CUSTODY AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT, is made as of February 10, 2000, by and between CAPSTONE
GROWTH FUND, INC., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Maryland (the "Company"), and THE FIFTH THIRD BANK, a banking trust organized
under the laws of the State of Ohio (the "Custodian").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Company desires that the Securities and cash of each of
the investment portfolios identified in Exhibit A hereto (such investment
portfolios and individually referred to herein as a "Fund" and collectively as
the "Funds"), be held and administered by the Custodian pursuant to this
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Company is an open-end management investment company
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Custodian represents that it is a bank having the
qualifications prescribed in Section 26(a)(i) of the 1940 Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements herein made, the
Company and the Custodian hereby agree as follows: ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases, unless
the context otherwise requires, shall have the following meanings:
1.1 "Authorized Person" means any Officer or other person duly authorized
by resolution of the Board of Directors to give Oral Instructions and Written
Instructions on behalf of the Company and named in Exhibit B hereto or in such
resolutions of the Board of Directors, certified by an Officer, as may be
received by the Custodian from time to time.
1.2 "Board of Directors" shall mean the Directors from time to time serving
as such under the Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws as from time to
time amended.
1.3 "Book-Entry System" shall mean a federal book-entry system as provided
in Subpart O of Treasury Circular Xx. 000, 00 XXX 306, in Subpart B of 31 CFR
Part 350, or in such book-entry regulations of federal agencies as are
substantially in the form of such Subpart O.
1.4 "Business Day" shall mean any day recognized as a settlement day by The
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. and any other day for which the Fund computes the
net asset value of the Fund.
1.5 "NASD" shall mean The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
1.6 "Officer" shall mean the President, any Vice President, the Secretary,
any Assistant Secretary, the Treasurer, or any Assistant Treasurer of the
Company.
1.7 "Oral Instructions" shall mean instructions orally transmitted to and
accepted by the Custodian because such instructions are: (i) reasonably believed
by the Custodian to have been given by an Authorized Person, (ii) recorded and
kept among the records of the Custodian made in the ordinary course of business
and (iii) orally confirmed by the Custodian. The Company shall cause all Oral
Instructions to be confirmed by Written Instructions. If such Written
Instructions confirming Oral Instructions are not received by the Custodian
prior to a transaction, it shall in no way affect the validity of the
transaction or the authorization thereof by the Company. If Oral Instructions
vary from the Written Instructions which purport to confirm them, the Custodian
shall notify the company of such variance but such Oral Instructions will govern
unless the Custodian has not yet acted.
1.8 "Custody Account" shall mean any account in the name of the Company,
which is provided for in Section 3.2 below.
1.9 "Proper Instructions" shall mean Oral Instructions or Written
Instructions. Proper Instructions may be continuing Written Instructions when
deemed appropriate by both parties.
1.10 "Securities Depository" shall mean The Participants Trust Company or
The Depository Trust Company and (provided that Custodian shall have received a
copy of a resolution of the Board of Directors, certified by an Officer,
specifically approving the use of such clearing agency as a depository for the
Company) any other clearing agency registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under Section 17A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the
"1934 Act"), which acts as a system for the central handling of Securities where
all Securities of any particular class or series of an issuer deposited within
the system are treated as fungible and may be transferred or pledged by
bookkeeping entry without physical delivery of the Securities.
1.11 "Securities" shall include, without limitation, common and preferred
stocks, bonds, call options, put options, debentures, notes, bank certificates
of deposit, bankers' acceptances, mortgage-backed securities, other money market
instruments or other obligations, and any certificates, receipts, warrants or
other instruments or documents representing rights to receive, purchase or
subscribe for the same, or evidencing or representing any other rights or
interests therein, or any similar property or assets that the Custodian has the
facilities to clear and to service.
1.12 "Shares" shall mean the units of beneficial interest issued by the
Company.
1.13 "Written Instructions" shall mean (i) written communications actually
received by the Custodian and signed by one or more persons as the Board of
Directors shall have from time to time authorized, or (ii) communications by
telex or any other such system from a person or persons reasonably believed by
the Custodian to be Authorized, or (iii) communications transmitted
electronically through the Institutional Delivery System (IDS), or any other
similar electronic instruction system acceptable to Custodian and approved by
resolutions of the Board of Directors, a copy of which, certified by an Officer,
shall have been delivered to the Custodian. ARTICLE II APPOINTMENT OF CUSTODIAN
2.1 Appointment. The Company hereby constitutes and appoints the Custodian
as custodian of all Securities and cash owned by or in the possession of the
Company at any time during the period of this Agreement, provided that such
Securities or cash at all times shall be and remain the property of the Company.
2.2 Acceptance. The Custodian hereby accepts appointment as such custodian
and agrees to perform the duties thereof as hereinafter set forth and in
accordance with the 1940 Act as amended. Except as specifically set forth
herein, the Custodian shall have no liability and assumes no responsibly for any
non-compliance by the Company or a Fund of any laws, rules or regulations.
ARTICLE III
CUSTODY OF CASH AND SECURITIES
3.1 Segregation. All Securities and non-cash property held by the Custodian
for the account of the Fund, except Securities maintained in a Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, shall be physically segregated from other
Securities and non-cash property in the possession of the Custodian and shall be
identified as subject to this Agreement.
3.2 Custody Account. The Custodian shall open and maintain in its trust
department a custody account in the name of each Fund, subject only to draft or
order of the Custodian, in which the Custodian shall enter and carry all
Securities, cash and other assets of the Fund which are delivered to it.
3.3 Appointment of Agents. In its discretion, the Custodian may appoint,
and at any time remove, any domestic bank or trust company, which has been
approved by the Board of Directors and is qualified to act as a custodian under
the 1940 Act, as sub-custodian to hold Securities and cash of the Funds and to
carry out such other provisions of this Agreement as it may determine, and may
also open and maintain one or more banking accounts with such a bank or trust
company (any such accounts to be in the name of the Custodian and subject only
to its draft or order), provided, however, that the appointment of any such
agent shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its obligations or liabilities
under this Agreement.
3.4 Delivery of Assets to Custodian. The Fund shall deliver, or cause to be
delivered, to the Custodian all of the Fund's Securities, cash and other assets,
including (a) all payments of income, payments of principal and capital
distributions received by the Fund with respect to such Securities, cash or
other assets owned by the Fund at any time during the period of this Agreement,
and (b) all cash received by the Fund for the issuance, at any time during such
period, of Shares. The Custodian shall not be responsible for such Securities,
cash or other assets until actually received by it.
3.5 Securities Depositories and Book-Entry Systems. The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain Securities of the Funds in a Securities Depository or in
a Book-Entry System, subject to the following provisions:
(a) Prior to a deposit of Securities of the Funds in any Securities
Depository or Book-Entry System, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian a resolution of the Board of Directors, certified by an
Officer, authorizing and instructing the Custodian on an on-going
basis to deposit in such Securities Depository or Book-Entry System
all Securities eligible for deposit therein and to make use of such
Securities Depository or Book-Entry System to the extent possible and
practical in connection with its performance hereunder, including,
without limitation, in connection with settlements of purchases and
sales of Securities, loans of Securities, and deliveries and returns
of collateral consisting of Securities.
(b) Securities of the Fund kept in a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository shall be kept in an account ("Depository Account") of the
Custodian in such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository which
includes only assets held by the Custodian as a fiduciary, custodian
or otherwise for customers.
(c) The records of the Custodian and the Custodian's account on the books
of the Book-Entry System and Securities Depository as the case may be,
with respect to Securities of a Fund maintained in a Book-Entry System
or Securities Depository shall, by book-entry, or otherwise identify
such Securities as belonging to the Fund.
(d) If Securities purchases by the Fund are to be held in a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall pay for such
Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository that such Securities have been transferred to
the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records
of the Custodian to reflect such payment and transfer for the account
of the Fund. If Securities sold by the Fund are held in a Book-Entry
System or Securities Depository, the Custodian shall transfer such
Securities upon (i) receipt of advice from the Book-Entry System or
Securities depository that payment for such Securities has been
transferred to the Depository Account, and (ii) the making of an entry
on the records of the Custodian to reflect such transfer and payment
for the account of the Fund.
(e) Upon request, the Custodian shall provide the Fund with copies of any
report (obtained by the Custodian from a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository in which Securities of the Fund is kept) on the
internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding
Securities deposited in such Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository.
(f) Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, the
Custodian shall be liable to the Company for any loss or damage to the
Company resulting (i) from the use of a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository by reason of any negligence or willful
misconduct on the part of Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above or any of its or their employees, or
(ii) from failure of Custodian or any such sub-custodian to enforce
effectively such rights as it may have against a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository. At its election, the Company shall be
subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim
against a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository or any other
person for any loss or damage to the Funds arising from the use of
such Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, if and to the extent
that the Company has been made whole for any such loss or damage.
3.6 Disbursement of Moneys from Custody Accounts. Upon receipt of Proper
Instructions, the Custodian shall disburse moneys from a Fund Custody Account
but only in the following cases:
(a) For the purchase of Securities for the Fund but only upon compliance
with Section 4.1 of this Agreement and only (i) in the case of
Securities (other than options on Securities, futures contracts and
options on futures contracts), against the delivery to the Custodian
(or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above) of such
Securities registered as provided in Section 3.9 below in proper form
for transfer, or if the purchase of such Securities is effected
through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, in accordance
with the conditions set forth in Section 3.5 above; (ii) in the case
of options on Securities, against delivery to the Custodian (or such
sub-custodian) of such receipts as are required by the customs
prevailing among dealers in such options; (iii) in the case of futures
contracts and options on futures contracts, against delivery to the
Custodian (or such sub-custodian) of evidence of title thereto in
favor of the Company or any nominee referred to in Section 3.9 below;
and (iv) in the case of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements
entered into between the Company and a bank which is a member of the
Federal Reserve System or between the Company and a primary dealer in
U.S. Government securities, against delivery of the purchased
Securities either in certificate form or through an entry crediting
the Custodian's account at a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository for the account of the Fund with such Securities;
(b) In connection with the conversion, exchange or surrender, as set forth
in Section 3.7(f) below, of Securities owned by the Fund;
(c) For the payment of any dividends or capital gain distributions
declared by the Fund;
(d) In payment of the redemption price of Shares as provided in Section
5.1 below;
(e) For the payment of any expense or liability incurred by the Company,
including but not limited to the following payments for the account of
a Fund: interest; taxes; administration, investment management,
investment advisory, accounting, auditing, transfer agent, custodian,
trustee and legal fees; and other operating expenses of a Fund; in all
cases, whether or not such expenses are to be in whole or in part
capitalized or treated as deferred expenses;
(f) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Company, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
1934 Act and a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with rules
of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered national
securities exchange (or of any similar organization or organizations)
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions
by the Company;
(g) For transfer in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Company, the Custodian, and a futures commission merchant
registered under the Commodity Exchange Act, relating to compliance
with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and/or any
contract market (or any similar organization or organizations)
regarding account deposits in connection with transactions by the
Company;
(h) For the funding of any uncertificated time deposit or other
interest-bearing account with any banking institution (including the
Custodian), which deposit or account has a term of one year or less;
and
(i) For any other proper purposes, but only upon receipt, in addition to
Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the Board of
Directors, certified by an Officer, specifying the amount and purpose
of such payment, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate
purpose, and naming the person or persons to whom such payment is to
be made.
3.7 Delivery of Securities from Fund Custody Accounts. Upon receipt of
Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall release and deliver Securities from a
Custody Account but only in the following cases:
(a) Upon the sale of Securities for the account of a Fund but only against
receipt of payment therefor in cash, by certified or cashiers check or
bank credit;
(b) In the case of a sale effected through a Book-Entry System or
Securities Depository, in accordance with the provisions of Section
3.5 above;
(c) To an Offeror's depository agent in connection with tender or other
similar offers for Securities of a Fund; provided that, in any such
case, the cash or other consideration is to be delivered to the
Custodian;
(d) To the issuer thereof or its agent (i) for transfer into the name of
the Company, the Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to
Section 3.3 above, or of any nominee or nominees of any of the
foregoing, or (ii) for exchange for a different number of certificates
or other evidence representing the same aggregate face amount or
number of units; provided that, in any such case, the new Securities
are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(e) To the broker selling Securities, for examination in accordance with
the "street delivery" custom;
(f) For exchange or conversion pursuant to any plan of merger,
consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or readjustment of the
issuer of such Securities, or pursuant to provisions for conversion
contained in such Securities, or pursuant to any deposit agreement,
including surrender or receipt of underlying Securities in connection
with the issuance or cancellation of depository receipts; provided
that, in any such case, the new Securities and cash, if any, are to be
delivered to the Custodian;
(g) Upon receipt of payment therefor pursuant to any repurchase or reverse
repurchase agreement entered into by a Fund;
(h) In the case of warrants, rights or similar Securities, upon the
exercise thereof, provided that, in any such case, the new Securities
and cash, if any, are to be delivered to the Custodian;
(i) For delivery in connection with any loans of Securities of a Fund, but
only against receipt of such collateral as the Company shall have
specified to the Custodian in Proper Instructions;
(j) For delivery as security in connection with any borrowings by the
Company on behalf of a Fund requiring a pledge of assets by such Fund,
but only against receipt by the Custodian of the amounts borrowed;
(k) Pursuant to any authorized plan of liquidation, reorganization,
merger, consolidation or recapitalization of the Company or a Fund;
(l) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Company, the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the
1934 Act and a member of the NASD, relating to compliance with the
rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or of any similar organization or
organizations) regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection
with transactions by the Company on behalf of a Fund;
(m) For delivery in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among
the Company on behalf of a Fund, the Custodian, and a futures
commission merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act,
relating to compliance with the rules of the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission and/or any contract market (or any similar organization or
organizations) regarding account deposits in connection with
transactions by the Company on behalf of a Fund; or
(n) For any other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt, in
addition to Proper Instructions, of a copy of a resolution of the
Board of Directors, certified by an Officer, specifying the Securities
to be delivered, setting forth the purpose for which such delivery is
to be made, declaring such purpose to be a proper corporate purpose,
and naming the person or persons to whom delivery of such Securities
shall be made.
3.8 Actions Not Requiring Proper Instructions. Unless otherwise instructed
by the Company, the Custodian shall with respect to all Securities held for a
Fund;
(a) Subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a timely basis all income and
other payments to which the Company is entitled either by law or
pursuant to custom in the securities business;
(b) Present for payment and, subject to Section 7.4 below, collect on a
timely basis the amount payable upon all Securities which may mature
or be called, redeemed, or retired, or otherwise become payable;
(c) Endorse for collection, in the name of the Company, checks, drafts and
other negotiable instruments;
(d) Surrender interim receipts or Securities in temporary form for
Securities in definitive form;
(e) Execute, as custodian, any necessary declarations or certificates of
ownership under the federal income tax laws or the laws or regulations
of any other taxing authority now or hereafter in effect, and prepare
and submit reports to the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and to the
Company at such time, in such manner and containing such information
as is prescribed by the IRS;
(f) Hold for a Fund, either directly or, with respect to Securities held
therein, through a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository, all
rights and similar securities issued with respect to Securities of the
Fund; and
(g) In general, and except as otherwise directed in Proper Instructions,
attend to all non-discretionary details in connection with sale,
exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer and other dealings with
Securities and assets of the Fund.
3.9 Registration and Transfer of Securities. All Securities held for a Fund
that are issued or issuable only in bearer form shall be held by the Custodian
in that form, provided that any such Securities shall be held in a Book-Entry
System for the account of the Company on behalf of a Fund, if eligible therefor.
All other Securities held for a Fund may be registered in the name of the
Company on behalf of such Fund, the Custodian, or any sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above, or in the name of any nominee of any of them, or
in the name of a Book-Entry System, Securities Depository or any nominee of
either thereof; provided, however, that such Securities are held specifically
for the account of the Company on behalf of a Fund. The Company shall furnish to
the Custodian appropriate instruments to enable the Custodian to hold or deliver
in proper form for transfer, or to register in the name of any of the nominees
hereinabove referred to or in the name of a Book-Entry System or Securities
Depository, any Securities registered in the name of a Fund.
3.10 Records. (a) The Custodian shall maintain, by Fund, complete and
accurate records with respect to Securities, cash or other property held for the
Company, including (i) journals or other records of original entry containing an
itemized daily record in detail of all receipts and deliveries of Securities and
all receipts and disbursements of cash; (ii) ledgers (or other records)
reflecting (A) Securities in transfer, (B) Securities in physical possession,
(C) monies and Securities borrowed and monies and Securities loaned (together
with a record of the collateral therefor and substitutions of such collateral),
(D) dividends and interest received, and (E) dividends receivable and interest
accrued; and (iii) canceled checks and bank records related thereto. The
Custodian shall keep such other books and records of the Company as the Company
shall reasonably request, or as may be required by the 1940 Act, including, but
not limited to Section 3.1 and Rule 31a-1 and Rule 31a-2 promulgated thereunder.
(b) All such books and records maintained by the Custodian shall (i) be
maintained in a form acceptable to the Company and in compliance with
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (ii)
be the property of the Company and at all times during the regular
business hours of the Custodian be made available upon request for
inspection by duly authorized officers, employees or agents of the
Company and employees or agents of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and (iii) if required to be maintained by Rule 31a-1 under
the 1940 Act, be preserved for the periods prescribed in Rule 31a-2
under the 0000 Xxx.
3.11 Fund Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall furnish the Company
with a daily activity statement by Fund and a summary of all transfers to or
from the Custody Account on the day following such transfers. At least monthly
and from time to time, the Custodian shall furnish the Company with a detailed
statement, by Fund, of the Securities and moneys held for the Company under this
Agreement.
3.12 Other Reports by Custodian. The Custodian shall provide the Company
with such reports, as the Company may reasonably request from time to time, on
the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding Securities,
which are employed by the Custodian or any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to
Section 3.3 above.
3.13 Proxies and Other Materials. The Custodian shall cause all proxies if
any, relating to Securities which are not registered in the name of a Fund, to
be promptly executed by the registered holder of such Securities, without
indication of the manner in which such proxies are to be voted, and shall
include all other proxy materials, if any, promptly deliver to the Company such
proxies, all proxy soliciting materials, which should include all other proxy
materials, if any, and all notices to such Securities.
3.14 Information on Corporate Actions. Custodian will promptly notify the
Company of corporate actions, limited to those Securities registered in nominee
name and to those Securities held at a Depository or sub-Custodian acting as
agent for Custodian. Custodian will be responsible only if the notice of such
corporate actions is published by Xcitek, DTC, or received by first class mail
from the transfer agent. For market announcements not yet received and
distributed by Custodian's services, Company will inform its custody
representative with appropriate instructions. Custodian will, upon receipt of
Company's response within the required deadline, affect such action for receipt
or payment for the Company. For those responses received after the deadline,
Custodian will affect such action for receipt or payment, subject to the
limitations of the agent(s) affecting such actions. Custodian will promptly
notify Company for put options only if the notice is received by first class
mail from the agent. The Company will provide or cause to be provided to
Custodian with all relevant information contained in the prospectus for any
security which has unique put/option provisions and provide Custodian with
specific tender instructions at least ten business days prior to the beginning
date of the tender period.
ARTICLE IV
PURCHASE AND SALE OF INVESTMENTS OF THE FUND
4.1 Purchase of Securities. Promptly upon each purchase of Securities for
the Company, Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian,
specifying (a) the name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the
title or other description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount
(and accrued interest, if any) or other units purchased, (c) the date of
purchase and settlement, (d) the purchase price per unit, (e) the total amount
payable upon such purchase, and (f) the name of the person to whom such amount
is payable. The Custodian shall upon receipt of such Securities purchased by a
Fund pay out of the moneys held for the account of such Fund the total amount
specified in such Written Instructions to the person named therein. The
Custodian shall not be under any obligation to pay out moneys to cover the cost
of a purchase of Securities for a Fund, if in the relevant Custody Account there
is insufficient cash available to the Fund for which such purchase was made.
4.2 Liability for Payment in Advance of Receipt of Securities Purchased. In
any and every case where payment for the purchase of Securities for a Fund is
made by the Custodian in advance of receipt for the account of the Fund of the
Securities purchased but in the absence of specific Written or Oral Instructions
to so pay in advance, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for such
Securities to the same extent as if the Securities had been received by the
Custodian.
4.3 Sale of Securities. Promptly upon each sale of Securities by a Fund,
Written Instructions shall be delivered to the Custodian, specifying (a) the
name of the issuer or writer of such Securities, and the title or other
description thereof, (b) the number of shares, principal amount (and accrued
interest, if any), or other units sold, (c) the date of sale and settlement (d)
the sale price per unit, (e) the total amount payable upon such sale, and (f)
the person to whom such Securities are to be delivered. Upon receipt of the
total amount payable to the Company as specified in such Written Instructions,
the Custodian shall deliver such Securities to the person specified in such
Written Instructions. Subject to the foregoing, the Custodian may accept payment
in such form as shall be satisfactory to it, and may deliver Securities and
arrange for payment in accordance with the customs prevailing among dealers in
Securities.
4.4 Delivery of Securities Sold. Notwithstanding Section 4.3 above or any
other provision of this Agreement, the Custodian, when instructed to deliver
Securities against payment, shall be entitled, if in accordance with generally
accepted market practice, to deliver such Securities prior to actual receipt of
final payment therefor. In any such case, the Company shall bear the risk that
final payment for such Securities may not be made or that such Securities may be
returned or otherwise held or disposed of by or through the person to whom they
were delivered, and the Custodian shall have no liability for any of the
foregoing.
4.5 Payment for Securities Sold, etc. In its sole discretion and from time
to time, the Custodian may credit the relevant Custody Account, prior to actual
receipt of final payment thereof, with (i) proceeds from the sale of Securities
which it has been instructed to deliver against payment, (ii) proceeds from the
redemption of Securities or other assets of the Company, and (iii) income from
cash, Securities or other assets of the Company. Any such credit shall be
conditional upon actual receipt by Custodian of final payment and may be
reversed if final payment is not actually received in full. The Custodian may,
in its sole discretion and from time to time, permit the Company to use funds so
credited to its Custody Account in anticipation of actual receipt of final
payment. Any such funds shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by the
Custodian at any time prior to the actual receipt of all final payments in
anticipation of which funds were credited to the Custody Account.
4.6 Advances by Custodian for Settlement. The Custodian may, in its sole
discretion and from time to time, advance funds to the Company to facilitate the
settlement of a Company transactions on behalf of a Fund in its Custody Account.
Any such advance shall be repayable immediately upon demand made by Custodian.
ARTICLE V
REDEMPTION OF TRUST SHARES
Transfer of Funds. From such funds as may be available for the purpose in
the relevant Custody Account, and upon receipt of Proper Instructions specifying
that the funds are required to redeem Shares of a Fund, the Custodian shall wire
each amount specified in such Proper Instructions to or through such bank as the
Company may designate with respect to such amount in such Proper Instructions.
Upon effecting payment or distribution in accordance with proper Instruction,
the Custodian shall not be under any obligation or have any responsibility
thereafter with respect to any such paying bank.
ARTICLE VI
SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS
Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, the Custodian shall establish and
maintain a segregated account or accounts for and on behalf of each Fund, into
which account or accounts may be transferred cash and/or Securities, including
Securities maintained in a Depository Account,
(a) in accordance with the provisions of any agreement among the Company,
the Custodian and a broker-dealer registered under the 1934 Act and a
member of the NASD (or any futures commission merchant registered
under the Commodity Exchange Act), relating to compliance with the
rules of The Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading
commission or any registered contract market), or of any similar
organization or organizations, regarding escrow or other arrangements
in connection with transactions by the Company,
(b) for purposes of segregating cash or Securities in connection with
securities options purchased or written by a Fund or in connection
with financial futures contracts (or options thereon) purchased or
sold by a Fund,
(c) which constitute collateral for loans of Securities made by a Fund,
(d) for purposes of compliance by the Company with requirements under the
1940 Act for the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered
investment companies in connection with reverse repurchase agreements
and when-issued, delayed delivery and firm commitment transactions,
and
(e) for other proper corporate purposes, but only upon receipt of, in
addition to Proper Instructions, a certified copy of a resolution of
the Board of Directors, certified by an Officer, setting forth the
purpose or purposes of such segregated account and declaring such
purposes to be proper corporate purposes.
ARTICLE VII
CONCERNING THE CUSTODIAN
7.1 Standard of Care. The Custodian shall be held to the exercise of
reasonable care in carrying out its obligations under this Agreement, and shall
be without liability to the Company for any loss, damage, cost, expense
(including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability or claim unless such
loss, damages, cost, expense, liability or claim arises from negligence, bad
faith or willful misconduct on its part or on the part of any sub-custodian
appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above. The Custodian's cumulative liability
within a calendar year shall be limited with respect to the Company or any party
claiming by, through or on behalf of the Company for the initial and all
subsequent renewal terms of this Agreement, to the actual damages sustained by
the Company, (actual damages for uninvested funds shall be the overnight Feds
fund rate). However, Custodian will not be liable for special incidental or
punitive damages. The Custodian shall be entitled to rely on and may act upon
advice of counsel on all matters, and shall be without liability for any action
reasonably taken or omitted pursuant to such advice. The Custodian shall
promptly notify the Company of any action taken or omitted by the Custodian
pursuant to advice of counsel. The Custodian shall not be under any obligation
at any time to ascertain whether the Company is in compliance with the 1940 Act,
the regulations thereunder, the provisions of the Company's charter documents or
by-laws, or its investment objectives and policies as then in effect.
7.2 Actual Collection Required. The Custodian shall not be liable for, or
considered to be the custodian of, any cash belonging to the Company or any
money represented by a check, draft or other instrument for the payment of
money, until the Custodian or its agents actually receive such cash or collect
on such instrument.
7.3 No Responsibility for title, etc. So long as and to the extent that it
is in the exercise of reasonable care, the Custodian shall not be responsible
for the title, validity or genuineness of any property or evidence of title
thereto received or delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.4 Limitation on Duty to Collect. Custodian shall not be required to
enforce collection, by legal means or otherwise, of any money or property due
and payable with respect to Securities held for the Company if such Securities
are in default or payment is not made after due demand or presentation.
7.5 Reliance Upon Documents and Instructions. The Custodian shall be
entitled to rely upon any certificate, notice or other instrument in writing
received by it and reasonably believed by it to be genuine. The Custodian shall
be entitled to rely upon any Oral Instructions and/or any Written Instructions
actually received by it pursuant to this Agreement.
7.6 Express Duties Only. The Custodian shall have no duties or obligations
whatsoever except such duties and obligations as are specifically set forth in
this Agreement, and no covenant or obligation shall be implied in this Agreement
against the Custodian.
7.7 Cooperation. The Custodian shall cooperate with and supply necessary
information, by the Company, to the entity or entities appointed by the Company
to keep the books of account of the Company and/or compute the value of the
assets of the Company. The Custodian shall take all such reasonable actions as
the Company may from time to time request to enable the Company to obtain, from
year to year, favorable opinions from the Company's independent accountants with
respect to the Custodian's activities hereunder in connection with (a) the
preparation of the Company's report on Form N-1A and Form N-SAR and any other
reports required by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and (b) the
fulfillment by the Company of any other requirements of the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
ARTICLE VIII
INDEMNIFICATION
8.1 Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Custodian and any sub-custodian appointed pursuant to Section 3.3 above, and any
nominee of the Custodian or of such sub-custodian from and against any loss,
damage, cost, expense (including attorneys' fees and disbursements), liability
(including, without limitation, liability arising under the Securities Act of
1933, the 1934 Act, the 1940 Act, and any state or foreign securities and/or
banking laws) or claim arising directly or indirectly (a) from the fact that
Securities are registered in the name of any such nominee, or (b) from any
action or inaction by the Custodian or such sub-custodian (i) at the request or
direction of or in reliance on the advice of the Company, or (ii) upon Proper
Instructions, or (c) generally, from the performance of its obligations under
this Agreement or any sub-custody agreement with a sub-custodian appointed
pursuant to Section 3.3 above or, in the case of any such sub-custodian, from
the performance of its obligations under such custody agreement, provided that
neither the Custodian nor any such sub-custodian shall be indemnified and held
harmless from and against any such loss, damage, cost, expense, liability or
claim arising from the Custodian's or such sub-custodian's negligence, bad faith
or willful misconduct.
8.2 Indemnity to be Provided. If the Company requests the Custodian to take
any action with respect to Securities, which may, in the opinion of the
custodian, result in the Custodian or its nominee becoming liable for the
payment of money or incurring liability of some other form, the Custodian shall
not be required to take such action until the Company shall have provided
indemnity therefor to the Custodian in an amount and form satisfactory to the
Custodian.
ARTICLE IX
FORCE MAJEURE
Neither the Custodian nor the Company shall be liable for any failure or
delay in performance of its obligations under this Agreement arising out of or
caused, directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control,
including, without limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fires; floods; wars;
civil or military disturbances; sabotage; strikes; epidemics; riots; power
failures; computer failure and any such circumstances beyond its reasonable
control as may cause interruption, loss or malfunction of utility,
transportation, computer (hardware or software) or telephone communication
service; accidents; labor disputes, acts of civil or military authority;
governmental actions; or inability to obtain labor, material, equipment or
transportation; provided, however, that the Custodian in the event of a failure
or delay shall use its best efforts to ameliorate the effects of any such
failure or delay. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Custodian shall maintain
sufficient disaster recovery procedures to minimize interruptions.
ARTICLE X
EFFECTIVE PERIOD; TERMINATION
10.1 Effective Period. This Agreement shall become effective as of the date
first set forth above and shall continue in full force and effect until
terminated as hereinafter provided.
10.2 Termination. Either party hereto may terminate this Agreement by
giving to the other party a notice in writing specifying the date of such
termination, which shall be not less than ninety (90) days after the date of the
giving of such notice. If a successor custodian shall have been appointed by the
Board of Directors, the Custodian shall, upon receipt of a notice of acceptance
by the successor custodian, on such specified date of termination (a) deliver
directly to the successor custodian all Securities (other than Securities held
in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository) and cash then owned by the
Company and held by the Custodian as custodian, and (b) transfer any Securities
held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository to an account of or for the
benefit of the Company at the successor custodian, provided that the Company
shall have paid to the Custodian all fees, expenses and other amounts to the
payment or reimbursement of which it shall then be entitled. Upon such delivery
and transfer, the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this
Agreement. The Company may at any time immediately terminate this Agreement in
the event of the appointment of a conservator or receiver for the Custodian by
regulatory authorities in the State of Ohio or upon the happening of a like
event at the direction of an appropriate regulatory agency or court of competent
jurisdiction.
10.3 Failure to Appoint Successor Custodian. If a successor custodian is
not designated by the Company on or before the date of termination specified
pursuant to Section 10.1 above, then the Custodian shall have the right to
deliver to a bank or trust company of its own selection, which is (a) a "Bank"
as defined in the 1940 Act, (b) has aggregate capital, surplus and undivided
profits as shown on its then most recent published report of not less than $25
million, and (c) is doing business in New York, New York, all Securities, cash
and other property held by Custodian under this Agreement and to transfer to an
account of or for the Company at such bank or trust company all Securities of
the Company held in a Book-Entry System or Securities Depository. Upon such
delivery and transfer, such bank or trust company shall be the successor
custodian under this Agreement and the Custodian shall be relieved of all
obligations under this Agreement. If, after reasonable inquiry, Custodian cannot
find a successor custodian as contemplated in this Section 10.3, then Custodian
shall have the right to deliver to the Company all Securities and cash then
owned by the Company and to transfer any Securities held in a Book-Entry System
or Securities Depository to an account of or for the Company. Thereafter, the
Company shall be deemed to be its own custodian with respect to the Company and
the Custodian shall be relieved of all obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
COMPENSATION OF CUSTODIAN
The Custodian shall be entitled to compensation as agreed upon from time to
time by the Company and the Custodian. The fees and other charges in effect on
the date hereof and applicable to the Funds are set forth in Exhibit B attached
hereto.
ARTICLE XII
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The Company is a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Maryland. The obligations of the Company entered into in the name of the Company
or on behalf thereof by any of the Directors, officers, employees or agents are
made not individually, but in such capacities, and are not binding upon any of
the Directors, officers, employees, agents or shareholders of the Company or the
Funds personally, but bind only the assets of the Company, and all persons
dealing with any of the Funds of the Company must look solely to the assets of
the Company belonging to such Fund for the enforcement of any claims against the
Company.
ARTICLE XIII
NOTICES
Unless otherwise specified herein, all demands, notices, instructions, and
other communications to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent
or delivered to The receipt at the address set forth after its name herein
below:
To the Company:
--------------
Capstone Growth Fund, Inc.
0000 Xxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxx 0000
Xxxxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xx. Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
To the Custodian:
----------------
The Fifth Third Bank
00 Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxxxxxxx, Xxxx 00000
Attn: Area Manager - Trust Operations
Telephone: (000) 000-0000
Facsimile: (000) 000-0000
or at such other address as either party shall have provided to the other by
notice given in accordance with this Article XIII. Writing shall include
transmission by or through teletype, facsimile, central processing unit
connection, on-line terminal and magnetic tape.
ARTICLE XIV
MISCELLANEOUS
14.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio.
14.2 References to Custodian. The Company shall not circulate any printed
matter which contains any reference to Custodian without the prior written
approval of Custodian, excepting printed matter contained in the prospectus or
statement of additional information or its registration statement for the
Company and such other printed matter as merely identifies Custodian as
custodian for the Company. The Company shall submit printed matter requiring
approval to Custodian in draft form, allowing sufficient time for review by
Custodian and its counsel prior to any deadline for printing.
14.3 No Waiver. No failure by either party hereto to exercise and no delay
by such party in exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver
thereof. The exercise by either party hereto of any right hereunder shall not
preclude the exercise of any other right, and the remedies provided herein are
cumulative and not exclusive of any remedies provided at law or in equity.
14.4 Amendments. This Agreement cannot be changed orally and no amendment
to this Agreement shall be effective unless evidenced by an instrument in
writing executed by the parties hereto.
14.5 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, and by the parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.
14.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or
impaired thereby.
14.7 Successors and Assigns. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall
inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and
assigns; provided, however, that this Agreement shall not be assignable by
either party hereto without the written consent of the other party hereto.
14.8 Headings. The headings of sections in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning or construction
of any provision of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be executed and delivered in its name and on its behalf by its representatives
thereunto duly authorized, all as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND, INC.
By:________________________________
Its:________________________________
ATTEST: THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
By:_________________________________
Its:__________________________________
Dated: ___________ , 2000
EXHIBIT A
TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND, INC.
AND THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
February 10, 2000
Name of Fund Date
Capstone Growth Fund
CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND, INC.
By: _____________________________________
Its:______________________________________
THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
By: ______________________________________
Its: _______________________________________
Dated: _____________ , 2000
EXHIBIT B
TO THE CUSTODY AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND, INC.
AND THE FIFTH THIRD BANK
_________________, 2000
AUTHORIZED PERSONS
Set forth below are the names and specimen signatures of the persons
authorized by the Company to Administer each Custody Account.
Name Signature
------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
------------------------------------- --------------------------------------
SIGNATURE RESOLUTION
RESOLVED, That all of the following officers of CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND, INC.
and any of them, namely the Chairman, President, Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer, are hereby authorized as signers for the conduct of business for an
on behalf of the Funds with THE FIFTH THIRD BANK:
CHAIRMAN ____________________________________
---------------------------
PRESIDENT ____________________________________
---------------------------
VICE PRESIDENT _______________________________
---------------------------
VICE PRESIDENT _______________________________
---------------------------
VICE PRESIDENT _______________________________
---------------------------
VICE PRESIDENT _______________________________
---------------------------
TREASURER ____________________________________
---------------------------
SECRETARY____________________________________
---------------------------
In addition, the following Assistant Treasurer is authorized to sign on
behalf of the Company for the purpose of effecting securities transactions:
ASSISTANT TREASURER __________________________
---------------------------
The undersigned officers of CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND, INC. hereby certify that the
foregoing is within the parameters of a Resolution adopted by Directors of the
Company in a meeting held ______________, 2000, directing and authorizing
preparation of documents and to do everything necessary to effect the Custody
Agreement between CAPSTONE GROWTH FUND, INC. and THE FIFTH THIRD BANK.
By:__________________________________________
Its:__________________________________________
By:__________________________________________
Its:__________________________________________
FIFTH THIRD BANK
MUTUAL FUND CUSTODY FEE SCHEDULE
Capstone Growth Fund, Inc.
-------------
PER UNIT
FEE
-------------
I Basic Per Account Fee
Annual Asset Based Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Under $25 Million 1 bp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
$25 - $100 Million .75 bp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
$100-$200 Million .5 bp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Over $200 Million .25 bp
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Yearly Minimum * $2,400.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
II Security Transaction Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------
DTC/Fed Eligible $9.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Physical 25.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Amortized Securities 25.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Options 25.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------
Mutual Funds 15.00
-------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign - Euroclear & Cedel 50.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign - Other TBD
----------------------------------------------------------------------
III Systems
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Automated Securities Workstation $150.00
$200.00 Initial Setup
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mainframe-To-Mainframe 150.00
$200.00 Initial Setup
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS
Single Account 50.00
Multiple Accounts 100.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
IV Miscellaneous Fees
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Principal & Interest Collection (on amortized $5.00
securities)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Wire Transfers (In/Out) 7.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Requests 7.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------
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