
|
|
The Funds new management fees would be in the first
quintile of its Expense Universe (ranking 12 of 249 funds). |
|
|
The Fund outperformed its benchmark for the one-year, three-year,
five-year and since inception periods. |
|
|
For the one, three- and five-year periods ended 12/31/04, the
Fund was in the first quintile of its Performance Universe (ranking 14 out of 295 funds; 31 out of 254 funds; and 37 out of 197 funds,
respectively). |
|
|
The Advisor had a net loss on the Fund for the one-year period
ended 12/31/04. |
F-4
EXHIBIT G
Principal Holders of Fund Shares
The following is a list of all shareholders known by
Institutional Funds to own of record or beneficially 5% or more of any class of any of the Funds, as of September 30, 2005:
SEI Private Trust Company
One Freedom Valley Drive
Oaks, PA 19456
* |
|
The following shares are held for the benefit of clients of
TIAA-CREF Trust Company, FSB. If any customer individually owns 5% or more of a class of a Fund, they are also reported separately below under their
names. |
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Large-Cap Value Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
12.53% |
|
1,882,845.94 |
Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
33.73% |
|
5,617,222.09 |
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
13.39% |
|
4,075,740.52 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
52.44% |
|
3,862,086.47 |
International Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
31.03% |
|
17,020,809.68 |
Social Choice Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
64.41% |
|
7,213,361.96 |
Bond Fund Institutional Class |
|
|
|
22.78% |
|
32,834,354.46 |
TIAA-CREF Trust Company, FSB
One Metropolitan Square
211 North Broadway, Suite 1000
St. Louis, MO
63102
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
International Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
23.64% |
|
12,979,586.48 |
Social Choice Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
26.94% |
|
3,045,397.13 |
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
14.37% |
|
4,375,123 . 55 |
Bond Fund Institutional Class |
|
|
|
19.20% |
|
27,678,960.22 |
Large-Cap Value Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
14.20% |
|
2,149,063.30 |
Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
35.04% |
|
5,837,500.70 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
53.26% |
|
3,922,787.39 |
* |
|
The majority of these shares are held for the benefit of
clients of the Trust Company by SEI and are included in the ownership totals for SEI noted above. The Trust Company holds these shares in a fiduciary
capacity for its clients and has investment discretion over them. |
G-1
California Golden State ScholarShare College Savings Trust
(529 Plan)
CA State Treasurers Office
915 Capitol Mall, Room 110
Sacramento, CA 95814
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Large-Cap Value Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
41.36% |
|
6,215,621.77 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
14.39% |
|
1,059,578.02 |
International Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
8.56% |
|
4,699,694.04 |
Social Choice Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
39.99% |
|
4,519,935.14 |
Money Market Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
25.45% |
|
51,054,241.70 |
CHET (529 Plan)
Office of the Treasurer
55 Elm
Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Large-Cap Value Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
12.17% |
|
1,828,895.85 |
Money Market Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
13.71% |
|
27,500,327.73 |
Michigan Education Savings Program (529 Plan)
Executive
Director Met
Director of Treasury
PO Box 30198
Lansing, MI 48909
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Inflation-Linked Bond Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
10.75% |
|
3,271,876.40 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
15.65% |
|
1,152,339.75 |
International Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
8.22% |
|
4,509,793.16 |
Money Market Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
21.32% |
|
42,761,807.91 |
G-2
Missouri Saving for Tuition Program (529 Plan)
Missouris State Treasurers Office
Capitol Building, Room 229
201 West Capitol Avenue
Jefferson City, MO
65101
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Large-Cap Value Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
24.61% |
|
3,698,829.90 |
Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
7.65% |
|
1,274,942.51 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
9.23% |
|
679,669.40 |
International Equity Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
6.04% |
|
3,316,068.70 |
Money Market Fund Institutional
Class |
|
|
|
13.42% |
|
26,920,088.95 |
Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of American
(a New York stock life insurance company)
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Real Estate Securities Fund Retail
Class |
|
|
|
9.68% |
|
1,080,538.10 |
TIAA-CREF Managed Allocation Fund
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Large-Cap Value Fund Retail Class |
|
|
|
65.66% |
|
7,911,938.61 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Retail Class |
|
|
|
23.41% |
|
1,067,809.27 |
JPMorgan Retirement Plans Program
c/o JPMorgan Chase
Bank
Attn: DC Plan Service Team
3 Metrotech Ctr.
Brooklyn, NY 11245-0001
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
International Equity Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
9.20% |
|
1,718,761.11 |
Large-Cap Value Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
9.00% |
|
992,090.99 |
Real Estate Securities Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
12.18% |
|
1,249,347.11 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
11.67% |
|
1,265,613.41 |
G-3
TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, Inc.
For the Exclusive Benefit of Customers
730 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Fund/Class
|
|
|
|
Percent
of
Holdings
|
|
Shares
|
Social Choice Equity Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
95.77% |
|
4,759,535.32 |
International Equity Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
90.79% |
|
16,958,743.95 |
Large-Cap Value Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
91.00% |
|
10,029,357.04 |
Real Estate Securities Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
87.69% |
|
8,993,040.37 |
Small-Cap Equity Fund Retirement
Class |
|
|
|
88.33% |
|
9,582,123.26 |
* |
|
These shares generally are held on behalf of retirement plan
participants. None of these participants individually owns 5% or more of a class of a Fund. |
G-4
Notes
Retail
IMF |
|
A110 75
( 11 /05) |
|
 |
|
P.O.
BOX 9132
HINGHAM, MA 02043-9132 |
|
THREE
EASY WAYS TO VOTE YOUR PROXY. |
|
|
|
To
vote by Telephone |
|
|
|
|
To
vote by Internet |
|
|
|
|
To
vote by Mail |
|
|
|
1)
2)
3) |
Read
the Proxy Statement and
have this Proxy card at hand.
Call 1-888-221-0697.
Follow the recorded instructions. |
|
|
|
1)
2)
3) |
Read
the Proxy Statement and
have this Proxy card at hand.
Go to Website
www.proxyweb.com/TIAA-CREF
Follow the on-screen instructions. |
|
|
|
1)
2)
3)
4) |
Read
the Proxy Statement.
Check the appropriate box
on the reverse side.
Sign and date the Proxy card.
Return the Proxy card in
the envelope provided. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IF
YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET, DO NOT MAIL YOUR CARD. |
TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROXY
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
By signing
this form, I authorize Willard T. Carleton, E. Laverne Jones, and Maceo K. Sloan,
singly or together, with power of substitution in each, to represent me and
cast my vote at the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds’ special meeting
to be held on January 25, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at 730 Third Avenue, New York, New
York, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. They will vote as I instruct.
If no directions are given, or if the instructions are contradictory, the proxies
will vote FOR the approval of a new investment management agreement.
|
Date _______________________,
200_ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
(Sign
in the Box) |
|
When signing
as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate officer,
please indicate your full name and title. |
|
|
|
|
|
imf -
jl |
|
Please
fill in box(es) as shown using black or blue ink or number 2 pencil. X
PLEASE DO NOT USE FINE POINT PENS. |
Unless you
have voted by Internet or telephone, please sign and date this ballot on the
reverse side and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope to MIS, the
Fund’s tabulator, at 60 Research Road, Hingham, MA 02043. MIS has been
engaged to tabulate ballots returned by mail to preserve the confidentiality
of your ballot. If you vote by Internet or phone, your vote authorizes the proxies
named on the front of your proxy card to cast your votes in the same manner
as if you marked, signed, and returned your card. All votes cast by Internet,
phone, or proxy card must be received by 4:00 p.m. (eastern time) on January
24, 2006. If you vote via the Internet or phone, please do NOT mail back your
proxy card.
The
Board of Trustees Recommends a Vote FOR the proposal. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
To approve
a new investment management agreement between the Fund and Teachers Advisors,
Inc. |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PLEASE
SIGN AND DATE ON THE REVERSE SIDE. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
imf
- jl |
|
|
|
 |
|
P.O.
BOX 9132
HINGHAM, MA 02043-9132 |
|

This form is your EzVote Consolidated Proxy. It reflects all of your accounts
registered to the same Social Security or Tax I.D. number at this address.
By voting and signing the Consolidated Proxy Card, you are voting all
of these accounts in the same manner as indicated on the reverse side
of the form. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TIAA-CREF
INSTITUTIONAL MUTUAL FUNDS PROXY
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
By
signing this form, I authorize Willard T. Carleton, E. Laverne Jones, and Maceo
K. Sloan, singly or together, with power of substitution in each, to represent
me and cast my vote at the TIAA-CREF Institutional Mutual Funds’ special
meeting to be held on January 25, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at 730 Third Avenue, New
York, New York, and any adjournment or postponement thereof. They will vote
as I instruct. If no directions are given, or if the instructions are contradictory,
the proxies will vote FOR the approval of a new investment management agreement.
|
Date _______________________,
200_ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
(Sign
in the Box) |
|
When
signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate
officer, please indicate your full name and title. |
|
|
|
|
|
IMF EZ - jl |
IF
VOTING THE CONSOLIDATED PROXY CARD DO NOT SIGN, DATE OR RETURN THE INDIVIDUAL
BALLOTS
THREE
EASY WAYS TO VOTE YOUR PROXY. |
|
|
To
vote by Telephone |
|
|
|
|
To
vote by Internet |
|
|
|
|
To
vote by Mail |
|
|
1)
2)
3) |
Read the Proxy Statement and have the
Consolidated Proxy Card at hand.
Call 1-888-221-0697.
Follow the recorded instructions. |
|
|
|
1)
2)
3) |
Read
the Proxy Statement and have the
Consolidated Proxy Card at hand.
Go to Website
w w w.proxyweb.com/TIAA-CREF.
Follow the on-screen instructions. |
|
|
|
1)
2)
3)
4) |
Read
the Proxy Statement.
Check the appropriate box on the reverse side.
Sign and date the Proxy card.
Return the Proxy card in the envelope
provided. |
|
IF
YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET, DO NOT MAIL YOUR CARD. |
|
|
|
|
IF
YOU HAVE VOTED THE CONSOLIDATED PROXY CARD
ABOVE, DO NOT VOTE THE INDIVIDUAL BALLOTS ON THE
REVERSE SIDE AND ANY ACCOMPANYING PAGES. |
INDIVIDUAL
BALLOTS |
On
the reverse side of this form (and on accompanying pages, if necessary)
you will find individual ballots, one for each of your accounts. If you
would wish to vote each of these accounts separately, sign in the signature
box below, mark each individual ballot to indicate your vote, detach the
form at the perforation above and return the individual ballots portion
only.
|
|
|
NOTE:
|
If
you choose to vote each account separately, do
not return the Consolidated Proxy Card above. |
|
|
|
|
|
Date _______________________,
200_ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
(Sign
in the Box) |
|
|
When signing
as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, or corporate officer,
please indicate your full name and title. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IMF IND
- jl |
|

Please fill
in box(es) as shown using black or blue ink or number 2 pencil. X
PLEASE DO NOT USE FINE POINT PENS. |
Unless
you have voted by Internet or telephone, please sign and date this ballot on
the reverse side and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope to MIS,
the Fund’s tabulator, at 60 Research Road, Hingham, MA 02043. MIS has
been engaged to tabulate ballots returned by mail to preserve the confidentiality
of your ballot. If you vote by Internet or phone, your vote authorizes the proxies
named on the front of your proxy card to cast your votes in the same manner
as if you marked, signed, and returned your card. All votes cast by Internet,
phone, or proxy card must be received by 4:00 p.m. (eastern time) on January
24, 2006. If you vote via the Internet or phone, please do NOT mail back your
proxy card.
The
Board of Trustees Recommends a Vote FOR the proposal. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1. |
To approve
a new investment management agreement between the Fund and Teachers Advisors,
Inc. |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PLEASE
SIGN AND DATE ON THE REVERSE SIDE. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
IMF
EZ - jl |
|
|
T
IF VOTING THE CONSOLIDATED PROXY CARD DO NOT SIGN, DATE OR RETURN THE INDIVIDUAL
BALLOTS T
INDIVIDUAL
BALLOTS
NOTE: IF YOU HAVE USED THE CONSOLIDATED BALLOT ABOVE, DO NOT VOTE THE INDIVIDUAL
BALLOTS BELOW.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
|
1. |
To
approve a new investment management
agreement between the Fund and Teachers
Advisors, Inc. |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
|
1. |
To
approve a new investment management
agreement between the Fund and Teachers
Advisors, Inc. |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
|
1. |
To
approve a new investment management
agreement between the Fund and Teachers
Advisors, Inc. |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FOR |
|
AGAINST |
|
ABSTAIN |
|
1. |
To
approve a new investment management
agreement between the Fund and Teachers
Advisors, Inc. |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SERVICES
TOUCH TONE VOTING SCRIPT
(888) 221-0697
OPENING:
When
connected to the toll-free number, shareholder will hear:
"Welcome.
Please enter the control number located on the upper LEFT portion of
your voter card.
When
shareholder enters the control number, he/she will hear:
"Please
enter the last 4 digits of your social security number ”
When
shareholder enters the last 4 digits of their social security number, he/she
will hear:
"To
vote as the ** Board recommends, press 1 now. To vote otherwise, press 0 now."
OPTION
1: VOTING AS MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS
If
shareholder elects to vote as management recommends on all proposals, he/she
will hear:
"You
have voted as the Board recommended. If this is correct, press 1. If incorrect,
press 0."
If
the shareholder presses 1, he/she will hear:
"If
you have received more than one proxy card, you must vote each card separately.
If you would like to vote another proxy, press 1 now. To end this call, press
0 now."
If
shareholder presses 0 to indicate an incorrect vote, he/she will hear:
"To
vote as the ** Board recommends, press 1 now. To vote otherwise, press 0 now."
If
shareholder elects to vote another proxy, he/she is returned to the "Please
enter the control number" speech (above). If shareholder elects to end
the call, he/she will hear:
Call
is terminated.
MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SERVICES
11/23/2005
OPTION 2: VOTING OTHERWISE
If
shareholder elects to vote the proposal separately, he/she will hear:
"Proposal
1: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9; ABSTAIN, press 0."
When
the shareholder has finished voting on Proposal 1, he/she will hear:
"Your
vote has been cast as follows (vote is given). If
this is correct, press 1. If incorrect, press 0."
If
the shareholder presses 1, he/she will hear:
"If
you have received more than one proxy card, you must vote each card separately.
If you would like to vote another proxy, press 1 now. To end this call, press
0 now."
If
shareholder presses 0 to indicate an incorrect vote, he/she will hear:
"To
vote as the ** Board recommends, press 1 now. To vote otherwise, press 0 now."
If
shareholder elects to vote another proxy, he/she is returned to the "Please
enter the control number" speech (above). If shareholder elects to end
the call, he/she will hear:
Call
is terminated.
MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SERVICES
11/23/2005
MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SERVICES
STANDARD EZ VOTE SCRIPT FOR TELEPHONE VOTING
(888) 221-0697
OPENING:
When
connected to the toll-free number, shareholder will hear:
"Welcome.
Please enter the control number located on the upper portion of your proxy card."
When
shareholder enters an EZ Vote control number, he/she will hear:
"Please
enter the last 4 digits of your social security number ”
When
shareholder enters the last 4 digits of their social security number, he/she
will hear:
"You
have entered your EZ Vote consolidated control number. This allows you to cast
one consolidated vote for all of your accounts. All accounts will be voted in
the same manner based on your voting instructions. To cast a consolidated vote
for all of your accounts, press 1 now. To vote each of your accounts separately,
press 0 now."
If
a shareholder presses 0 they will hear the following language followed by the
script for an individual control number. The script from this point on will
be repeated , from the “We are now ready…” speech, for each
individual control number associated with the EZ Vote consolidated control number.
"You
have elected to vote each of your accounts separately. You will find these
accounts on the back of your EzVote ballot and on additional pages if necessary.
Please note that each account has its own control number.” (There
will be a slight pause here.) “We are now ready to accept your
vote for control number xxx xxx xxx xxx xx."
If
a shareholder has pressed 1 above, therefore electing to vote all holdings exactly
the same, they will hear the script for an individual control number as follows:
"To
vote as the Board recommends on all proposals, press 1 now. To vote on each
proposal separately, press 0 now."
OPTION
1: VOTING ALL PROPOSALS AS MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS
If
the shareholder elects to vote as management recommends on all proposals, he/she
will hear:
"You
have voted as the Board recommended. If this is correct, press 1. If incorrect,
press 0."
If
the shareholder is voting each control number individually and presses 1, he/she
will hear will then be returned to “We are now ready to accept your vote
for control number…” speech.
MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SERVICES
11/23/2005
last modified: January 14, 2002
If
the shareholder presses 0 to indicate an incorrect vote, he/she will be returned
to the “To vote as the …” Speech.
If
the shareholder is voting all holdings exactly the same, or has completed voting
all individual control numbers, and presses 1 he/she will hear:
Call
is terminated.
OPTION
2: VOTING EACH PROPOSAL SEPARATELY
If
shareholder elects to vote the proposal separately, he/she will hear:
"Proposal
1: To vote FOR, press 1; AGAINST, press 9; ABSTAIN, press 0."
When
the shareholder has finished voting on Proposal 1, he/she will hear:
"Your
vote has been cast as follows (vote is given). If this is correct, press 1.
If incorrect, press 0."
If
the shareholder presses 1, he/she will hear:
"If
you have received more than one proxy card, you must vote each card separately.
If you would like to vote another proxy, press 1 now. To end this call, press
0 now."
If
shareholder presses 0 to indicate an incorrect vote, he/she will hear:
"To
vote as the ** Board recommends, press 1 now. To vote otherwise, press 0 now."
If
shareholder elects to vote another proxy, he/she is returned to the "Please
enter the control number" speech (above). If shareholder elects to end
the call, he/she will hear:
If
the shareholder is voting each control number individually and presses 1, he/she
will hear will then be returned to “We are now ready to accept your vote
for control number…” speech.
If
the shareholder presses 0 to indicate an incorrect vote, he/she will be returned
to the “To vote as the …” Speech.
If
the shareholder is voting all holdings exactly the same or has completed voting
all individual control numbers and presses 1, he/she will hear :
Call
is terminated.
MANAGEMENT
INFORMATION SERVICES
11/23/2005
last modified: January 14, 2002