The Sub-Adviser uses the RAE™
methodology for portfolio construction. The RAE™ methodology is a rules-based model that
selects stocks using quantitative signals that indicate higher expected returns, e.g., value, quality, and momentum. The model then weights selected stocks using their fundamental measures of company size, e.g., sales, cash flow, dividends and book value. Actual stock positions in the RAE International Portfolio, which drift apart from target weights as market prices change, are rebalanced to
target weights periodically. The RAE™ methodology’s systematic portfolio rebalancing reflects a value orientation. Portfolio managers do not have discretion with respect to the allocations determined by the
RAE™ methodology. The RAE™ methodology is not updated according to any predetermined schedule.
The Sub-Adviser provides investment advisory services in connection with the Fund’s use of the RAE International Portfolio by, among other things, providing PIMCO with the
constituents and target weights in the RAE International Portfolio. The Fund seeks to remain invested in the securities that comprise RAE International Portfolio even when the value of the RAE International Portfolio is
declining.
The Fund may invest, without limitation, in equity and
equity-related securities, including common and preferred securities. Equity-related securities
include securities having an equity component (e.g., hybrids, bank capital) and equity derivatives. With respect to investments in equity securities, there is no limitation
on the market capitalization range of the issuers in which the Fund may invest. The Fund may also
invest in derivative instruments, such as options, forwards, futures contracts, options on
futures and swap agreements, consistent with its investment objective. The Fund may also invest in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”). The Fund may purchase or sell securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or
forward commitment basis. The Fund may also enter into reverse repurchase agreements and lend portfolio securities.
The Fund may invest, without limitation, in securities and instruments denominated in foreign currencies and
in securities of foreign issuers. The Fund may invest, without limitation, in securities and instruments that are economically tied to emerging market countries. The Fund may obtain foreign currency exposure (from
non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities or currencies) without limitation.
It is possible to lose money on an investment in the Fund. The principal risks of investing in the Fund, which could adversely affect its net asset value, yield and total return,
are listed below.
Equity Risk: the risk that the value of equity or equity-related securities, such as common stocks and preferred securities, may decline due to general market conditions which
are not specifically related to a particular company or to factors affecting a particular industry or industries. Equity or equity-related securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income
securities. In addition, preferred securities may be subject to greater credit risk or other risks, such as risks related to deferred and omitted distributions, limited voting rights, liquidity, interest rates,
regulatory changes and special redemption rights
Value Investing
Risk: a value stock may decrease in price or may not increase in price as anticipated by the Sub-Adviser if it continues to be undervalued by the market or the
factors that the portfolio manager believes will cause the stock price to increase do not occur
Foreign (Non-U.S.) Investment
Risk: the risk that investing in foreign (non-U.S.) securities may result in the Fund experiencing more rapid and extreme changes in value than
a fund that invests exclusively in securities of U.S. companies, due to smaller or less developed
markets, differing financial reporting, accounting, corporate governance and auditing standards,
increased risk of delayed settlement of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates of portfolio securities, and the risk of unfavorable U.S. or foreign government actions, including nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, currency blockage, political changes, diplomatic developments, trade restrictions
(including tariffs) or the imposition of sanctions and other similar measures. Foreign securities
may also be less liquid and more difficult to value than securities of U.S. issuers
Emerging Markets Risk: the risk of investing in emerging market securities, primarily increased foreign (non-U.S.) investment
risk
Market Risk: the risk that the value of securities owned by the Fund may fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or unpredictably, due to a variety of factors affecting securities markets
generally or particular industries or sectors
Issuer Risk: the risk that the value of a security may decline for reasons related to the issuer, such as management
performance, changes in financial condition or credit rating, financial leverage, reputation or
reduced demand for the issuer’s goods or services
Credit Risk: the risk that the Fund could experience losses if the counterparty to a derivative contract, or the issuer or
guarantor of collateral, is unable or unwilling, or is perceived (whether by market participants,
rating agencies, pricing services or otherwise) as unable or unwilling, to meet its financial obligations
Currency Risk: the risk that foreign (non-U.S.) currencies may fluctuate in value relative to the U.S. dollar, which can affect the value of the Fund’s investments in
foreign (non-U.S.) currencies or in securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, or in derivatives that provide exposure to, foreign (non-U.S.) currencies
Real Estate Risk: the risk that the Fund’s investments in real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) or real
estate-linked derivative instruments will subject the Fund to risks similar to those associated with direct ownership of real estate, including risks related to losses from casualty or condemnation, changes in local
and general economic conditions, fluctuations in supply and demand, interest rate changes, zoning laws, regulatory limitations on rents, property taxes and operating expenses. The Fund’s investments in REITs
or real estate-linked derivative instruments subject it to management and tax risks. In addition, REITs that are privately held or not traded on a national securities exchange may subject the Fund to liquidity and
valuation risk