The fund seeks current income and capital appreciation in the long term by investing in companies across any size outside the United States.

The investment process starts with a list of companies in the benchmark index and the research team utilizes quantitative techniques and fundamental analysis to identify investment opportunities.

Next, the research team invests in income-producing (dividend-paying) equity securities of U.S. and foreign companies.

In selecting securities for the portfolio, the research team first ranks stocks based on characteristics, such as quality of financial condition and creation of shareholder value, relative value and income-generation potential.

The team then narrows the investable universe to a list of companies based on their current and future prospects for income generation as well as long-term price appreciation.

In addition, the team considers factors, such as history of dividend payment and growth, current dividend policy, and relevant corporate events.

Then the manager constructs a portfolio of stocks from a list of companies favored by the research team and allocates capital based on its conviction level.

Generally, no more than 20% of the fund’s net assets will be exposed to any one sector.

The fund also invests in real estate investment trusts, and other investment companies including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds.

Additionally, the fund’s equity investments may include indirect exposure to foreign securities through American Depositary Receipts and master limited partnerships.

Also, the fund has the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations, but will typically focus on larger companies.