The Portfolio will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in U.S. and foreign equity securities issued by financial services companies, regardless of their stock market value (or “market capitalization”). Equity securities include common stocks, securities convertible into common stocks, preferred stocks and warrants. Up to 20% of the Portfolio’s total assets may be invested in U.S. and foreign securities outside of financial companies.

The Adviser employs quantitative and qualitative analysis that seeks to identify reasonably valued, high quality financial services companies that it believes have the ability to accelerate earnings growth and exceed investor expectations. The Adviser’s selection process consists of three steps. First, the Adviser reviews a series of screens utilizing the Adviser’s investment models, which are based on fundamental characteristics designed to eliminate companies that the Adviser’s research shows have a high probability of underperformance. Factors considered when reviewing the screens include a multi-factor valuation framework, earnings quality and capital structure. The valuation framework includes, but is not limited to, analysis of price to earnings, price to sales, price to book, cash held to price and various cash flow ratios. Valuation methodology is industry-specific within the financial services sector. Next, securities that pass the initial screens are then evaluated to try to identify stocks with the highest probability of producing an earnings growth rate that exceeds investor expectations. This process incorporates changes in earnings expectations and earnings quality analysis. Finally, these steps produce a list of eligible companies which are subjected to analysis by the Adviser to further understand each company’s business prospects and earnings potential. The Adviser uses the results of this analysis to construct the Portfolio’s security positions.

A “Financial services company” for purposes of Portfolio investments, is defined as an entity in which at least 50% of the company’s revenues or earnings were derived from financial services activities based upon the company’s most recent fiscal year, or at least 50% of the company’s assets were devoted to such activities based on the company’s most recent fiscal year or any company which is included in the S&P Financial Sector Index.

Financial services companies provide financial services to consumers and industry. Examples of companies in the financial services sector include commercial banks, investment banks, savings and loan associations, thrifts, finance companies, brokerage and advisory firms, transaction and payroll processors, insurance companies, real estate and leasing companies, and companies that span across these segments, and service providers whose revenue is largely derived from the financial services sector. Under Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) regulations, the Portfolio may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the equity securities of any company that derives more than 15% of its revenues from brokerage or investment management activities.

Under adverse market conditions, the Portfolio may also make temporary investments in investment grade debt securities. Such investment strategies could result in the Portfolio not achieving its investment objective.