B-1 STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Dated May 1 ...

APPENDIX A – Credit RatingsDescription of Ratings as Provided by the Rating ServicesAs described in the prospectus, the Portfolios may invest in investment grade and non-investmentgrade debt investments. Investment grade securities are securities rated investment grade by a NationallyRecognized Statistical Rating Organization (“NRSRO”), i.e. BBB- or higher by Standard & Poor’s orBaa3 or higher by Moody’s. Non-investment grade securities are securities rates below investment gradeby a NRSRO. Below are summaries of the rating definitions used by three of the NRSROs. The Fund’sadviser will ordinarily rely on the ratings provided by these organizations but may give consideration tothe ratings given by other NRSROs.I. FITCH’Sa. Fitch’s Corporate Bonds and Preferred Stock (long-term)Investment GradeAAAHighest credit quality. 'AAA' ratings denote the lowest expectation of credit risk. They are assigned onlyin case of exceptionally strong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is highlyunlikely to be adversely affected by foreseeable events.AAVery high credit quality. 'AA' ratings denote expectations of very low credit risk. They indicate verystrong capacity for payment of financial commitments. This capacity is not significantly vulnerable toforeseeable events.AHigh credit quality. 'A' ratings denote expectations of low credit risk. The capacity for payment offinancial commitments is considered strong. This capacity may, nevertheless, be more vulnerable tochanges in circumstances or in economic conditions than is the case for higher ratings.BBBGood credit quality. 'BBB' ratings indicate that there are currently expectations of low credit risk. Thecapacity for payment of financial commitments is considered adequate but adverse changes incircumstances and economic conditions are more likely to impair this capacity. This is the lowestinvestment grade category.Speculative GradeBBSpeculative. 'BB' ratings indicate that there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as theresult of adverse economic change over time; however, business or financial alternatives may be availableto allow financial commitments to be met. Securities rated in this category are not investment grade.BHighly speculative.• For issuers and performing obligations, 'B' ratings indicate that significant credit risk is present, but alimited margin of safety remains. Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacityfor continued payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.• For individual obligations, may indicate distressed or defaulted obligations with potential forextremely high recoveries. Such obligations would possess a Recovery Rating of 'RR1' (outstanding).CCC• For issuers and performing obligations, default is a real possibility. Capacity for meeting financialcommitments is solely reliant upon sustained, favorable business or economic conditions.B-66