A. General Description of Advisory Firm
Hartford Investment Management Company (“HIMCO”) is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as an investment adviser and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hartford Financial
Services Group, Inc. (“The Hartford”), a publicly traded company. HIMCO was organized in 1996 by
acquiring the business, personnel and corporate name of an affiliate that had been in operation since
1981 and that performed substantially similar services. Because HIMCO succeeded to the same
business and utilized the same personnel as the affiliate prior to the acquisition, the affiliate's historical
information is included with HIMCO's.
HIMCO provides investment advisory services primarily to institutional clients, registered investment
companies, and private funds. Institutional clients include affiliated and unaffiliated insurance
companies (general accounts and separate accounts), corporations, and employee benefit and pension
plans. As of December 31, 2019, HIMCO managed approximately $98 billion in fixed income, equity
and alternative assets. (Please se
e Section E of this Item 4 below for further disclosure regarding
assets under management.)
B. Description of Advisory Services
HIMCO provides discretionary and non-discretionary investment advisory services to institutional
clients including affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies (general accounts and separate
accounts), corporations, and employee benefit and pension plans. HIMCO also provides discretionary
advisory services to registered investment companies and private funds that are sponsored and
distributed by entities unaffiliated with HIMCO. In addition, HIMCO provides portfolio consulting
services to unit investment trusts registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“1940 Act”).
Portfolio consulting services primarily include advising on portfolio construction based on criteria
predetermined by the unit investment trust receiving such services.
HIMCO’s principal strategies include the following:
Fixed Income HIMCO manages fixed income assets by using a disciplined process which is designed to create value
from three sources: (i) a macro-economic strategy which considers duration, yield curve and strategic
asset allocation, (ii) sector rotation, and (iii) security selection. Please
see Item 8 for a description of
the fixed income investment process.
Core Fixed Income - The objective of the Core Fixed Income strategy is to actively manage a high
quality diversified fixed income portfolio in which accounts are normally comprised of at least 90%
U.S. dollar denominated investment grade securities (such as obligations of the U.S. Government,
its agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt, asset-backed securities and mortgage-backed
and other mortgage-related securities) and with duration similar to broad market benchmark indices
such as the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Government/Credit Index or the Bloomberg Barclays U.S.
Aggregate Index. The strategy can use derivatives, such as but not limited to options, futures and
swaps, which can be illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large
impact on performance.
Core Plus Fixed Income - The objective of the Core Plus Fixed Income strategy is to actively
manage a diversified fixed income portfolio in which accounts are normally comprised of more than
60%, but less than 90% U.S. dollar denominated investment grade securities. The portion invested
in U.S. investment grade securities will be multi-sector in nature, including but not exclusively U.S.
Treasury, mortgage-related securities, corporate bonds and debt instruments, asset-backed and
commercial mortgage-backed securities, among others, and will not generally exclude broad
segment(s) included in broad market benchmark indices such as the Bloomberg Barclays U.S.
Aggregate Index. The portion invested in securities outside the U.S. investment grade sector will
5 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
be comprised of fixed income, including high yield, emerging market, and non-dollar denominated
securities. Investments in high-yield securities, and foreign securities, including emerging markets,
involve risks beyond those inherent in solely higher rated and domestic investments. The strategies
can use derivatives, such as but not limited to options, futures and swaps, which can be illiquid,
can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on performance. The
benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index.
High Quality High Yield - The objective of the High Quality High Yield strategy is to actively manage
a high or BB quality high yield portfolio in which accounts are normally invested at least 90% in BB
tier high yield and emerging market fixed income securities. Investments in high-yielding, lower-
rated securities involve risks beyond those inherent in higher-rated investments. Investments in
foreign securities, including emerging markets, involve risks beyond those inherent in solely
domestic investments. Foreign securities are subject to certain risk of overseas investing, including
currency fluctuations and changes in political and economic conditions. These risks are magnified
in emerging markets. The strategy can use derivatives, such as but not limited to options, futures
and swaps, which can be illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially
large impact on performance. The benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays Ba U.S. Corporate High
Yield Index 2% Issuer Cap-Sector Neutral.
High Yield - The objective of the High Yield strategy is to actively manage a high yield portfolio in
which accounts are normally invested at least 80% in high yield securities. Investments in high-
yielding, lower-rated securities involve risks beyond those inherent in higher-rated investments.
The strategy can use derivatives, such as but not limited to options, futures and swaps, which can
be illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on
performance. The benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Corporate High Yield Index.
Intermediate Duration Core Fixed Income - The objective of the Intermediate Duration Core Fixed
Income strategy is to actively manage a diversified fixed income portfolio in which accounts are
normally comprised of at least 90% U.S. dollar denominated investment grade securities (such as
obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentalities, corporate debt, asset-
backed securities and mortgage-backed and other mortgage-related securities) and with a duration
similar to broad intermediate market benchmark indices that include mortgage securities such as
the Bloomberg Barclays Intermediate U.S. Aggregate Index. The strategy can use derivatives, such
as but not limited to options, futures and swaps, which can be illiquid, can disproportionately
increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on performance.
Long Duration Corporate Fixed Income - The objective of the Long Duration Corporate Fixed
Income strategy is to actively manage a high quality diversified fixed income portfolio in which
accounts are predominately comprised of investment grade corporate securities and have a
duration similar to long duration benchmark indices, such as the Bloomberg Barclays Long
Corporate Index. The strategy can use derivatives, such as but not limited to options, futures and
swaps, which can be illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large
impact on performance.
Opportunistic Corporate Fixed Income - The objective of the Opportunistic Corporate Fixed Income
strategy is to generate long-term total returns through a market cycle by balancing price
appreciation, income generation, and capital preservation. This actively managed and diversified
strategy normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in corporate debt securities (as well as
bank loans). At least 65% of its total assets will be investment grade rated, and it has the flexibility
to hold up to 35% of its total assets in non-investment grade rated securities (as well as bank loans
or loan participation interests). The strategy can invest up to 30% of total assets in a combination
of securities issued by foreign issuers or denominated in currencies other than the US Dollar. In
addition, up to 15% of total assets can be invested in preferred stock, convertible securities, and
warrants (including securities carrying warrants), and up to 10% in issues purchased as defaulted
securities. The strategy can use derivatives, such as options, futures and swaps, which can be
6 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on performance.
The benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays Capital U.S. Corporate Index.
Passive U.S. Aggregate Bond Index - The objective of the Passive U.S. Aggregate Bond Index
strategy is to manage a fixed income portfolio in which accounts are managed to replicate the
performance of the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index. The strategy will only invest in
bonds which are in the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index or bonds with the same issuer
or obligor as those in the Index. The strategy can use derivatives, such as options, futures and
swaps, which can be illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large
impact on performance.
Short Duration - The objective of the Short Duration strategy is to seek attractive investments
considering both yield and total return in which accounts are normally comprised of at least 65%
investment grade securities and have the ability to invest up to 35% in non-investment grade
securities (as well as bank loans or loan participation interests). The strategy, under normal
circumstances, will maintain an average credit quality of at least Baa3 by Moody’s and a dollar
weighted average duration and average maturity of less than 3 years. Permitted investments
include, but are not limited to: U.S. dollar denominated corporate issues, commercial mortgage-
backed securities, asset-backed securities, mortgage-related securities, securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, and up to 25% of its total assets in securities of foreign
issuers. The strategy can use derivatives, such as options, futures and swaps, which can be illiquid,
can disproportionately increase losses, and have a potentially large impact on performance. The
benchmark is the Bloomberg Barclays 1-3 Year U.S. Government/Credit Index.
Equity HIMCO manages equity assets using quantitative and passive strategies. Please
see Item 8 for a
description of the equity investment process.
Extended Large Cap Core - The objective of the Extended Large Cap Core strategy is to seek to
maximize long-term capital appreciation. The strategy utilizes a quantitative-based investment
process with a normal allocation of long positions of up to 130% of total portfolio market value and
the ability to short (positions), up to 30% of total portfolio market value, within a primarily U.S. equity
universe. The portfolio could suffer significant losses on assets that it sells short. Unlike the
possible loss on a security that is purchased, there is no limit on the amount of loss on an
appreciating security that is sold short. By using the cash proceeds from short sales to purchase
additional securities the portfolio expects to use leverage, which involves special risks. The use of
leverage can make any change in net asset value even greater and cause increased volatility of
returns. The portfolio cannot guarantee that its leveraging strategy will be successful. The portfolio
can engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in higher portfolio turnover and transaction
costs. This can lead to the distribution of higher capital gains to shareholders, increasing their tax
liability. Investments in foreign securities involve risks beyond those inherent in solely domestic
investments. These risks are magnified with investments in emerging markets. Investing in small-
cap companies involves higher risk than investing in larger, more established companies. The use
of derivatives such as options, futures and swaps can be illiquid, can disproportionately increase
losses, and can have a potentially large impact on performance. The strategy’s benchmark is the
S&P 500 Index.
Global Enhanced Dividend - The primary objective of the Global Enhanced Dividend strategy is to
seek to achieve a high level of current income, with capital appreciation as a secondary objective.
The strategy utilizes a quantitative-based investment process with a normal allocation of long
positions of up to 140% of total portfolio market value and the ability to short up to 40% of total
portfolio market value, within a global equity universe. The portfolio could suffer significant losses
on assets that it sells short. Unlike the possible loss on a security that is purchased, there is no limit
on the amount of loss on an appreciating security that is sold short. By using the cash proceeds
from short sales to purchase additional securities the portfolio expects to use leverage, which
involves special risks. The use of leverage can make any change in net asset value even greater
7 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
and cause increased volatility of returns. The portfolio cannot guarantee that its leveraging strategy
will be successful. The portfolio can engage in active and frequent trading, resulting in higher
portfolio turnover and transaction costs. This can lead to the distribution of higher capital gains to
shareholders, increasing their tax liability. Investments in foreign securities involve risks beyond
those inherent in solely domestic investments. These risks are magnified with investments in
emerging markets. Investing in small-cap companies involves higher risk than investing in larger,
more established companies. The use of derivatives such as options, futures and swaps can be
illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and can have a potentially large impact on
performance. The strategy’s benchmark is the MSCI World Value Index.
Indexed Large Cap Equity - The objective of the Indexed large Cap strategy is to replicate the total
return of the S&P 500 Index by investing at least 95% in listed U.S. equity securities. The strategy
benchmark is the S&P 500 Index.
Large Cap Core Quantitative Equity - The objective of the Large Cap Core Quantitative Equity
strategy is to seek to maximize long-term capital appreciation by outperforming the S&P 500 Index
over full market cycles. The strategy utilizes a quantitative-based investment process within a
universe normally comprised of at least 80% in common stocks of U.S. large-capitalization
companies (defined as companies with market capitalizations within the collective range of the
Russell 1000 and the S&P 500 Indices). The strategy does have the ability to invest up to 20% in
securities of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities. The strategy’s benchmark is the S&P 500
Index.
Minimum Volatility Equity Income - The objective of the Minimum Volatility Equity Income strategy
is to seek less volatility and greater yield than the broad U.S. equity market, while still capturing the
equity risk premium over the long term. The strategy utilizes a quantitative-based investment
process with portfolios normally comprised of at least 80% in common stock of U.S. large-
capitalization companies and has the ability to invest up to 20% in securities of foreign issuers and
non-dollar securities. The strategy benchmark is the S&P 500 Minimum Volatility Index.
Risk-Managed Equity Income - The objective of the Risk-Managed Equity Income strategy is to
seek a high level of current income with low principal volatility. The strategy utilizes a quantitative-
based investment process with portfolios normally comprised of at least 80% in common stock of
U.S. companies and has the ability to use derivatives to enhance income (e.g., a covered call
strategy (selling call options) on the underlying stocks of the portfolio to collect the call premium as
additional income) and to reduce total portfolio volatility (e.g., by purchasing/selling options on
correlated securities/vehicles, such as puts on equity indices/ETFs, calls on VIX/Rates). The
strategy benchmark is the S&P 500 Index. The use of derivatives such as options, futures and
swaps can be illiquid, can disproportionately increase losses, and can have a potentially large
impact on performance.
Small/Mid Cap Quantitative Equity - The objective of the Small/Mid Cap Quantitative Equity
strategy is to seek to maximize long-term capital appreciation. The strategy utilizes a quantitative-
based investment process within a universe normally consisting of at least 80% in common stock
of small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies (as defined by the market capitalization
range of companies in the Russell 2500 Index) and has the ability to invest up to 20% in securities
of foreign issuers and non-dollar securities. Investing in small and mid-sized companies generally
involves higher risk than a strategy that invests in larger, more established companies. The
strategy’s benchmark is the Russell 2500 Index.
Alternative Assets HIMCO also manages alternative asset strategies. Please see
Item 8 for a description of the
investment processes associated with these strategies.
Commercial Mortgage Loans - The objective of the Commercial Mortgage Loan strategy is to
capture the spread premium over single A-rated public corporate industrials to compensate the
investor for liquidity risk while providing enhanced structural protections through negotiated
8 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
covenants, security or priority of payment. HIMCO seeks to achieve this objective by originating
commercial mortgage loans on a non-recourse, permanent-financing, on both a fixed and floating-
rate basis. The strategy targets investments in industrial/warehouse, multifamily, retail, and office,
with a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio no higher than 80% (typical LTV range 50%-70%) with typical deal
sizes ranging from $10 to $50 million. The strategy seeks to provide a well-constructed portfolio
that delivers to our clients enhanced credit diversification due to access to issuers not available in
the public markets and whose performance dynamics differ substantially from corporate credit risk.
The process employed relative to this strategy enforces strict underwriting standards, utilizing
specific criteria for each investment to build a diversified portfolio of loans in terms of borrowers,
geography, and asset class.
Middle Market Loans - The objective of the Middle Market Loan strategy is to seek attractive risk-
adjusted returns by capturing a spread premium over public fixed income assets, particularly
similarly-rated high yield corporates, by investing in senior secured loans and related equity
investments that support middle market buyout transactions. This market segment generally
includes companies with less than $50 million of EBITDA. The loan investments can include senior
term loans, revolvers, delayed draw term loans, unitranche, and second lien debt. The equity
investments can include preferred stock and equity co-investments alongside a private equity
sponsor. The strategy focuses on the middle market segment in order to benefit from historical
differences in yields, structure, leverage, covenants, and documentation terms compared to other
fixed income strategies. The process employed uses a combination of fundamental analysis of the
specific company, sponsor evaluation and capital structure review. In addition, the team conducts
a comprehensive due diligence process for each company consisting of both qualitative and
quantitative analyses.
Private Equity (Funds, Direct & Mezzanine Investments) - The Mezzanine and Private Equity Group
participates in the private equity market through a variety of strategies. The three primary strategies
consist of: 1) investing in domestic lower middle market private equity buyout funds; 2) investing in
private equity funds that offer diversification and high return expectations, outside of the lower
middle market; and 3) investing in direct mezzanine subordinated debt and equity co-investments,
alongside of a fund, in their portfolio companies. The core strategy is to invest in lower middle
market or middle market U.S-focused buyout firms. The U.S. middle market segment offers
potential value relative to other private equity strategies due to its potentially greater transaction
inefficiencies, lower purchase multiples, lower leverage, and greater number of companies and
transactions. However, the strategy does invest in opportunistically in fund strategies outside the
middle market buyout space. These non-core investments are targeted for their potential return,
diversification or risk mitigating characteristics. The mezzanine and equity co-invest programs
leverage general partner relationships developed through fund investing and these general
partners largely represent the origination platform of the direct mezzanine and equity co-invest
programs. Across all areas (funds, mezzanine debt and equity co-investments), the objective of
the private equity strategy is to seek strong absolute and risk-adjusted return opportunities that
balance the potential for gains with the probability of capital loss.
Private Placements - The objective of the Private Placement Fixed Income strategy is to seek
relative value debt investment opportunities with the objective of capturing a premium relative to
comparable public bonds. This is carried out by investing across the investment grade private
credit market, while structuring the portfolio to effectively manage risk. The strategy focuses on
both current income generation and capital appreciation with a priority on income generation. The
strategy is multi-dimensional, taking into account credit risk, long-term nominal and relative
spreads, as well as select return opportunities. The Private Placement strategy starts with the
premise that private placements are less liquid than publicly-traded bonds. Based on this premise,
we take a longer-term view in our security selection, portfolio construction and value metrics. The
process employed in this strategy is built upon fundamental credit and relative value analysis and
9 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
follows a disciplined and consistent approach in an effort to fully understand and adequately price
the risks inherent in each transaction.
Conflicts Inherent in Agreement to Provide Advisory Services
In addition to the specific conflicts of interest noted elsewhere in this document, there are conflicts of
interest inherent in entering into HIMCO’s standard investment management agreement (“IMA”). For
example, HIMCO includes an indemnification and exculpation provision (a “hedge clause”) in its
IMA. The hedge clause exculpates HIMCO from liability and imposes indemnification obligations on
the client with respect to losses, liabilities and other damages incurred unless HIMCO has failed to
abide by the standard of care set out in its IMA. HIMCO’s standard IMA also includes a non-waiver
provision which states that certain laws, including federal securities laws, impose liabilities (under
certain circumstances) on persons who act in good faith, and therefore the hedge clause does not
waive any rights a client has under such laws. For example, a client cannot waive HIMCO’s fiduciary
duty, as a registered investment adviser, via contract. Such a hedge clause creates a conflict of interest
between HIMCO and its client as it contractually limits HIMCO’s liability to its client and subjects the
client to the risk of having to indemnify HIMCO under certain circumstances. This conflict of interest is
characteristic of the conflict of interest that exists with respect to all aspects of any agreement to provide
services because the provider of the service (here, HIMCO) and the recipient of the service (here, the
client) are on “opposite sides” of the contract resulting in their interests being adverse with respect to
each term of the contract.
C. Availability of Customized Services for Individual Clients
As a general rule, HIMCO will tailor its advisory services for separately managed client accounts based
on a client’s particular needs, including the client’s overall financial condition, goals, risk tolerance and
other factors unique to a client’s particular circumstances. In addition, HIMCO typically will tailor
investment guidelines for separately managed client accounts in order to restrict investments in certain
securities or asset classes as requested by the client.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
HIMCO does not provide portfolio management services in connection with wrap fee programs.
E. Assets Under Management As of December 31, 2019, HIMCO had approximately $98 billion of assets under management:
U.S. Dollar Amount
Discretionary $98,022,016,185 Non-Discretionary $0 Total $98,022,016,185 10 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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A. Advisory Fees and Compensation HIMCO typically receives a percentage of assets under management as compensation for its advisory
services. HIMCO’s standard fee schedules are provided below. Fee schedules for different styles of
investment management will vary depending on research intensity, degree of active management and
size of the account. HIMCO, from time to time, negotiates terms and charges different fees for certain
accounts based on a client’s particular needs, goals, risk tolerance, servicing requirements, and other
factors unique to the client. Fee schedules change over time and thus accounts with differing inception
dates can have different fee schedules. HIMCO retains the right to enter into agreements where the
fees charged for a particular account will be the lowest fees charged. Clients that negotiate fees with
differing breakpoints than those outlined in the standard fee schedules below could end up paying a
higher or lower fee than that set forth below due to fluctuations in the client's assets under management
and/or account performance.
HIMCO’s standard fee schedules for unaffiliated clients in principal strategies are as follows. See
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FIXED INCOME Core Fixed Income Core Plus Fixed Income Assets Basis Points Assets Basis Points
First $75 Million 25 First $75 Million 30
Next $100 Million 20 Next $100 Million 25
Next $300 Million 18.5 Next $300 Million 20
High Quality High Yield High Yield Assets Basis Points Assets Basis Points
First $25 Million 50 First $25 Million 50
Next $75 Million 40 Next $75 Million 40
Next $100 Million 35 Next $100 Million 35
Over $200 Million Negotiable Over $200 Million Negotiable
Intermediate Duration Core Fixed Income Long Duration Corporate Fixed Income Assets Basis Points Assets Basis Points
First $75 Million 25 First $25 Million 30
Next $100 Million 20 Next $75 Million 25
Next $300 Million 18.5 Over $100 million 20
Opportunistic Corporate Fixed Income Passive U.S. Aggregate Bond Index Assets Basis Points Assets Basis Points
First $25 Million 30 First $100 Million 15
Next $75 Million 25 Next $400 Million 7
Over $100 Million 20 Over $500 Million 5
Short Duration Assets Basis Points
First $75 Million 20
Next $100 Million 15
11 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
EQUITY Extended Large Cap Core Global Enhanced Dividend Highest management fee for this product is 0.75% Highest management fee for this product is 0.75%
Indexed Large Cap Equity Large Cap Core Quantitative Equity Highest management fee for this product is 0.125% Highest management fee for this product is 0.50%
Minimum Volatility Equity Income Risk Managed Equity Income Highest management fee for this product is 0.40% Highest management fee for this product is 0.60%
Small/Mid Cap Quantitative Equity
Highest management fee for this product is 0.85%
ALTERNATIVE ASSETS
Commercial Mortgage Loans 25 basis points
Middle Market Loans
Fees for middle market senior loans and related equity co-investments are dependent on the structure
and nature of the investment (e.g. senior term loan, revolver, delayed draw term loan, unitranche,
second lien debt). Fees are negotiable based on factors including but not limited to type of investment,
size of account, and other relationships with HIMCO. Total investment management fees can be
comprised of various components including but not limited to asset based management fees and
carried interest or other performance based fees.
Private Equity (Funds, Direct & Mezzanine Investments) Fees for private equity investment services are dependent on the structure and nature of the
investment (fund, mezzanine, direct equity co-investment, etc.). Fees are negotiable based on factors
including but not limited to type of investment, size of account and other relationships with
HIMCO. Total investment management fees can be comprised of various components including but
not limited to asset based management fees and carried interest or other performance based fees.
Private Placements 25 basis points
In addition to the standard fee schedules for unaffiliated clients in principal strategies outlined above,
HIMCO, at its discretion, offers alternative fee schedules for broader asset management mandates
covering multiple strategies and asset classes whereby the client pays a negotiated annual rate (in
basis points) by asset class.
With respect to its role as sub-adviser to 1940 Act registered investment companies sponsored by an
unaffiliated entity, the adviser to the fund pays HIMCO a monthly management fee based on an annual
rate calculated based on a stated percentage of the fund’s average daily net assets. The annual rate
is tiered based on the size of the fund. Based on the expense waiver and reimbursement arrangements
in place for the funds as of the date of this Brochure (as disclosed in each fund’s prospectus), HIMCO
is waiving a portion of its monthly fee as agreed to with the fund’s adviser.
With respect to its portfolio consulting services to unit investment trusts registered under the 1940 Act,
HIMCO receives an initial fee based on a percentage of the net asset value of the unit investment trust
as of the end of its initial offering period. In addition, HIMCO receives an annual fee based on a
percentage of the net asset value of the unit investment trust as of the end of each calendar year during
the life of the trust.
HIMCO is reimbursed for costs incurred for providing investment services to its affiliates. In addition,
HIMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hartford and HIMCO’s employees are compensated by
The Hartford (please refer
to Item 6 for additional information).
12 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
B. Payment of Fees Fees are generally payable to HIMCO quarterly in arrears based on the quarter-end market value or
average market value for the quarter. HIMCO sends a quarterly invoice to each unaffiliated institutional
client or their designee for the amount due which states both the value of the account on which the fee
was based and the manner in which the fee was calculated. Clients are responsible for verifying that
the fee was correctly calculated. If a client terminates the relationship prior to the end of a period, the
fee is prorated for the number of days in the period prior to termination.
Monthly management fees associated with sub-advising 1940 Act registered investment companies
are generally paid by the fund’s adviser to HIMCO monthly in arrears. The initial and annual fees paid
to HIMCO for serving as portfolio consultant to 1940 Act registered unit investment trusts are invoiced
to and paid by the sponsor of the unit investment trusts. HIMCO is reimbursed through an internal
expense allocation process for the costs incurred for providing investment services to its affiliates and
HIMCO’s employees are compensated through The Hartford’s payroll process.
C. Additional Fees and Expenses
Clients pay all interest, charges, taxes, fees, commissions, brokerage costs and expenses of every
kind related to their account. HIMCO, in its discretion, also passes through to clients expenses from
third parties performing certain services related to their account(s). In addition, clients whose
uninvested assets are swept into money market mutual funds for short-term cash management
purposes either by HIMCO or by their custodian will also bear the additional fees and expenses
assessed by such money market mutual funds to the extent of their investment in such funds. To the
extent that the investment guidelines for an account permit the investment of account assets in mutual
funds or other collective investment vehicles, the account will bear any fees and costs associated with
such collective investment vehicles, as well as the investment advisory fee of HIMCO. Clients investing
directly in mutual funds sub-advised by HIMCO will bear the fees and expenses disclosed in such
mutual fund’s prospectus.
If so authorized by a client, HIMCO will include the client in its process for filing class action claims
involving issuers of securities or other assets held in advisory accounts. HIMCO reserves the right, in
its discretion, to pass through to participating clients the pro-rata costs of participating in such legal
actions (including legal fees).
D. Prepayment of Fees
Clients of HIMCO are not required to pre-pay fees.
E. Additional Compensation and Conflicts of Interest HIMCO’s supervised persons do not receive compensation for the sale of securities or other investment
products. HIMCO does charge higher fees for advisory services associated with certain investment
strategies as evidenced in its standard fee schedules above. This creates a conflict of interest in that
HIMCO has the incentive to recommend certain investment strategies to clients to increase HIMCO’s
fee income. This conflict is mitigated by: (i) the fact that HIMCO supervised persons do not receive
compensation for the sale of certain investment strategies; (ii) HIMCO’s practice of seeking to
understand its clients’ investment objectives and risk tolerances and provide appropriate investment
options tailored to their preferences; and (iii) HIMCO’s Code of Ethics that requires that supervised
persons, at all times, put the interests of HIMCO’s clients above HIMCO’s interests and minimize or
manage any conflict or appearance of conflict between the self-interest of the supervised person,
HIMCO, The Hartford, its shareholders, and/or any of HIMCO’s clients.
13 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
ITEM 6: PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES AND SIDE-BY-SIDE MANAGEMENT
While HIMCO does not receive traditional performance based fees on the accounts it manages as of the
date of this Brochure, HIMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hartford and HIMCO’s employees are
compensated by The Hartford. Such compensation includes, without limitation, salary and variable
compensation that is based, in part, on HIMCO’s success in meeting its objectives, including the
performance objectives of its affiliated clients. Certain HIMCO investment professionals are in the position
of managing both affiliated and unaffiliated client accounts. Side by side management of client portfolios
with varying investment objectives, strategies, risk profiles, affiliations, and/or fee structures raises potential
conflicts of interest for HIMCO and its personnel, including:
Performance-based fees provide an incentive for HIMCO to purchase investments that are more
speculative and/or involve a higher degree of risk than might otherwise be the case in the absence
of such performance-based compensation. The prospect of earning higher compensation from a
portfolio with a higher fee structure also creates an incentive for the portfolio manager to favor the
portfolio with the higher fee structure when it comes to allocating his or her time across portfolios
or allocating securities transactions expected to result in favorable performance.
The fact that HIMCO provides investment advisory services to affiliated and unaffiliated clients
creates the incentive to favor affiliated clients when allocating investment opportunities.
To the extent that HIMCO’s fees are based on account values, HIMCO benefits from the increased
value of assets in an account. If a security held in an account does not have a readily available
market value, a potential conflict arises in that HIMCO’s interests would be served by placing the
highest possible value on that security.
If HIMCO pursues or enforces the rights of certain HIMCO clients with respect to an issuer it could
have a negative impact on the investments of other HIMCO clients in the same issuer. For
example, if certain HIMCO clients hold investments in the debt securities of an issuer which has
become financially impaired and other clients hold the equity securities of the same issuer, or if
multiple clients hold investments in different tranches of an issuer’s debt securities, the prices,
liquidity, availability and terms of certain clients’ investments could be adversely affected by actions
taken on behalf of other clients.
Portfolio managers at HIMCO manage multiple portfolios for multiple clients. Portfolio managers
make investment decisions for each portfolio based on the investment objectives, strategies, risk
tolerance, practices and other relevant investment considerations applicable to that portfolio.
Consequently, a portfolio manager can (i) purchase or sell securities for one portfolio and not
another portfolio; (ii) purchase or sell the same security for different portfolios at different times; (iii)
place transactions on behalf of one portfolio that are directly or indirectly contrary to investment
decisions made on behalf of other portfolios; or (iv) make investment decisions that are similar to
those made for other portfolios, all of which have the potential to adversely impact one portfolio and
not another, depending on market conditions.
Certain portfolio managers at HIMCO manage portfolios for both discretionary and non-
discretionary clients. Non-discretionary clients have the ability to decline investment
recommendations and thus a portfolio manager could be faced with the conflict of having to manage
portfolios that have conflicting, differing, or misaligned interests in one or more investments.
Side by side management of long/short portfolios and traditional long only portfolios also creates a
potential conflict of interest. A portfolio manager could be incentivized to short a security that a
traditional long only portfolio is about to sell. One portfolio’s shorting could have a negative impact
on other client portfolios that planned to sell the same security.
HIMCO's goal is to provide high quality investment services to all of its clients, while meeting its fiduciary
obligation to treat all clients fairly. HIMCO has adopted and implemented a number of policies and
procedures that it believes address the conflicts noted above. These include, but are not limited to:
14 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Side by Side Client Portfolio Management Policy and Procedures that require surveillance of trade
allocation, investment style dispersion and performance dispersion.
Trade Allocation Policy and Procedures that establish requirements for the fair and equitable
allocation of investment opportunities across client accounts. Under its Trade Allocation Policy and
Procedures, HIMCO must act for its clients’ benefit and ensure that, over time, each client is treated
fairly and equitably. The Trade Allocation Policy and Procedures include a number of controls
designed to:
o Facilitate the sharing of investment ideas by investment personnel for the benefit of
applicable client accounts, subject to certain documented exclusions;
o Require the use of allocation statements for aggregated orders; and
o Establish allocation and reallocation protocols under various scenarios.
Please refer to
Item 12 for additional information on HIMCO’s Trade Allocation Policy and
Procedures.
The Code of Ethics that requires that covered persons at all times put the interests of HIMCO’s
clients above HIMCO’s interests and minimize or manage any conflict or appearance of conflict
between the self-interest of the covered person, HIMCO, The Hartford, its shareholders and/or any
of HIMCO’s clients.
Pricing Policy and Procedures that establish controls to manage the conflict posed by pricing
securities for which there is no readily available market value, including but not limited to requiring
the appropriate segregation of duties within the valuation process.
15 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
HIMCO provides investment advisory services primarily to institutional clients, registered investment
companies, and private funds. Institutional clients include affiliated and unaffiliated insurance companies
(general accounts and separate accounts), corporations, and employee benefit and pension plans. HIMCO
also serves as an investment adviser for its affiliates.
HIMCO serves as a sub-adviser to investment companies registered under the 1940 Act, which are
sponsored and distributed by entities unaffiliated with HIMCO. In addition, HIMCO provides portfolio
consulting services to unit investment trusts registered under the 1940 Act and advises private funds, which
are exempt from registration under the 1940 Act.
As a general rule:
HIMCO requires: (i) a minimum of $40 million for starting or maintaining a fixed income mandate in
an active strategy; (ii) a minimum of $100 million for starting or maintaining a fixed income mandate
in a passive strategy.
HIMCO requires a minimum of $1 million for starting or maintaining an equity mandate.
HIMCO requires a minimum of $100 to $150 million for starting or maintaining a discretionary
commercial mortgage loan or private placement account. Non-discretionary commercial mortgage
loan and private placement accounts do not have an investment minimum.
HIMCO requires a minimum of $50 million for starting or maintaining a discretionary private
equity/mezzanine account.
HIMCO requires a minimum of $100 million for starting or maintaining a discretionary middle market
loan account.
HIMCO retains the right to negotiate or waive its investment minimums based on a number of factors
including, without limitation:
Whether the strategy is investable at a certain size taking into account market liquidity, applicable
regulatory constraints, and other factors;
Whether appropriate diversification is achievable at a certain size; and
Whether managing the strategy at a certain size would be profitable to HIMCO.
16 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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Investing in securities involves the risk of loss including possible loss of principal that clients
should be prepared to bear.
INVESTMENT PROCESS
HIMCO manages investment portfolios using a top-down and bottom-up investment process, with multiple
levels of investment input, within a governance framework that is designed to ensure thematic consistency
(to the extent mandates are similar). Ultimately, portfolio managers are responsible for portfolio
construction that draws upon the resources of HIMCO and pursues client objectives within the constraints
set by the client. The investment process, inputs and governance structure are outlined below.
In addition to individual portfolio managers and various functional specialists (sector analysts, traders, and
macroeconomic and quantitative analysts), there are two groups exerting significant influence over
HIMCO’s investment process. HIMCO’s Investment Strategy Committee (“ISC”) has overall responsibility
for all aspects of the investment process. The ISC is co-chaired by HIMCO’s Chief Investment Officer
(“CIO”) and Head of Public Credit Research and is comprised of senior investment professionals. Many
ISC responsibilities are performed through the Portfolio Strategy Group (“PSG”). A formal outlook is
presented to the ISC for discussion on at least a quarterly basis. Various economic and capital market
scenarios are outlined and estimated probabilities are assigned with respect to the likelihood of each
scenario. Sector specialists also offer their view on their asset class/sector’s likely performance in each of
the defined scenarios. Through the quarterly ISC process, a HIMCO view is developed for an intermediate
term outlook on growth, rates, inflation and overall portfolio risk appetite.
The PSG is a cross-functional team comprised of key consumers and providers of investment information
including portfolio management, sector specialists, credit research and macroeconomic and quantitative
analysts. The primary role of the PSG is to make regular recommendations on broad portfolio strategy
issues, such as tactical asset allocation and risk taking, for an abstract, unconstrained theoretical portfolio.
The PSG meets at least weekly to discuss developments across three main areas (1) economic data
releases and overall economic trends, (2) market pricing vs. economic fundamentals and (3) recommended
asset allocation positioning of portfolios. The PSG coordinates the input of macroeconomists, senior
portfolio managers, sector heads, research analysts, and traders, in examining critical structural drivers of
the U.S. and global economies. This includes fiscal and monetary conditions, growth and inflation data and
trends, geo-political events and policy initiatives.
Portfolio managers are responsible for the ultimate investment decision and the construction of the portfolio.
Portfolio managers synthesize the array of analyses provided by the PSG, sector teams and others in
formalizing and implementing portfolio-level decisions. Portfolio managers also engage the PSG as needed
in ad hoc scenario and portfolio optimization analysis as economic conditions, market technicals, or price
or volatility relationships evolve. While portfolio construction ultimately resides with the portfolio managers,
they are expected to consider and implement the recommendations of the PSG as appropriate to the client
portfolio objectives, within guidelines and constraints. HIMCO’s CIO evaluates the implementation of PSG
recommendations within portfolios to ensure reasonableness and consistency of approach.
FIXED INCOME
HIMCO manages fixed income portfolios using a disciplined process designed to generate value from three
sources: (i) a macro-economic strategy which considers duration, yield curve, and strategic asset allocation
(ii) sector rotation and (iii) security selection. Each of these three value levers is analyzed within a three-
pronged framework: fundamentals, market pricing, and market technicals. Fundamental analysis
encompasses the review of profitability, issuer liquidity, structural characteristics, and leverage metrics,
along with an assessment of the trajectory of key drivers that will impact an issuer’s future credit
17 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
profile. Analysis focuses on industry and macro trends that impact an issuer, as well as examining the state
of financial markets and issuers’ access to capital. Attention to event risk and risk rating migration are also
a critical part of the analysis. Fundamental analysis includes an assessment of the structural aspects of an
issuer’s debt profile, including but not limited to priority in the capital structure and financial covenants.
Market pricing of securities is examined, and an evaluation is made by various specialist teams (sector
teams) to determine if market prices accurately reflect fundamentals and relative value within industry, risk
ratings and sector constructs. Market technicals are assessed by reviewing fund flows, supply, broker deal
activity and synthetic activity. Dislocations in pricing present opportunities to buy or sell in the markets or
securities examined. HIMCO implements buy and sell decisions leveraging in-house market expertise and
execution capabilities.
Risks
Fixed income investments are subject to the following primary risks:
Credit Risk - The risk that the issuer of a security will not be able to make timely principal and
interest payments.
Interest Rate Risk - The risk that investments go down in value when interest rates rise because
when interest rates rise the prices of bonds and fixed rate loans fall. Generally, the longer the
maturity of a bond or fixed rate loan, the more sensitive it is to this risk. These risks are greater
during periods of inflation. Falling interest rates also create the potential for a decline in a fixed
income portfolio’s income.
Prepayment Risk – The risk that when interest rates decline, borrowers will pay off their obligations
sooner than expected. This can reduce the returns of a portfolio because HIMCO will have to
reinvest that money at lower prevailing interest rates.
Recovery Risk - The risk that a security holder will not recover some or all of its principal after a
security has defaulted.
In addition, certain fixed income investments are subject to additional primary risks:
Below Investment Grade Risk - Securities rated below investment grade (also referred to as “high
yield” or “junk” bonds) are subject to heightened credit risk as these securities are typically issued
by entities with higher leverage and lesser scale. Lower rated securities generally involve greater
risk of default or price changes due to changes in the issuer’s creditworthiness than higher rated
debt securities. The market prices of these securities generally fluctuate more than higher quality
securities and may decline significantly in periods of general economic difficulty.
Call Risk - The risk that an issuer, during a period of falling interest rates, will redeem a security by
repaying it prior to maturity. Income to the portfolio will be reduced if the proceeds from the
redemption are reinvested at lower interest rates.
Currency Risk - The risk that changes in the exchange rate between currencies will adversely affect
the value of an investment.
Extension Risk - The risk that, generally, rising interest rates tend to extend the duration of fixed
rate mortgage-backed securities, making them more sensitive to changes in interest rates causing
the portfolio to exhibit additional volatility.
Liquidity Risk - The risk that certain securities are difficult or impossible to sell at the time that the
seller would like or at the price that the seller believes the security is currently worth. Such fixed
income securities may also be difficult to value. Alternative assets are generally less liquid than
other types of fixed income securities. The liquidity of fixed income securities is also negatively
impacted by rising interest rates and decreases in fixed income dealer market making capacity.
For information on the principal investment strategy and complete set of risks applicable to the AAM/HIMCO
Short Duration Fund please refer to the fund’s prospectus and statement of additional information.
18 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
EQUITY HIMCO manages equity assets using quantitative and passive strategies.
Quantitative Equity
HIMCO manages equity assets by using quantitative analysis, which begins with the daily collection
of company fundamental and stock price data. Portfolio managers then use this data to identify
companies with the most attractive fundamentals relative to their peers using custom defined
industries. For this analysis, portfolio managers use proprietary industry specific models that
analyze multiple fundamentals to score each stock within its respective industry.
In addition, portfolio managers employ a qualitative overlay that looks for potential anomalies that
would impact the investment decision either because the anomaly calls into question the company’s
fundamentals or because it causes portfolio management to believe the company’s stock price is
not reflective of its fundamentals.
HIMCO also employs its quantitative-based investment process for specified “extension” portfolios.
HIMCO’s “extension” portfolios increase their long positions to a specified amount (e.g. 140% of
total portfolio market value) while simultaneously shorting positions up to a specified amount (e.g.
40%), in order to keep the portfolio fully invested in the market (100% net position) consistent with
other long-only mandates.
Passive Equity
For passive equity strategies, HIMCO seeks to match the attributes of the underlying index in order
to deliver comparable performance. Portfolio managers seek to keep each portfolio fully invested,
minimizing unexposed cash. Each portfolio’s active risk, as well as security, sector, and country
exposures are assessed utilizing portfolio management software. Exposure to domestic and
international currencies, where applicable, are also reviewed.
Managing tightly to an index requires in-depth knowledge of each index provider’s
methodology. Most indexes add, delete, and/or modify the weight of its constituents through a
quarterly rebalance process. The Equity Team’s portfolio management software incorporates the
new index security weights as a forward-looking benchmark. Portfolio managers utilize this
software to reposition the portfolio from the current index weights to the new index weights. An
optimization is typically employed to minimize tracking error and minimize security active weights
between the portfolio and index.
There are also situations where material events require ad hoc changes to the index outside of the
quarterly rebalance process. Portfolio managers buy and sell securities when necessary to stay in
line with the index. In these situations, portfolio managers model the index event in the portfolio
management software to assess the impact on the index. Portfolio managers then enter any
transactions necessary to bring the security’s weight closer to the index weight.
For certain passive index strategies, portfolio managers also manage currency forward contracts
in a manner consistent with that of the relevant index providers in order to minimize tracking error
in the applicable portfolios.
HIMCO’s equity strategies involve the following primary risks:
Foreign Investment Risk – Certain HIMCO equity strategies invest in American Depository Receipts
(certificates that represent a specified number of shares of a foreign stock) and foreign securities
19 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
(including emerging market securities). These securities are subject to the risks associated with
overseas investing, including:
o The risk that changes in the exchange rate between currencies will adversely affect the value
of an investment.
o The risk that changes in political and economic conditions will adversely affect the value of an
investment.
o Securities markets in emerging market countries are generally less liquid, subject to greater
price volatility, have smaller market capitalizations, have less government regulation and are
not subject to as extensive and frequent accounting, financial and other reporting requirements
as the securities markets of more developed countries.
Market Risk - The risk that one or more securities in which a strategy invests will go down in value,
including the possibility that the securities will go down sharply and unpredictably. Equity securities
may decline in value due to the activities and financial prospects of individual companies or due to
general market and economic movements and trends.
Passive Management Risk - Passive equity strategies, by definition, are not actively managed.
Instead they are designed to match the components of a reference index. Therefore, the adverse
performance of a particular stock ordinarily will not result in the elimination of the stock from a
passive equity portfolio. The portfolio will generally remain invested in a stock even when its price
is falling, provided it continues to be a component of the portfolio’s reference index.
Quantitative Management Risks:
o The risk that the value of securities selected using quantitative analysis reacts differently to
issuer, political, market, and economic developments than the market as a whole or securities
selected using only fundamental analysis.
o The risk that the factors used in quantitative analysis and the weight placed on those factors
will not be predictive of a security’s value.
o The risk that the factors affecting a security’s value change over time and that such changes
are not properly reflected in the quantitative model.
Short Selling Risks - Equity strategies that engage in short selling generally involve more risk than
equity strategies that do not engage in short selling. By investing the proceeds received from
selling securities short, the strategy is employing a form of leverage. The use of leverage will
increase the strategy’s exposure to long equity positions and make any change in the strategy’s
value greater than without the use of leverage.
Small and Mid-Cap Company Risks – Equity strategies that invest in small or mid-sized companies
involve higher risk than a strategy that invests in larger, more established companies. Small and
mid-sized companies often have limited operating or business history. They also frequently rely
on narrower product lines and niche markets, and thus, can suffer severely from isolated business
setbacks. Small capitalization stocks are often more difficult to value or dispose of, more difficult
to obtain information about and more volatile than stocks of larger, more established companies.
Tracking Error Risk - Passive equity strategies are also subject to the risk of tracking error. Tracking
error causes a passive equity strategy’s performance to diverge from that of its reference index,
either on a daily or aggregate basis. Factors such as cash flows, transaction costs, imperfect
correlation between the portfolio’s securities and those in the index, asset valuation, timing
variances, changes to the composition of the reference index, and regulatory requirements are all
potential causes of tracking error.
Turnover Risk –The long/short approach of certain HIMCO equity strategies could result in a
relatively higher level of portfolio turnover and increased transaction costs.
Warrants Risk - Investing in warrants involves greater risk than investments in common stock. If
the price of stock underlying a warrant does not rise above the exercise price before the warrant
20 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and the portfolio loses any amount it paid
for the warrant. Warrants generally trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however,
the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.
For information on the principal investment strategy and complete set of risks applicable to the AAM/HIMCO
Global Enhanced Dividend Fund please refer to the fund’s prospectus and statement of additional
information.
ALTERNATIVE ASSETS Commercial Mortgage Loans (“CMLs”)
Methods of Analysis
HIMCO originates CMLs in order to obtain a durable income stream while diversifying from public income
credits (e.g. corporate bonds). CMLs are private securities with low liquidity that are typically held for the
life of the CML (usually up to 15 years, but could be more). In return for this lack of liquidity, CMLs seek to
achieve a “liquidity premium” over like-rated public income credits. In addition, HIMCO seeks to minimize
its CML losses to be consistent with or better than like-rated public income credit. To achieve its CML
objectives, HIMCO employs an in-house origination team utilizing a bottom-up strategy to create the CML
opportunity. HIMCO’s CML underwriters are assigned to geographic regions across the continental U.S.
after they have developed market expertise as well as strong relationships with brokers and
sponsors/borrowers in their designated region. CML opportunities are primarily sourced by a network of
independent mortgage brokers representing borrowers, although HIMCO occasionally deals directly with
potential borrowers. HIMCO will periodically update the broker network on deal parameters of particular
interest to HIMCO’s clients, including loan size and duration, property type, geographic location, and
spread/coupon requirements. Underwriters conduct a detailed analysis of a loan opportunity considering a
number of factors, such as collateral cash flows, occupancy/tenancy characteristics, market strengths and
challenges, collateral value, quality and location, and the strength of the proposed sponsor/borrower. If the
underwriter determines that a loan opportunity satisfies preliminary underwriting criteria and other
portfolio/client requirements, the underwriter determines a projected credit rating (based on both internal
and external models) and proposed loan pricing (the spread over comparable Treasuries). The underwriter
will then review the proposed terms with the Private Real Estate (“PRE”) Head of Production (Debt and
Equity) for feedback. Assuming the PRE Head of Production (Debt and Equity) concurs with the
underwriter’s proposed deal terms, the underwriter circulates a non-binding proposal to the potential
sponsor/borrower. The PRE Head of Production (Debt and Equity) must be consulted on any material
changes to the proposed deal terms and the Head of Alternatives has final approval authority.
Risks
CML investments are subject to the following primary risks:
Real Estate Investment Risk - Commercial mortgage loans are subject to the uncertainty of cash
flow of the borrowers to meet fixed or variable obligations due to the risks incident to development
and ownership of real estate, including risks associated with changes in the general economic
climate, changes in the overall real estate market, local real estate conditions, the financial
condition of buyers and sellers of properties, supply of or demand for competing rental space or
properties in an area and variation of rental rates based on supply/demand factors, accelerated
construction activity, technological innovations that alter space requirements, the availability of
financing, changes in interest rates, competition based on sale prices, energy and supply
shortages, various uninsured and uninsurable risks, deterioration of tenant credit, and government
regulations.
Risk of Environmental Matters - The real properties which secure commercial mortgage loans are
subject to U.S. federal and state environmental laws, regulations and administrative rulings which,
among other things, establish standards for the treatment, storage and disposal of solid and
21 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
hazardous waste. Real property owners are subject to U.S. federal and state environmental laws
which impose joint and several liability on past and present owners and users, and in some cases,
lenders of real property for hazardous substance remediation and removal costs. To the extent it
becomes an owner of property serving as collateral for a mortgage loan, a lender is exposed to risk
of loss from environmental claims arising in respect of undisclosed or unknown environmental
problems or as to which inadequate reserves have been established. It is anticipated that lender
will not take title to a property unless said property is free of unacceptable environmental risks as
established by an industry standard environmental study, and that if the lender takes title, it would
be taken in the name of a separate legal entity.
Creditor Risks - As debt, commercial mortgage loans generally are subject to various creditor risks,
including (i) the possible invalidation of an investment transaction as a “fraudulent conveyance”
under the relevant creditors’ rights laws, (ii) so-called lender liability claims by the borrower, and
(iii) as noted above, environmental liabilities that arise with respect to collateral securing the
obligations. Additionally, adverse credit events with respect to any underlying real property or
owner, such as missed or delayed payment of interest and/or principal, bankruptcy, receivership or
credit issues suffered by tenants, can significantly diminish or adversely impact the collectability of
commercial mortgage loans.
Risk of Uninsured Losses - The lender will require borrowers to maintain insurance coverage
against liability to third parties and property damage as is customary for similarly situated real
property. However, there can be no assurance that insurance will be available or sufficient to cover
any or all such risks. Insurance against certain risks, such as earthquakes, floods, or acts of
terrorism may be unavailable, available in amounts that are less than the full market value or
replacement cost of real property securing the commercial mortgage loan, or subject to a large
deductible or not economically insurable. In addition, there can be no assurance that the particular
risks that are currently insurable will continue to be insurable on an economic basis.
Prepayment Risks - Despite a stated maturity date, commercial mortgage loans are subject to the
risk of being prepaid prior to such maturity date. In the absence of a certain maturity date, market
participants generally refer to an estimated average life. An average life estimate is a function of
an assumption regarding anticipated prepayment patterns, which are based upon current interest
rates, current conditions in the relevant end-use markets and other factors. The assumption is
necessarily subjective, and there can be no assurance that estimated average life will correspond
to a loan’s actual life.
Risk of Troubled Assets - Defaulted commercial mortgage loans operating in work-out mode or
under bankruptcy protection laws are, in certain circumstances, subject to potential liabilities that
could exceed the value of the original investment, including disallowance of claims or lender liability.
In addition, under certain circumstances, payments to a lender may be reclaimed if any such
payments or distributions are later determined to have been fraudulent conveyances or preferential
payments under applicable law.
Risk Related to Usury Limitations - Interest charged on commercial mortgage loan investments in
certain jurisdictions is subject to usury laws imposing maximum interest rates and penalties for
violation, including restitution of excess interest and unenforceability of debt.
Risk Related to Uncertainty of Projections - The lender’s determination to make a particular
commercial mortgage loan will be based on a variety of projections, including projections regarding
future growth rates and demand in the applicable market, construction costs, market prices and
disposition timing and proceeds, all of which are inherently uncertain. To the extent that the actual
outcome of any of such matters differs from that assumed by the lender, actual net income and
cash flow from the real property could be materially affected and could be materially lower than
those projected.
Middle Market Loans 22 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
HIMCO’s Middle Market Loan (MML) Group invests in senior secured loans and related equity investments
that support middle market buyout transactions. This market segment generally includes companies with
less than $50 million of EBITDA. The loan investments include senior term loans, revolvers, delayed draw
term loans (DDTLs), unitranche, and second lien debt. The equity investments include preferred stock and
equity co-investments alongside a private equity sponsor.
The MML Group seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns by taking advantage of its network of
private equity sponsor relationships built over the past 30 years. These relationships help the group source
deals in an efficient manner and target companies that fit with its investment strategy. The MML Group
focuses on the middle market segment in order to benefit from historical differences in yields, structure,
leverage, covenants, and documentation terms compared to other fixed and/or floating income strategies.
The MML Group uses a combination of analysis methods including:
Fundamental analysis based on a company’s competitive position, value proposition for customers,
technological advantages, growth potential, order backlog, management capability, and industry
sector tailwinds;
Financial analysis including sales growth, margin profile, consistency of performance, sensitivity
analysis based on a decline in sales or margins due to competition or overall economic cycle;
Evaluation of an equity sponsor’s capabilities including historical track record, resources to support
growth, industry experience and contacts, and history of supporting underperforming investments;
Review of proposed capital structure including leverage and loan-to-value ratios, ability to repay
fixed charges including interest and taxes, covenant restrictions, and limitations on future
borrowings.
For each investment, HIMCO conducts a comprehensive due diligence process consisting of both
qualitative and quantitative analyses; including:
Review of offering materials prepared by management or an intermediary
Discussions with private equity sponsor to review due diligence, investment thesis and value
creation plans
Meeting with management and visiting them at the company’s facilities or offices
Review of financial information including audited statements and internal monthly financials
Review of third party diligence reports including quality of earnings, tax, market research and
competitive position, environmental risk, product liability, and management background checks
Discussions with industry experts arranged either by third party or existing HIMCO relationships
Review and negotiation of legal documentation
The underwriting and diligence processes culminate with written material and an oral presentation to the
Private Equity/Middle Market Loan Investment Committee (“PE/MML Investment Committee”) in a formal
investment approval session. The PE/MML Investment Committee is a forum for a robust discussion of the
merits and risks of a proposed investment.
The MML Group seeks to manage risks associated with each investment by employing the detailed analysis
and process discussed above. However, it is not possible to fully mitigate all risks, and all investments in
middle market senior loans and associated equity co-investments are subject to the risk of loss. In addition
to the risks inherent in each portfolio company, the MML Group’s investments are subject to the following
primary risks:
Financial Market Risk
: Financial markets have experienced substantial fluctuations in prices and
liquidity for levered loans in the past. Disruption in credit markets has negative effects on the
availability of capital for middle market companies, and these conditions may lead to systematic
decline in performance across the middle market.
23 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Leverage Risk
: Levered companies have a higher level of interest expense and therefore fixed
costs. As a result, the companies and management have less flexibility and fewer options when
entering a decline, which leads to higher likelihood of default and risk of loss compared to
companies with lower leverage.
Liquidity Risk: Middle market senior loans and related equity co-investments are illiquid
investments. Most investors choose to buy and hold these investments to maturity or until a private
equity sponsor sells a portfolio company. Middle market loans and related equity co-investments
should be considered only by clients who are able to maintain their investment for a prolonged
period of time and who can afford a loss in such an investment.
Private Debt and Equity Investment Risk
: Issuers of these securities may suffer adverse financial
performance due to a variety of factors including poor management decisions, industry sector
decline, disruptive technologies, and overly competitive landscape. HIMCO clients may not realize
their rate of return objectives, and they may not receive a return of their invested capital.
Risk Associated with Availability of Transactions in the Middle Market
: There are multiple providers
of capital serving middle market private equity sponsors, each of which provide financing solutions
similar to those of HIMCO’s MML Group. There is a large amount of uncertainty around the timing
and volume of suitable opportunities that match the MML Group’s investment strategy and
philosophy.
Private Equity (Funds, Direct & Mezzanine Investments)
Methods of Analysis
The Mezzanine and Private Equity Group participates in the private equity market through a variety of
strategies. The three primary strategies consist of the following: 1) investing in domestic lower middle
market private equity buyout funds; 2) investing in private equity funds that offer diversification and high
return expectations, outside of the lower middle market; and 3) investing in direct mezzanine subordinated
debt and equity co-investments, alongside of a fund, in their portfolio company.
The Private Equity Group’s core strategy is to invest in lower middle market or middle market United States
focused buyout funds. The Group seeks fund managers with sector domain expertise, differentiated and
repeatable investment strategies and the demonstrated ability to create portfolio company value, and a
history of generating strong returns with strong team continuity. The underwriting process typically begins
with a manager presenting to the entire Private Equity Group. If warranted, a smaller team will conduct on-
site due diligence where the fund’s strategy, team, operations and back office, performance and pipeline
are analyzed. Significant time is spent underwriting the performance and prospects of the unrealized
portfolio, the drivers of past performance, as well as lessons learned from underperforming investments.
Extensive reference checks are conducted on the fund and partners. In addition, select fund strategies
outside of the Group’s core middle market strategy can be pursued for their return, diversification or risk
mitigating characteristics.
In the case of direct equity and mezzanine debt investments, the diligence process focuses on a variety of
issues, including the quality of management, the historical and projected financial performance of the
business, the volatility of the industry and the company’s cash flows, the competitive positioning of the
target businesses, the strength of the sponsor and value creation opportunities, and the company’s
valuation and capital structure. Significant third party diligence is conducted and reviewed, including
background checks, market studies, quality of earnings, environmental, and legal and IT, among other
diligence.
The underwriting and diligence processes culminate with written material and an oral presentation to the
PE/MML Investment Committee in a formal investment approval session. The PE/MML Investment
Committee is a forum for a robust discussion of the merits and risks of a proposed investment.
24 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Private Equity investments are subject to the following primary risks:
General Risks
o Investments in securities of companies with substantial amounts of indebtedness involve
a high degree of risk. Companies with substantial amounts of indebtedness are inherently
more sensitive to adverse business or financial developments or economic factors,
including declines in company revenues, increases in company expenses, rising interest
rates, downturns in the economy, increasing competition and deteriorating industry
conditions. There can be no assurance that a company will generate sufficient cash flow
to service its debt obligations.
o Companies in which HIMCO makes private equity investments are generally lower middle
market and middle market companies that are not candidates for the public
markets. These companies are often smaller businesses with less developed
management teams and fewer financial resources than public companies and thus pose
greater risk to the investor than equity investments in public companies.
o HIMCO’s private equity investments will generally be highly illiquid investments.
Risks Associated with Private Equity Fund Investments
o The success of HIMCO’s private equity fund investments depends significantly upon the
ability of the funds’ and their investment advisors to identify attractive investment
opportunities, provide high quality deal flow to the funds, add value to improve performance
and successfully exit these investments.
o Investors in private equity funds do not participate in the funds’ day-to-day operations,
including investment and disposition decisions. In order to safeguard their limited liability
from the liabilities and obligations of the private investment funds in which they invest,
investors must rely entirely on the general partner to manage the affairs of the funds.
o While HIMCO actively monitors each private equity investment in a private equity fund, the
management team of each underlying portfolio company is primarily responsible for
handling its day-to-day operations, and HIMCO does not have the right to intervene unless
HIMCO also has a direct co-investment in the portfolio company and only under certain
limited circumstances. As a result, the success of HIMCO’s private equity fund investments
are reliant on the private equity fund owner and the management and board of directors of
such portfolio companies.
o Private equity funds in which HIMCO invests participate in a limited number of investments
(generally in the 10-12 company range) and, as a result, the unfavorable performance of a
few investments could have a significant adverse effect on the performance of a particular
fund.
o Distributions from portfolio companies to private equity funds are available only after
satisfaction of claims of senior and mezzanine creditors and any other securities senior to
the equity securities purchased. Therefore, if a portfolio company of a fund in which
HIMCO invests does not generate adequate cash flow to service its debt obligations,
HIMCO’s investment in such fund will suffer a partial or total loss of invested capital.
Risks Associated with Direct Private Equity Investments (Mezzanine Debt & Equity Co-
Investments)
o Investors in mezzanine debt and equity co-investments do not participate in the day-to-day
operations of the issuing company. In order to safeguard their limited liability from the
liabilities and obligations of the issuing company in which they invest, investors must rely
on the private equity fund owner and the management of such company to manage its
affairs.
o While HIMCO actively monitors each private equity investment, the private equity fund
owner and the management team of the issuing company is primarily responsible for
handling its day-to-day operations, and HIMCO generally does not have the right to
intervene with the exception of certain limited circumstances. As a result, HIMCO’s private
equity investments are reliant on the private equity fund owner and the management and
25 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
board of directors of such companies, which may include representation of other
unaffiliated investors whose interests conflict with ours.
o Distributions to direct equity holders are available only after satisfaction of claims of senior
and mezzanine creditors and any other securities senior to the equity securities purchased.
Therefore, if a company in which HIMCO has a direct equity co-investment does not
generate adequate cash flow to service its debt obligations, HIMCO’s investment in that
company’s equity securities will suffer a partial or total loss of invested capital.
o Mezzanine debt securities typically are subordinated to senior debt, all or a significant
portion of which may be secured. As a result, distributions to mezzanine holders are
available only after all senior creditors’ claims have been satisfied.
o If a company in which HIMCO has a mezzanine debt investment becomes insolvent or files
for bankruptcy protection, there is a risk of equitable subordination of HIMCO’s investment
to other creditors, or a court requiring investors to return amounts previously paid to it by
such company. An investor’s exercise of management rights in such company may also
lead creditors of the company or other parties to assert claims against the investor.
o Investment alongside third parties involves risks, including (i) the possibility that a third
party investor has economic or business interests that are inconsistent with HIMCO’s; (ii)
that a third party investor is in a position to take (or prevent) actions in a manner contrary
to HIMCO’s investment objectives; and (iii) the possibility that a third party investor fails to
make its capital contributions when due which could cause injury to the other investors and
require the other investors to make additional capital contributions to cover the shortfall.
Private Placement Debt
Methods of Analysis
HIMCO employs a fundamentally driven, research-intensive investment process to manage private
placement investments. Private placement analysts, traders, and portfolio managers work under the
direction of the Head of Alternatives, who is ultimately responsible for strategy recommendations and
performance within the sector. Private placement analysts incorporate a holistic review of an issuer’s
industry and competitive position, business strategy, operating profile, financial condition, and
management. Financial analysis includes a detailed review of historical and projected metrics, including
(but not limited to) revenue and profitability, financial and operating leverage, liquidity, and asset valuations
(book and market). Particular emphasis is placed on each issuer’s cash flow profile and outlook (generation
and utilization). Private placement analysts also conduct structural analysis by reviewing bond indentures,
note purchase agreements, other legal documents and private placement memoranda that are relevant to
a particular investment opportunity. This aspect of the analysis process is done in collaboration with
HIMCO’s legal team (where appropriate) and it enables HIMCO to identify specific characteristics including
the level of covenant protection, and security-level relationships within an issuer’s capital structure. As part
of the process of assessing an investment opportunity, private placement analysts typically seek public
market information from public fixed income traders to obtain a perspective concerning current market
conditions and trading levels of public market comparable securities. The process culminates with written
material and an oral presentation to the Private Placement Deal Review Committee in a formal investment
approval session. The Deal Review Committee is a forum for a robust discussion of the merits and risks
of a proposed private placement investment. This investment process provides the Private Placement
Group with a consistent framework for determining relative value, risk, and performance potential across
industries, issuers, and securities.
Please refer to the risks outlined above for
fixed income investments. DERIVATIVES 26 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying
asset, reference rate or index. Depending on the type of account, the applicable offering documents, client
investment guidelines, and regulatory constraints, derivative transactions may or may not be appropriate
for a given client. HIMCO generally uses derivatives as part of a broader investment strategy and designs
each derivative transaction to meet a specific client need or address a specific risk related to a given security
or a portfolio. Generally, HIMCO uses derivatives for the following purposes:
Hedging – Using a derivative to reduce or control exposure to certain risks, such as currency risk,
credit risk, or interest rate. Hedging seeks to offset the risk of adverse price movements in the
market.
Replication – Using a derivative or combination of derivatives alone or in conjunction with other
investments to replicate the investment characteristic of another investment. In certain
circumstances, replication transactions can provide a more cost-effective means of investing in a
given asset, in effect, by synthetically replicating the characteristics and performance of the asset.
Income generation – Selling derivatives to collect premiums.
HIMCO’s Derivative Working Group oversees use of derivatives at the firm and serves as a forum to discuss
new uses for derivatives, initiatives impacting derivative usage, and emerging issues with respect to
derivatives more broadly.
Risks
Derivatives involve significant risks and can be volatile. Derivatives are subject to the following primary
risks:
Counterparty Risk - The risk that the counterparty to a derivatives contract is unable or unwilling to
honor its obligations under the contract. This risk is mitigated to a degree due to the exchange of
collateral and the use of cleared derivatives.
Credit Risk – The risk that the issuer of a security will not be able to make timely principal and
interest payments. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s
creditworthiness can affect the value of any derivative exposure to that issuer.
Currency Risk - The risk that changes in the exchange rate between currencies will adversely affect
the value of a derivative contract.
Hedging Risk - Hedging is a strategy that uses a derivative to offset the risks associated with
another security. While hedging can reduce losses it can also reduce or eliminate gains or create
losses if the market moves in a manner different than that anticipated by HIMCO or if the cost of
the derivative outweighs the benefit of the hedge. HIMCO is not required to hedge and may choose
not to do so.
Index Risk - The risk that if the derivative is linked to the performance of an index, it will be subject
to the risks associated with changes in that index. If the index changes, the portfolio could receive
lower interest payments or experience a reduction in the value of the derivative to below what the
portfolio paid. Certain indexed securities, including inverse securities (which move in an opposite
direction to the index), create leverage, to the extent that they increase or decrease in value at a
rate that is a multiple of the changes in the applicable index.
Leverage Risk - The risk that relatively small market movements will result in large changes in the
value of the derivative. Certain investments that involve leverage can result in losses that greatly
exceed the amount originally invested.
Liquidity and Valuation Risk - The potential lack of a liquid secondary market for derivatives could
result in being unable to sell or close a derivatives position at the time or price desired thereby
resulting in losses. The lack of a liquid secondary market for derivatives could also make derivatives
more difficult to value accurately. Valuation of derivatives is more difficult in times of market turmoil
when many investors and market makers are reluctant to transact in complex instruments or publish
prices for them.
27 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Volatility Risk – Use of derivatives in an account may increase its volatility. Volatility is the
characteristic of a security, an index or a market to undergo significant price fluctuations within a
short period of time. Such fluctuations in value of derivatives may not correlate perfectly with the
overall securities market.
OTHER GENERAL RISKS
Investment Adviser Cybersecurity Risk – As with any entity that conducts business through electronic
means in the modern marketplace, HIMCO is susceptible to potential risks resulting from cyber-attacks and
data loss incidents (collectively, “cyber-events”). Cyber-events include but are not limited to:
Illegally accessing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally;
Denial of service attacks on websites;
Unauthorized monitoring, release, misuse, loss, destruction or corruption of confidential
information;
Infection from computer viruses or other malicious software code;
Unauthorized access to (or compromise of) relevant systems, networks or devices; and
Operational disruption or failures in physical infrastructure or operating systems.
Cyber-events affecting HIMCO or its service providers could result in disruptions to normal business
operations (including the inability to trade, which could result in financial losses), destruction to equipment
and systems, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, reputational damage, and/or
reimbursement or other compensation costs. HIMCO incurs costs for cybersecurity risk
management. Such costs are ongoing as cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving as cyber attackers
become more sophisticated and their techniques become more complex. Similar types of cybersecurity
risks are also present for issuers of securities in which HIMCO invests for its clients. Cyber-events
impacting issuers often result in material adverse consequences for such issuers including causing
investments in such companies to lose value.
HIMCO has a Technology and Cybersecurity Committee (“TaCC”) that oversees affiliated areas of The
Hartford that perform enterprise-wide cybersecurity, security governance and information protection
services. TaCC monitors cybersecurity matters related to client information, material non-public information
and other sensitive information contained in HIMCO’s systems, applications, networks and otherwise within
the company; ensures that customized procedures and controls are in place for access rights, data loss
prevention, vendor management, training and incident response, in each case reasonably tailored to
HIMCO’s regulatory and business requirements. TaCC, which reports to HIMCO’s Governance Oversight
Committee, is chaired by a member of HIMCO’s Executive Leadership Team and its members include the
heads of key HIMCO business units as well as the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), Chief Legal Officer
and Chief Risk Officer. TaCC also has standing non-voting invited guests from The Hartford’s Information
Protection Program (“THIP”) and Enterprise Risk Management (“ERM”). Likewise, as part of its governance
responsibilities to monitor cybersecurity matters pertaining to HIMCO’s technology and data, HIMCO’s
President and CCO represent the firm on The Hartford’s Executive Privacy and Security Council.
28 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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A. Criminal or Civil Proceedings None
B. Administrative Proceedings Before Regulatory Authorities None
C. Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) Proceedings None
29 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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A. Broker-Dealer Registration Status HIMCO is not a registered broker-dealer.
B. Futures Commission Merchant, Commodity Pool Operator, or Commodity Trading Adviser Registration Status
HIMCO has been registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) as a
Commodity Trading Adviser since February 18, 2009 and as a Commodity Pool Operator since January
1, 2013. Certain of HIMCO’s management persons are registered as an associated person and/or
principal of a CPO and CTA (HIMCO).
C. Material Relationships or Arrangements with Affiliated Industry Participants
HIMCO has relationships or arrangements material to its advisory business and/or its advisory clients
with the following affiliated industry participants.
Broker-dealers
HIMCO is affiliated with Hartford Funds Distributors, LLC (“HFD”), a registered broker-dealer.
HIMCO employees are not registered representatives of, or associated with, HFD. HIMCO
serves as an investment manager for HFD. HFD is a limited purpose broker-dealer through
which HIMCO is not able to execute trades. However to further mitigate any actual or perceived
conflict of interest related to use of an affiliated broker/dealer for advisory client trades,
HIMCO’s Prohibited Brokerage Arrangements Policy and Procedures prohibit HIMCO from
executing transactions on behalf of its advisory clients through affiliated broker-dealers or other
affiliated financial intermediaries.
Insurance companies and insurance agencies
HIMCO is an investment manager for certain affiliated insurance companies and insurance
agencies including First State Insurance Company, Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company,
Hartford Casualty Insurance Company, Hartford Fire Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance
Company of Illinois, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, Hartford Insurance Company
of the Southeast, Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company, Hartford Lloyds Insurance
Company, Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company, Heritage Reinsurance Company, Ltd.,
Maxum Casualty Insurance Company, Maxum Indemnity Company, Navigators Insurance
Company, Navigators Specialty Insurance Company, New England Insurance Company, New
England Reinsurance Corporation, New Ocean Insurance Company, Ltd., Nutmeg Insurance
Company, Pacific Insurance Company, Limited, Property and Casualty Insurance Company of
Hartford, Sentinel Insurance Company, Ltd., Trumbull Insurance Company, and Twin City Fire
Insurance Company. Through its affiliation with The Hartford, HIMCO is also affiliated with
other insurance companies and insurance agencies, but HIMCO’s relationship with such other
affiliates is not material to its advisory business or clients.
HIMCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Hartford and, as noted above, HIMCO manages assets for
a number of its affiliated entities. In addition, certain HIMCO employees (including HIMCO’s President)
serve in multiple roles both at HIMCO and across the broader Hartford enterprise. There are certain
conflicts of interest inherent to such arrangements including, without limitation: (a) the incentive for
HIMCO to favor affiliated clients when allocating investment opportunities (
see Item 6 for additional
information); (b) the potential for a HIMCO employee to allow HIMCO’s interests to influence their
judgment when serving in an enterprise role; (c) the potential for a HIMCO employee to allow The
Hartford’s interests to influence their judgment when serving in their HIMCO role; and (d) the potential
for information received while acting in an enterprise role to restrict HIMCO’s ability to trade in certain
issuers for its affiliated and unaffiliated clients (as discussed in greater detail i
n Item 11). Such conflicts
30 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
are primarily mitigated through the controls imposed by HIMCO’s policies and procedures, including
the Trade Allocation Policy and Procedures, Code of Ethics and Material Non-Public Information Policy
and Procedures as discuss
ed in Item 6 and Item 11.
Portfolio managers at HIMCO manage portfolios for multiple clients and in doing so make investment
decisions for each client based on the investment objectives, strategies, risk tolerance, practices and
other relevant investment considerations applicable to that client. Consequently, portfolio managers
can: (i) purchase or sell securities for one client and not another; (ii) purchase or sell the same security
for different clients at different times; (iii) place transactions on behalf of one client that are directly or
indirectly contrary to investment decisions made on behalf of other clients; or (iv) make investment
decisions for one client that are similar to those made for other clients, all of which have the potential
to adversely impact one client and not another, depending on market conditions. For example, HIMCO
could purchase a security for one client, and establish a short position in the same security for another
client. The subsequent short sale may impair the value of the security held by the first client.
Accordingly, transactions in investments by one or more HIMCO clients could have the effect of diluting
or otherwise negatively impacting the values, prices or investment strategies of other HIMCO clients,
particularly (but not necessarily limited to) those in less liquid strategies. Please see additional
disclosure under
Item 6. HIMCO is not obligated to transact (or refrain from transacting) in any security that HIMCO, its affiliates
or their respective access persons transact in for their own account or for the accounts of any other
client. In addition, HIMCO is not obligated to share with any client, information or investment strategies
developed for or used in connection with other clients.
D. Material Conflicts of Interest Relating to Sub-Advisers
HIMCO does, on occasion, select or recommend sub-advisers for its clients and currently has one such
sub-advisory relationship in place. The sub-adviser is affiliated with a large financial institution and thus
HIMCO also has trading/counterparty relationships with the sub-adviser and its affiliates. In connection
with these counterparty relationships HIMCO receives economic benefits from the sub-adviser and its
affiliates in the form of gifts and entertainment. Receipt of gifts and entertainment creates a conflict of
interest because HIMCO could be incentivized to select or continue to retain the sub-adviser based on
such economic benefits. This conflict is mitigated in the following ways:
HIMCO’s Gift and Business Entertainment Policy and Procedures impose limits and restrictions
on the receipt of gifts and entertainment in order to prevent gifts and entertainment from unduly
and improperly influencing HIMCO’s decision making and objectivity. Compliance conducts
surveillance activities to monitor compliance with the Gift and Business Entertainment Policy
and Procedures.
HIMCO’s Strategic Investments Group has an established due diligence process that HIMCO
uses to evaluate sub-advisory relationships. The due diligence process is a multi-stage
process that involves review of key documents, on site due diligence meetings, and an
assessment of operational risks and controls, to determine whether the sub-adviser is
appropriate to recommend to a client.
31 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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Code of Ethics
HIMCO has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that applies to all of its Covered Persons in accordance
with applicable law. Covered Persons refers to all supervised, access and investment personnel and
includes all employees of HIMCO, Hartford employees whose offices are in HIMCO space, Hartford
employees with badge access to HIMCO space, and other individuals who have access to HIMCO systems.
The Code is designed to make sure that Covered Persons act in accordance with HIMCO’s fiduciary
obligations to its clients. The Code requires that Covered Persons conduct their business and personal
affairs in a manner that manages conflicts of interest, places HIMCO’s clients’ interests above their own,
avoids taking advantage of their position at HIMCO, and requires that all personal securities transactions
be conducted consistent with the Code and applicable law. Additional detail on some of the Code’s
substantive requirements/controls is provided below.
Access and investment personnel are required to submit certain documentation to Compliance, including:
Initial disclosure and annual affirmation of personal securities accounts in which they and certain
family members that reside with them have an ownership interest or exercise investment discretion
or control over;
Initial disclosure and annual affirmation of securities holdings for certain accounts;
Quarterly transaction reporting for certain accounts; and
Pre-clearance of certain investments.
Some examples of personal trading restrictions and requirements imposed by the Code are as follows:
Sixty-day holding period requirement;
Prohibitions on short sales, front running, market manipulation, market timing and late day trading;
Prohibition of trading on material non-public information (“MNPI”), advising any other person to
trade based on MNPI or spreading rumors or misinformation that they know to be false or
misleading;
Prohibition on trading options on Hartford stock;
Prohibition from trading securities on HIMCO’s restricted list;
Blackout period restrictions;
Requirement to maintain certain personal accounts with designated broker-dealers that send a
transaction feed to HIMCO’s personal trading system for monitoring purposes;
Prohibition from engaging in excessive personal trading (generally more than 10 pre-cleared trades
in a quarter).
As part of managing conflicts, the Code requires that all access persons and investment personnel disclose
their outside business activities, including those for which they receive compensation, as well as non-
compensated roles such as board and officer positions, forming or participating in any stockholders’ or
creditors’ committee, monetary investments in non-publicly traded businesses, and participation in
investment clubs. The Code prohibits Covered Persons from accepting or providing gifts and entertainment
that would create or appear to create a conflict with the interests of HIMCO’s clients or have a detrimental
impact on the firm’s reputation. Access persons and investment personnel must report certain gifts and
entertainment. In addition, the Code prohibits Covered Persons from making political contributions that may
have the perceived effect of influencing whether a government entity, official or candidate hires or retains,
invests or maintains an investment in any fund advised or sub-advised by HIMCO, or influences HIMCO’s
access to or allocation of securities issued by that government entity.
A copy of the Code will be provided to any client or prospective client upon request.
32 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions or Personal Trading
HIMCO transacts in securities for client accounts (including affiliated client accounts) in which it, its
employees, and/or its related persons have a material financial interest. Such instances include without
limitation: (a) transactions in mutual funds sub-advised by HIMCO; (b) transactions in the stock of The
Hartford for portfolios that track an index in which The Hartford’s stock is a component; and (c) transactions
in securities that could be held by employees in their personal accounts. These types of situations give
rise to potential conflicts of interest because HIMCO’s investment personnel have an incentive to engage
in such transactions in client accounts for reasons unrelated to the client’s mandate, including an economic
interest in maximizing the performance of a security or an investment vehicle in which he or she is invested,
or investing unaffiliated client funds in an affiliate seeded investment vehicle so that the affiliate’s seed
money can be withdrawn. HIMCO employees or investment personnel also have an incentive to time their
personal trades and/or HIMCO client trades in a way that maximizes their economic interest over the
client’s.
As part of its Code of Ethics and other Compliance policies HIMCO has implemented controls to mitigate
the conflicts of interest described above. These controls include but are not limited to:
Compliance restrictions in HIMCO’s trade order management system that:
o Prevent the purchase of The Hartford’s stock in portfolios other than passive index
portfolios that track an index in which The Hartford’s stock is a component. In addition,
Compliance monitors the passive index portfolios to ensure that the percentage of The
Hartford’s stock in the portfolio remains aligned (within a range) to the percentage it
represents in the applicable index.
o Restrict the purchase of affiliate seeded investment vehicles for unaffiliated HIMCO clients
until the investment rationale can be discussed with Compliance.
Various controls within the Code of Ethics that require:
o Disclosure of specific types of personal securities accounts and the holdings therein;
o Specific types of personal securities be held at designated broker-dealers;
o Preclearance of investments in specific types of securities, including but not limited to
HIMCO managed mutual funds and The Hartford stock;
o Blackout restrictions for access persons and investment personnel. The Code of Ethics
does exclude certain securities and trading in certain types of personal securities accounts
from the blackout restrictions. These exclusions generally involve highly liquid securities
(such as S&P 100 equities or U.S. Treasuries) and situations where the conflicts are
otherwise mitigated (such as accounts over which the access of investment personnel do
not have discretion).
Additionally:
HIMCO manages a large portfolio of securities for its affiliates which, in the ordinary course of
business, could compete with HIMCO’s unaffiliated clients in the market for securities. Please see
Item 6 for a discussion of the measures HIMCO uses to address the resulting conflicts of interest.
HIMCO’s personnel receive MNPI that restrict its ability to transact in certain securities for client
accounts or otherwise advise clients regarding the securities of issuers for which the firm has MNPI.
If HIMCO’s personnel receive MNPI, the issuer of that security is placed on HIMCO’s restricted list
and public transactions in that issuer are restricted until the MNPI has been publicly disclosed or
becomes stale. HIMCO’s MNPI Policy and Procedures prohibit Covered Persons from
disseminating MNPI in violation of law and from engaging in insider trading either personally or on
behalf of clients or others. In addition, certain HIMCO personnel (including HIMCO’s President)
receive information related to transactions being considered by HIMCO’s affiliates. Compliance
tracks all such instances and has controls in place to ring fence impacted personnel as appropriate.
Compliance implements specific or firm-wide restrictions on personal and firm trading in affected
issuers as necessary.
Principal Transactions and Cross Trades
33 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
HIMCO engages in principal transactions and cross trades to the extent permitted by law. A principal
transaction occurs when HIMCO purchases or sells securities owned by affiliated clients from or to
unaffiliated clients. A cross trade occurs when HIMCO causes any advisory account to buy a security from
or sell a security to any other HIMCO advisory account.
While clients may benefit from principal transactions and cross trades by obtaining a more favorable price
or access to a security, such transactions also create the potential for HIMCO to engage in self-dealing,
price manipulation or the placing of unwanted securities in client accounts. In addition, HIMCO has a
conflict of interest where it represents advisory accounts on both sides of the transaction and at least one
account is an affiliated account as HIMCO has an incentive to favor the affiliated client.
HIMCO’s Cross Trade and Principal Transactions Policy and Procedures impose controls intended to
mitigate the conflicts of interest described above. Such controls include but are not limited to:
Conducting principal transactions in accordance with Section 206-(3) of the Advisers Act through
disclosing the capacity in which HIMCO is acting and the material terms of the transaction, and
obtaining the consent of the clients involved.
Effecting cross trades at commercially reasonable terms and, if required by applicable law,
obtaining the necessary client consents.
Requiring that cross trades involving mutual fund portfolios adhere to the requirements of Rule 17a-
7 of Section 17 of the 1940 Act and are undertaken in accordance with procedures outlined in the
Cross Trade and Principal Transactions Policy and Procedures.
Prohibiting principal transactions involving mutual funds.
Please note that HIMCO evaluates conflicts of interest related to principal transactions and cross trades on
a case-by-case basis, taking into account the interests of the relevant clients, the circumstances under
which the conflict arose, and applicable law.
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Best Execution As a SEC registered investment adviser, HIMCO has a duty to seek best execution when selecting
counterparties to execute client trades. HIMCO fulfills this duty by seeking to execute transactions with the
goal of maximizing value for the client under the particular circumstances occurring at the time of the
transaction. Maximizing value encompasses more than just minimizing cost or maximizing proceeds. The
determinative factor is whether the transaction represents the best qualitative execution. When seeking
best execution, HIMCO takes into consideration the range and quality of a counterparty’s services as
outlined below.
HIMCO’s traders evaluate each transaction to determine what markets, platforms, and/or counterparties
offer the most favorable execution. Traders are not necessarily required to choose the counterparty offering
the best price if, in their reasonable judgment, there is a material risk that the overall qualitative level of
execution provided by such counterparty is less favorable than can be obtained elsewhere. Further, Traders
do not have to solicit competitive bids for a particular transaction if in their judgment doing so will harm the
overall quality of execution.
In selecting counterparties to execute a trade, HIMCO’s traders consider the following factors (as
applicable) when making the best execution determination. Different factors will have varying levels of
importance for each transaction, as each transaction is unique:
Ability to access other markets, and the cost/difficulty associated with achieving such access
Ability to limit market impact
Availability of accurate information to assess execution quality
Counterparty generated or provided research
Counterparty’s ability and willingness to commit capital
Counterparty’s block trading and arbitrage capabilities
Counterparty’s overall responsiveness and willingness to work with HIMCO
Counterparty’s participation in a given offering or underwriting
Counterparty’s reputation, integrity and execution quality
Counterparty’s track record for errors and its willingness to correct errors for which it was at fault
Execution speed relative to other markets
Level of anonymity available through a particular counterparty
Liquidity of the market for the security in question
Price (including commission rates or spreads)
Security characteristics
Size and difficulty of the order
In addition, trades must be executed with counterparties that are on HIMCO’s list of approved
counterparties.
When multiple bids are sought to sell a security, there are times when certain qualitative factors will cause
HIMCO to accept a lower bid than initially offered. In these situations, HIMCO’s traders must be comfortable
that taking the lower bid is consistent with long term best execution and that the winning bid is still higher
than the second highest bid.
HIMCO encounters situations (typically when funding or liquidating a client portfolio) where it is advisable
to trade an entire portfolio, as opposed to buying or selling each security in the portfolio individually. The
objective of trading in this fashion is to minimize the amount of market risk taken by the client in liquidating
or funding the portfolio. Such trading can, however, involve a liquidity premium. HIMCO permits trading in
this fashion provided it involves a single client account (not permitted for pools), the portfolio manager
believes trading the entire portfolio in this fashion is beneficial to the client, and the trader is comfortable
that the pricing level on the portfolio as a whole (as opposed to security by security) is consistent with best
execution.
35 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
HIMCO’s relationships with counterparties are complex, particularly with those counterparties that are
affiliated with large financial institutions. For certain counterparties, in addition to its trading relationship,
HIMCO also has other relationships, including without limitation:
Investing client assets in securities issued by counterparties or their affiliates;
Utilizing such counterparties or their affiliates as counterparties for derivatives transactions;
Utilizing such counterparties or their affiliates as prime brokers;
Utilizing such counterparties or their affiliates as sub-advisers for HIMCO clients; and
Acting as a sub-adviser for such counterparties or their affiliates.
HIMCO is mindful of the potential conflicts of interest that arise from these complex relationships, including
the potential for trades to be directed to certain counterparties for inappropriate reasons. Accordingly,
HIMCO has implemented a number of controls to mitigate such conflicts, including without limitation:
Pursuant to HIMCO’s Best Execution Policy and Procedures:
o Trades may not be directed to a counterparty in return for: (a) error corrections; (b)
suggested preferential treatment in new issues, IPOs, or other offerings; (c) gifts and/or
entertainment; or (d) client referrals.
o Investment personnel must not be influenced by any personal conflicts of interest, such as
having a family member or close personal friend who works for or is affiliated with a
counterparty. The existence of any such relationship must be disclosed to Compliance and
the Head of Trading.
HIMCO’s Prohibited Brokerage Arrangements Policy and Procedures and Best Execution Policy
and Procedures prohibit HIMCO from executing transactions on behalf of its advisory clients
through affiliated counterparties.
HIMCO’s Gifts and Business Entertainment Policy and Procedures:
o Imposes limits on and surveillance around the receipt of gifts and entertainment from
counterparties; and
o Imposes limits on donations made by a business partner in a HIMCO employee’s name (or
vice versa), and requires disclosure of such donations to Compliance.
Soft Dollars
Counterparties will often provide products and services to investment advisers in order to give the adviser
additional incentives to direct client brokerage transactions to the counterparty. These arrangements are
often referred to as “soft dollar” arrangements. The SEC defines soft dollar practices as arrangements
under which products or services other than execution of securities transactions are obtained by an adviser
from or through a counterparty in exchange for the direction of client brokerage transactions to the
counterparty. Typically, an adviser receives brokerage or research products or services (“brokerage or
research”) from a counterparty and pays for the brokerage or research with commissions from transactions
for advisory accounts. The commissions used to pay for the brokerage or research are referred to as soft
dollars. Advisers also receive brokerage or research which is provided on a “bundled” basis with trade
execution. Even if an adviser does not pay a separately identifiable fee for the “bundled” brokerage or
research, the receipt of “bundled” brokerage or research may under certain circumstances be characterized
as a soft dollar arrangement.
When an investment adviser uses client commissions to pay for brokerage or research, the adviser receives
a benefit because it does not need to produce or pay for the brokerage or research itself. Moreover, the
brokerage or research received does not necessarily benefit the client whose commissions were used to
pay for it. Additionally, when transactions involving soft dollars involve the adviser paying higher
commission rates (sometimes referred to as “paying up”), advisers using soft dollars face a conflict of
interest between their need to obtain brokerage or research and their requirement to seek the best possible
execution for their clients. As such, the use of client commissions and transactions to pay for brokerage or
research presents advisers with significant conflicts of interest by creating an incentive for advisers to: (i)
36 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
disregard their best execution obligations when executing transactions (in order to obtain brokerage and
research); and (ii) trade client securities inappropriately in order to earn credits for such brokerage and
research.
Commission Sharing Arrangements (“CSAs”)
Other than Commission Sharing Arrangements (“CSAs”) approved by HIMCO’s Brokerage Review
Committee, HIMCO’s investment personnel are prohibited from entering into formal soft dollar
arrangements on HIMCO’s behalf. In this context, the term “formal soft dollar arrangement” is defined as
any agreement with a counterparty, either oral or written, whereby soft dollar credits or brokerage or
research are provided to HIMCO in exchange for directing client brokerage transactions to the counterparty.
HIMCO has two CSAs in place that were approved by HIMCO’s Brokerage Review Committee. Both CSAs
were limited to HIMCO’s equity business. HIMCO has stopped contributing to these CSAs and intends to
terminate them once the existing account balances are exhausted. Unless otherwise approved by HIMCO’s
Brokerage Review Committee, items received under CSAs are limited to research that qualifies as
“research services” under Section 28(e) of the Securities Act of 1934. Pursuant to its Soft Dollar Policy and
Procedures HIMCO utilizes a counterparty vote process, where certain investment and research personnel
provide qualitative feedback on counterparties, the results of which provide the information needed to (i)
calculate a reasonable value for the research HIMCO receives from a particular entity under a CSA; and
(ii) determine the corresponding payment to be made to that entity under the applicable CSA.
Use of Bundled Products and Services
HIMCO receives brokerage and research products and services from some of its approved counterparties,
which are “bundled” with the trade execution services provided by the counterparties. Such products and
services are referred to as “Bundled Products and Services”. So long as they are proprietary in nature (i.e.
are produced by the counterparty providing them and not by a third-party), then HIMCO’s investment
personnel are permitted to utilize Bundled Products and Services without restriction.
HIMCO’s investment personnel are not permitted to accept Bundled Products and Services from a
counterparty if those Bundled Products and Services are produced by an entity other than such
counterparty (“Third Party Bundled Products and Services”) unless:
Such Third Party Bundled Products and Services are obtained through a CSA that has been
approved by HIMCO’s Brokerage Review Committee; or
Such Third Party Bundled Products and Services have been disclosed to and pre-approved by the
Chief Compliance Officer and the Chief Legal Officer (or their respective designees).
Additionally:
To the extent HIMCO utilizes client brokerage commissions (or markups or markdowns) to obtain
research or other products or services, HIMCO benefits because it does not have to produce or
pay for such research, products or services.
HIMCO has an incentive to select or recommend a counterparty based on its interest in receiving
research or other products or services rather than based on a client’s interest in receiving most
favorable execution. When the counterparty selected is not the lowest cost, HIMCO would be
deemed to be “paying up.”
As a general matter, HIMCO does not limit the application of soft dollar benefits to the client
accounts whose commissions paid for the benefits.
As noted above, HIMCO is party to two CSAs approved by HIMCO’s Brokerage Review Committee
through which it acquired access to company research reports, portfolio analysis tools, as well as
access to analysts, management, and conferences.
HIMCO receives bundled products and services from approved counterparties, which generally
include, without limitation, access to: (i) research reports; (ii) research analysts; (iii) issuer
management; (iv) algorithmic trading software; (iv) analytical tools (such as modeling tools); (v)
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research websites; (vi) advice on order execution; (vii) on-site research presentations; (viii)
seminars and conferences; and (ix) relationship building events.
Brokerage for Client Referrals HIMCO’s Best Execution Policy and Procedures and Prohibited Brokerage Arrangements Policy and
Procedures prohibit staff from directing trades to a counterparty in return for client referrals.
Client Directed Brokerage
A client directed brokerage arrangement is an arrangement whereby the client directs its investment adviser
to execute some or all of the client’s transactions with one or more specific counterparties. Client directed
brokerage arrangements can take numerous forms, including without limitation: (i) statutory mandates in
certain jurisdiction(s) that require investment advisers to use best efforts to direct securities transactions for
particular accounts domiciled in that jurisdiction to a specific type of counterparty; and (ii) client requests
that investment advisers direct a certain portion of trades for their accounts to counterparties owned by
minorities, women, veterans and other groups.
HIMCO generally selects counterparties based on its assessment of the counterparty’s quality and
execution capabilities, and its obligation to seek best execution. However, HIMCO will consider transacting
through counterparties identified by the client if the client submits their request in writing and certain
conditions are met. HIMCO advises clients making such a request that directed brokerage can result in
disadvantages, including but not limited to:
Higher transaction costs for the client stemming from, among other things, missing out on any
savings that HIMCO obtains through negotiating volume discounts on aggregated transactions;
A reduction in HIMCO’s flexibility in securing best execution;
Inability to participate in a new issue if that new issue is provided by another counterparty;
Account(s) not generating returns equal to clients that do not direct brokerage; and
When discretionary orders and orders placed pursuant to client directed brokerage arrangements
cannot be executed simultaneously, discretionary orders and orders placed pursuant to client
directed brokerage arrangements that are subject to best execution will generally be executed
before orders placed pursuant to client directed brokerage arrangements that are not subject to
best execution.
HIMCO will not direct trades to counterparties as compensation for or in recognition of any promotion or
sale of shares of or interests in HIMCO managed mutual funds, private funds, or separately managed
accounts.
Aggregated Orders and Trade Allocation HIMCO, in its discretion, aggregates orders (absent specific client direction to the contrary) when it
determines that it is consistent with best execution and in the best interests of its clients. When a decision
is made to aggregate orders on behalf of more than one account, such transactions must be allocated in a
fair and equitable manner. Such aggregated trades may be used to facilitate best execution including
negotiating more favorable prices, obtaining more timely or equitable execution, or reducing overall
transactions costs. HIMCO affiliated accounts are permitted to be included in aggregated trades.
Equity trades will carry the average dollar weighted execution price. The over-the-counter (“OTC”) fixed
income market has limited liquidity among different counterparties and no centralized exchange, so the
concept of average dollar weighted execution price does not apply to aggregated fixed income trades.
HIMCO does not receive additional compensation as a result of aggregated trades.
In accordance with HIMCO’s Trade Allocation Policy and Procedures, HIMCO portfolio managers prepare
a written allocation statement specifying the participating client accounts and how the order is intended to
38 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
be allocated before the trade is executed. Infrequently exigent circumstances require the order and the
execution to occur simultaneously. In those instances, the written allocation statement must be completed
immediately after the transaction is completed. If the order is filled in its entirety it is allocated to client
accounts in accordance with the allocation statement. If the order cannot be filled in its entirety, subject to
certain documented exceptions, the order is allocated according to the pro rata algorithm of HIMCO’s trade
order management system based on the written allocation statement. There are a number of documented
exceptions to the pro rata methodology described above. Such exceptions include, without limitation:
Where applying the pro rata algorithm would result in accounts being left with amounts that are
below the minimum trade size for the security being traded. In this situation the Trade Allocation
Policy and Procedures require that investment personnel follow a specific alternative allocation
process.
Situations where investment personnel determine a pro rata allocation is not appropriate or
otherwise request an exception (subject to the prior approval of members of senior management,
including the Chief Compliance Officer (or designee)).
HIMCO’s alternative asset classes either have or are establishing alternative allocation policies
which incorporate nuances of their individual markets and utilize different allocation methodologies
than the pro rata algorithm. More information on these alternate methodologies is available to
HIMCO clients that invest in alternative asset classes and prospective clients for an alternative
mandate upon their request.
Once trades are executed, they are only reallocated in limited circumstances and, other than for certain
documented exceptions set out in the Trade Allocation Policy and Procedures, only upon the review and
approval of senior management and the Chief Compliance Officer (or designee).
In certain alternative asset classes a number of unaffiliated HIMCO clients require co-investment alongside
at least one HIMCO affiliate. In those circumstances HIMCO affiliates generally need to receive an
allocation in order for the unaffiliated client to receive an allocation (unless the HIMCO affiliate already has
exposure to the issuer).
For information on allocation related conflicts of interest please refer t
o Item 6 a
nd Item 10. Trade Errors
It is HIMCO’s policy to treat its clients fairly and equitably. In accordance with its Trade Error Correction
Policy and Procedures, HIMCO will assess and determine when a trade error has occurred. For trade errors
involving bundled or package trades that result in both realized gains and losses for a client, subject to
certain exceptions, HIMCO nets the realized gains and losses on a client by client basis as appropriate and
reimburses net losses in a timely manner. For trade errors where the corrective action results in a realized
gain for a client, the client retains the gain. For trade errors where the corrective action results in a realized
loss for a client, HIMCO reimburses the client (except for certain affiliated clients) for the loss incurred in a
timely manner. The amount and methodology used to calculate reimbursements are based on a variety of
factors including but not limited to benchmarks and other market factors. Pursuant to HIMCO’s Trade Error
Correction Policy and Procedures all trade errors must be reported and documented as soon as practicable
after discovery of the error and, if necessary, corrective action must be taken in a timely and prudent
manner.
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Review of Client Accounts Each client account is assigned to one or more portfolio managers who are responsible for ensuring that
transactions and holdings in the account are aligned with the account’s investment mandate, objectives
and risk tolerance, and comply with the account’s investment guidelines and regulatory requirements
(where applicable). Portfolio manager monitoring of client accounts occurs on an ongoing basis as they
39 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
continually make investment decisions and evaluate investment opportunities for each account. External
events impacting the account are also incorporated into this ongoing review and can include, but are not
limited to:
Changes to a client’s investment mandate (including without limitation modifications to investment
guidelines, risk tolerance, and income or cash needs);
Additions to or withdrawals from an account;
The evolution of new security types in the marketplace; or
Material market events impacting the account.
Compliance contributes an additional layer of review by supporting the portfolio manager's efforts by
conducting periodic account reviews and performing ongoing surveillance activities to monitor and assess
adherence to investment guidelines and regulatory requirements (where applicable):
Compliance surveillance monitors whether transactions and holdings are appropriate for a
particular portfolio (or group of portfolios) based upon the account’s investment guidelines and
applicable regulatory requirements. Surveillance occurs on both a pre-trade and post-trade basis
and automated reports provide timely notification to Compliance and Portfolio Management when
an order, trade or holding approaches or breaches constraints imposed by the client’s investment
guidelines or applicable regulatory requirements. In addition manual surveillance is used for
constraints that cannot be tested effectively on an automated basis. Compliance is responsible for
researching and determining the validity of each violation notification. If validated, Compliance
documents the violation and notifies Portfolio Management and other internal stakeholders (as
appropriate). At the client’s request, Compliance will provide compliance certifications on a stated
frequency that include any validated violations.
As part of new account set up and on an as-needed basis thereafter, Compliance reviews the
account’s controlling documents with Portfolio Management and other internal stakeholders, as
appropriate, and codes applicable constraints into HIMCO’s trade order management system.
Factors that can prompt Compliance to review a client account on an ad hoc basis include without
limitation:
o Regulatory changes that impact the management of an account;
o A trade error that triggers review of a client’s investment guidelines in order to determine
whether a particular security was eligible to be held in the account;
o Changes to investment guidelines; and
o Enhanced functionality in the trade order management system.
Client Reporting
Client reports can be tailored to meet the needs of the respective client, and vary in scope, format, approach
and timing in accordance with each client’s requirements, as well as the products, strategies and asset
classes in which they invest. Typically, clients receive formal written reports on either a quarterly or monthly
basis. These reports include various agreed upon components required by the client, including but not
limited to absolute performance, benchmark-relative performance, income metrics, market commentary,
portfolio commentary, contributions/withdrawals, credit losses/watch lists, portfolio characteristics (e.g.
sector, quality, duration, maturity, etc.) and portfolio holdings. Ad hoc reporting is also used to supplement
formal reporting on a periodic basis and can include components such as a performance snapshot, credit
updates, and topical risk exposures.
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A. Economic Benefits for Providing Services to Clients HIMCO receives economic benefits from persons who are not clients in connection with providing
advisory services to its clients as follows: (i) through certain soft dollar benefits and “bundled services”
described under
Item 12; and (ii) in the form of gifts and entertainment from counterparties through
which HIMCO executes trades. These practices give rise to a conflict of interest by creating an incentive
40 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
for HIMCO to disregard its best execution obligations when placing client trades. HIMCO has adopted
and implemented a number of policies and procedures that it believes address this conflict:
HIMCO’s Gift and Business Entertainment Policy and Procedures impose limits on and
surveillance around the receipt of gifts and entertainment from counterparties.
HIMCO’s Soft Dollar Policy and Procedures impose limitations on the soft dollar arrangements
that HIMCO enters into and the types of soft dollar benefits that are utilized.
HIMCO’s Best Execution Policy and Procedures impose a number of controls designed to
monitor HIMCO’s compliance with its best execution responsibilities.
B. Compensation to Non-Supervised Persons for Client Referrals
As of the date of this Brochure, HIMCO does not pay non-supervised persons for client referrals.
HIMCO does reserve the right in the future to enter into arrangements pursuant to which non-
supervised persons would be compensated, directly or indirectly, for referring clients to HIMCO. To the
extent deemed applicable, such arrangements would be entered into in accordance with the terms and
conditions of Rule 206(4)-3 under the Advisers Act and HIMCO’s Solicitation and Client Referral Policy,
which among other things requires appropriate disclosure to prospective clients.
HIMCO’s affiliates do retain and pay certain investment consulting organizations to provide services to
other areas of The Hartford enterprise that oversee investments, some of which are managed by
HIMCO. In addition, HIMCO pays for access to a database offered by one such investment consultant
organization. In accordance with The Hartford’s procurement process, such payments are at fair value
for products or services rendered. These investment consultants could, in the ordinary course of their
business, recommend HIMCO’s services to their clients.
41 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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HIMCO accepts discretionary authority to manage advisory accounts and also provides investment advisory
services to non-discretionary accounts. Clients authorize HIMCO to manage advisory accounts on a
discretionary or non-discretionary basis through the written agreement applicable to each account. Such
agreements include but are not limited to investment management agreements and sub-advisory
agreements. Please also refer to
Item 4.
43 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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As a general matter, HIMCO votes proxies on behalf of advisory accounts for which it has been expressly
granted voting authority, as well as discretionary advisory accounts where the client has not expressly
reserved proxy-voting responsibility for itself (or a designated third party).
Policies and Procedures
HIMCO has written proxy voting policy and procedures in place as required by Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-6.
HIMCO’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are designed to ensure that proxies are voted in the best
interest of HIMCO’s clients and to prevent conflicts of interest from improperly affecting the manner in which
HIMCO votes its clients’ proxies. The Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures include, among other things:
Establishment of a Proxy Voting Committee;
Controls to mitigate potential conflicts of interest related to proxy voting; and
Compliance surveillance processes to monitor HIMCO’s independent proxy advisory firm.
HIMCO’s Proxy Voting Committee is responsible for overseeing HIMCO’s proxy voting practices (including
approval of HIMCO’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures), addressing conflicts of interest related to proxy
voting, and overseeing and evaluating the services provided to HIMCO by Glass Lewis & Co, LLC (“Glass
Lewis”), an independent proxy advisory firm that specializes in providing proxy voting services. The
services for which HIMCO has retained Glass Lewis include providing research, analysis and voting
recommendations, as well as vote execution and reporting. On an annual basis, and as needed in between,
HIMCO reviews the objectives of its equity strategies alongside the Glass Lewis Proxy Voting Guidelines
(“Proxy Voting Guidelines”) to confirm whether voting proxies in accordance with the guidelines is in the
best interest of the clients in each HIMCO equity strategy. HIMCO pays for the services of Glass Lewis
and does not use soft dollars to pay for any portion of the proxy services.
As a general matter, all proxies are voted in accordance with the Proxy Voting Guidelines unless a HIMCO
portfolio manager objects (as described in greater detail below) or a client dictates otherwise. If a client
would like to vote a proxy in a particular manner the client must submit their request in writing to their
HIMCO client service representative. HIMCO will vote the proxy in accordance with the client’s written
instructions, provided such instructions are received timely.
There are certain circumstances that will prevent HIMCO from voting a proxy, including without limitation:
When the security associated with the proxy has been loaned out as part of a client’s securities
lending program;
Where proxy materials are not delivered in a timely fashion;
Where HIMCO does not have the requisite authority needed to cast the proxy vote; and
Where HIMCO determines voting the proxy is not in the best interest of the client.
HIMCO’s Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures are available to clients upon request. Clients may also obtain
information on how their proxies were voted by contacting their HIMCO client service representative. The
proxy records for registered investment companies sub-advised by HIMCO are disclosed to shareholders
via publicly-available annual filings.
Conflicts of Interest Procedures
HIMCO addresses conflicts of interest related to proxy voting in multiple ways. One of the ways in which
HIMCO mitigates the potential for conflicts of interest between itself and its clients is through the retention
of Glass Lewis as an independent proxy advisory service. In addition, HIMCO has a process in place to
identify and evaluate any conflicts of interest that could be present when a portfolio manager would like to
vote a proxy in a manner different from the Glass Lewis recommendation. In that situation the portfolio
manager must first notify HIMCO’s Chief Compliance Officer (or designee) that he or she would like to vote
the proxy differently and must provide a recommendation on how the proxy should be voted. The Chief
Compliance Officer (or designee) then conducts a conflicts of interest investigation on behalf of the Proxy
44 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Voting Committee and reports the findings to the Committee members. If the Proxy Voting Committee
determines that no conflict of interest exists the portfolio manager is permitted to vote the proxy as he or
she would like. If the Proxy Voting Committee determines that a conflict of interest exists, the portfolio
manager must either vote the proxy in accordance with the Glass Lewis recommendation or contact the
client to recommend that the client vote the proxy itself. Please note that in situations where a proxy
contains multiple proposals, the existence of a portfolio manager conflict of interest with respect to one
proposal will not necessarily prevent the portfolio manager from voting on the other proposal(s) where a
conflict of interest does not exist.
Glass Lewis has also implemented conflict management procedures in order to ensure objectivity of its
proxy research and vote recommendations and the integrity of the proxy votes it casts. The conflict
management procedures have a number of controls that include, but are not limited to the following:
Glass Lewis does not provide consulting services to corporate issuers, directors, dissident
shareholders and/or shareholder proposal proponents.
Glass Lewis maintains its independence by excluding its owners from any involvement in the
formulation and implementation of the Glass Lewis proxy voting policies and guidelines, and in the
determination of voting recommendations for specific shareholder meetings. Glass Lewis’s owners
are also excluded from membership on the Research Advisory Council and do not participate in
the selection of its members.
All employees and independent contractors of Glass Lewis, and its subsidiaries, as well as all
members of Glass Lewis’s Research Advisory Council and Strategic Committee must disclose
whether they serve as an executive or director of a corporate issuer. If an employee of Glass Lewis
(or a relative of such employee) serves as an executive or director of a corporate issuer, or an
employee of Glass Lewis has a material ownership interest in a corporate issuer, such employee
is prohibited from any involvement in the research, analysis or making of any vote
recommendations for such company.
Glass Lewis provides specific disclosure of actual, potential or perceived conflicts on the cover of
the relevant proxy paper research report so clients and any other parties with access to a Glass
Lewis report are able to review the potential conflict at the same time they review the research,
analysis and voting recommendations.
On at least a quarterly basis, HIMCO Compliance reviews a sample of recommendations containing the
precautionary conflicts disclosure mentioned above to confirm that such proxy recommendations and any
resulting votes are consistent with the Proxy Voting Guidelines. In addition, Compliance samples pre-
populated votes for HIMCO clients to verify consistency with the Proxy Voting Guidelines.
45 HARTFORD INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT COMPANY
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A. Prepayment of Client Fees HIMCO does not require or solicit prepayment of client fees.
B. Financial Conditions Likely to Impair Ability to Meet Contractual Commitments to Clients HIMCO is not aware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet
contractual commitments to clients.
C. Bankruptcy Filings HIMCO has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the past ten years.
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