<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 26, 1998
1933 Act File No. 33-98824
1940 Act File No. 811-9122
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 [X]
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. [_]
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2 [X]
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT [X]
COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 3 [X]
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Declaration of Trust)
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 933
Northridge, California 91324
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number: (818) 725-0226
Copies to:
Keith B. Pipes
President and CEO Joseph B. Kittredge, Jr.
Sierra Capital Management Corporation Ropes & Gray
9301 Corbin Avenue One International Place
Northridge, CA 91324 Boston, MA 02110
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective when declared effective by
the Commission pursuant to Section 8(c) under the Securities Act of 1933.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Cross Reference Sheet
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Form N-2 Item
Item Location
- ---- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Part A. Information Required in a Prospectus
Item 1. Outside Front Cover Front Cover Page
Item 2. Inside Front and Outside Back
Cover Page Front Cover Page; Inside Front
Cover Page; Outside Back Cover
Page
Item 3. Fee Table and Synopsis Fund Expenses; Prospectus
Summary
Item 4. Financial Highlights Financial Highlights
Item 5. Plan of Distribution Cover Page; Prospectus Summary;
Offering of Shares
Item 6. Selling Shareholders Not Applicable
Item 7. Use of Proceeds Use of Proceeds
Item 8. General Description of the Registrant Cover Page; Prospectus Summary;
Description of Common Shares
Item 9. Management Prospectus Summary; Management
of the Fund
Item 10. Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt,
and Other Securities Description of Common Shares; Net
Asset Value
Item 11. Defaults and Arrears on Senior Securities Not Applicable
Item 12. Legal Proceedings Not Applicable
Item 13. Table of Contents for the
Statement of Additional Information Statement of Additional
Information
Part B. Information Required in a Statement of Additional Information
Item 14. Cover Page Cover Page
Item 15. Table of Contents Cover Page
Item 16. General Information and History Not Applicable
Item 17. Investment Objectives and Policies Investment Objectives and Policies
and Special Risk Considerations
Item 18. Management Management of the Fund; Officers
and Trustees
</TABLE>
1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item Location
- ---- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Item 19. Control Persons and Principal
Holders of Securities Officers and Trustees
Item 20. Investment Advisory and Other Services Management of the Fund
Item 21. Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices Portfolio Transactions
Item 22. Tax Status Taxation
Item 23. Financial Statements Financial Statements
</TABLE>
Part C. Other Information
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate item, so numbered, in Part C of this Registration
Statement.
2
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
P.O. Box 5118
Westborough, Massachusetts 01581-5118
Sierra Prime Income Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company. The Fund seeks to provide a high level of
current income, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund seeks to
achieve its objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of interests in
floating or variable rate senior loans ("Senior Loans") made primarily to U.S.
corporations, partnerships and other entities ("Borrowers"). It is expected
that such Senior Loans will pay interest at rates which float or reset at a
margin above a generally recognized base lending rate, such as the prime rate of
a designated U.S. bank, certificate of deposit rate, or the London Interbank
Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve
its objective. See "Investment Objective and Policies and Special Risk
Factors."
Shares of the Fund will be offered continuously at a price equal to their net
asset value plus a sales charge of up to 4.5% of the public offering price of
the shares purchased. See "Offering of Shares."
No market presently exists for the Fund's shares, and it is not anticipated that
a secondary market will develop. To provide shareholder liquidity, the Fund
intends to make quarterly tender offers subject to approval by the Board of
Trustees to purchase a specified percentage of the Fund's outstanding shares at
net asset value. See "Repurchase of Shares." This Prospectus sets forth
concisely the information that a prospective investor should know before
investing. Please read and retain this Prospectus for future reference. A
Statement of Additional Information dated January 30, 1998 has been filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission and can be obtained without charge upon
request at the above address or by calling 800-222-5852. This Prospectus
incorporates by reference the entire Statement of Additional Information, and
its table of contents appears on page 39 of this Prospectus.
Sierra Investment Services Corporation ("SISC"), the Distributor of the Shares
is not a bank. The Fund's Shares are not obligations, deposits or accounts
(trust or otherwise) of, or endorsed or guaranteed by, Great Western Bank, or
any of its affiliates or correspondents. The Fund's Shares are not federally
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board
or any other governmental agency. Shares of the Fund involve investment risks,
including the possible loss of principal.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Price to Proceeds to
Public(1) Sales Load(1) Fund(2)
----------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Per
Share (1) ............... $10.47 $ 0.47 $ 10.00
Total.................... $2,350,000 $50,000,000
- -------------
</TABLE>
(1) The shares are offered on a best efforts basis at a price equal to the
net asset value which initially is $10.00 per share, plus a sales
charge of up to 4.50% of the public offering price. See "Offering of
Shares."
(2) Before deduction of organizational expenses paid by the Trust of
$244,207 and assuming all shares currently registered are sold
pursuant to a continuous offering.
Prospectus dated January 30, 1998
-----------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
FUND EXPENSES.............................................................. 5
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY......................................................... 6
SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS................................................ 8
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS....................................................... 11
THE FUND................................................................... 11
USE OF PROCEEDS............................................................ 12
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES AND SPECIAL RISK FACTORS................. 13
Certain Characteristics of Senior Loan Interests................. 13
Special Risk Considerations...................................... 18
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND SPECIAL RISKS..................................... 20
Interest Rate and Other Hedging Transactions..................... 20
Lending of Portfolio Holdings.................................... 22
"When Issued" and "Delayed Delivery" Transactions................ 22
Repurchase Agreements............................................ 22
Reverse Repurchase Agreements.................................... 23
TAXATION................................................................... 23
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND..................................................... 24
Board of Trustees................................................ 24
The Advisor...................................................... 24
The Sub-Advisor.................................................. 25
The Administrator................................................ 25
The Distributor.................................................. 26
DISTRIBUTIONS.............................................................. 26
Distribution Options............................................. 26
Reinvestment Option.............................................. 27
Cash Option...................................................... 27
REPURCHASE (TENDER OFFER) OF SHARES........................................ 27
Exchange Privilege............................................... 28
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES............................................... 29
Common Shares.................................................... 29
Anti Open-End Investment Company Provisions in the Declaration of
Trust........................................................... 29
Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust............. 29
NET ASSET VALUE............................................................ 30
OFFERING OF SHARES......................................................... 31
HOW TO BUY SHARES.......................................................... 32
Acceptance of Orders............................................. 33
Investments Made By Check........................................ 33
Dividend Reinvestment Plan....................................... 33
Sierra Automatic Investment Plan (the "Plan").................... 33
Retirement Plans................................................. 34
How to Invest in the Fund........................................ 34
REDUCED SALES CHARGE AT PURCHASE........................................... 36
Right of Accumulation............................................ 36
Quantity Discounts............................................... 36
Letter of Intent................................................. 36
Reinvestment Privilege........................................... 37
Exchange Privilege............................................... 37
</TABLE>
-3-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
WAIVERS OF CLASS A COMMON SHARES SALES CHARGES............................. 37
APPLICATION OF CLASS A COMMON SHARES EARLY WITHDRAWAL CHARGE............... 38
COMMUNICATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS........................................... 38
Understanding Performance........................................ 38
Explanation of Terms............................................. 38
Yield............................................................ 39
Total Return..................................................... 39
Performance Comparisons.......................................... 39
Obtaining Performance Information................................ 39
CUSTODIAN, ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT................................ 40
LEGAL OPINIONS............................................................. 40
EXPERTS.................................................................... 40
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................... 41
The Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information.......... 41
</TABLE>
================================================================================
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
Prospectus, in connection with the offer made by this Prospectus and, if given
or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon as having
been authorized by the Fund, the Fund's Advisor or Principal Underwriter. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer
to buy any security other than the Common Shares offered by this Prospectus, nor
does it constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to buy the
Common Shares by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation
is not authorized, or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is
not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such
offer or solicitation. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made
hereunder shall, in any circumstances, create any implication that information
contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.
================================================================================
-4-
<PAGE>
FUND EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Common Shares
<S> <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)........ 4.50%
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees....................... None
Early Withdrawal Charge............................... None*
Annual Operating Expenses (as a percentage of net assets
attributable to Common Shares)
Management Fee........................................ 0.00%**
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds................... 0.00%
Other Expenses........................................ 0.00%**
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses............. 0.00%**
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* Purchases of $1 million or more and certain other purchases are not subject
to the sales charge at the time of purchase, but may be subject to a 1.0%
early withdrawal charge on repurchases or tenders within one year of purchase
or a 0.5% early withdrawal charge during the second year after purchase. See
"Offering of Shares --How to Buy Shares" for a complete description of these
charges.
** Until further notice, the Advisor has agreed to waive all fees and
voluntarily reimburse the Fund for all of its operating expenses. Without
this waiver and reimbursements, the management fee would be 0.95% of net
assets and other expenses are estimated at 3.75%, based in part upon the
experience of the fiscal year ended September 30, 1997.
Example
An investor would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in the Fund,
assuming a 5% annual return:
Class A Common Shares
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
------- -------- ------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assuming no tender of Common
Shares........................ $45 $45 $45 $45
</TABLE>
This "Example" assumes that all dividends and other distributions are reinvested
at net asset value and that the percentage amounts listed under Total Annual
Operating Expenses remain the same for the completion of organization expense
amortization. The above tables and the assumptions in the Example of a 5%
annual return and reinvestment at net asset value are required by regulation of
the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); the assumed 5% annual return is
not a prediction of, and does not represent, the projected or actual performance
of the Fund's Common Shares. This Example should not be considered a
representation of future expenses, and the Fund's actual expenses may be more or
less than those shown.
The preceding tables are intended to assist investors in understanding the
expected costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated with investing the
Fund.
-5-
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more
detailed information included elsewhere in this Prospectus and the Statement of
Additional Information.
THE FUND Sierra Prime Income Fund (the "Fund" or "Trust") is a non-
diversified, closed-end management investment company, organized as a
Massachusetts business trust. See "The Fund."
THE OFFERING The Fund engages in a continuous offering of its Class A common
shares of beneficial interest ("Class A Common Shares") through Sierra
Investment Services Corporation ("SISC"), as distributor and principal
underwriter, and Authorized Dealers (i.e., dealers who are in good standing with
----
the NASD and who have entered into selected dealer agreements with the principal
underwriter). During the continuous offering, the Fund's shares will be valued
at a public offering price equal to the next determined net asset value ("NAV")
per share plus a maximum sales charge of 4.5% on purchases of less then $50,000,
declining to zero on purchases of $1,000,000 or greater. This sales charge, if
applicable, will be payable to SISC. See "Offering of Shares."
COMMON SHARES The Fund will offer Class A Common Shares at NAV subject to a
4.5% sales charge on purchases of less than $50,000, declining to zero on
purchases of $1,000,000 or greater, at the time of purchase. This sales charge
is payable to SISC as principal underwriter for distribution of the Common
Shares. Purchases of $1 million or more and certain other purchases are not
subject to the sales charge at the time of purchase, but may be subject to a
1.0% early withdrawal charge on repurchases or tenders within one year of
purchase or a 0.5% early withdrawal charge during the second year after
purchase. See "Offering of Shares" for a complete description of these charges.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES The Fund's investment objective is to provide
a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital. The
Fund will seek to achieve its objective by investing in a professionally managed
portfolio of interests in floating or variable rate senior loans ("Senior
Loans") made primarily to United States corporations, partnerships and other
entities ("Borrowers"). Senior Loans may take the form of syndicated loans
("Syndicated Loans") or of debt obligations of Borrowers issued directly to
investors in the form of debt securities ("Senior Notes"). Senior Loans in
which the Fund will invest generally pay interest at rates which are
periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a premium.
These base lending rates are generally the prime rate offered by one or more
major United States banks ("Prime Rate"), the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate
("LIBOR"), the Certificate of Deposit ("CD") rate or other base lending rates
used by commercial lenders.
The Fund will seek to achieve over time a high effective yield. Although the
Fund's net asset value will vary, the Fund's policy of acquiring interests in
floating or variable rate Senior Loans is expected to minimize fluctuations in
the Fund's net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. While the
Fund seeks relative share price (NAV) stability, its net asset value may be
affected by changes in the credit quality of Borrowers with respect to Senior
Loan interests in which the Fund invests. An investment in the Fund may not be
appropriate for all investors and is not intended to be a complete investment
program. No assurance can be given that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective. As discussed in this Prospectus Summary under "Tender Offers," an
investment in the Common Shares should be considered illiquid.
Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund's total assets will be
invested in interests, participations and assignments of Senior Loans. The
remainder of the Fund's assets may be invested in high quality, short-term debt,
money market instruments, warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities
acquired in connection with the Fund's investment in Senior Loans. There is no
restriction or percentage limitation with respect to the Fund's investment in
illiquid securities. The Fund is not subject to any restrictions with respect
to the maturity of Senior Loans held in its portfolio. It is currently
anticipated that the Fund's assets invested in Senior Loans will consist of
-6-
<PAGE>
Senior Loans with stated maturities of between three and seven years, inclusive,
and with rates of interest which are periodically reset with reset periods
typically ranging from 30 days to one year. Investment in Senior Loans with
longer interest rate redetermination periods may increase fluctuations in the
Fund's net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. For further
discussion of the Fund's investment objective and policies and its investment
practices and associated considerations, see "Investment Objective and Policies
and Special Risk Factors" and "Investment Practices and Special Risks" in this
Prospectus.
INVESTMENT ADVISOR Sierra Investment Advisors Corporation ("Sierra Advisors" or
"Advisor"), an indirectly wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc.,
is the Fund's investment advisor. The Advisor currently manages or supervises
approximately $3.3 billion in assets. Such assets include those of twenty-seven
portfolios or funds (including the Fund) comprising four management investment
companies. See "Management of the Fund."
On or about March 20, 1998, Composite Research and Management Co. ("Composite"),
1201 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101 is expected to become the
Investment Advisor to the Trust. Composite is a subsidiary of Washington
Mutual, Inc. ("Washington Mutual").
THE SUB-ADVISOR Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc. (the "Sub-Advisor"
or "Van Kampen") is the sub-advisor to the Fund, located at One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181. The Sub-Advisor selects the investments made
by the Fund subject to the oversight and specific direction of the Advisor. In
particular, subject to oversights, procedures adopted by the Board of Trustees,
the Advisor with oversight of the Board may accept or reject portfolio
selections and pricing determinations of Van Kampen. In addition, the Sub-
Advisor also monitors the provisions of the Loan Agreements and any agreements
with respect to Participations and Assignments, provides recordkeeping
responsibilities with respect to Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio and
provides certain services to holders of the Fund's Common Shares. See
"Management of the Fund." The Sub-Advisor provides investment advice to a wide
variety of individual, institutional and investment company clients and together
with its affiliated entities had aggregate assets under management or
supervision, as of December 31, 1995, of more than $54 billion. Van Kampen is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Discover & Co.
ADMINISTRATOR Sierra Fund Administration Corporation ("Sierra Administration")
is the Fund's administrator. Sierra Administration is responsible for managing
the business affairs of the Fund, subject to the supervision of the Fund's Board
of Trustees, although it may delegate certain of its responsibilities to sub-
administrators. See "Management of the Fund." Sierra Administration has
delegated certain administrative and custodial services to State Street Bank &
Trust Company ("State Street"). Sierra Administration has also delegated
certain transfer agent responsibilities to First Data Investor Services Group,
Inc. ("First Data").
Until on or about March 20, 1998, Sierra Fund Administration Corporation will
serve as the Administrator of the Fund; thereafter Murphy Favre Securities
Services, Inc. ("Murphy Favre") is expected to serve as the Administrator.
FEES AND EXPENSES The Fund will pay the Advisor a monthly fee at an annual rate
of .95% of the average daily net assets of the Fund, out of which .475% is paid
to Van Kampen for services rendered as the Sub-Advisor. The advisory fee,
although higher than the fees paid by most other management investment companies
is comparable to the fees paid by several similar closed-end management
investment companies. The Fund will also pay the Administrator a monthly fee at
the annual rate of .25% of the average daily assets of the Fund. See
"Management of the Fund." However, in order to limit the Fund's expenses, until
further notice, the Advisor has agreed to waive its entire fee and also to
reimburse all of the operating expenses of the Fund.
DISTRIBUTIONS The Fund's policy will be to declare daily and pay monthly
distributions to holders of Class A Common Shares of substantially all net
investment income of the Fund. Distributions to holders of these Common Shares
cannot be assured, and the amount of each monthly distribution is likely to
vary. Net realized long-term
-7-
<PAGE>
capital gains, if any, are to be distributed to holders of the Common Shares at
least annually. Holders of the Common Shares may elect to have distributions
automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares. See "Distributions,"
"Taxation" and "Dividend Reinvestment Plan."
TENDER OFFERS The Board of Trustees of the Fund currently intends, each
quarter, to consider authorizing the Fund to make tender offers for a portion of
its outstanding Class A Common Shares at the then current net asset value of
these Common Shares. The Fund does not intend to list the Common Shares on any
national securities exchange and none of the Fund, the Advisor or SISC intends
to make a secondary trading market in the classes of the Common Shares at any
time. Accordingly, there is not expected to be any secondary trading market in
the Common Shares and an investment in such Common Shares should be considered
illiquid. There can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact tender for any
of its Common Shares. If the Fund tenders for Common Shares there is no
guarantee that all, or any, Common Shares tendered will be purchased. Subject
to its borrowing restrictions, the Fund may incur debt to finance repurchases of
its Common Shares pursuant to tender offers; such borrowings entail additional
risks. The ability of the Fund to tender for its Common Shares may be limited
by certain requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that
must be satisfied in order for the Fund to maintain its desired tax status as a
regulated investment company. The Fund may be required to suspend the
continuous offering of its Common Shares during the term of any such tender
offer consistent with rules promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended. The Fund has received an exemption from the SEC that
permits the Fund to make tender offers for its Common Shares while
simultaneously engaged in the continuous offering of its Common Shares, provided
that there is no secondary trading market in the Fund's shares. See "The Fund,"
"Offering of Shares" and "Repurchase (Tender Offers) of Shares."
SPECIAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Illiquidity. The Fund is a closed-end investment company designed primarily for
long-term investors and not as a trading vehicle. The Fund does not intend to
list its Common Shares for trading on any national securities exchange. There is
not expected to be any secondary trading market in the Common Shares and an
investment in the Common Shares should be considered illiquid. In the event
that the Fund's Board of Trustees does not, at any time or from time to time,
authorize the Fund to engage in tender offers for its Common Shares, it is
unlikely that a holder of Class A Common Shares will be able to otherwise sell
their shares to the Fund. The shares of closed-end investment companies often
trade at a discount from their net asset values and, in the unlikely event that
a secondary market for the Common Shares were to develop, the Common Shares
likewise may trade at a discount from net asset value. Because the Fund intends
to offer its Common Shares continuously at a price equal to net asset value, it
is unlikely that the Common Shares would trade at a premium to net asset value
should a secondary market for the Common Shares develop.
Borrowings. The Fund as a fundamental policy is authorized to borrow money in
an amount up to 33 1/3% of the Fund's total assets (after giving effect to the
amount borrowed). The Fund currently expects, however, to limit its borrowing
to an amount sufficient to meet its tender offer purchases or 10% of its assets,
whichever is greater. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund,
immediately after any such borrowings, is required to have asset coverage of at
least 300%. Asset coverage is the ratio which the value of the total assets of
the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior
securities (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the aggregate
amount of any such borrowings by the Fund. The rights of any lenders to the
Fund to receive payments of interest on and repayments of principal of such
borrowings will be senior to those of the holders of Common Shares, and the
terms of any such borrowings may contain provisions which limit certain
activities of the Fund, including the payment of dividends to holders of Common
Shares in certain circumstances. Further, the terms of any such borrowings may,
and the provisions of the 1940 Act do (in certain circumstances), grant lenders
certain voting rights in the event of default in the payment of interest or
repayment of principal. In the event that such provisions would impair the
Fund's status as a regulated investment company, the Fund, subject to its
ability to liquidate its relatively illiquid portfolio, intends to repay the
borrowings. Interest payments and fees incurred in connection with any such
borrowings will reduce the amount of net income available for payment to the
holders of
-8-
<PAGE>
Common Shares. Accordingly, the Fund will not purchase additional portfolio
securities, other than with proceeds from the sale or maturity of existing
portfolio securities, at any time that borrowings, including the Fund's
commitments pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements, exceed 5% of the Fund's
total assets (after giving effect to the amount borrowed). See "Repurchase
(Tender Offer) of Shares."
Senior Loans. Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest generally will not be
rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization, will not be
registered with the SEC or any state securities commission and generally will
not be listed on any national securities exchange. Although the Fund will
generally have access to financial and other information made available to the
Lenders in connection with Senior Loans, the amount of public information
available with respect to Senior Loans will generally be less extensive than
that available for rated, registered and exchange-listed securities. As a
result, the performance of the Fund and its ability to meet its investment
objective is more dependent on the analytical abilities of the Advisor and
particularly the Sub-Advisor, Van Kampen, than would be the case for an
investment company that invests primarily in rated, registered or exchange-
listed securities. See "Investment Objective and Policies and Special Risk
Factors."
Interests in Senior Loans generally are not listed on any national securities
exchange or automated quotation system and no regular market has developed in
which interests in Senior Loans are traded. Any secondary market purchases and
sales of Senior Loans generally are conducted in private transactions between
buyers and sellers. Senior Loans are thus relatively illiquid, which
illiquidity may impair the Fund's ability to realize the full value of its
assets in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of such assets.
Liquidity relates to the ability of the Fund to sell an investment in a timely
manner. The market for relatively illiquid securities tends to be more volatile
than the market for liquid securities. The substantial portion of the Fund's
assets invested in relatively illiquid Senior Loan interests may restrict the
ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in Senior Loans in a timely
fashion and at a fair price, and could result in capital losses to the Fund and
holders of Common Shares. However, many of the Senior Loans in which the Fund
expects to purchase interests are of a relatively large principal amount and are
held by a relatively large number of owners which should, in the Advisor's
opinion, enhance the relative liquidity of such interests. The risks associated
with illiquidity are particularly acute in situations where the Fund's
operations require cash, such as when the Fund tenders for its Common Shares or
when the Advisor considers it advantageous to increase the percentage of the
Fund's portfolio invested in high quality, short-term securities, and may in
certain circumstances result in the Fund engaging in borrowings to meet short-
term cash requirements. See "Investment Objective and Policies and Special Risk
Factors."
Credit Risks Associated with Investments in Participations. The Fund will
purchase Participations in Senior Loans. With respect to any given Senior Loan,
the terms of Participations are arrived at through private negotiations between
the Fund and the seller of such an interest in a Senior Loan, and may result in
the Fund having rights which differ from, and are more limited than, the rights
of Lenders or of persons who acquire such interests by Assignment.
Participations typically result in the Fund having a contractual relationship
with the Lender selling the Participation, but not with the Borrower. In the
event of the insolvency of the Lender selling the Participation, the Fund may be
treated as a general creditor of such Lender, and may not have any exclusive or
senior claim with respect to such Lender's interest in, or the collateral with
respect to, the Senior Loan. As such, the Fund may incur the credit risk of the
Lender selling the Participation in addition to the credit risk of the Borrower
with respect to the Senior Loan when purchasing Participations and may not
benefit directly from the security provided by the collateral supporting the
Senior Loan with respect to which such Participation was sold. The Fund may pay
a fee or forego a portion of interest payments when acquiring Participations or
Assignments. See "Investment Objective and Policies and Special Risk Factors."
Credit Risks Associated with Senior Loans. Senior Loans, like other corporate
debt obligations, are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest
or principal. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the
Fund, a reduction in the value of the Senior Loan experiencing non-payment and a
potential decrease in the net asset value of the Fund. Although Senior Loans in
which the Fund will invest generally will be secured by specific collateral,
there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the
Borrower's obligation in the event of nonpayment of scheduled interest or
principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the
-9-
<PAGE>
event that the Fund invests a portion of its assets in Senior Loans that are not
secured by specific collateral, the Fund will not enjoy the benefits associated
with collateralization with respect to such Senior Loans and such Senior Loans
may pose a greater risk of nonpayment of interest or loss of principal than do
collateralized Senior Loans. See "Investment Objective and Policies and Special
Risk Factors."
Certain Investment Practices. The Fund may use various investment practices
that involve special considerations including lending its portfolio securities,
entering into when-issued and delayed delivery transactions and entering into
repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. In addition, the Fund has the
authority to engage in interest rate and other hedging and risk management
transactions. For further discussion of these practices and associated special
considerations, see "Investment Practices and Special Risks."
Diversification. The Fund has registered as a "non-diversified" investment
company so that it will be able to invest more than 5% of the value of its
assets in the obligations of any single issuer, including Senior Loans of a
single Borrower or Participations purchased from a single Lender. The Fund
initially, expects to invest up to 10% of the value of its assets in interests
in Senior Loans of Single Borrowers until its aggregate asset level reaches $20
million. Once this $20 million asset level is reached, the Fund intends to limit
the value of its assets in interests in Senior Loans of a single Borrower to 5%.
To the extent the Fund invests a relatively high percentage of its assets in
obligations of a limited number of issuers, the Fund will be more susceptible
than a more widely diversified investment company to any single corporate,
economic, political or regulatory occurrence. See "The Fund."
Percentage of Assets in Participations. The Fund may invest up to 100% of its
assets in Participations. The Lenders selling such Participations and other
persons interpositioned between such Lenders and the Fund with respect to such
Participations will likely conduct their principal business activities in the
bank, finance and financial services industries. Because the Fund may invest a
relatively high percentage of its assets in such Participations, the Fund may be
more susceptible than an investment company without such a policy to any single
economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting such industries. The
Fund has taken measures which it believes significantly reduce its exposure to
such risk. See "Investment Objective and Policies and Special Risk Factors" and
"Investment Restrictions."
Anti Open-End Investment Company Provisions. The Fund's Declaration of Trust
includes provisions that may limit the ability of the shareholders to convert
the Fund to an open-end investment company as defined in the Investment Company
Act of 1940 as amended. See "Description of Common Shares -- Anti Open-End
Investment Provisions of the Declaration of Trust."
Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund's Declaration of Trust includes provisions
that could have the effect of limiting the ability of other persons or entities
to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of its Board of
Trustees. See "Description of Common Shares -- Anti-Takeover Provisions of the
Declaration of Trust."
-10-
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The following schedule presents financial highlights for one Class A Common
Share of the Fund outstanding through the periods indicated. The financial
highlights have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants,
for the periods indicated and their reports thereon appears in the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information. This information should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the
Statement of Additional Information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended Period Ended
September 30, 1997 September 30, 1996*
------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of year....... $10.01 $ 10.00
------ --------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income.................... .71 .40
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
on investments.......................... (.01) .01
------ --------
Total from investment operations......... .70 .41
------ --------
Less distributions:
Dividends (from net investment income)... (.71) (.40)
------ --------
Total distributions...................... (.71) (.40)
------ --------
Net asset value, end of period........... $10.00 $ 10.01
------ --------
Total return(1).......................... 7.25% 4.19%
------ --------
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental
data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..... $8,424 $ 12,534
Ratio of operating expenses to average
net assets.............................. 0.00% 0.00%**
Ratio of net investment income to average
net assets.............................. 7.11% 6.72%**
Portfolio turnover rate.................. 17% 44%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net
assets without fees waived and expenses
absorbed by investment advisor.......... 4.56% 4.75%**
Net investment income per share without
fees waived and expenses absorbed by
investment advisor...................... $ 0.26 $0.12
</TABLE>
- ---------------------
* Sierra Prime Income Fund commenced operations on February 16, 1996.
** Annualized.
(1) Total return represents aggregate total return for the period indicated.
The total return would have been lower if certain fees had not been waived
and absorbed by the investment advisor.
THE FUND
Sierra Prime Income Fund (the "Fund") is a recently organized, non-diversified,
closed-end management investment company whose investment objective is to
provide a high level of current income, consistent with preservation of capital.
The Fund will seek to achieve its objective through investing in a
professionally managed portfolio of interests in floating or variable rate
senior loans ("Senior Loans") to United States corporations, partnerships and
other entities ("Borrowers"). The Fund's policy of acquiring interests in
floating or variable rate Senior Loans is expected to minimize fluctuations in
the Fund's net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. An
investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors, and no
assurance can be given that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The
Fund is designed primarily for long-term investment and not as a trading
vehicle.
The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts business trust on October 4, 1995.
Sierra Investment Advisors Corporation ("Advisors") is the Fund's investment
advisor. The Fund also employs a sub-advisor, Van Kampen American Capital
Management Inc. ("Sub-Advisor" or "Van Kampen"), who directly selects the Fund's
investments subject to the oversight and specific direction of the Advisor. The
Fund has no operating history. The Fund's principal office is located at 9301
Corbin Avenue, Northridge, CA 91324.
-11-
<PAGE>
The Fund's Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number
of common shares of beneficial interest ("Common Shares") with no par value.
The Fund is initially offering 5,000,000 Class A Common Shares by this
Prospectus in a continuous offering pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended. Class A Common Shares are subject to a maximum sales
charge of 4.5% on purchases of less than $50,000, declining to zero on purchases
of $1,000,000 at the time of purchase. See "Offering of Shares."
The Fund is a closed-end investment company. The Fund does not intend to list
its Common Shares for trading on any national securities exchange and none of
the Fund, Advisor, Van Kampen or SISC intends to make a secondary trading market
in the Common Shares at any time. Accordingly, there is not expected to be any
secondary trading market in the Common Shares and an investment in the Common
Shares should be considered illiquid. The Board of Trustees of the Fund
currently intends each quarter to consider authorizing the Fund to make tender
offers for a portion of its then outstanding Common Shares at the then current
net asset value for the Common Shares. There can be no assurance that the Fund
will in fact tender for any of its Common Shares and, in the event that the Fund
does not so tender it is unlikely that a holder of Common Shares will be able to
otherwise sell the Common Shares to the Fund. If the Fund tenders for Common
Shares, there is no guarantee that all, or any, Common Shares tendered will be
purchased. Subject to its borrowing restrictions, the Fund may incur debt to
finance the repurchases of its Common Shares pursuant to tender offers. The
ability of the Fund to enter into tender offers may be limited by certain
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, that must be
satisfied in order for the Fund to maintain its desired tax status as a
regulated investment company. See "Repurchase (Tender Offer) of Shares."
Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest generally pay interest at rates which
are periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a
premium. These base lending rates are generally the prime rate offered by a
major United States bank ("Prime Rate"), the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate
("LIBOR"), the certificate of deposit ("CD") rate or other base lending rates
used by commercial lenders. The Fund will seek to achieve over time an
effective yield that approximates the average published Prime Rate of major
United States banks. The Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio will at all times
have a dollar-weighted average time until next interest rate redetermination of
90 days or less. As a result, as short-term interest rates increase, the
interest payable to the Fund from its investments in Senior Loans should
increase, and as short-term interest rates decrease, the interest payable to the
Fund on its investments in Senior Loans should decrease. The amount of time
required to pass before the Fund will realize the effects of changing short-term
market interest rates on its portfolio will vary with the dollar-weighted
average time until next interest rate redetermination on securities in the
Fund's portfolio. See "Investment Objective and Policies".
The Fund has registered as a "non-diversified" investment company so that,
subject to its investment restrictions, it will be able to invest more than 5%
of the value of its assets in the obligations of any single issuer, including
Senior Loans of a single Borrower or Participations purchased from a single
Lender. See "Investment Restrictions". The Fund initially, expects to invest
up to 10% of the value of its assets in interest in Senior Loans of Single
Borrowers until its aggregate asset level reaches $20 million. Once this $20
million asset level is reached, the Fund intends to limit the value of its
assets in interests in Senior Loans of a single Borrower to 5%. To the extent
the Fund invests a relatively high percentage of its assets in obligations of a
limited number of issuers, the Fund will be more susceptible than a more widely
diversified investment company to any single corporate, economic, political or
regulatory occurrence.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Proceeds from the continuous offer of the Fund's Class A Common Shares may be
used to fund investments in portfolio securities, to finance the Fund's Tender
Offers (if any) and to reduce the amount of any borrowing or indebtedness
incurred by the Fund as Described under "Repurchase (Tender Offer) of Shares" in
this Prospectus. The investment of proceeds from the continuous offer of the
Fund's Class A Common Shares may take one to three months, up to a maximum of
six months, from the date the Fund receives such proceeds. Pending such
investments, the proceeds will be held in cash or invested in investment grade
short-term debt obligations.
-12-
<PAGE>
Investments in such short-term debt obligations will reduce the Fund's yield.
The Fund also may acquire such debt obligations during unusual market conditions
for temporary defensive purposes.
A portion of the organizational expenses of the Fund has been advanced by the
Advisor and will be repaid by the Fund. Certain expenses of the continuous
offering of the Fund's Class A Common Shares, including distributor compensation
and sales commissions payable to authorized dealers, will be paid by SISC and/or
the Advisor, from its own assets and will not be repaid by the Fund.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES AND SPECIAL RISK FACTORS
The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of current income,
consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective
through investment primarily in a professionally managed portfolio of interests
in floating or variable rate senior loans ("Senior Loans") to United States
corporations, partnerships and other entities ("Borrowers"). Although the
Fund's net asset value will vary, the Fund's policy of acquiring interests in
floating or variable rate Senior Loans is expected to minimize the fluctuations
in the Fund's net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. The
Fund's net asset value may be affected by changes in the credit quality of
Borrowers with respect to Senior Loan interests in which the Fund invests. The
Fund seeks to achieve over time a high effective yield. An investment in the
Fund may not be appropriate for all investors and is not intended to be a
complete investment program. No assurance can be given that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective.
Certain Characteristics of Senior Loan Interests
Senior Loans generally are arranged through private negotiations between a
Borrower and several financial institutions ("Lenders") represented in each case
by one or more such Lenders acting as agent ("Agent") of the several Lenders. On
behalf of the several Lenders, the Agent, which is frequently the commercial
bank or other entity that originates the Senior Loan and the person that invites
other parties to join the lending syndicate, will be primarily responsible for
negotiating the loan agreement or agreements ("Loan Agreement") that establish
the relative terms, conditions and rights of the Borrower and the several
Lenders. In larger transactions it is common to have several Agents; however,
generally only one such Agent has primary responsibility for documentation and
administration of the Senior Loan. Agents are typically paid a fee or fees by
the Borrower for their services.
The Fund will invest in participations ("Participations") in Senior Loans, will
purchase assignments ("Assignments") of portions of Senior Loans from third
parties and may act as one of the group of Lenders originating a Senior Loan (an
"Original Lender").
It is anticipated that the proceeds of the Senior Loans in which the Fund will
acquire interests primarily will be used to finance leveraged buyouts,
recapitalizations, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, and, to a lesser
extent, to finance internal growth and for other corporate purposes of
Borrowers. The Fund currently does not intend to acquire interests in Senior
Loans the proceeds of which would be used primarily to finance construction or
real estate development projects. Senior Loans have the most senior position in
a Borrower's capital structure, although some Senior Loans may hold an equal
ranking with other senior securities of the Borrower. The capital structure of
Borrowers may include Senior Loans, senior and junior subordinated debt (which
may include "junk bonds"), preferred stock and common stock issued by the
Borrower, typically in descending order of seniority with respect to claims on
the Borrower's assets. Senior Loans generally are secured by specific
collateral, which may include guarantees. In connection with the acquisition of
collateralized Senior Loans, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
Senior Loans which are not secured by any collateral. Such unsecured Senior
Loans would constitute an interim financing intended to be refinanced through,
in whole or in part, a collateralized Senior Loan. In the event that the Fund
invests a portion of its assets in Senior Loans that are not secured by specific
collateral, the Fund will not enjoy the benefits associated with
collateralization with respect to such Senior Loans and such Senior Loans may
pose a greater risk of nonpayment of interest or loss of principal than do
collateralized Senior Loans.
-13-
<PAGE>
At least 80% of the Fund's total assets normally will be invested in Senior
Loans. The Fund is not subject to any restrictions with respect to the maturity
of Senior Loans held in its portfolio. It is currently anticipated that the
Fund's assets invested in Senior Loans will consist of Senior Loans with stated
maturities of between three and seven years, inclusive, and with rates of
interest which are periodically reset with reset periods ranging from 30 days up
to one-year. Investment in Senior Loans with longer interest rate
redetermination periods may increase fluctuations in the Fund's net asset value
as a result of changes in interest rates.
During normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total
assets in (i) high quality, short-term debt securities with remaining maturities
of one year or less (including assets maintained by the Fund as a reserve
against any additional loan commitments) and (ii) warrants, equity securities
and, in certain limited circumstances discussed above, junior debt securities
acquired in connection with the Fund's investments in Senior Loans. Such high
quality, short-term securities may include commercial paper rated at least in
the top two rating categories of either S&P or Moody's, or unrated commercial
paper considered by the Advisor to be of similar quality, interests in short-
term loans of Borrowers having short-term debt obligations rated or a short-term
credit rating at least in such top two rating categories or having no such
rating but determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality, certificates
of deposit and bankers' acceptances and securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Such high quality, short-
term securities may pay interest at rates which are periodically redetermined or
may pay interest at fixed rates. If the Advisor determines that market
conditions temporarily warrant a defensive investment policy, the Fund may
invest, subject to its ability to liquidate its relatively illiquid portfolio of
Senior Loans, up to 100% of its assets in cash and such high quality, short-term
debt securities. The Fund will acquire such warrants and equity securities only
as an incident to the purchase or intended purchase of interests in
collateralized Senior Loans. Warrants and equity securities will not qualify as
assets required to be maintained as a reserve against additional loan
commitments. Although the Fund generally will acquire interests in warrants and
equity securities only when the Advisor believes that the relative value being
given by the Fund in exchange for such interests is substantially outweighed by
the potential value of such instruments, investment in warrants and equity
securities entail certain risks in addition to those associated with investments
in Senior Loans. Warrants and equity securities have a subordinate claim on a
Borrower's assets as compared with debt securities and junior debt securities
have a subordinate claim on such assets as compared with Senior Loans. As such,
the values of warrants and equity securities generally are more dependent on the
financial condition of the Borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in
interest rates than are the values of many debt securities. The values of
warrants, equity securities and junior debt securities may be more volatile than
those of Senior Loans and thus may have an adverse impact on the ability of the
Fund to minimize fluctuations in its net asset value.
As discussed below, the Fund may also acquire warrants and equity securities
issued by the Borrower or its affiliates as part of a package of investments in
the Borrower or its affiliates. Warrants and equity securities will not be
treated as Senior Loans and thus assets invested in such securities will not
count toward the 80% of the Fund's total assets that normally will be invested
in Senior Loans. The Fund will acquire such interests in unsecured Senior
Loans, warrants and equity securities only as an incident to the intended
purchase of interests in collateralized Senior Loans. Loan Agreements may also
include various restrictive covenants designed to limit the activities of the
Borrower in an effort to protect the right of the Lenders to receive timely
payments of interest on and repayment of principal of the Senior Loans. In
order to borrow money pursuant to collateralized Senior Loans, a Borrower will
frequently, for the term of the Senior Loan, pledge as collateral assets,
including but not limited to, trademarks, accounts receivable, inventory,
buildings, real estate, franchises and common and preferred stock in its
subsidiaries. In addition, in the case of some Senior Loans, there may be
additional collateral pledged in the form of guarantees by and/or securities of
affiliates of the Borrowers. In certain instances, a Senior Loan may be secured
only by stock in the Borrower or its subsidiaries. Such collateral may consist
of assets that may not be readily liquidated, and there is no assurance that the
liquidation of such assets would satisfy fully a Borrower's obligations under a
Senior Loan.
Restrictive covenants may include mandatory prepayment provisions arising from
excess cash flows and typically include restrictions on dividend payments,
specific mandatory minimum financial ratios, limits on total debt and other
financial tests. Breach of such covenants, if not waived by the Lenders, is
generally an event of default under
-14-
<PAGE>
the applicable Loan Agreement and may give the Lenders the right to accelerate
principal and interest payments. The Advisor will consider the terms of such
restrictive covenants in deciding whether to invest in Senior Loans for the
Fund's portfolio. When the Fund holds a Participation in a Senior Loan it may
not have the right to vote to waive enforcement of any restrictive covenant
breached by a Borrower. Lenders voting in connection with a potential waiver of
a restrictive covenant may have interests different from those of the Fund and
such Lenders may not consider the interests of the Fund in connection with their
votes.
A Lender may have certain obligations pursuant to a Loan Agreement, which may
include the obligation to make additional loans in certain circumstances. The
Fund currently intends to reserve against such contingent obligations by
segregating sufficient investments in high quality short-term, liquid
investments. The Fund will not purchase interests in Senior Loans that would
require the Fund to make any such additional loans if such additional loan
commitments would exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets or would cause the Fund
to fail to meet the diversification requirements set forth under the heading
"Diversification and Concentration."
Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest generally pay interest at rates which
are periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a
premium. As a result, Borrowers will generally pay more than the Prime Rate to
the Fund on the Senior Loans. These base lending rates generally are the prime
rate offered by one or more major United States banks (the "Prime Rate"), the
London Inter-Bank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), the certificate of deposit ("CD") rate
or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. The Prime Rate quoted
by a major U.S. bank is the interest rate at which such bank is willing to lend
U.S. dollars to its most creditworthy borrowers. LIBOR, as provided for in Loan
Agreements, is an average of the interest rates quoted by several designated
banks as the rates at which such banks would offer to pay interest to major
financial institutional depositors in the London interbank market on U.S. dollar
denominated deposits for a specified period of time. The CD rate, as generally
provided for in Loan Agreements, is the average rate paid on large certificates
of deposit traded in the secondary market.
The Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio will at all times have a dollar-
weighted average time until the next interest rate redetermination of 90 days or
less. As a result, as short-term interest rates increase, interest payable to
the Fund from its investments in Senior Loans should increase, and as short-term
interest rates decrease, interest payable to the Fund from its investments in
Senior Loans should decrease. The amount of time required to pass before the
Fund will realize the effects of changing short-term market interest rates on
its portfolio will vary with the dollar-weighted average time until the next
interest rate redetermination on the Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio. The
Fund may utilize certain investment practices to, among other things, shorten
the effective interest rate redetermination period of Senior Loans in its
portfolio. In such event, the Fund will consider such shortened period to be
the interest rate redetermination period of the Senior Loan; provided, however,
that the Fund will not invest in Senior Loans which permit the Borrower to
select an interest rate redetermination period in excess of one year. Because
most Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio will be subject to mandatory and/or
optional prepayment and there may be significant economic incentives for a
Borrower to prepay its loans, prepayments of Senior Loans in the Fund's
portfolio may occur. Accordingly, the actual remaining maturity of the Fund's
portfolio invested in Senior Loans may vary substantially from the average
stated maturity of the Senior Loans held in the Fund's portfolio. As a result
of expected prepayments from time to time of Senior Loans in the Fund's
portfolio, the Fund estimates that the actual average maturity of the Senior
Loans held in its portfolio will be approximately 18-24 months.
When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed-rate
obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the
value of a portfolio invested in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to
decline. Although the Fund's net asset value will vary, the Fund's management
expects the Fund's policy of acquiring interests in floating or variable rate
Senior Loans to minimize fluctuations in net asset value as a result of changes
in interest rates. Accordingly, the Fund's management expects the value of the
Fund's portfolio to fluctuate significantly less than a portfolio of fixed-rate,
longer term obligations as a result of interest rate changes. However, changes
in prevailing interest rates can be expected to cause some fluctuation in the
Fund's net asset value. In addition to changes in interest rates, changes in
the credit quality of Borrowers will also effect the Fund's
-15-
<PAGE>
net asset value. Further, a serious deterioration in the credit quality of a
Borrower could cause a prolonged or permanent decrease in the Fund's net asset
value.
Senior Loans generally are not rated by nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations. Because of the collateralized and/or guaranteed nature of most
Senior Loans, the Fund and the Advisor believe that ratings of other securities
issued by a Borrower do not necessarily reflect adequately the relative quality
of a Borrower's Senior Loans. Therefore, although the Advisor may consider such
ratings in determining whether to invest in a particular Senior Loan, the
Advisor is not required to consider such ratings and such ratings will not be
the determinative factor in the Advisor's analysis. The Fund may invest in
Senior Loans, the Borrowers of which may have outstanding debt securities rated
below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating
organization or are unrated but of comparable quality to such securities. Such
Borrowers are more likely to experience difficulty in meeting payment
obligations under such debt and other subordinate obligations. These
difficulties could detract from the Borrower's perceived creditworthiness or its
abilities to obtain financing to cover short-term cash flow needs and may force
the Borrower into various forms of credit restructuring. The Fund will invest
only in those Senior Loans with respect to which the Borrower, in the opinion of
the Advisor, demonstrates certain of the following characteristics: sufficient
cash flow to service debt; adequate liquidity; successful operating history;
strong competitive position; experienced management; and, with respect to
collateralized Senior Loans, collateral coverage that equals or exceeds the
outstanding principal amount of the Senior Loan. In addition, the Advisor will
consider, and may rely in part, on the analyses performed by the Agent and other
Lenders, including such persons' determinations with respect to collateral
securing a Senior Loan.
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in Participations. The selling
Lenders and other persons interpositioned between such Lenders and the Fund with
respect to such Participations will likely conduct their principal business
activities in the banking, finance and financial services industries. Although,
as discussed below, the Fund has taken measures which it believes significantly
reduce its exposure to any risks incident to such policy, the Fund may be more
susceptible than an investment company without such a policy to any single
economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting such industries. Persons
engaged in such industries may be more susceptible than are persons engaged in
some other industry to, among other things, fluctuations in interest rates,
changes in the Federal Open Market Committee's monetary policy, governmental
regulations concerning such industries and concerning capital raising activities
generally and fluctuations in the financial markets generally.
Participations by the Fund in a Lender's portion of a Senior Loan typically
result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with such Lender, not
with the Borrower. The Fund has the right to receive payments of principal,
interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender selling the
Participation and only upon receipt by such Lender of such payments from the
Borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will
have no right to enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the Loan
Agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other Lenders
through set-off against the Borrower and the Fund may not directly benefit from
the collateral supporting the Senior Loan in which it has purchased the
Participation. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the
Borrower and the Lender selling the Participation. In the event of the
insolvency of the Lender selling a Participation, the Fund may be treated as a
general creditor of such Lender, and may not benefit from any set-off between
such Lender and the Borrower. The Fund has taken the following measures in an
effort to minimize such risks. The Fund will acquire Participations only if the
Lender selling the Participation, and any other persons interpositioned between
the Fund and the Lender, (i) at the time of investment has outstanding debt or
deposit obligations rated investment grade (BBB or A-3 or higher by Standard &
Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or Baa or P-3 or higher by Moody's Investors
Service ("Moody's")) or determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality
and (ii) has entered into an agreement which provides for the holding of assets
in safekeeping for, or the prompt disbursement of assets to, the Fund. Long-
term debt rated BBB by S&P is regarded by S&P as having adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal and debt rated Baa by Moody's is regarded by
Moody's as a medium grade obligation, i.e., it is neither highly protected nor
poorly secured. Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P indicates that the degree of
safety regarding timely payment is considered by S&P to be either overwhelming
or very strong and issues of commercial paper rated Prime-I by Moody's are
considered by Moody's to have a superior ability for repayment of senior
-16-
<PAGE>
short-term debt obligations. The Fund ordinarily will purchase a Participation
only if, at the time of such purchase, the Fund believes that the party from
whom it is purchasing such Participation is retaining an interest in the
underlying Senior Loan.
The Fund may also purchase Assignments from Lenders. The purchaser of an
Assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the Loan
Agreement of the assigning Lender and becomes a Lender under the Loan Agreement
with the same rights and obligations as the assigning Lender. Assignments are,
however, arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and
potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of
an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the
assigning Lender.
When the Fund is an Original Lender originating a Senior Loan it may share in a
fee paid to the Original Lenders. The Fund will never act as the Agent or
principal negotiator or administrator of a Senior Loan. When the Fund is a
Lender, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the Borrower, may
enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the Loan Agreement and may
have rights with respect to any funds acquired by other Lenders through set-off.
Lenders also have full voting and consent rights under the applicable Loan
Agreement. Action subject to Lender vote or consent generally requires the vote
or consent of the holders of some specified percentage of the outstanding
principal amount of the Senior Loan. Certain decisions, such as reducing the
amount or increasing the time for payment of interest on or repayment of
principal of a Senior Loan, or releasing collateral therefor, frequently require
the unanimous vote or consent of all Lenders affected.
The Fund will purchase an Assignment or act as a Lender with respect to a
syndicated Senior Loan only where the Agent with respect to such Senior Loan at
the time of investment has outstanding debt or deposit obligations rated
investment grade (BBB or A-3 or higher by S&P or Baa or P-3 or higher by
Moody's) or determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality. In addition,
the Fund will purchase a Participation only where the Lender selling such
Participation, and any other person interpositioned between such Lender and the
Fund at the time of investment, have outstanding debt obligations rated
investment grade or determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality.
Further, the Fund will not purchase interests in Senior Loans unless such Agent,
Lender or interpositioned person has entered into an agreement which provides
for the holding of assets in safekeeping for, or the prompt disbursement of
assets to, the Fund.
Loan Agreements typically provide for the termination of the Agent's agency
status in the event that it fails to act as required under the relevant Loan
Agreement, becomes insolvent, enters FDIC receivership, or if not FDIC insured,
enters into bankruptcy. Should such an Agent, Lender or assignor with respect
to an Assignment interpositioned between the Fund and the Borrower become
insolvent or enter FDIC receivership or bankruptcy, any interest in the Senior
Loan of such person and any loan payment held by such person for the benefit of
the Fund should not be included in such person's estate. If, however, any such
amount were included in such person's estate, the Fund would incur certain costs
and delays in realizing payment or could suffer a loss of principal and/or
interest. In such event, the Fund could experience a decrease in net asset
value.
The Fund may be required to pay and may receive various fees and commissions in
connection with purchasing, selling and holding interests in Senior Loans. The
fees normally paid by Borrowers may include three types: facility fees,
commitment fees and prepayment penalties. Facility fees are paid to Lenders
upon origination of a Senior Loan. Commitment fees are paid to Lenders on an
ongoing basis based upon the undrawn portion committed by the Lenders of the
underlying Senior Loan. Lenders may receive prepayment penalties when a
Borrower prepays all or part of a Senior Loan. The Fund will receive these fees
directly from the Borrower if the Fund is an Original Lender, or, in the case of
commitment fees and prepayment penalties, if the Fund acquires an interest in a
Senior Loan by way of Assignment. Whether or not the Fund receives a facility
fee from the Lender in the case of an Assignment, or any fees in the case of a
Participation, depends upon negotiations between the Fund and the Lender selling
such interests. When the Fund is an assignee, it may be required to pay a fee,
or forego a portion of interest and any fees payable to it, to the Lender
selling the Assignment. Occasionally, the assignor will pay a fee to the
assignee based on the portion of the principal amount of the Senior Loan which
is being assigned. A Lender
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selling a Participation to the Fund may deduct a portion of the interest and any
fees payable to the Fund as an administrative fee prior to payment thereof to
the Fund. The Fund may be required to pay over or pass along to a purchaser of
an interest in a Senior Loan from the Fund a portion of any fees that the Fund
would otherwise be entitled to.
Pursuant to the relevant Loan Agreement, a Borrower may be required in certain
circumstances, and may have the option at any time, to prepay the principal
amount of a Senior Loan, often without incurring a prepayment penalty. Because
the interest rates on Senior Loans are periodically redetermined at relatively
short intervals, the Fund and the Advisor believe that the prepayment of, and
subsequent reinvestment by the Fund in, Senior Loans will not have a materially
adverse impact on the yield on the Fund's portfolio and may have a beneficial
impact on income due to receipt of prepayment penalties, if any, and any
facility fees carried in connection with reinvestment.
Special Risk Considerations
On behalf of the several Lenders, the Agent generally will be required to
administer and manage the Senior Loan and, with respect to collateralized Senior
Loans, to service or monitor the collateral. In this connection, the valuation
of assets pledged as collateral will reflect market value and the Agent may rely
on independent appraisals as to the value of specific collateral. The Fund
normally will rely primarily on the Agent (where the Fund is an Original Lender
or owns an Assignment) or the selling Lender (where the Fund owns a
Participation) to collect principal of and interest on a Senior Loan.
Furthermore, the Fund usually will rely on the Agent (where the Fund is an
Original Lender or owns an Assignment) or the selling Lender (where the Fund
owns a Participation) to monitor compliance by the Borrower with the restrictive
covenants in the Loan Agreement and notify the Fund of any adverse change in the
Borrower's financial condition or any declaration of insolvency.
Collateralized Senior Loans will frequently be secured by all assets of the
Borrower that qualify as collateral, which may include common stock of the
Borrower or its subsidiaries. Additionally, the terms of the Loan Agreement may
require the Borrower to pledge additional collateral to secure the Senior Loan,
and enable the Agent, upon proper authorization of the Lenders, to take
possession of and liquidate the collateral and to distribute the liquidation
proceeds pro rata among the Lenders. If the terms of a Senior Loan do not
require the Borrower to pledge additional collateral in the event of a decline
in the value of the original collateral, the Fund will be exposed to the risk
that the value of the collateral will not at all times equal or exceed the
amount of the Borrower's obligations under the Senior Loan. Lenders that have
sold participation interests in such Senior Loan will distribute liquidation
proceeds received by the Lenders pro rata among the holders of such
Participations. The Advisor will also monitor these aspects of the Fund's
investments and, where the Fund is an Original Lender or owns an Assignment,
will be directly involved with the Agent and the other Lenders regarding the
exercise of credit remedies.
Senior Loans, like other corporate debt obligations, are subject to the risk of
non-payment of scheduled interest or principal. Such non-payment would result
in a reduction of income to the Fund, a reduction in the value of the Senior
Loan experiencing non-payment and a potential decrease in the net asset value of
the Fund. Although, with respect to collateralized Senior Loans, the Fund
generally will invest only in Senior Loans that the Advisor believes are secured
by specific collateral, which may include guarantees, the value of which exceeds
the principal amount of the Senior Loan at the time of initial investment, there
can be no assurance that the liquidation of any such collateral would satisfy
the Borrower's obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or
principal payments, or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the
event of bankruptcy of a Borrower, the Fund could experience delays or
limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of the
collateral securing a Senior Loan. To the extent that a Senior Loan is
collateralized by stock in the Borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose
all or substantially all of its value in the event of bankruptcy of the
Borrower. The Agent generally is responsible for determining that the Lenders
have obtained a perfected security interest in the collateral securing the
Senior Loan. Some Senior Loans in which the Fund may invest are subject to the
risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent conveyance or other similar laws,
could subordinate such Senior Loans to presently existing or future indebtedness
of the Borrower or take other action detrimental to the holders of Senior Loans,
such as the Fund, including, under certain circumstances, invalidating such
Senior Loans. Lenders commonly have certain obligations
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pursuant to the Loan Agreement, which may include the obligation to make
additional loans or release collateral in certain circumstances.
Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest generally will not be rated by a
nationally recognized statistical rating organization, will not be registered
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") or any state securities
commission and will not be listed on any national securities exchange. Although
the Fund will generally have access to financial and other information made
available to the Lenders in connection with Senior Loans, the amount of public
information available with respect to Senior Loans will generally be less
extensive than that available for rated, registered and/or exchange listed
securities. As a result, the performance of the Fund and its ability to meet
its investment objective is more dependent on the analytical ability of the
Advisor than would be the case for an investment company that invests primarily
in rated, registered and/or exchange listed securities.
Senior Loans are, at present, not readily marketable and may be subject to
restrictions on resale. Interests in Senior Loans generally are not listed on
any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no regular
market has developed for such interests. Although interests in Senior Loans are
traded among certain financial institutions in private transactions between
buyers and sellers these loans continue to be considered illiquid. Senior
Loans' illiquidity may impair the Fund's ability to realize the full value of
its assets in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of such
assets. Liquidity relates to the ability of the Fund to sell an investment in a
timely manner. The market for relatively illiquid securities tends to be more
volatile than the market for more liquid securities. The Fund has no limitation
on the amount of its assets which may be invested in securities which are not
readily marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale. The substantial
portion of the Fund's assets invested in relatively illiquid Senior Loan
interests may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in
Senior Loans in a timely fashion and at a fair price, and could result in
capital losses to the Fund and holders of Common Shares. However, many of the
Senior Loans in which the Fund expects to purchase interests are of a relatively
large principal amount and are held by a relatively large number of owners which
should, in the Advisor's opinion, enhance the relative liquidity of such
interests. The risks associated with illiquidity are particularly acute in
situations where the Fund's operations require cash, such as when the Fund
tenders for its Common Shares, and may result in the Fund borrowing to meet
short-term cash requirements.
To the extent that legislation or state or federal regulators that regulate
certain financial institutions impose additional requirements or restrictions
with respect to the ability of such institutions to make loans in connection
with highly leveraged transactions, the availability of Senior Loan interests
for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such
requirements or restrictions may reduce or eliminate sources of financing for
certain Borrowers. Further, to the extent that legislation or federal or state
regulators that regulate certain financial institutions require such
institutions to dispose of Senior Loan interests relating to highly leveraged
transactions or subject such Senior Loan interests to increased regulatory
scrutiny, such financial institutions may determine to sell such Senior Loan
interests in a manner that results in a price which, in the opinion of the
Advisor, is not indicative of fair value. Were the Fund to attempt to sell a
Senior Loan interest at a time when a financial institution was engaging in such
a sale with respect to such Senior Loan interest, the price at which the Fund
could consummate such a sale might be adversely affected.
Diversification and Concentration. The Fund has registered as a "non-
diversified" investment company so that, subject to its investment restrictions,
it will be able to invest more than 5% of the value of its assets in the
obligations of any single issuer, including Senior Loans of a single Borrower or
Participations purchased from a single Lender. See "Investment Restrictions" in
the Statement of Additional Information. As a result, the Fund is required to
comply only with the diversification requirements of Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. See "Taxation" in the Statement of
Additional Information for a description of these requirements. The Fund
initially, expects to invest up to 10% of the value of its assets in interests
in Senior Loans of single Borrowers until its aggregate asset level reaches $20
million. Once this $20 million asset level is reached, the Fund intends to
limit the value of its assets in interests in Senior Loans of a single Borrower
to 5%.
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Pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, a "diversified
company" is required with respect to 75% of its assets to limit investment in
any one issuer to 5% of assets. The other 25% of the investment company's
assets may be invested without regard to such restrictions. The limited number
of loan syndication and lending banks requires the Fund to register as a non-
diversified investment company in order to comply with the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended. Moreover, even though the Fund may be able in the
future to be classified as a "diversified" investment company, the flexibility
provided by the "non-diversified" classification for investing the Fund's assets
is essential upon commencing operations. To the extent the Fund invests a
relatively high percentage of its assets in obligations of a limited number of
issuers, the Fund will be more susceptible than a more widely diversified
investment company to any single corporate, economic, political or regulatory
occurrence.
The Fund may acquire interests in Senior Loans made to Borrowers in any
industry. However, the Fund will not invest more than 25% of its assets in
Senior Loans of Borrowers or Lending Agents determined to be issuers that are
concentrated in any one particular industry.
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND SPECIAL RISKS
In connection with the investment objectives and policies described above, the
Fund may engage in interest rate and other hedging transactions, lend portfolio
holdings, purchase and sell interests in Senior Loans and other portfolio debt
securities on a "when issued" or "delayed delivery" basis, and enter into
repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements. These investment practices
involve certain special risk considerations. The Advisor may use some or all of
the following investment practices when, in its opinion, their use is
appropriate. Although the Advisor believes that these investment practices may
further the Fund's investment objective, no assurance can be given that these
investment practices will achieve this result.
Interest Rate and Other Hedging Transactions
The Fund may enter into various interest rate hedging and risk management
transactions. The Fund expects to enter into these transactions primarily to
seek to preserve a return on a particular investment or portion of its
portfolio, and may also enter into such transactions to seek to protect against
decreases in the anticipated rate of return on floating or variable rate
financial instruments the Fund owns or anticipates purchasing at a later date,
or for other risk management strategies such as managing the effective dollar-
weighted average duration of the Fund's portfolio. In addition, with respect to
fixed-income securities and interests in Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio
the Fund may also engage in hedging transactions to seek to protect the value of
its portfolio against declines in net asset value resulting from changes in
interest rates or other market changes. The Fund does not intend to engage in
such transactions to enhance the yield on its portfolio to increase income
available for distributions. Market conditions will determine whether and in
what circumstances the Fund would employ any of the hedging and risk management
techniques described below. The Fund will not engage in any of the transactions
for speculative purposes and will use them only as a means to hedge or manage
the risks associated with assets held in, or anticipated to be purchased for,
the Fund's portfolio or obligations incurred by the Fund. The successful
utilization of hedging and risk management transactions requires skills
different from those needed in the selection of the Fund's portfolio securities.
The Fund believes that the Sub-Advisor possesses the skills necessary for the
successful utilization of hedging and risk management transactions. The Fund
will incur brokerage and other costs in connection with its hedging
transactions.
To the extent permitted by applicable regulatory authority, the Fund may enter
into interest rate swaps or purchase or sell interest rate caps or floors. The
Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors that it does not own. Interest
rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their
respective obligations to pay or receive interest, e.g., an exchange of an
obligation to make floating rate payments for an obligation to make fixed rate
payments. For example, the Fund may seek to shorten the effective interest rate
redetermination period of a Senior Loan in its portfolio the Borrower to which
has selected an interest rate redetermination period of one year. The Fund
could exchange the Borrower's obligation to make fixed rate payments for one
year for an obligation to make
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payments that readjust monthly. In such event, the Fund would consider the
interest rate redetermination period of such Senior Loan to be the shorter
period.
The purchase of an interest rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that
a specified index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of
interest at the difference of the index and the predetermined rate on a notional
principal amount (the reference amount with respect to which interest
obligations are determined although no actual exchange of principal occurs) from
the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an interest rate
floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index falls below a
predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest at the difference
of the index and the predetermined rate on a notional principal amount from the
party selling such interest rate floor. The Fund will not enter into swaps,
caps or floors if, on a net basis, the aggregate notional principal amount with
respect to such agreements exceeds the net assets of the Fund.
In circumstances in which the Advisor anticipates that interest rates will
decline, the Fund might, for example, enter into an interest rate swap as the
floating rate payor or, alternatively, purchase an interest rate floor. In the
case of purchasing an interest rate floor, if interest rates declined below the
floor rate, the Fund would receive payments from its counterparty which would
wholly or partially offset the decrease in the payments it would receive in
respect of the portfolio assets being hedged. In the case where the Fund
purchases such an interest rate swap, if the floating rate payments fell below
the level of the fixed rate payment set in the swap agreement, the Fund's
counterparty would pay the Fund amounts equal to interest computed at the
difference between the fixed and floating rates over the notional principal
amount. Such payments would offset or partially offset the decrease in the
payments the Fund would receive in respect of floating rate portfolio assets
being hedged.
The successful use of swaps, caps and floors to preserve the rate of return on a
portfolio of financial instruments depends on the Advisor's ability to predict
correctly the direction and extent of movements in interest rates. Although the
Fund believes that use of the hedging and risk management techniques described
above will benefit the Fund, if the Advisor's judgment about the direction or
extent of the movement in interest rates is incorrect, the Fund's overall
performance would be worse than if it had not entered into any such
transactions. For example, if the Fund had purchased an interest rate swap or
an interest rate floor to hedge against its expectation that interest rates
would decline but instead interest rates rose, the Fund would lose part or all
of the benefit of the increased payments it would receive as a result of the
rising interest rates because it would have to pay amounts to its counterparty
under the swap agreement or would have paid the purchase price of the interest
rate floor.
Inasmuch as these hedging transactions are entered into for good-faith risk
management purposes, the Advisor and the Fund believe such obligations do not
constitute senior securities. The Fund will usually enter into interest rate
swaps on a net basis, i.e., where the two parties make net payments with the
Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two
payments. The net amount of the excess, if any, of the Fund's obligations over
its entitlements with respect to each interest rate swap will be accrued and an
amount of cash or liquid securities having an aggregate net asset value at least
equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated account by the
Fund's custodian. If the Fund enters into a swap on other than a net basis, the
Fund will maintain in the segregated account the full amount of the Fund's
obligations under each such swap. Accordingly, the Fund does not treat swaps as
senior securities. The Fund may enter into swaps, caps and floors with member
banks of the Federal Reserve System, members of the New York Stock Exchange or
other entities determined by the Advisor, pursuant to procedures adopted and
reviewed on an ongoing basis by the Board of Trustees, to be creditworthy. If a
default occurs by the other party to such transaction, the Fund will have
contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction but
such remedies may be subject to bankruptcy and insolvency laws which could
affect the Fund's rights as a creditor. The swap market has grown substantially
in recent years with a large number of banks and financial services firms acting
both as principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As
a result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps and floors are
more recent innovations and they are less liquid than swaps. There can be no
assurance, however, that the Fund will be able to enter into interest rate swaps
or to purchase interest rate caps or floors at prices or on terms the Advisor
believes are advantageous to the Fund. In addition, although the terms of
interest rate swaps, caps and floors may provide
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for termination, there can be no assurance that the Fund will be able to
terminate an interest rate swap or to sell or offset interest rate caps or
floors that it has purchased.
New financial products continue to be developed and the Fund may invest in any
such products as may be developed to the extent consistent with its investment
objective and the regulatory and federal tax requirements applicable to
investment companies.
Lending of Portfolio Holdings
The Fund may seek to increase its income by lending financial instruments in its
portfolio in accordance with present regulatory policies, including those of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the SEC. Such loans may be
made, without limit, to brokers, dealers, banks or other recognized
institutional borrowers of financial instruments and would be required to be
secured continuously by collateral, including cash, cash equivalents or U.S.
Treasury bills maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the
market value of the financial instruments loaned. The Fund would have the right
to call a loan and obtain the financial instruments loaned at any time on five
days' notice. For the duration of a loan, the Fund would continue to receive
the equivalent of the interest paid by the issuer on the financial instruments
loaned and also would receive compensation from the investment of the
collateral.
The Fund would not have the right to vote any financial instruments having
voting rights during the existence of the loan, but the Fund could call the loan
in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the financial
instruments or in anticipation of the giving or withholding of their consent on
a material matter affecting the financial instruments. As with other extensions
of credit, risks of delay in recovery or even loss of rights in the collateral
exist should the borrower of the financial instruments fail financially.
However, the loans would be made only to firms deemed by the Advisor to be of
good standing and when, in the judgment of the Advisor, the consideration which
can be earned currently from loans of this type justifies the attendant risk.
The creditworthiness of firms to which the Fund lends its portfolio holdings
will be monitored on an ongoing basis by the Advisor pursuant to procedures
adopted and reviewed, on an ongoing basis, by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
No specific limitation exists as to the percentage of the Fund's assets which
the Fund may lend.
"When Issued" and "Delayed Delivery" Transactions
The Fund may also purchase and sell interests in Senior Loans and other
portfolio securities on a "when issued" and "delayed delivery" basis. No income
accrues to the Fund on such interests or securities in connection with such
purchase transactions prior to the date the Fund actually takes delivery of such
interests or securities. These transactions are subject to market fluctuation;
the value of the interests in Senior Loans and other portfolio debt securities
at delivery may be more or less than their purchase price, and yields generally
available on such interests or securities when delivery occurs may be higher or
lower than yields on the interests or securities obtained pursuant to such
transactions. Because the Fund relies on the buyer or seller, as the case may
be, to consummate the transaction, failure by the other party to complete the
transaction may result in the Fund missing the opportunity of obtaining a price
or yield considered to be advantageous.
When the Fund is the buyer in such a transaction, however, it will maintain, in
a segregated account with its custodian, cash or high-grade portfolio securities
having an aggregate value equal to the amount of such purchase commitments until
payment is made. The Fund will make commitments to purchase such interests or
securities on such basis only with the intention of actually acquiring these
interests or securities, but the Fund may sell such interests or securities
prior to the settlement date if such sale is considered to be advisable. To the
extent the Fund engages in "when issued" and "delayed delivery" transactions, it
will do so for the purpose of acquiring interests or securities for the Fund's
portfolio consistent with the Fund's investment objective and policies and not
for the purpose of investment leverage. No specific limitation exists as to the
percentage of the Fund's assets which may be used to acquire securities on a
"when issued" or "delayed delivery" basis.
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Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements (a purchase of, and a simultaneous
commitment to resell, a financial instrument at an agreed upon price on an
agreed upon date) only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System and
member firms of the New York Stock Exchange. When participating in repurchase
agreements, the Fund buys securities from a vendor, e.g., a bank or brokerage
firm, with the agreement that the vendor will repurchase the securities at a
higher price at a later date. Such transactions afford an opportunity for the
Fund to earn a return on available cash at minimal market risk, although the
Fund may be subject to various delays and risks of loss if the vendor is unable
to meet its obligation to repurchase. Under the 1940 Act, repurchase agreements
are deemed to be collateralized loans of money by the Fund to the seller. In
evaluating whether to enter into a repurchase agreement, the Advisor will
consider carefully the creditworthiness of the vendor. If the member bank or
member firm that is the party to the repurchase agreement petitions for
bankruptcy or otherwise becomes subject to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the law
regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. The securities underlying a
repurchase agreement will be marked to market every business day so that the
value of the collateral is at least equal to the value of the loan, including
the accrued interest thereon, and the Advisor will monitor the value or the
collateral. No specific limitation exists as to the percentage of the Fund's
assets which may be used to participate in repurchase agreements.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with respect to debt
obligations which could otherwise be sold by the Fund. A reverse repurchase
agreement is an instrument under which the Fund may sell an underlying debt
instrument and simultaneously obtain the commitment of the purchaser (a
commercial bank or a broker or dealer) to sell the security back to the Fund at
an agreed upon price on an agreed upon date. The Fund will maintain in a
segregated account with its custodian cash or liquid high grade portfolio
securities in an amount sufficient to cover its obligations with respect to
reverse repurchase agreements. The Fund receives payment for such securities
only upon physical delivery or evidence of book entry transfer by its custodian.
Regulations of the SEC require either that securities sold by the Fund under a
reverse repurchase agreement be segregated pending repurchase or that the
proceeds be segregated on the Fund's books and records pending repurchase.
Reverse repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of
default or insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or
restrictions upon the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities.
An additional risk is that the market value of securities sold by the Fund under
a reverse repurchase agreement could decline below the price at which the Fund
is obligated to repurchase them. Reverse repurchase agreements will be
considered borrowings by the Fund and as such would be subject to the
restrictions on borrowing described in the Statement of Additional Information
under "Investment Restrictions." The Fund will not hold more than 5% of the
value of its total assets in reverse repurchase agreements.
TAXATION
The following federal tax discussion reflects applicable tax laws as of the
date of this Prospectus and is qualified by reference to the additional federal
income tax discussion included in the Statement of Additional Information.
The Fund intends to qualify each year and to elect to be treated as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). If the Fund so qualifies and distributes each year to its
shareholders at least 90% of its net investment income (including, among other
things, interest and net short-term capital gains in each year), the Fund will
not be required to pay federal income taxes on any income distributed to
shareholders. The Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on any net
capital gains distributed to shareholders. As a Massachusetts business trust,
the Fund will not be subject to any excise or income taxes in Massachusetts as
long as it qualifies as a regulated investment company for federal income tax
purposes.
If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company or failed to
satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in any taxable year, the Fund would be
taxed as an ordinary corporation on its taxable income (even if such income
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were distributed to its shareholders) and all distributions out of earnings and
profits would be taxed to shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the Fund
could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and
interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated
investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Distributions. Distributions of the Fund's net investment income are taxable to
holders of Common Shares as ordinary income, whether paid in cash or reinvested
in additional Common Shares. Distributions of the Fund's net capital gains
("capital gains dividends"), if any, designated by the Fund as deriving from
net gains on securities held for more than one year but not more than 18 months
are taxable to Common Shareholders at a maximum 28% capital gains tax rate, and
capital gains dividends, if any, deriving from net gains on securities held for
more than 18 months are generally taxable to Common Shareholders at a maximum
20% capital gains tax rate (10% for shareholders in the 15% tax bracket),
regardless of the length of time Shares of the Fund have been held by such
Common Shareholders. The Fund will inform shareholders of the source and tax
status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
Sale of Shares. Except as discussed below, selling shareholders will generally
recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between their
adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares and the amount received. If such Common
Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or
loss and will be "28% Rate Gain," subject to a maximum 28% capital gains tax
rate, if such Common Shares have been held for more than one year but not more
than 18 months, and "20% Rate Gain," generally subject to a maximum 20% capital
gains tax rate (10% for shareholders in the 15% tax bracket), if the shares have
been held for more than 18 months. The federal income tax consequences of the
repurchase of Common Shares pursuant to tender offers will be disclosed in the
related offering documents. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of
Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital
loss to the extent of any capital gains dividends received with respect to such
Common Shares.
General. The federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general
information only. Prospective investors should consult their advisors regarding
the specific federal and state tax consequences of holding and disposing of
Common Shares, as well as the effects of other state, local and foreign tax laws
and any proposed tax law changes.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees
The management of the Fund, including general supervision of the duties
performed by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement, is the responsibility of
the Fund's Board of Trustees. The trustees are experienced business persons who
meet throughout the year to oversee the Fund's activities, review contractual
arrangements with companies that provide services to the Fund, and review
performance. The majority of trustees are not affiliated with SISC, Sierra
Advisors or Sierra Administration other than as trustees of the Fund. The Fund
was organized on October 4, 1995 under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts as a "Massachusetts business trust."
As a Massachusetts business trust, the Fund is not required to hold annual
shareholder meetings. On occasion, however, special meetings may be called to
elect or remove trustees, change fundamental policies, approve a management
contract, or for other purposes. Trustees may be removed by shareholders at a
special meeting called upon the request of shareholders among at least 10% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund. Shareholders not attending these meetings
are encouraged to vote by proxy. Sierra Administration will mail proxy
materials in advance, including a voting card and information about the
proposals to be voted on. When matters are submitted for shareholder vote,
shareholders of the Fund will have one vote for each full share owned and
proportionate, fractional votes for fractional shares held.
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The Advisor
Sierra Advisors was incorporated in California in 1988 and is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc. ("Washington Mutual"). Pursuant to the
Advisory Agreement between the Advisor and the Fund, the Advisor has specific
responsibility for investment services provided to the Fund. Accordingly, the
Advisor with the general oversight of the Board of Trustees has the authority to
accept or reject portfolio selections and pricing determinations of Van Kampen.
The Advisor is a registered investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act
of 1940 as amended, and in this capacity has general oversight responsibility
for the investment advisory services provided to the Trust, Sierra Trust Funds
("Sierra Trust") and The Sierra Variable Trust ("Sierra Variable"). Sierra
Trust is an open-end management investment company that currently offers three
money market funds and thirteen mutual funds. Sierra Variable is a no-load,
open-end management investment company that currently offers nine separate
funds. Sierra Variable is intended as an investment vehicle exclusively for
variable annuity or variable life insurance contracts offered by the separate
accounts of various insurance companies.
The Advisor's other responsibilities include participating in the formulation of
Sierra Trust and Sierra Variable investment policies, analyzing economic trends
affecting Sierra Trust and Sierra Variable and monitoring and evaluating the
services provided by the sub-advisors, including their adherence to Sierra Trust
and Sierra Variable investment objectives, policies and performance.
On or about March 20, 1998, Composite Research and Management Co. ("Composite"),
1201 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101 is expected to become the
Investment Advisor to the Trust. Composite is a subsidiary of Washington
Mutual, Inc. ("Washington Mutual") and has general oversight responsibility for
the investment advisory services provided to the Fund. Responsibilities of
Composite include formulating the Fund's investment policies, analyzing economic
trends affecting the Fund, and directing and evaluating the investment services
provided by the Sub-Advisor, including their adherence to the Fund's investment
objectives and policies and the Fund's investment performance. In particular,
the Advisor with the oversight of the Board of Trustees may accept or reject
portfolio selections and pricing determinations of Van Kampen. In connection
with these activities, Composite may initiate action to change the Sub-Advisor
if it deems such action to be in the best interest of the shareholders.
Composite is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940.
The Sub-Advisor
Van Kampen is the sub-advisor to the Fund, located at One Parkview Plaza,
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181. Pursuant to the sub-advisory agreement with
the Advisor, Van Kampen selects the investments made by the Fund subject to the
oversight and specific direction of the Advisor. The Sub-Advisor also monitors
the provisions and the Loan Agreements and any agreements with respect to
Participations and Assignments, provides recordkeeping responsibilities with
respect to Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio and provides certain services to
holders of the Fund's Common Shares.
Moreover, the Sub-Advisor also provides investment advice to a wide variety of
individual, institutional and investment company clients . Van Kampen American
Capital Investment Advisory Corp., a sister affiliate of Van Kampen, currently
manages a similar prime rate fund, Van Kampen Merritt American Capital Prime
Rate Income Trust, which as of December 31, 1997 consisted of approximately $6.4
billion of assets under management. Van Kampen is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter Discover & Co.
Portfolio Manager. Jeffrey W. Maillet is a Senior Vice President of Van Kampen
and has been primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of Van Kampen's
Prime Rate Income Trust since the Fund's
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<PAGE>
commencement of investment operations in 1989. Mr. Maillet has been employed by
Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp. since 1989.
The Administrator
Sierra Administration provides shareholders service and other administrative
services. Sierra Administration is under common control with the Advisor and
SISC. SISC is the principal underwriter of the Common Shares in connection with
the offering thereof by the Fund. See "Offering of Shares." Sierra
Administration's principal business address is 9301 Corbin Avenue, Northridge,
CA 91324.
Pursuant to the Administration Agreement, Sierra Administration is responsible
for all administrative functions with respect to the Trust, although it
delegates certain of its responsibilities to a sub-administrator. Sierra
Administration itself or through its sub-administrator performs many shareholder
transaction and accounting functions. In addition to such services, Sierra
Administration is responsible for performing activities as Transfer/Shareholder
Servicing Agent, such as keeping records of shareholders and handling
shareholder communications. Sierra Administration is entitled to a monthly fee
at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Sierra
Administration pays State Street Bank & Trust Company ("State Street") for
certain administrative and custodial services. In addition, Sierra
Administration also pays First Data Investor Services Group, Inc. ("First Data")
for certain transfer agency services. The Fund pays for the sub-transfer agent,
sub-administrator and custodial out-of-pocket expenses.
On or about March 20, 1998, Murphey Favre Securities Services, Inc. ("Murphy
Favre"), an affiliate of Composite, will become the transfer agent and
administrator for the Fund, and administrative services formerly provided by
Sierra Fund Administration Corporation will be provided by Murphy Favre.
The Distributor
SISC is the distributor of the Class A Common Shares of the Fund. SISC is
located at 9301 Corbin Avenue, Northridge, California 91324. SISC, an indirectly
wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, was established in 1992 and is a
registered broker-dealer with the NASD and a registered investment advisor.
The Fund intends to distribute the shares of the Fund in accordance with a
Distribution Agreement entered into between the Fund and SISC. Under this
Distribution Agreement, SISC will comply with the terms of the Distribution
Agreement and the NASD Rules concerning sales charges. Under the Distribution
Agreement, SISC will not be paid an annual fee as compensation in connection
with the offering and sale of the Class A Common Shares of the Fund. In
addition, the Distribution Agreement also recognizes that Sierra Advisors may
use its investment advisory fees or other resources to pay expenses associated
with activities primarily intended to result in the promotion and distribution
of the Fund's shares. SISC, may, from time to time, pay to other dealers, in
connection with retail sales or the distribution of shares of the Fund, material
compensation in the form of merchandise or trips.
Effective on or about March 20, 1998, Composite Funds Distributor, Inc. ("CFD")
will become the distributor of the Fund's shares on a best efforts basis. CFD
is located at 6501 W. Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. CFD, as principal
underwriter and distributors, will bear all of the Fund's marketing expenses.
This includes the cost of reproducing prospectuses, statements of additional
information or any other Trust documents (such as semi-annual reports) used as
sales materials.
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund's policy will be to declare daily and pay monthly distributions to
holders of Class A Common Shares of substantially all net investment income of
the Fund. Net investment income of the Fund consists of all interest income,
fee income, other ordinary income earned by the Fund on its portfolio assets and
net short-term capital gains, less all expenses of the Fund. Expenses of the
Fund will be accrued each day. Distributions to holders of
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Common Shares cannot be assured, and the amount of each monthly distribution is
likely to vary. Net realized long-term capital gains, if any, are expected to be
distributed to holders of Common Shares at least annually. Holders of Common
Shares may elect to have distributions automatically reinvested in additional
Common Shares. See "Dividend Reinvestment Plan."
Distribution Options
When you open an account, specify on your Application Form how you want to
receive your distributions. The election may be made or changed by writing to
Sierra Administration or by calling 800-222-5852. Each Fund offers two options:
Reinvestment Option
Your dividend and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the same Fund, unless you instruct the Fund on the
application form or later in writing or by telephone to pay all dividends and
distributions in cash. Dividends from a class of one Fund may be reinvested in
the same class of the same Fund or a different Fund. If the Fund in which the
reinvestment is made has a sales charge, you will not pay the sales charge on
the reinvested amount.
Cash Option.
You will be sent a check for each dividend and capital gain distribution.
REPURCHASE (TENDER OFFER) OF SHARES
The Board of Trustees of the Fund currently intends, each quarter, to consider
authorizing the Fund to make tender offers for a portion of its then outstanding
Class A Common Shares at the net asset value of such Common Shares on the
expiration date of the tender offer. Although such tender offers, if undertaken
and completed, will provide some liquidity for holders of the Common Shares,
there can be no assurance that such tender offers will in fact be undertaken or
completed or, if completed, that they will provide sufficient liquidity for all
holders of Common Shares who may desire to sell such Common Shares.
Accordingly, investment in the Common Shares should be considered illiquid.
Commencement by the Fund of such a tender offer during a period in which it is
simultaneously engaged in the continuous offering of its Common Shares may be a
violation of rules promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. The Fund has received an exemption from the SEC that permits the Fund,
subject to certain conditions, to make tender offers for its Common Shares while
simultaneously engaged in the continuous offering of its Common Shares.
Although the Board of Trustees believes that tender offers for the Common Shares
generally would increase the liquidity of the Common Shares, the acquisition of
Common Shares by the Fund will decrease the total assets of the Fund and,
therefore, have the effect of increasing the Fund's expense ratio. Because of
the nature of the Fund's investment objective and policies and the Fund's
portfolio, the Advisor anticipates potential difficulty in disposing of
portfolio securities in order to consummate tender offers for the Common Shares.
As a result, the Fund may be required to borrow money in order to finance
repurchases and tenders.
As a fundamental policy of the Fund, the Fund's Declaration of Trust authorizes
the Fund, without prior approval of the holders of Common Shares, to borrow
money in an amount up to 33-1/3% of the Fund's total assets, for the purpose of,
among other things, obtaining short-term credits in connection with tender
offers by the Fund for its Common Shares. The Fund currently expects, however,
to limit its borrowing to an amount sufficient to meet its tender offer
purchases or 10% of its assets, whichever is greater. In this connection, the
Fund may issue notes or other evidence of indebtedness or secure any such
borrowings by mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as
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<PAGE>
security the Fund's assets. Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund,
immediately after any such borrowing, must have an "asset coverage" of at least
300%. With respect to any such borrowing, asset coverage means the ratio which
the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all liabilities and indebtedness
not represented by senior securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), bears to the
aggregate amount of such borrowing by the Fund. The rights of lenders to the
Fund to receive interest on and repayment of principal of any such borrowings
will be senior to those of the holders of Common Shares, and the terms of any
such borrowings may contain provisions which limit certain activities of the
Fund, including the payment of dividends to holders of Common Shares in certain
circumstances. Further, the terms of any such borrowing may and the 1940 Act
does (in certain circumstances) grant to the lenders to the Fund certain voting
rights in the event of default in the payment of interest on or repayment of
principal. In the event that such provisions would impair the Fund's status as a
regulated investment company, the Fund, subject to its ability to liquidate its
relatively illiquid portfolio, intends to repay the borrowings. Any borrowing
will likely rank senior to or pari passu with all other existing and future
borrowings of the Fund. Interest payments and fees incurred in connection with
borrowings will reduce the amount of net income available for payment to the
holders of Common Shares. The Fund does not intend to use borrowings for
leverage purposes. Accordingly, the Fund will not purchase additional portfolio
securities, other than with proceeds from the sale or maturity of existing
portfolio securities, at any time that borrowings, including the Fund's
commitments, pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements, exceed 5% of the Fund's
total assets (after giving effect to the amount borrowed).
Any tender offer made by the Fund for its Common Shares will be at a price equal
to the net asset value of the Common Shares determined at the close of business
on the day the offer ends. During the pendency of any tender offer by the Fund,
the Fund will calculate daily the net asset value of the Common Shares and will
establish procedures which will be specified in the tender offer documents to
enable holders of Common Shares to ascertain readily such net asset value.
Each tender offer will be made and shareholders notified in accordance with the
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, either by
publication or mailing or both. Each tender offering document will contain such
information as is prescribed by such laws and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder. The Fund will purchase its Common Shares tendered in
accordance with the terms of the offer unless it determines to terminate the
offer. The repurchase of tendered shares by the Fund is a taxable event. See
"Taxation." The Fund will pay all costs and expenses associated with the
making of any tender offer by the Fund. See the Statement of Additional
Information for additional information concerning repurchase of the Fund's
Common Shares.
If the Fund must liquidate portfolio holdings in order to purchase Common Shares
tendered, the Fund may realize gains and losses.
The Trust has entered into a Credit Agreement dated as of May 22, 1996, with
Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch ("Deutsche Bank"), pursuant to which Deutsche
Bank has agreed to provide a credit facility in the maximum amount of
$40,000,000 in the aggregate to the Trust and the Sierra Trust Funds, which is
not secured by the assets of the Trust or other collateral. The Trust itself is
entitled to borrow from Deutsche Bank amounts which in the aggregate do not
exceed $433,000.
Exchange Privilege.
The Fund may make available to tendering shareholders the privilege of
exchanging Class A Common Shares for Class A shares of certain open-end
investment companies managed by the Advisor subject to any restrictions or
qualifications set forth in the prospectus of any such fund. Class A Common
Shares may be exchanged for Class A Shares of any of the funds of Sierra Trust
Funds. If the shares acquired in the exchange are subject to a higher sales
load, a sales load may be charged in an amount up to the difference between the
sales load previously paid and the initial sales load applicable to the shares
of the fund being acquired.
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<PAGE>
The exchange privilege is available only in those states where the offers and
sale of shares of the funds may legally be made. Upon 60 days' prior written
notice to shareholders, the Fund in its sole discretion may terminate or modify
the exchange privileges and restrictions and/or the Fund may begin imposing a
charge of up to $5.00 for each exchange. The prospectus for each "exchange fund"
describes its investment objectives and policies, and shareholders should obtain
a prospectus and consider the objectives and policies carefully before
requesting an exchange. Each exchange must involve shares which meet the
minimal requirements of a fund for an initial or subsequent purchase.
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON SHARES
The Fund is an unincorporated business trust established under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts by a Declaration of Trust dated October 4, 1995
(the "Declaration of Trust"). The Declaration of Trust provides that the
Trustees of the Fund may authorize separate classes of shares of beneficial
interest. The Trustees have authorized an unlimited number of Common Shares.
The Declaration of Trust also authorizes the Fund to borrow money or otherwise
obtain credit and in this connection issue notes or other evidence of
indebtedness. The Fund does not intend to hold annual meetings of the holders
of Common Shares.
Common Shares.
The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full
and fractional Common Shares of beneficial interest with no par value. The
Declaration of Trust also provides authorization for establishing multiple
classes of Common Shares. Each Class A Common Share represents an equal
proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund with each other Common Share in
the Fund and has identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights.
Holders of Common Shares will be entitled to the payment of dividends when and
if declared by the Board of Trustees. The terms of any borrowings may limit the
payment of dividends to the holders of Common Shares. Each whole Common Share
shall be entitled to one vote as to matters on which it is entitled to vote
pursuant to the terms of the Fund's Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC.
Upon liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the
payment of all liabilities of the Fund, and upon receipt of such releases,
indemnities and refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their
protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund among
the holders of the Common Shares. The Declaration of Trust provides that
shareholders are not liable for any liabilities of the Fund, and indemnifies
shareholders against any such liability. Although shareholders of an
unincorporated business trust established under Massachusetts law, in certain
limited circumstances, may be held personally liable for the obligations of the
Trust as though they were general partners, the provisions of the Declaration of
Trust described in the foregoing sentence make the likelihood of such personal
liability remote.
The Common Shares are not, and are not expected to be, listed for trading on any
national securities exchange nor, to the Fund's knowledge, is there, or is there
expected to be, any secondary trading market in the Common Shares.
Anti Open-End Investment Company Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect
of limiting the ability of the Fund to convert from a closed-end to an open-end
management investment company. Specifically, the Declaration of Trust provides
that an amendment to such Declaration which makes the Fund's Common Shares a
"redeemable security" as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, is required to be approved by at least (a) a
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<PAGE>
majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not
interested persons, and (b) a majority shareholder vote.
Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.
The Fund's Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have the effect
of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the
Fund or to change the composition of its Board of Trustees by discouraging a
third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. In addition, in the
event a secondary market were to develop in the Common Shares, such provisions
could have the effect of depriving holders of Common Shares of an opportunity to
sell their Common Shares at a premium over prevailing market prices. A Trustee
may be removed from office only for cause by a written instrument signed by at
least two-thirds of the remaining Trustees or by a vote of the holders of at
least two-thirds of the Common Shares.
In addition, the Declaration of Trust requires the favorable vote of the holders
of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Common Shares then entitled to vote to
approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5%-or-greater holders of
Common Shares and their associates, unless the Board of Trustees shall by
resolution have approved a memorandum of understanding with such holders, in
which case normal voting requirements would be in effect. See "Repurchase
(Tender Offer) of Shares -- Anti-Takeover Provisions" in the Statement of
Additional Information.
NET ASSET VALUE
The Fund values its shares once on each day the New York Stock Exchange (the
"NYSE") is open for trading, as of the close of regular trading on the NYSE
(normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern standard time). The Fund's net asset value per
share is determined by State Street, in the manner authorized by the Board of
Trustees. The Fund will be closed for business and will not price its shares on
the following business holidays: New Year's Day, President's Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Fund's net asset value is computed by determining the value of the total
assets (the securities it holds plus cash or other assets, including interest
accrued but not yet received), and subtracting all liabilities (including the
outstanding principal amount of any indebtedness issued and any unpaid interest
thereon). For future information regarding valuation, see "Determination of Net
Asset Value" in the Statement of Additional Information.
Because Senior Loans are not actively traded in a public market, the Advisor and
Sub-Advisor following procedures established by the Fund's Board of Trustees,
will value the Senior Loan interests held by the Fund at fair value. In valuing
a Senior Loan interest, the Advisor and Sub-Advisor, will consider relevant
factors, data and information, including: (i) the characteristics of and
fundamental analytical data relating to the Senior Loan, including the cost,
size, current interest rate, period until next interest rate reset, maturity ad
base lending rate of the Senior Loan interest, the terms and conditions of the
Senior Loan and any related agreements, and the position of the Senior Loan in
the Borrower's debt structure; (ii) the nature, adequacy and value of the
collateral, including the Fund's rights, remedies and interests with respect to
the collateral; (iii) the creditworthiness of the Borrower's business, cash
flows, capital structure and future prospects; (iv) information relating to the
market for Senior Loans, including price quotations (if considered reliable) for
and trading in Senior Loans and interests in similar Loans and the market
environment and investor attitudes towards the Senior Loans and interests in
similar Loans; (v) the reputation and financial condition of the Agent and any
Intermediate Participants in the Senior Loans; and (vi) general economic and
market conditions affecting the fair value of Senior Loans.
Other Fund holdings (other than short term obligations, but including listed
issues) may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by one or more pricing
services which determine prices for normal, institutional-size trading units of
such securities using market information, transactions for comparable securities
and various relationships between securities which are generally recognized by
institutional traders. In certain circumstances, portfolio securities will be
valued at the last sale price on the exchange that is the primary market for
such securities, or the average of the last quoted bid price and asked price for
those securities for which the over-the-counter market is the
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primary market or for listed securities in which there were no sales during the
day. The value of interest rate swaps will be determined in accordance with a
discounted present value formula and then confirmed by obtaining a bank
quotation.
Short-term obligations which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized
cost, if their original term to maturity when acquired by the Portfolio was 60
days or less, or are valued at amortized cost using their value on the 61st day
prior to maturity, if their original term to maturity when acquired by the Fund
was more than 60 days, unless in each case this is determined not to represent
fair value. Repurchase agreements will be valued by the Fund at cost plus
accrued interest. Securities for which there exist no price quotations or
valuations and all other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good
faith by or on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
OFFERING OF SHARES
The Fund will engage in a continuous offering of its Class A Common Shares
through SISC, the distributor and principal underwriter, whose offices are
located at 9301 Corbin Avenue, Northridge, CA 91324. The Class A Common Shares
may also be offered through members of the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") or eligible non-NASD members who are acting as brokers or
agents for investors (i.e., Authorized Dealers). The Fund reserves the right to
----
terminate or suspend the continuous offering of its Common Shares at any time
without prior notice.
The Fund does not intend to list the Class A Common Shares on any national
securities exchange and none of the Fund, the Advisor, Van Kampen or SISC
intends to make a secondary market in such Common Shares. Accordingly, there is
not expected to be any secondary trading market in the Class A Common Shares and
an investment in these Common Shares should be considered illiquid.
The Class A Common Shares will be offered by the Fund at the public offering
price next computed after an investor places an order to purchase directly with
SISC, or with the investor's broker-dealer.
During the continuous offering, the Fund's shares will be valued at a public
offering price equal to the next determined net asset value ("NAV") per share
plus a maximum sales charge, payable to SISC, based on the following schedule:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As a % of Offering
Amount of Transaction Price Per Share
- --------------------- ------------------
<S> <C>
Less than $50,000 4.50%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.00%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.50%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 3.00%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 2.00%
$1,000,000 and over 0%*
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
* Purchases of $1 million or more and certain other purchases are not subject
to the sales charge at the time of purchase, but may be subject to a 1.0%
early withdrawal charge on repurchases or tenders within one year of
purchase or a 0.5% early withdrawal charge on repurchases or tenders during
the second year after purchase. See "Application of Class A Common Shares
Early Withdrawal Charge" and "Waivers of Class A Common Shares Sales
Charges" sections.
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<PAGE>
Authorized Dealers. The price of Common Shares ordered through an Authorized
Dealer will be the public offering price next determined after the Fund receives
the order. Because the Fund determines the public offering price once daily on
each business day as of 4:00 p.m. Eastern standard time, orders placed through
an Authorized Dealer must be transmitted to the Fund by such dealer prior to
such time for the investor's order to be executed at the public offering price
to be determined that day.
SISC will compensate Authorized Dealers participating in the continuous offering
of the Fund's Class A Common Shares pursuant to the following schedule:
Dealers' Reallowance
Amount of Transactions as a % of Offering Price
- ---------------------- ------------------------
Less than $50,000 4.00%
$50,000 but less than $100,000 3.50%
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.00%
$250,000 but less than $500,000 2.50%
$500,000 but less than $1,000,000 1.75%
$1,000,000 and over 0%*
- ---------------------------
* Investors do not pay a sales charge at the time of purchase on purchases of
$1 million or more; however, except as waived by the dealer of record as
stated in the subsection "Application of Class A Common Shares Early
Withdrawal Charge," SISC may pay the investment dealers of record on
purchases of Class A Common Shares of $1 million or more a fee of up to 1%
of the net asset value of each purchase.
As mentioned above SISC may pay Authorized Dealers a fee of up to 1.00% of net
asset value for Class A Common Share transactions over $1,000,000. Dealer
reallowance may be changed by SISC from time to time, and upon notice, SISC may
reallow up to the full applicable sales charge to certain Authorized Dealers.
In addition, if Common Shares of the Fund are sold by an Authorized Dealer, SISC
may in its discretion pay up to a maximum of 0.25% of the value of such Common
Shares to such Authorized Dealers.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
If you are new to the Fund or Sierra Trust Funds, complete and sign a new
Account Application and mail it along with your check. You may also open your
account in person or by wire as described on the following pages. Shares can be
purchased directly through a representative of Great Western Financial
Securities Corporation ("GW Securities"). Payment for shares is due at GW
Securities no later than the settlement date, which is the third business day
after the order is placed. If there is no application form accompanying this
prospectus, call 800-222-5852.
After having read the Fund's prospectus, if you have money invested in a Fund of
the Sierra Trust Funds, you can:
. Mail in a check with the additional investment slip attached to your account
statement;
. Mail in a completed application form with a check; or
. Invest in the Fund by exchanging from the same Class of another Fund of the
Sierra Trust Funds by calling 800-222-5852.
If you are investing through a tax-sheltered retirement plan, such as an IRA,
you will need a special application form. Retirement investing also involves its
own investment procedures. Call 800-222-5852 for more information and a
retirement application form.
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<PAGE>
General Information About Purchases.
Minimum Investments
To Open a Class A Common Shares Account $250
For Sierra Automatic Investment Plan Accounts and
Investment of Dividends or Distributions of a Non-
Affiliated Fund (as defined in the following
paragraph) $100
For investment of Distributions Paid to GW
Securities Clients by Certain Unit Investment Trusts
(each, a "UIT") $ 25
To Add to a Class A Common Shares Account $100
For Sierra Automatic Investment Plan Accounts and
Investment of Dividends or Distributions of a Non-
Affiliated Fund $ 25
For Investment of Distributions Paid to GW
Securities Clients by Certain UITs $ 25
Minimum Balance for a Class A Common Shares $250
Account
For Sierra Automatic Investment Plan Accounts and
Investment of Dividends or Distributions of a Non-
Affiliated Fund None
For Investment of Distributions Paid to GW
Securities Clients by Certain UITs $ 25
The Fund has a minimum of $250 for initial investments and $100 for subsequent
investments for Class A Common Shares, except that (i) shareholders who
participate in the Sierra Automatic Investment Plan (the "Plan") may establish
Fund accounts for a minimum initial investment of $100 and subsequent automatic
investments of $25 a month (ii) shareholders of non-money market mutual funds
not affiliated with the Trust or Sierra Services (each, a "Non-Affiliated Fund")
may establish Fund accounts by investing dividends or distributions for such
Non-Affiliated Fund for a minimum initial investment of $100 and subsequent
investments of $25; and (iii) GW Securities clients may establish Fund accounts
by investing UIT distributions for a minimum initial investment of $25 and
subsequent investments of $25. For more information see section entitled
"Waivers of Class A Common Shares Sales Charge."
Acceptance of Orders
The Fund reserves the right to reject any purchase order for its Common Shares
and to suspend the offering of its Common Shares for any period of time.
Investments Made By Check
Money transmitted by a check drawn on a member of the Federal Reserve System is
converted to Federal Funds within one business day following receipt and is then
invested in the Fund. Checks drawn on banks that are not members of the Federal
Reserve System may take longer to be converted and invested. All payments must
be in U.S. Dollars.
If you buy shares by check and then tender those shares except in an exchange to
a fund of the Sierra Trust Funds, the payment may be delayed for up to fifteen
days or more to ensure that your check clears.
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan
A Dividend Reinvestment Plan will be established automatically for each
shareholder unless the shareholder specifies by completing the appropriate
section of the Fund's Account Application or otherwise notifies Shareholder
Services in writing at the address provided below. Under this plan, all income
dividends and capital gain distributions will be automatically reinvested in
additional shares of the Fund that paid the dividend at the net asset value
("NAV") determined on the dividend payment date. The election may be made or
changed by writing to Sierra Administration at 9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333,
P.O. Box 1160, Northridge, California 91328-1160 or by telephoning Sierra
Administration at 800-222-5852.
Sierra Automatic Investment Plan (the "Plan")
One easy way to pursue your financial goals is to invest money regularly. While
regular investment plans do not guarantee a profit and will not protect you
against loss in a declining market, they can be an excellent way to invest for
retirement, a home, educational expenses, and other long-term financial goals.
Certain restrictions apply for retirement accounts. Call 800-222-5852 for more
information.
The Plan offers a simple way to maintain a regular investment program. With the
Plan, monthly investments (minimum $25) are made automatically from the
shareholder's account at a bank, savings and loan or credit union into the
shareholder's Fund account on the 15th of each month. The minimum for opening a
Fund account through the Plan is $100. By enrolling in the Plan, the shareholder
authorizes the Fund and its agents to withdraw funds from the designated account
at a bank or other financial institution. Such an account must have check or
draft writing privileges. This privilege may be selected by completing the
appropriate section of the Fund's Account Application or by contacting a GW
Securities representative, or Sierra Administration (800-222-5852) for the
appropriate forms.
Once enrolled in the Plan, shareholders will receive written confirmation of
each transaction, and a debit will appear on the shareholder's bank statement.
To change the amount, the shareholder must notify Sierra Administration at 800-
222-5852 at least ten business days prior to the scheduled investment date.
Shareholders who redeem their Plan accounts in full are not required to provide
prior notification to terminate the service. The Fund may immediately terminate
a shareholder's Plan in the event that any item is unpaid by the shareholder's
financial institution. Fund shares purchased through the Plan must be owned for
15 days before they may be redeemed. The Fund may terminate or modify this
privilege at any time.
Retirement Plans
Shares of the Fund are available for purchase in connection with a variety of
tax-deferred prototype retirement plans: (1) IRAs (including "rollovers" from
existing retirement plans) for individuals and their spouses; (2) Profit Sharing
and Money-Purchase Plans for corporations and self-employed individuals and
their partners to benefit themselves and their employees; and (3) 403(b) Plans.
Custodian fees may be charged in connection with these retirement plans. If you
are investing through an IRA, you will need a special application form.
Retirement investing also involves its own investment procedures. For additional
information regarding investments made by qualified plans, see "Waivers of Class
A Common Shares Sales Charges." For more information regarding retirement plans
or to receive an IRA application form, telephone Sierra Administration at 800-
222-5852.
How to Invest in the Fund
-34-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Open an Account: To Add to an Account:
Minimum $250* Minimum $100*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
By Phone . Exchange from a . Exchange from a
800-222-5852 Sierra Trust Fund Sierra Trust Fund
account with same account with the same
registration, registration,
including name, including name,
address, and taxpayer address, and taxpayer
ID number (social ID number.
security number for an
individual).
. Call Sierra . To transfer funds
Administration at from your Great
800-222-5852. Western Bank Checking
Account or Savings
Account, or your GW
Securities Brokerage
Account, call your GW
Securities
representative.
. Call Sierra
Administration at
800-222-5852.
Tables continued on following page.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Mail . Complete and sign the . Make your check
application. Make your payable to "Great
check or negotiable Western Financial
bank draft payable to Securities
"Great Western Corporation." Indicate
Financial Securities your Fund account
Corporation" or number on your check.
include the account Include the "next
number of the Great investment" stub from
Western account or GW your previous account
Securities brokerage statement. Mail the
account from which check and stub to the
your investment will address printed on
be drawn. your account statement.
Mail the completed . Exchange by mail:
application form and call 800-222-5852 for
check to: instructions.
Sierra Prime Income
Fund
P.O. Box 5118
Westborough,
Massachusetts
01581-5118
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In Person . Visit a GW . Visit a GW
Securities Securities
Representative at your Representative at your
nearest Great Western nearest Great Western
Bank branch. Call Bank branch. Call
800-222-5852 for the 800-222-5852 for the
Great Western Bank Great Western branch
branch nearest you. nearest you.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
-35-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Open an Account: To Add to an Account:
Minimum $250* Minimum $100*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
By Wire 1. Telephone Sierra . Instruct your
Administration and bank/financial
give the (a) name of institution to wire
the account as you Federal Funds as
wish it to be described at left
registered; (b) under paragraph 2 and
address of the inform Sierra
account; (c) taxpayer Administration
ID number (social (800) 222-5852 of the
security number for an incoming wire.
individual); and (d)
Fund name.
2. Instruct your bank
to wire Federal Funds
exactly as follows:
Boston Safe Deposit
Trust
Westborough, MA
ABA #011-001234
For credit to: Sierra
Prime Income Fund
Account # 132012
(Fund Name)
(Customer's Name)
(Customer's Social
Security Number)
3. Mail the completed
application form to:
Sierra Fund
Administration
Corporation
9301 Corbin Avenue,
Suite 333
P.O. Box 1160
Northridge, California
91328-1160
</TABLE>
Tables continued on following page.
-36-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To Open an Account: To Add to an Account:
Minimum $250* Minimum $100*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Obtain and . Pre-authorized
Automatically complete an monthly investments
application form. are now processed
(Minimum New Account automatically.
amount $100) 2. Attach a voided
check or deposit slip (Minimum Amount $25)
from the account you
would like the
investments
transferred from on
the 15th of each month.
3. Mail the application to
the address listed above.
</TABLE>
* $25 minimum to open or add to an account with investment of certain UIT
distributions, and $100 minimum to open an account, and $25 minimum to add
to an account, with investment of dividends or distributions from Non-
Affiliated Funds. See "How to Buy Shares -- Minimum Investments" section.
REDUCED SALES CHARGE AT PURCHASE
As described below, the sales charge on purchases of the Fund's Class A Common
Shares may be reduced through: (1) a Right of Accumulation; (2) Quantity
Discounts; (3) a Letter of Intent; and (4) Reinvestment Privileges. Reduced
sales charges may be modified or terminated at any time as to new purchases
and/or letters of intent and are subject to confirmation of an investor's
holdings. For more information about reduced sales charges, contact your GW
Securities representative or call 800-222-5852.
Right of Accumulation
Under the Right of Accumulation, the current value of an investor's existing
Class A Shares in a Non-Money Market Fund of Sierra Trust Funds and Class B and
Class S Shares in all the Funds of the Sierra Trust Funds may be combined with
the amount of the investor's current purchase in the Fund in determining the
sales charge applicable to the Class A Common Shares. In order to receive the
cumulative quantity reduction, the investor or the securities dealer must call
previous purchases of such Class A, Class B and Class S Shares to the attention
of Sierra Administration at the time of the current purchase.
Quantity Discounts
As shown in the tables on pages 29 and 30 and under the Right of Accumulation
section, larger purchases of the Class A Common Shares of the Fund combined with
Non-Money Fund Class A Shares and Class B and Class S Shares of all the Sierra
Trust Funds reduce the sales charge paid on the Class A Common Shares. The Fund
will combine purchases of the Class A Common Shares of the Fund with the Non-
Money Fund Class A Shares, Class B and Class S Shares of Sierra Trust Funds made
on the same day by the investor, spouse, and any minor children when calculating
the Class A Common Shares sales charge. In order to receive the cumulative
quantity reduction, the investor or the securities dealer must call related
purchases of such Class A Common Shares, Class A, Class B and Class S Shares to
the attention of Sierra Administration at the time of the current purchase.
Letter of Intent
An investor may qualify for a reduced sales charge on Class A Common Shares
immediately by signing a non-binding "Letter of Intent" stating the investor's
intention to invest during the following 13 months a specified amount in the
Class A Common Shares which, if made at one time, would qualify for a reduced
sales charge. Any redemptions of Class A Common Shares made during the 13-month
period will be subtracted from the amount of purchases of Class A Common Shares
in determining whether the terms of the Letter of Intent have been met. During
the term of a Letter of Intent, Sierra Administration will hold Class A Common
Shares representing 5% of the amount purchased in escrow for payment of a higher
sales load if the full amount specified in the Letter of
-37-
<PAGE>
Intent is not purchased within the 13-month period. The escrowed shares will be
released when the full amount specified has been purchased. If the full amount
specified is not purchased within the 13-month period, the investor will be
required to pay an amount equal to the difference in the dollar amount of sales
charge actually paid and the amount of sales charge the investor would have had
to pay on the investor's aggregate purchases of Class A Common Shares if the
total of such purchases had been made at a single time.
Reinvestment Privilege
Upon repurchase of the Class A Common Shares, a shareholder has the right, to be
exercised within 180 days, to reinvest any or all of the repurchase proceeds in
Class A Common Shares of the Fund without any sales charge at the next
determined NAV after receipt of the purchase order. The shareholder must notify
GW Securities in writing concerning the reinvestment in order to avoid the sales
charge.
Exchange Privilege
Shareholders of Sierra Trust Funds are permitted to exchange their Class A
Shares for the Class A Common Shares of the Fund. If the Class A Common Shares
acquired in the exchange are subject to a higher sales load, a sales load may be
charged in an amount up to the difference between the sales load previously paid
and the initial sales load applicable to the Class A Common Shares of the Fund
being acquired.
WAIVERS OF CLASS A COMMON SHARES SALES CHARGES
No initial sales charge will be assessed with respect to Class A Common Shares
of the Fund on: (1) purchases by (a) employees or retired employees of Great
Western Financial Corporation ("GWFC") or any of its affiliates and members of
their immediate families (spouses and minor children) and IRAs, Keough Plans or
employee benefit plans for those employees and retired employees; (b) directors,
trustees, officers or advisory board members, or persons retired from such
positions, of any investment company for which GWFC or an affiliate serves as
investment advisor; (c) registered representatives or full-time employees of
Authorized Dealers or full-time employees of banks affiliated with such dealers;
(2) purchases by retirement plans created pursuant to Section 457 of the Code;
(3) purchases that are paid for with the proceeds from the redemption of shares
of a non-money market mutual fund not affiliated with the Trust or Sierra
Services, where the purchase occurs within 15 Business Days of the prior
redemption and is evidenced by a confirmation of the redemption transaction or a
broker-to-broker transfer request (Shareholder Services must be notified at the
time of purchase that the purchase being made qualifies for a purchase at NAV);
(4) purchases by employees of any of the Fund's Sub-Advisors; (5) purchases by
accounts as to which an Authorized Dealer or a bank affiliated with an
Authorized Dealer charges an account management fee, provided that the
Authorized Dealer or bank has an agreement with the Distributor (investors may
be charged an additional service or transaction fee by the Authorized Dealer or
Banks); (6) purchases by a GW Securities client through investment of
distributions paid by a UIT within 30 days of the payment of such distributions
where the client's interests in such UIT were acquired through GW Securities;
and (7) purchases through investment of dividends or distributions paid by a
Non-Affiliated Fund within 30 days of the payment of such dividends or
distributions.
Additional groups of investors that are not subject to an initial sales charge
on purchases of Class A Common Shares through an Authorized Dealer include
either (a) investors purchasing Class A Common Shares through an employee
benefit trust created pursuant to a 401(k) Plan that has invested in the
aggregate more than $1 million in the Fund, or (b) investors purchasing Class A
Common Shares through a 403(b) Plan that has more than $1 million in the Fund.
The Class A Common Shares Early Withdrawal Charge ("EWC"), described below, is
waived for repurchases or tendering of Class A Common Shares (i) that are part
of exchanges for Class A Shares of Sierra Trust Funds; (ii) for distributions to
pay benefits to participants from a retirement plan qualified under Section
401(a) or 401(k) of the Code, including distributions due to the death or
disability of the participant (including one who owns the shares as a joint
tenant); (iii) for distributions from a 403(b) Plan or an IRA due to death,
disability, or attainment of age 70 1/2, including certain involuntary
distributions; (iv) for tax-free returns of excess contributions to an IRA; (v)
for distributions by other employee benefit plans to pay benefits; and (vi) by a
401(k) Plan participant so long as
-38-
<PAGE>
the shares were purchased through the 401(k) Plan and the 401(k) Plan continues
in effect with investments in Class A Common Shares of the Fund.
APPLICATION OF CLASS A COMMON SHARES EARLY WITHDRAWAL CHARGE
The Class A Common Shares EWC of 1.0% or 0.5% may be imposed on certain
redemptions within one or two years of purchase, respectively, with respect to
Class A Common Shares (i) purchased at NAV without a sales charge at time of
purchase (purchases of $1 million or more), (ii) acquired through an exchange
for Class A Shares of a Non-Money Fund of the Sierra Trust Funds purchased at
NAV without a sales charge at time of purchase (purchases of $1 million or
more), (iii) purchased through an employee benefit trust created pursuant to a
plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code ("401(k) Plan"), or (iv)
purchased through a retirement plan qualified under Section 403(b) of the Code
("403(b) Plan"). The Class A Common Shares EWC will not be imposed on Class A
Common Shares purchased by (i) a qualified retirement plan that, at the time of
purchase, had not fewer than 500 eligible employees, (ii) a qualified retirement
plan that, at the time of purchase, had assets exceeding $100 million, or (iii)
an institution investing $5 million or more in the aggregate in the portfolios
of the Fund or Sierra Trust Funds.
Purchases of $1 million or more and certain other purchases are not subject to
the sales charge at the time of purchase, but may be subject to a 1.0% early
withdrawal charge on repurchases or tenders within one year of purchase or a
0.5% early withdrawal charge on repurchases or tenders during the second year
after purchase. No sales charge at time of purchase and no early withdrawal
charge will be assessed on the reinvestment of dividends or distributions on
Class A Common Shares or on purchases of Class A Common Shares under the 180-day
reinvestment privilege described in a previous section.
COMMUNICATIONS WITH SHAREHOLDERS
The Fund will send semi-annual and annual reports to shareholders, including a
list of the portfolio investments held by the Fund.
From time to time advertisements and other sales materials for the Fund may
include information concerning the historical performance of the Fund. Any such
information may include a distribution rate and an average compounded
distribution rate of the Fund for specified periods of time. Such information
may also include performance rankings and similar information from independent
organizations such as Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., Business Week, Forbes or
other industry publications.
Understanding Performance
Because the Fund invests in floating and variable corporate loans, its
performance is related to the creditworthiness of the corporate issuers of the
loans, and to a lesser extent, the general level of interest rates. Total
return reflects both the reinvestment of income and the change in a Fund's share
price. Because the Fund primarily invests in floating and variable corporate
loans, its share price volatility and total return will depend largely on the
creditworthiness of each particular corporate issuer. Share value will tend to
decrease when the floating and/or variable loans of the portfolio are having
difficulty in terms of repayment. In addition, share value may decrease when
interest rates rise and increase when interest rates fall.
Explanation of Terms
Total return is the change in value of an investment in a Fund over a given
period, assuming reinvestment of any dividends and capital gains. A cumulative
total return reflects actual performance over a stated period of time.
An average annual total return is a hypothetical rate of return that, if
achieved annually, would have produced the same cumulative total return if
performance had been constant over the entire period. Average annual total
returns smooth out variations in performance; they are not the same as actual
year-by-year results.
-39-
<PAGE>
Yield of a Fund is the income generated by an investment in the Fund over a 30-
day period. See below for a further description of these terms.
Yield
From time to time, the Fund may advertise its 30-day yield. The 30-day yield of
the Fund refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund over the
30-day period identified in the advertisement, and is computed by dividing the
net investment income per share earned by the Fund during the period by the
maximum Public Offering Price per share on the last day of the 30-day period.
This income is "annualized" by assuming that the amount of income is generated
each month over a one-year period and is compounded semiannually. The annualized
income is then shown as a percentage of the maximum Public Offering Price. In
addition, the Fund may advertise a similar 30-day yield computed in the same
manner except that the NAV per share is used in place of the Public Offering
Price per share. The Fund calculates the compounded distribution rate by adding
one to the monthly distribution rate, raising the sum to the power of 12 and
subtracting one from the product. In circumstances in which the Fund believes
that, as a result of decreases in market rates of interest, its expected monthly
distributions may be less than the distributions with respect to the immediately
preceding monthly distribution period, the Fund reserves the right to calculate
the distribution rate on the basis of a period of less than one month.
Total Return
From time to time, the Fund may advertise its average annual total return over
various periods of time. Such total return figures show the average percentage
change in value of an investment in the Fund from the beginning date of the
measuring period. These figures reflect changes in the price of the Fund's
shares and assume that any income dividends and/or capital gains distributions
made by the Fund during the period were reinvested in shares of the Fund.
Figures will be given for recent one-, five- and ten-year periods (if
applicable), and may be given for other periods as well (such as from
commencement of the Fund's operations, or on a year-by-year basis).
Additional Performance Quotations. Advertisements of total return will always
show a calculation that includes the effect of the maximum sales charge but may
also show total return without giving effect to that charge. Similarly, the Fund
may provide yield quotations in investor communications based on the Fund's net
asset value (rather than its Public Offering Price) per share on the last day of
the period covered by the yield computation. Because these additional quotations
will not reflect the maximum sales charge payable, such performance quotations
will be higher than the performance quotations that include the maximum sales
charge.
Total returns and yields are based on past results and are not a prediction of
future performance.
Performance Comparisons
In reports or other communications to shareholders or in advertising material, a
Fund may compare the performance of its Class A Common Shares with that of other
mutual funds as listed in the rankings prepared by Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc., CDA Technologies, Inc. or similar independent services that monitor the
performance of mutual funds or with other appropriate indexes of investment
securities. In addition, certain indexes may be used to illustrate historic
performance of select asset classes. These may include, among others, the prime
rate, CD rate, money market rate and LIBOR. The performance information may
also include evaluations of the Funds published by nationally recognized ranking
services and by financial publications that are nationally recognized, such as
Business Week, Forbes, Fortune, Institutional Investor, Money and The Wall
Street Journal. If the Fund compares its performance to other funds or to
relevant indexes, the Fund's performance will be stated in the same terms in
which such comparative data and indexes are stated, which is normally total
return rather than yield. For these purposes the performance of the Fund, as
well as the performance of such investment companies or indexes, may not reflect
sales charges, which, if reflected, would reduce performance results.
Obtaining Performance Information
The Fund's strategies, performance, and holdings will be detailed twice a year
in fund reports, which are sent to all shareholders. The SAI describes the
methods used to determine the Fund's performance. Shareholders may call
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<PAGE>
800-222-5852 for performance information. Shareholders may make inquiries
regarding the Fund, including current total return figures, to any
representative of GW Securities, or by calling 800-222-5852.
The following table is intended to provide investors with a comparison of short-
term money market rates. This comparison should not be considered a
representation of future money market rates, nor what an investment in the Fund
may earn or what an investor's yield or total return may be in the future.
These comparisons may be used in advertisements and in information furnished to
present or prospective shareholders.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
----- ----- ----- ----- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Prime Rate(1) .......................... 8.46% 6.25% 6.00% 8.50%
C.D. Rate(2) ........................... 5.91 3.76 3.28 6.90
Money Market
Rate (3) ............................... 5.44 3.36 2.70 3.75
LIBOR(4) ............................... 4.25 3.43 3.37 6.50
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------
(1) The Prime Rate quoted by a major U.S. bank is the base rate on corporate
loans at large U.S. money center commercial banks. Source: Federal Reserve
Bulletin.
(2) The Certificate of Deposit Rate represents the average annual rate paid on
large six-month CDs traded in the secondary market. Source: Bloomberg.
(3) The Money Market Rate represents Donoghue's Money Fund Averages for taxable
money market funds.
(4) The London Inter-Bank Offered Rate represents the rate at which most
creditworthy international banks dealing in Eurodollars charge each other
for large loans. Source: Bloomberg.
CUSTODIAN, ADMINISTRATOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
Sierra Administration is responsible for all administrative recordkeeping and
accounting services for the Trust. First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.
("First Data"), a subsidiary of First Data Corp., serves as sub-administrator
and transfer agent of the Trust. First Data is located at One Exchange Place,
53 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109-2873. On or about March 20, 1998,
Murphy Favre Securities Services, Inc. ("Murphy Favre"), an affiliate of
Composite, will become the transfer agent and administrator for the Fund, and
administrative services formerly provided by Sierra Fund Administration
Corporation will be provided by Murphy Favre.
LEGAL OPINIONS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares offered hereby have
been passed upon for the Fund by Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP.
EXPERTS
The financial statements included in the Statement of Additional Information,
have been so included in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent public accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts
in auditing and accounting.
-41-
<PAGE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information do not contain all of
the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Fund has filed
with the SEC. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC
upon payment of the fee prescribed by its Rules and Regulations.
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other documents referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance,
reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
The Table of Contents for the Statement of Additional Information is as follows:
<TABLE>
Page
----
<S> <C>
Investment Objective and Policies and Special Risk Factors................................... B-2
Investment Restrictions...................................................................... B-9
Officers and Trustees........................................................................ B-11
Portfolio Transactions....................................................................... B-14
Management of the Fund....................................................................... B-15
Net Asset Value.............................................................................. B-17
Determination of Performance................................................................. B-18
Taxation..................................................................................... B-20
Repurchase (Tender Offer) of Shares.......................................................... B-22
Independent Auditor's Report................................................................. FS-1
Financial Statements......................................................................... FS-2
</TABLE>
-42-
<PAGE>
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Sierra Prime Income Fund (the "Fund") is a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company whose investment objective is to provide Common
Shareholders with a high level of current income, consistent with preservation
of capital. This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus, but
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus for the Fund dated January 30,
1998 (the "Prospectus"). This Statement of Additional Information does not
include all information that a prospective investor should consider before
purchasing shares of the Fund, and investors should obtain and read the
Prospectus prior to purchasing shares. A copy of the Prospectus may be obtained
without charge, by calling 800-222-5852. This Statement of Additional
Information incorporates by reference the entire Prospectus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
----
<S> <C>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES AND SPECIAL RISK FACTORS... B-2
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS...................................... B-8
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS........................................ B-10
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS....................................... B-15
NET ASSET VALUE.............................................. B-18
DETERMINATION OF PERFORMANCE................................. B-19
TAXATION..................................................... B-21
REPURCHASE (TENDER OFFER) OF SHARES.......................... B-24
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT........ FS-1
</TABLE>
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit certain
information contained in the registration statement filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. (the "SEC"). These items may be
obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed or inspected at the
SEC's office at no charge.
This Statement of Additional Information is dated January 30, 1998.
B-1
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
AND SPECIAL RISK FACTORS
The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of current income,
consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund seeks to achieve its
objective through investment primarily in a professionally managed portfolio of
interests in floating or variable rate Senior Loans to Borrowers. Although the
Fund's net asset value will vary, the Fund's policy of acquiring interests in
floating or variable rate Senior Loans is expected to minimize the fluctuations
in the Fund's net asset value as a result of changes in interest rates. While
the Fund seeks relative share price (NAV) stability, its net asset value may be
affected by changes in the credit quality of Borrowers with respect to Senior
Loan interests in which the Fund invests. The Fund seeks to achieve over time a
high effective yield. An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all
investors and is not intended to be a complete investment program. No assurance
can be given that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Certain Characteristics of Senior Loan Interests
Senior Loans generally are arranged through private negotiations between a
Borrower and several financial institutions ("Lenders") represented in each case
by one or more such Lenders acting as agent ("Agent") of the several Lenders.
On behalf of the several Lenders, the Agent, which is frequently the commercial
bank or other entity that originates the Senior Loan and the person that invites
other parties to join the lending syndicate, will be primarily responsible for
negotiating the loan agreement or agreements ("Loan Agreement") that establish
the relative terms, conditions and rights of the Borrower and the several
Lenders. In larger transactions it is common to have several Agents; however,
generally only one such agent has primary responsibility for documentation and
administration of the Senior Loan. Agents are typically paid a fee or fees by
the Borrower for their services.
The Fund will invest in participations ("Participations") in Senior Loans, will
purchase assignments ("Assignments") of portions of Senior Loans from third
parties and may act as one of the group of Lenders originating a Senior Loan (an
"Original Lender").
It is anticipated that the proceeds of the Senior Loans in which the Fund will
acquire interests primarily will be used to finance leveraged buyouts,
recapitalizations, mergers, acquisitions, stock repurchases, and, to a lesser
extent, to finance internal growth and for other corporate purposes of
Borrowers. The Fund currently does not intend to acquire interests in Senior
Loans the proceeds of which would be used primarily to finance construction or
real estate development projects. Senior Loans have the most senior position in
a Borrower's capital structure, although some Senior Loans may hold an equal
ranking with other senior securities of the Borrower. The capital structure of
Borrowers may include Senior Loans, senior and junior subordinated debt (which
may include "junk bonds"), preferred stock and common stock issued by the
Borrower, typically in descending order of seniority with respect to claims on
the Borrower's assets. Senior Loans generally are secured by specific
collateral, which may include guarantees. In connection with the acquisition of
collateralized Senior Loans, the Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
Senior Loans which are not secured by any collateral. Such unsecured Senior
Loans would constitute an interim financing intended to be refinanced through,
in whole or in part, a collateralized Senior Loan. In the event that the Fund
invests a portion of its assets in Senior Loans that are not secured by specific
collateral, the Fund will not enjoy the benefits associated with
collateralization with respect to such Senior Loans and such Senior Loans may
pose a greater risk of nonpayment of interest or loss of principal than do
collateralized Senior Loans.
As discussed below, the Fund may also acquire warrants and equity securities
issued by the Borrower or its affiliates as part of a package of investments in
the Borrower or its affiliates. Warrants and equity securities will not be
treated as Senior Loans and thus assets invested in such securities will not
count toward the 80% of the Fund's total assets that normally will be invested
in Senior Loans. The Fund will acquire such interests in unsecured Senior
Loans, warrants and equity securities only as an incident to the intended
purchase of interests in collateralized Senior Loans. Loan Agreements may also
include various restrictive covenants designed to limit the activities of the
Borrower in an effort to protect the right of the Lenders to receive timely
payments of interest on
B-2
<PAGE>
and repayment of principal of the Senior Loans. In order to borrow money
pursuant to collateralized Senior Loans, a Borrower will frequently, for the
term of the Senior Loan, pledge as collateral assets, including but not limited
to, trademarks, accounts receivable, inventory, buildings, real estate,
franchises, and common and preferred stock in its subsidiaries. In addition, in
the case of some Senior Loans, there may be additional collateral pledged in the
form of guarantees by and/or securities of affiliates of the Borrowers. In
certain instances, a Senior Loan may be secured only by stock in the Borrower or
its subsidiaries. Such collateral may consist of assets that may not be readily
liquidated, and there is no assurance that the liquidation of such assets would
satisfy fully a Borrower's obligations under a Senior Loan.
Restrictive covenants may include mandatory prepayment provisions arising from
excess cash flows and typically include restrictions on dividend payments,
specific mandatory minimum financial ratios, limits on total debt and other
financial tests. Breach of such covenants, if not waived by the Lenders, is
generally an event of default under the applicable Loan Agreement and may give
the Lenders the right to accelerate principal and interest payments. The
Advisor will consider the terms of such restrictive covenants in deciding
whether to invest in Senior Loans for the Fund's portfolio. When the Fund holds
a Participation in a Senior Loan it may not have the right to vote to waive
enforcement of any restrictive covenant breached by a Borrower. Lenders voting
in connection with a potential waiver of a restrictive covenant may have
interests different from those of the Fund and such Lenders may not consider the
interests of the Fund in connection with their votes.
Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest generally pay interest at rates which
are periodically redetermined by reference to a base lending rate plus a
premium. As a result Lenders will pay more than the Prime Rate to the Fund on
their Senior Loans. These base lending rates are generally the Prime Rate,
LIBOR, the CD rate or other base lending rates used by commercial lenders. The
Prime Rate quoted by a major U.S. bank is the interest rate at which such bank
is willing to lend U.S. dollars to its most creditworthy borrowers. LIBOR, as
provided for in Loan Agreements, is an average of the interest rates quoted by
several designated banks as the rates at which such banks would offer to pay
interest to major financial institutional depositors in the London interbank
market on U.S. dollar-denominated deposits for a specified period of time. The
CD rate, as generally provided for in Loan Agreements, is the average rate paid
on large certificates of deposit traded in the secondary market.
At least 80% of the Fund's total assets normally will be invested in Senior
Loans. In normal market conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's assets will be
invested in Senior Loans which, at the time of the Fund's initial investment in
such Senior Loans, provide the Fund with a rate of return which approximates the
Prime Rate existing on the date of such initial investment. The Fund is not
subject to any restrictions with respect to the maturity of Senior Loans held in
its portfolio. It is currently anticipated that the Fund's assets invested in
Senior Loans will consist of Senior Loans with stated maturities of between
three and seven years, inclusive, and with rates of interest which are
periodically reset with reset periods typically ranging from 30 days to one
year. Investment in Senior Loans with longer interest rate redetermination
periods may increase fluctuations in the Fund's net asset value as a result of
changes in interest rates. The Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio will at all
times have a dollar-weighted average time until the next interest rate
redetermination of 90 days or less. As a result, as short-term interest rates
increase, interest payable to the Fund from its investments in Senior Loans
should increase, and as short-term interest rates decrease, interest payable to
the Fund from its investments in Senior Loans should decrease. The amount of
time required to pass before the Fund will realize the effects of changing
short-term market interest rates on its portfolio will vary with the dollar-
weighted average time until the next interest rate redetermination on the Senior
Loans in the Fund's portfolio. The Fund may utilize certain investment
practices to, among other things, shorten the effective interest rate
redetermination period of Senior Loans in its portfolio. In such event, the
Fund will consider such shortened period to be the interest rate redetermination
period of the Senior Loan; provided, however, that the Fund will not invest in
Senior Loans which permit the Borrower to select an interest rate
redetermination period in excess of one year. Because most Senior Loans in the
Fund's portfolio will be subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment and
there may be significant economic incentives for a Borrower to prepay its loans,
prepayments of Senior Loans in the Fund's portfolio may occur. Accordingly, the
actual remaining maturity of the Fund's portfolio invested in Senior Loans may
vary substantially from the average stated maturity of the Senior Loans held in
the Fund's portfolio. As a
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result of expected prepayments from time to time of Senior Loans in the Fund's
portfolio, the Fund estimates that the actual average maturity of the Senior
Loans held in its portfolio will be approximately 18-24 months.
When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio invested in fixed-rate
obligations can be expected to rise. Conversely, when interest rates rise, the
value of a portfolio invested in fixed-rate obligations can be expected to
decline. Although the Fund's net asset value will vary, the Fund's management
expects the Fund's policy of acquiring interests in floating or variable rate
Senior Loans to minimize fluctuations in net asset value as a result of changes
in interest rates. Accordingly, the Fund's management expects the value of the
Fund's portfolio to fluctuate significantly less than a portfolio of fixed-rate,
longer term obligations as a result of interest rate changes. However, changes
in prevailing interest rates can be expected to cause some fluctuation in the
Fund's net asset value. In addition to changes in interest rates, changes in
the credit quality of Borrowers will also affect the Fund's net asset value.
Further, a serious deterioration in the credit quality of a Borrower could cause
a prolonged or permanent decrease in the Fund's net asset value.
Senior Loans generally are not rated by nationally recognized statistical rating
organizations. Because of the collateralized and/or guaranteed nature of most
Senior Loans, the Fund and the Advisor believe that ratings of other securities
issued by a Borrower do not necessarily reflect adequately the relative quality
of a Borrower's Senior Loans. Therefore, although the Advisor may consider such
ratings in determining whether to invest in a particular Senior Loan, the
Advisor is not required to consider such ratings and such ratings will not be
the determinative factor in the Advisor's analysis. The Fund may invest in
Senior Loans, the Borrowers with respect to which have outstanding debt
securities which are rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized
statistical rating organization or are unrated but of comparable quality to such
securities. Such Borrowers are more likely to experience difficulty in meeting
payment obligations under such debt and other subordinated obligations. These
difficulties could detract from the Borrower's perceived creditworthiness or its
ability to obtain financing to cover short-term cash flow needs and may face the
Borrower into bankruptcy or other forms of credit restrictions. The Fund will
invest only in those Senior Loans with respect to which the Borrower, in the
opinion of the Advisor, demonstrates certain of the following characteristics:
sufficient cash flow to service debt; adequate liquidity, successful operating
history; strong competitive position; experienced management; and, with respect
to collateralized Senior Loans, collateral; coverage that equals or exceeds the
outstanding principal amount of the Senior Loan. In addition, the Advisor will
consider, and may rely in part, on the analyses performed by the Agent and other
Lenders, including such persons' determinations with respect to collateral
securing a Senior Loan.
The Fund may invest up to 100% of its assets in Participations. The selling
Lenders and other persons interpositioned between such Lenders and the Fund with
respect to such Participations will likely conduct their principal business
activities in the banking, finance and financial services industries. Although,
as discussed below, the Fund has taken measures which it believes significantly
reduce its exposure to any risks incident to such policy, the Fund may be more
susceptible than an investment company without such a policy to any single
economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting such industries. Persons
engaged in such industries may be more susceptible than are persons engaged in
some other industry to, among other things, fluctuations in interest rates,
changes in the Federal Open Market Committee's monetary policy, governmental
regulations concerning such industries and concerning capital raising activities
generally and fluctuations in the financial markets generally.
Participations by the Fund in a Lender's portion of a Senior Loan typically
result in the Fund having a contractual relationship only with such Lender, not
with the Borrower. The Fund has the right to receive payments of principal,
interest and any fees to which it is entitled only from the Lender selling the
Participation and only upon receipt by such Lender of such payments from the
Borrower. In connection with purchasing Participations, the Fund generally will
have no right to enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the Loan
Agreement, nor any rights with respect to any funds acquired by other Lenders
through set-off against the Borrower and the Fund may not directly benefit from
the collateral supporting the Senior Loan in which it has purchased the
Participation. As a result, the Fund may assume the credit risk of both the
Borrower and the Lender selling the
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Participation. In the event of the insolvency of the Lender selling a
Participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of such Lender, and
may not benefit from any set-off between such Lender and the Borrower. The Fund
has taken the following measures in an effort to minimize such risks. The Fund
will only acquire Participations if the Lender selling the Participation, and
any other persons interpositioned between the Fund and the Lender, (i) at the
time of investment has outstanding debt or deposit obligations rated investment
grade (BBB or A-3 or higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or Baa or
P-3 or higher by Moody's Investors Service ("Moody's")) or determined by the
Advisor to be of comparable quality and (ii) has entered into an agreement which
provides for the holding of assets in safekeeping for, or the prompt
disbursement of assets to, the Fund. Long-term debt rated BBB by S&P is regarded
by S&P as having adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal and debt
rated Baa by Moody's is regarded by Moody's as a medium grade obligation, i.e.,
it is neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Commercial paper rated A-1 by
S&P indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is considered
by S&P to be either overwhelming or very strong and issues of commercial paper
rated Prime-1 by Moody's are considered by Moody's to have a superior ability
for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. The Fund ordinarily will
purchase a Participation only if, at the time of such purchase, the Fund
believes that the party from whom it is purchasing such Participation is
retaining an interest in the underlying Senior Loan. In the event that the Fund
does not so believe, it will only purchase such a Participation if, in addition
to the requirements set forth above, the party from whom the Fund is purchasing
such Participation (i) is a bank, a member of a national securities exchange or
other entity designated in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as
qualified to serve as a custodian for a registered investment company and (ii)
has been approved as a custodian by the Board of Trustees of the Fund (a
"Designated Custodian").
The Fund may also purchase Assignments from Lenders. The purchaser of an
Assignment typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations under the Loan
Agreement of the assigning Lender and becomes a Lender under the Loan Agreement
with the same rights and obligations as the assigning Lender. Assignments are,
however, arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and
potential assignors, and the rights and obligations acquired by the purchaser of
an Assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the
assigning Lender.
When the Fund is an Original Lender originating a Senior Loan it may share in a
fee paid to the Original Lenders. The Fund will never act as the Agent or
principal negotiator or administrator of a Senior Loan. When the Fund is a
Lender, it will have a direct contractual relationship with the Borrower, may
enforce compliance by the Borrower with the terms of the Loan Agreement and may
have rights with respect to any funds acquired by other Lenders through set-off.
Lenders also have full voting and consent rights under the applicable Loan
Agreement. Action subject to Lender vote or consent generally requires the vote
or consent of the holders of some specified percentage of the outstanding
principal amount of the Senior Loan. Certain decisions, such as reducing the
amount or increasing the time for payment of interest on or repayment of
principal of a Senior Loan, or releasing collateral therefor, frequently require
the unanimous vote or consent of all Lenders affected. The composition of the
Fund's investment portfolio of Senior Loans may be affected by the Fund's
intention to qualify as a "regulated investment company" for federal income tax
purposes. See "Taxation."
The Fund will purchase an Assignment or act as a Lender with respect to a
syndicated Senior Loan only where the Agent with respect to such Senior Loan at
the time of investment has outstanding debt or deposit obligations rated
investment grade (BBB or A-3 or higher by S&P or Baa or P-3 or higher by
Moody's) or determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality. In addition,
the Fund will purchase a Participation only where the Lender selling such
Participation, and any other person interpositioned between such Lender and the
Fund at the time of investment have outstanding debt obligations rated
investment grade or determined by the Advisor to be of comparable quality.
Further, the Fund will not purchase interests in Senior Loans unless such Agent,
Lender or interpositioned person has entered into an agreement which provides
for the prompt disbursement of assets to the Fund.
Loan Agreements typically provide for the termination of the Agent's agency
status in the event that it fails to act as required under the relevant Loan
Agreement, becomes insolvent, enters FDIC receivership, or if not FDIC
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insured, enters into bankruptcy. Should such an Agent, Lender or assignor with
respect to an Assignment interpositioned between the Fund and the Borrower
become insolvent or enter FDIC receivership or bankruptcy, any interest in the
Senior Loan of such person and any loan payment held by such person for the
benefit of the Fund should not be included in such person's estate. If, however,
any such amount were included in such person's estate, the Fund would incur
certain costs and delays in realizing payment or could suffer a loss of
principal and/or interest. In such event, the Fund could experience a decrease
in net asset value.
The Fund may be required to pay and may receive various fees and commissions in
connection with purchasing, selling and holding interests in Senior Loans. The
fees normally paid by Borrowers may include three types: facility fees,
commitment fees and prepayment penalties. Facility fees are paid to Lenders
upon origination of a Senior Loan. Commitment fees are paid to Lenders on an
ongoing basis based upon the undrawn portion committed by the Lenders of the
underlying Senior Loan. Lenders may receive prepayment penalties when a
Borrower prepays all or part of a Senior Loan. The Fund will receive these fees
directly from the Borrower if the Fund is an Original Lender, or, in the case of
commitment fees and prepayment penalties, if the Fund acquires an interest in a
Senior Loan by way of Assignment. Whether or not the Fund receives a facility
fee from the Lender in the case of an Assignment, or any fees in the case of a
Participation, depends upon negotiations between the Fund and the Lender selling
such interests. When the Fund is an assignee, it may be required to pay a fee,
or forgo a portion of interest and any fees payable to it, to the Lender selling
the Assignment. Occasionally, the assignor will pay a fee to the assignee based
on the portion of the principal amount of the Senior Loan which is being
assigned. A Lender selling a Participation to the Fund may deduct a portion of
the interest and any fees payable to the Fund as an administrative fee prior to
payment thereof to the Fund. The Fund may be required to pay over or pass along
to a purchaser of an interest in a Senior Loan from the Fund a portion of any
fees that the Fund would otherwise be entitled to.
Pursuant to the relevant Loan Agreement, a Borrower may be required in certain
circumstances, and may have the option at any time, to prepay the principal
amount of a Senior Loan, often without incurring a prepayment penalty. Because
the interest rates on Senior Loans are periodically redetermined at relatively
short intervals, the Fund and the Advisor believe that the prepayment of, and
subsequent reinvestment by the Fund in, Senior Loans will not have a materially
adverse impact on the yield on the Fund's portfolio and may have a beneficial
impact on income due to receipt of prepayment penalties, if any, and any
facility fees earned in connection with reinvestment.
A Lender may have certain obligations pursuant to a Loan Agreement, which may
include the obligation to make additional loans in certain circumstances. The
Fund currently intends to reserve against such contingent obligations by
segregating sufficient investments in high quality short-term, liquid
investments. The Fund will not purchase interests in Senior Loans that would
require the Fund to make any such additional loans if such additional loan
commitments would exceed 20% of the Fund's total assets or would cause the Fund
to fail to meet the diversification requirements set forth under the heading
"Investment Restrictions."
During normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its total
assets in (i) high quality, short-term debt securities with remaining maturities
of one year or less (including assets maintained by the Fund as a reserve
against any additional loan commitments) and (ii) warrants, equity securities,
convertible debt securities and, in certain limited circumstances discussed
above, junior debt securities acquired in connection with the Fund's investments
in Senior Loans. If the Advisor determines that market conditions temporarily
warrant a defensive investment policy, the Fund may invest, subject to its
ability to liquidate its relatively illiquid portfolio of Senior Loans, up to
100% of its assets in cash and such high quality, short-term debt securities.
The Fund will acquire such warrants and equity securities only as an incident to
the purchase or intended purchase of interests in collateralized Senior Loans.
Warrants and equity securities will not qualify as assets required to be
maintained as a reserve against additional loan commitments. Although the Fund
generally will acquire interests in warrants and equity securities only when the
Advisor believes that the relative value being given by the Fund in exchange for
such interests is substantially outweighed by the potential value of such
instruments, investment in warrants and equity securities entail certain risks
in addition to those associated with investments in Senior Loans. Warrants
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and equity securities have a subordinate claim on a Borrower's assets as
compared with debt securities and junior debt securities have a subordinate
claim on such assets as compared with Senior Loans. As such, the values of
warrants and equity securities generally are more dependent on the financial
condition of the Borrower and less dependent on fluctuations in interest rates
than are the values of many debt securities. The values of warrants, equity
securities and junior debt securities may be more volatile than those of Senior
Loans and thus may have an adverse impact on the ability of the Fund to minimize
fluctuations in its net asset value.
Special Risk Considerations
On behalf of the several Lenders, the Agent generally will be required to
administer and manage the Senior Loan and, with respect to collateralized Senior
Loans, to service or monitor the collateral. In this connection, the valuation
of assets pledged as collateral will reflect market value and the Agent may rely
on independent appraisals as to the value of specific collateral. The Agent,
however, may not obtain an independent appraisal as to the value of assets
pledged as collateral in all cases. The Fund normally will rely primarily on
the Agent (where the Fund is an Original Lender or owns an Assignment) or the
selling Lender (where the Fund owns a Participation) to collect principal of and
interest on a Senior Loan. Furthermore, the Fund usually will rely on the Agent
(where the Fund is an Original Lender or owns an Assignment) or the selling
Lender (where the Fund owns a Participation) to monitor compliance by the
Borrower with the restrictive covenants in the Loan Agreement and notify the
Fund of any adverse change in the Borrower's financial condition or any
declaration of insolvency. Collateralized Senior Loans will frequently be
secured by all assets of the Borrower that qualify as collateral, which may
include common stock of the Borrower or its subsidiaries. Additionally, the
terms of the Loan Agreement may require the Borrower to pledge additional
collateral to secure the Senior Loan, and enable the Agent, upon proper
authorization of the Lenders, to take possession of and liquidate the collateral
and to distribute the liquidation proceeds pro rata among the Lenders. If the
terms of a Senior Loan do not require the Borrower to pledge additional
collateral in the event of a decline in the value of the original collateral,
the Fund will be exposed to the risk that the value of the collateral will not
at all times equal or exceed the amount of the Borrower's obligations under the
Senior Loan. Lenders that have sold Participation interests in such Senior Loan
will distribute liquidation proceeds received by the Lenders pro rata among the
holders of such Participations. The Advisor will also monitor these aspects of
the Fund's investments and, where the Fund is an Original Lender or owns an
Assignment, will be directly involved with the Agent and the other Lenders
regarding the exercise of credit remedies. Senior Loans, like other corporate
debt obligations, are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled interest
or principal. Such non-payment would result in a reduction of income to the
Fund, a reduction in the value of the Senior Loan experiencing non-payment and a
potential decrease in the net asset value of the Fund. Although, with respect
to collateralized Senior Loans, the Fund generally will invest only in Senior
Loans that the Advisor believes are secured by specific collateral which may
include guarantees, the value of which exceeds the principal amount of the
Senior Loan at the time of initial investment, there can be no assurance that
the liquidation of any such collateral would satisfy the Borrower's obligation
in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal payments, or that
such collateral could be readily liquidated. In the event of bankruptcy of a
Borrower, the Fund could experience delays or limitations with respect to its
ability to realize the benefits of the collateral securing a Senior Loan. To
the extent that a Senior Loan is collateralized by stock in the Borrower or its
subsidiaries, such stock may lose all or substantially all of its value in the
event of bankruptcy of the Borrower. The Agent generally is responsible for
determining that the Lenders have obtained a perfected security interest in the
collateral securing the Senior Loan. In the event that the Fund does not
believe that a perfected security interest has been obtained with respect to a
collateralized Senior Loan, the Fund will only obtain an interest in such Senior
Loan if the Agent is a Designated Custodian. Some Senior Loans in which the
Fund may invest are subject to the risk that a court, pursuant to fraudulent
conveyance or other similar laws, could subordinate such Senior Loans to
presently existing or future indebtedness of the Borrower or take other action
detrimental to the holders of Senior Loans, such as the Fund, including, under
certain circumstances, invalidating such Senior Loans. Lenders commonly have
certain obligations pursuant to the Loan Agreement, which may include the
obligation to make additional loans or release collateral in certain
circumstances.
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Senior Loans in which the Fund will invest generally will not be rated by a
nationally recognized statistical rating organization, will not be registered
with the SEC or any state securities commission and will not be listed on any
national securities exchange. Although the Fund will generally have access to
financial and other information made available to the Lenders in connection with
Senior Loans, the amount of public information available with respect to Senior
Loans will generally be less extensive than that available for rated, registered
and/or exchange listed securities. As a result, the performance of the Fund and
its ability to meet its investment objective is more dependent on the analytical
ability of the Advisor and Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc. (the
"Sub-Advisor" or "Van Kampen") than would be the case for an investment company
that invests primarily in rated, registered and/or exchange listed securities.
Senior Loans are, at present, not readily marketable and may be subject to
restrictions on resale. Interests in Senior Loans generally are not listed on
any national securities exchange or automated quotation system and no regular
market has developed for such interests. Any secondary market purchases and
sales of Senior Loans generally are conducted in private transactions between
buyers and sellers. Senior Loans are thus relatively illiquid, which
illiquidity may impair the Fund's ability to realize the full value of its
assets in the event of a voluntary or involuntary liquidation of such assets.
Liquidity relates to the ability of the Fund to sell an investment in a timely
manner. The market for relatively illiquid securities tends to be more volatile
than the market for more liquid securities. The Fund has no limitation on the
amount of its assets which may be invested in securities which are not readily
marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale. The substantial portion of
the Fund's assets invested in relatively illiquid Senior Loan interests may
restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose of its investments in Senior Loans
in a timely fashion and at a fair price, and could result in capital losses to
the Fund and holders of Common Shares. However, many of the Senior Loans in
which the Fund expects to purchase interests are of a relatively large principal
amount and are held by a relatively large number of owners which should, in the
Advisor's opinion, enhance the relative liquidity of such interests. The risks
associated with illiquidity are particularly acute in situations where the
Fund's operations require cash, such as when the Fund tenders for its Common
Shares, and may result in the Fund borrowing to meet short-term cash
requirements.
To the extent that legislation or state or federal regulators that regulate
certain financial institutions impose additional requirements or restrictions
with respect to the ability of such institutions to make loans in connection
with highly leveraged transactions, the availability of Senior Loan interests
for investment by the Fund may be adversely affected. In addition, such
requirements or restrictions may reduce or eliminate sources of financing for
certain Borrowers. Further, to the extent that legislation or federal or state
regulators that regulate certain financial institutions require such
institutions to dispose of Senior Loan interests relating to highly leveraged
transactions or subject such Senior Loan interests to increased regulatory
scrutiny, such financial institutions may determine to sell such Senior Loan
interests in a manner that results in a price which, in the opinion of the
Advisor, is not indicative of fair value. Were the Fund to attempt to sell a
Senior Loan interest at a time when a financial institution was engaging in such
a sale with respect to such Senior Loan interest, the price at which the Fund
could consummate such a sale might be adversely affected.
The Fund may use various investment practices that involve special
considerations including engaging in interest rate and other hedging
transactions, lending its portfolio securities, entering into when-issued and
delayed delivery transactions and entering into repurchase and reverse
repurchase agreements. For further discussion of these practices and associated
special considerations, see "Investment Practices and Special Risks" in the
Prospectus.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
The Fund's investment objective and the following investment restrictions are
fundamental and cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a
majority (defined as the lesser of (i) 67 percent or more of the voting
securities present at a meeting of shareholders, if the holders of more than 50
percent of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by proxy
at such meeting, or (ii) more than 50 percent of the outstanding voting
securities) of the Fund's outstanding Common Shares. All other investment
policies or practices are
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considered by the Fund not to be fundamental and accordingly may be changed
without shareholder approval. If a percentage restriction on investment or use
of assets set forth below is adhered to at the time a transaction is effected,
later changes in percentage resulting from changing market values will not be
considered a deviation from policy. In accordance with the foregoing, the Fund
may not:
1. Purchase any securities (other than obligations issued or guaranteed
by the United States Government or by its agencies or
instrumentalities), if as a result more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets would then be invested in securities of a single issuer or if
as a result the Fund would hold more than 10% of the outstanding
voting securities of any single issuer; provided that, with respect to
50% of the Fund's assets, the Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets
in the securities of any one issuer. For purposes of this
restriction, the term issuer includes both the Borrower under a Loan
Agreement and the Lender selling a Participation to the Fund together
with any other persons interpositioned between such Lender and the
Fund with respect to a Participation.
2. Purchase any security if, as a result of such purchase, more than 25%
of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value) would be invested
in the securities of Borrowers and other issuers having their
principal business activities in the same industry (the electric, gas,
water and telephone utility industries, commercial banks, thrift
institutions and finance companies being treated as separate
industries for purposes of this restriction); provided, that this
limitation shall not apply with respect to obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government or by its agencies or
instrumentalities.
3. Issue senior securities (including borrowing money or entering into
reverse repurchase agreements) in excess of 33 1/3% of its total
assets (including the amount of senior securities issued but excluding
any liabilities and indebtedness not constituting senior securities)
except that the Fund may borrow up to an additional 5% of its total
assets for temporary purposes, or pledge its assets other than to
secure such issuance or in connection with hedging transactions, when-
issued and delayed delivery transactions and similar investment
strategies.
4. Make loans of money or property to any person, except for obtaining
interests in Senior Loans in accordance with its investment objective,
through loans of portfolio securities or the acquisition of securities
subject to repurchase agreements.
5. Buy any security "on margin." Neither the deposit of initial or
variation margin in connection with hedging transactions nor short-
term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of such
transactions is considered the purchase of a security on margin.
6. Sell any security "short," write, purchase or sell puts, calls or
combinations thereof, or purchase or sell financial futures or
options, except to the extent that the hedging transactions in which
the Fund may engage would be deemed to be any of the foregoing
transactions.
7. Act as an underwriter of securities, except to the extent the Fund may
be deemed to be an underwriter in connection with the sale of or
granting of interests in Senior Loans or other securities acquired by
the Fund.
8. Make investments for the purpose of exercising control or
participation in management, except to the extent that exercise by the
Fund of its rights under Loan Agreements would be deemed to constitute
such control or participation.
9. Invest in securities of other investment companies, except as part of
a merger, consolidation or other acquisitions or pursuant to an order
granted by the Commission and in accordance with applicable law, to
the extent that deferred compensation of the Fund's trustees under the
Fund's
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deferred compensation plan for its trustees is valued in deferred fee
accounts by reference to a hypothetical investment in such other
investment companies. The Fund will rely on representations of
Borrowers in Loan Agreements in determining whether such Borrowers are
investment companies.
10. Buy or sell oil, gas or other mineral leases, rights or royalty
contracts except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights
under Loan Agreements. In addition, the Fund may purchase securities
of issuers which deal in, represent interests in or are secured by
interests in such leases, rights or contracts.
11. Purchase or sell real estate, commodities or commodities contracts
except pursuant to the exercise by the Fund of its rights under Loan
Agreements, except to the extent the interests in Senior Loans the
Fund may invest in are considered to be interests in real estate,
commodities or commodities contracts and except to the extent that
hedging instruments the Fund may invest in are considered to be
commodities or commodities contracts.
For purposes of investment restriction number 2, the Fund will consider all
relevant factors in determining whether to treat the Lender selling a
Participation and any persons interpositioned between such Lender and the Fund
as an issuer, including: the terms of the Loan Agreement and other relevant
agreements (including inter-creditor agreements and any agreements between such
person and the Fund's custodian); the credit quality of such Lender or
interpositioned person; general economic conditions applicable to such Lender or
interpositioned person; and other factors relating to the degree of credit risk,
if any, of such Lender or interpositioned person incurred by the Fund.
The Fund generally will not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose
of realizing short-term profits, but it will adjust its portfolio as it deems
advisable in view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions to accomplish
the Fund's investment objective. For example, the Fund may sell portfolio
securities in anticipation of a movement in interest rates. Frequency of
portfolio turnover will not be a limiting factor if the Fund considers it
advantageous to purchase or sell securities. The Fund anticipates that the
annual portfolio turnover rate of the Fund will not be in excess of 100%. A
high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater expenses than a
lower rate, which expenses must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. High
portfolio turnover also may result in the realization of substantial net short-
term capital gains.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The names of the Trustees and executive officers of the Fund, together with
information as to their principal business occupations, are set forth below.
The executive officers of the Fund are employees of organizations that provide
services to the Fund. Each Trustee who is an "interested person" of the
Company, as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"Investment Company Act"), is indicated by an asterisk.
B-10
<PAGE>
Trustees:
David E. Anderson
Retired, Former President & CEO
GTE California, Inc.
17960 Seabreeze Drive
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Mr. Anderson is retired. He was formerly President and Chief Executive
Officer of GTE California, Inc. from 1979 to 1988.
Wayne L. Attwood, M.D.
Retired Physician
2931 S. Howard
Spokane, Washington 99203
Dr. Attwood is a retired doctor of internal medicine and gastroenterology
in Spokane, Washington.
Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq.
President
Bancorp Capital Group, Inc.
11661 San Vicente Blvd., #701
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Mr. Bernstein is President of Bancorp Capital Group, Inc. and President of
Bancorp Venture Capital, Inc. since 1988.
Kristianne Blake
President, Kristianne Gates Blake, PS
705 W. 7th, Suite D
Spokane, Washington 99204
Mrs. Blake is President of Kristianne Gates Blake, PS, an accounting
services firm specializing in personal financial planning and tax
planning.
Edmond R. Davis, Esq.
Partner
Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison
550 South Hope Street, 21st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071-2604
Mr. Davis is a partner of Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison. He joined the firm
as a Partner in 1987 and is responsible for estate planning, and trusts and
estate matters in the Los Angeles office.
B-11
<PAGE>
John W. English
Retired, former Vice President & Chief Investment Officer
Ford Foundation
50 H New England Ave.
P.O. Box 640
Summit, NJ 07902-0640
Mr. English is retired. He was formerly Vice President and Chief
Investment Officer of the Ford Foundation (a non-profit charitable
organization) from 1981 to 1993. He is Chairman of the Board and Director
of The China Fund, Inc. (a closed-end mutual fund) since 1993 and Director
of The Northern Fund Company's Benchmark Funds (an open-end mutual fund)
since 1994.
Anne V. Farrell*
President and CEO, The Seattle Foundation
425 Pike Street, Suite 510
Seattle, Washington 98101
Mrs. Farrell is President and CEO of The Seattle Foundation (a charitable
foundation). In addition, she serves as a director of Washington Mutual,
Inc.
Michael K. Murphy*
Chairman and CEO, CPM Development Corporation
P.O. Box 3366
Spokane, Washington 99220-3366
Mr. Murphy is Chairman and CEO of CPM Development Corporation (a holding
company which includes Central Pre-Mix Concrete Company). In addition, he
serves as a director of Washington Mutual, Inc.
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D.
Professor, The Anderson School at
University of California at Los Angeles
110 Westwood Plaza, Suite C305
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1481
Dr. Osborne is a University professor, researcher and administrator at UCLA
since 1972. He is a Director of Times Mirror Company, United States Filter
Corporation, Nordstrom, Inc. and Greyhound Lines, Inc. He is an independent
general partner of Technology Funding Venture Partners V and former
Governor of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
William G. Papesh*
President, Composite Research and Management Co.
601 Main Avenue, Suite 801
Spokane, WA 99201
Mr. Papesh is President and a Director of Composite and Murphey Favre
Securities Services, Inc. (soon to become the transfer agent of the fund)
and an executive vice president and a director of Composite Funds
Distributor, Inc.
B-12
<PAGE>
Daniel L. Pavelich
Chairman and CEO of BDO Seidman
Two Prudential Plaza
180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 4300
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Mr. Pavelich is Chairman and CEO of BDO Seidman, a leading national
accounting and consulting firm.
Jay Rockey
Chairman and CEO of The Rockey Company
2121 - Fifth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98121
Mr. Rockey is Chairman and CEO of The Rockey Company (a regional public
relations firm).
Richard C. Yancey
Senior Adviser to Dillon, Read & Co., Inc.
535 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10022
Mr. Yancey is senior advisor to Dillon, Read & Co., Inc. (a registered
broker-dealer and investment banking firm), New York, New York.
Officers:
Keith B. Pipes, President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Pipes is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Capital
Management Corporation and is responsible for its general accounting,
financial planning, compliance administration and systems development. He
joined Great Western Bank in 1983 as Manager of Strategic Planning for the
Bank and later served as product manager for the Bank's savings products
before joining GW Securities in 1986. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Pipes
served as Senior Planning Analyst in the Mergers and Acquisitions
Department of Mattel Corporation.
Craig M. Miller, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Mr. Miller joined Great Western Investment Management Corporation in July
1993. He currently acts as Vice President and Controller of Sierra Capital
Management Corporation. Prior thereto, he acted as Audit Manager for
Coopers & Lybrand LLP.
Michael D. Goth, Senior Vice President
Since January 1991, Mr. Goth has served as Chief Operating Officer and
Portfolio Manager of Sierra Investment Advisors Corporation ("Sierra
Advisors"). Prior to joining Great Western, Mr. Goth worked for 2-1/2
years as a senior manager of Transfer Agent operations at The Shareholder
Services Group, Inc. ("TSSG") and The Boston Company. In addition, Mr.
Goth has 10 years experience as executive vice president of the GIT mutual
fund group, responsible for most aspects of that fund group, including
investments. Other experience includes 4 years as a corporate banking
officer at Citibank and 1-1/2 years in investment banking with Drexel
Firestone.
B-13
<PAGE>
Stephen C. Scott, Senior Vice President
Mr. Scott joined GW Securities in August 1988 to form GW Advisors, now
known as Sierra Advisors, and currently serves as the President and Chief
Investment Officer of Sierra Advisors. Prior to joining GW Securities, he
served as President and Chairman of SDS Investment Advisors, a firm he
founded in which he developed asset allocation technology. Previously, he
served as President and Chairman of Smathers and Co., an investment
advisory firm. For nine years, he served as the Senior Pension Investment
Consultant for the Group Pension Investment Division of Equitable Life
Insurance responsible for their major corporate clients. Mr. Scott has
served as a member on Board of Directors of several corporations and
private organizations. For 17 years, Mr. Scott has served as a Trustee on
the Long Beach State University Foundation and currently chairs the
Investment Committee.
Richard W. Grant, Secretary
Mr. Grant has been a Partner in the firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
since 1989.
Darren S. Kishimoto, Assistant Secretary
Mr. Kishimoto has served as Fund Administration Manager, Sierra Fund
Administration Corporation since 1994. He was Senior Fund Administrator
from 1992 to 1994.
Bradley F. Hersh, Assistant Treasurer
Mr. Hersh has served as Finance Manager, Sierra Fund Administration
Corporation since 1996. He was a Senior Financial Analyst with GW
Securities from 1991 to 1995.
Each of the Trustees of the Trust is also a trustee of Sierra Trust Funds
("STF"), Sierra Asset Management Portfolios ("SAMP") and Sierra Variable Trust
("SVT"). Each of STF, SVT and SAMP is an investment company advised by
Composite.
The address of each officer of the Trust other than Mr. Grant is 9301 Corbin
Avenue, Suite 333, Northridge, California 91324. Mr. Grant's address is Morgan,
Lewis & Bockius, LLP, 2000 One Logan Square, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-
1993.
Each Trustee who is not an "interested person" within the meaning of the 1940
Act ("Disinterested Trustee") receives an aggregate annual fee (plus
reimbursement for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with
his or her attendance at Board and committee meetings) from the Fund and all of
the trusts in the Fund Complex for which he or she serves. The Fund pays each
Trustee who is not a director, officer or employee of Washington Mutual, Sierra
Investment Services Corporation ("Sierra Services"), Sierra Advisors, Composite,
Van Kampen or First Data Investor Services Group, Inc., or any of their
affiliates, $5,000 per annum plus $1,000 per board meeting attended, $750 per
Audit and/or Nominating Committee meeting attended, and reimbursement for travel
and out-of-pocket expenses. Since December 1996, the Chairman has received one
and a half times the normal Trustee's compensation. The Chairman of the Audit
Committee receives $1,500 per Audit Committee meeting attended. Officers of the
Fund receive no direct remuneration from the Fund for serving in such capacity.
Officers of the Fund who are employees of Sierra Advisors or its affiliates may
be considered to have received remuneration indirectly.
Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the SEC, the Fund's eligible Trustees
may participate in a deferred compensation plan (the "Plan") which may be
terminated at any time. Under the Plan, Trustees may elect to defer receipt of
all or a portion of their fees which, in accordance with the Plan, may be
invested in shares of funds in the Sierra Fund Complex. Upon termination of the
Plan, Trustees that have deferred amounts under the Plan will be paid benefits
no later than the time the payments would otherwise have been made without
regard to
B-14
<PAGE>
such termination. All benefits provided under the Plan are funded and any
payments to Plan participant are paid solely out of the Fund's assets.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
With respect to interests in Senior Loans, the Fund generally will engage in
privately negotiated transactions for purchase or sale in which the Sub-Advisor
will negotiate on behalf of the Fund. The Fund may be required to pay fees, or
forgo a portion of interest and any fees payable to the Fund, to the Lender
selling Participations or Assignments to the Fund. The Sub-Advisor will
determine the Lenders from whom the Fund will purchase Assignments and
Participations by considering their professional ability, level of service,
relationship with the Borrower, financial condition, credit standards and
quality of management. Although the Fund intends generally to hold interests in
Senior Loans until maturity or prepayment of the Senior Loan, the illiquidity of
Senior Loans may restrict the ability of the Sub-Advisor to locate in a timely
manner persons willing to purchase the Fund's interests in Senior Loans at a
fair price should the Fund desire to sell such interests. See "Investment
Objective and Policies."
With respect to investments other than in Senior Loans, the Sub-Advisor will
place orders for portfolio transactions for the Fund with broker-dealer firms
giving consideration to the quality, quantity and nature of each firm's
professional services. These services include execution, clearance procedures,
wire service quotations and statistical and other research information provided
to the Fund, Sub-Advisor, including quotations necessary to determine the value
of the Fund's net assets. Any research benefits so obtained are available for
all clients of the Sub-Advisor. Because statistical and other research
information only supplements the research efforts of the Sub-Advisor and still
must be analyzed and reviewed by its staff, the receipt of research information
is not expected to reduce materially its expenses. In selecting among the firms
believed to meet the criteria for handling a particular transaction, the Sub-
Advisor may take into consideration the fact that certain firms have sold the
Common Shares of the Fund and that certain firms provide market, statistical or
other research information to the Fund, Advisor and Sub-Advisor and may select
firms that are affiliated with the Fund, the Advisor, the Sub-Advisor, Sierra
Investment Services Corporation, Composite Funds Distributor, Inc., Great
Western Financial Corporation or Washington Mutual, Inc.
If it is believed to be in the best interest of the Fund, the Sub-Advisor may
place portfolio transactions with brokers who provide the types of services
described above, even if the Fund will have to pay a higher commission (or, if
the broker's profit is part of the cost of the security, will have to pay a
higher price for the security) than would be the case if the Sub-Advisor did not
consider the broker's furnishing of such services. This will be done, however,
only if, in the opinion of the Sub-Advisor, the amount of additional commission
or increased cost is reasonable in relation to the value of the services.
If purchases or sales of financial instruments for the Fund and for one or more
other investment companies or clients advised by the Sub-Advisor are considered
at or about the same time, transactions in such financial instruments will be
allocated among the several investment companies and clients, in a manner deemed
equitable by the Sub-Advisor, to each such investment company or client, taking
into account their respective sizes and the aggregate amount of financial
instruments to be purchased or sold. Although in some cases this procedure could
have a detrimental effect on the price paid by the Fund for the financial
instrument or the volume of the financial instrument purchased by the Fund, the
ability to participate in volume transactions and to negotiate lower
commissions, fees and expenses possibly could benefit the Fund.
Although the Sub-Advisor will be responsible for the management of the Fund's
portfolio, the policies and practices in this regard must be consistent with the
foregoing and will be subject at all times to review by the Advisor and Trustees
of the Fund. The Fund anticipates that the annual portfolio turnover rate will
not exceed 100%.
B-15
<PAGE>
The Trustees have adopted certain policies incorporating the standards of Rule
17e-1 issued by the SEC under the 1940 Act, which requires that the commissions
paid to affiliates of the Fund, or to affiliates of such persons, be reasonable
and fair compared to the commissions, fees or other remuneration received or to
be received by other brokers in connection with comparable transactions
involving similar financial instruments during a comparable period of time. The
rule and procedures also contain review requirements and require the Advisor and
Sub-Advisor to furnish reports to the Trustees and to maintain records in
connection with such reviews. After review of all factors deemed relevant, the
Trustees will consider from time to time whether the advisory fee will be
reduced by all or a portion of the brokerage commissions given to brokers that
are affiliated with the Fund.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the management of the business and
affairs of the Trust as provided in the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts and the Trust's Declaration of Trust and By-Laws. The Trustees
are experienced business persons who meet several times during the year to
oversee the Trust's activities, review contractual arrangements with companies
that provide services to the Trust, and review performance. The majority of the
Trustees are not otherwise affiliated with the Advisor or the Sub-Advisor.
Investment Management
Investment Advisor. Until on or about March 20, 1998, Sierra Advisors (where
applicable, the "Advisor"), 9301 Corbin Avenue, Northridge, California 91324, is
the Investment Advisor to the Trust. Sierra Advisors is an indirect wholly-
owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, and has general oversight responsibility
for the investment advisory services provided to the Funds. Responsibilities of
Sierra Advisors include formulating the Fund's investment policies, analyzing
economic trends affecting the Fund, and directing and evaluating the investment
services provided by the Sub-Advisor, including their adherence to the Fund's
investment objectives and policies and the Fund's investment performance. In
particular, the Advisor with the oversight of the Board of Trustees may accept
or reject portfolio selections and pricing determinations of Van Kampen. In
connection with these activities, Sierra Advisors may initiate action to change
the Sub-Advisor if it deems such action to be in the best interest of the
shareholders. Sierra Advisors is registered as an investment advisor under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
On or about March 20, 1998, Composite Research and Management Co. ("Composite"
or, when applicable, the "Advisor"), 1201 Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington
98101 will be the Investment Advisor to the Trust. Composite is a subsidiary of
Washington Mutual, Inc. ("Washington Mutual") and has general oversight
responsibility for the investment advisory services provided to the Fund.
Responsibilities of Composite include formulating the Fund's investment
policies, analyzing economic trends affecting the Fund, and directing and
evaluating the investment services provided by the Sub-Advisor, including their
adherence to the Fund's investment objectives and policies and the Fund's
investment performance. In particular, the Advisor with the oversight of the
Board of Trustees may accept or reject portfolio selections and pricing
determinations of Van Kampen. In connection with these activities, Composite
may initiate action to change the Sub-Advisor if it deems such action to be in
the best interest of the shareholders. Composite is registered as an investment
advisor under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
Investment Advisory Agreement. The business and affairs of the Fund are managed
under the direction of the Fund's Board of Trustees. Subject to their
authority, the Advisor and the Fund's officers supervise and implement the
Fund's investment activities and are responsible for overall management of the
Fund's business affairs. Each of the investment advisory agreement between
Sierra Advisors and the Fund and between Composite and the Fund (in each case,
the "Advisory Agreement") provides that the Advisor will supply investment
research and portfolio management, including the selection of securities for the
Fund to purchase,
B-16
<PAGE>
hold, or sell and the selection of brokers through whom the Fund's portfolio
transactions are executed. The Advisor also furnishes offices, necessary
facilities and equipment and permits its officers and employees to serve without
compensation as Trustees and officers of the Fund if duly elected to such
positions.
The Advisory Agreement provides that the Advisor shall not be liable for any
error of judgment or of law, or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection
with the matters to which the Advisory Agreement relates, except a loss
resulting from willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of
the Advisor in the performance of its obligations and duties or by reason of its
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under the Advisory Agreement.
For the services provided by the Advisor under the Advisory Agreement, the Fund
pays the Advisor an annualized fee (accrued daily and paid monthly) equal to
0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Fund (which, for purposes of
determining such fee, shall mean the average daily value of the total assets of
the Fund minus the sum of the accrued liabilities of the Fund other than the
aggregate amount of any borrowings undertaken by the Fund). The advisory fee, is
higher than the fees paid by most management investment companies, although it
is comparable to the fees paid by several publicly offered, closed-end
management investment companies with investment objectives and policies similar
to those of the Fund.
Sub-Advisor. In accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies
and under the supervision of the Advisor and the Trust's Board of Trustees, the
Fund's Sub-Advisor is responsible for the day-to-day investment management of
the Fund, makes investment decisions for the Fund and places orders on behalf of
the Fund to effect the investment decisions made. Jeffrey W. Maillet, a Senior
Vice President of Van Kampen, is the portfolio manager for the Fund. Mr.
Maillet has been responsible for the day-to-day management of the Van Kampen
American Capital Prime Rate Income Trust since such Fund's commencement of
investment operations, and has been employed by Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp., a sister affiliate of Van Kampen since 1989. Van
Kampen is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Discover &
Co.
Fund Expenses
In addition to investment advisory and certain administrative expenses incurred
by the Administrator (which is Sierra Fund Administration Corporation until
March 20, 1998, and thereafter Murphey Favre Securities Services, Inc.), the
Fund pays all expenses not assumed by the Advisor. Such expenses include or
could include investment-related expenses, such as brokers' commissions,
transfer taxes and fees related to the purchase, sale, or loan of securities;
fees and expenses for Trustees not affiliated with the Advisor or the Sub-
Advisor; fees and expenses of its independent auditors and legal counsel; costs
of Trustee and shareholder meetings; SEC fees; expenses of preparing and filing
registration statements; the cost of the printing and mailing to existing
shareholders of proxy statements, prospectuses and statements of additional
information; proxy solicitors' fees; expenses of preparation, printing and
mailing to shareholders of semi-annual shareholder reports; bank transaction
charges and certain custodians' fees and expenses; federal, state or local
income or other taxes; costs of maintaining the Trust's corporate existence;
membership fees for the Investment Company Institute and similar organizations;
fidelity bond and Trustees' liability insurance premiums; and any extraordinary
expenses such as indemnification payments or damages awarded in litigation or
settlements made. All these expenses will be passed on to the shareholders
through a daily charge made to the assets held in the Funds, which will be
reflected in share prices.
Distributor
Until on or about March 20, 1998, Sierra Investment Services Corporation
("SISC") will be the distributor of the Fund's shares on a best efforts basis.
SISC is located at 9301 Corbin Avenue, Northridge, California 91324. SISC, as
principal underwriter and distributors will bear all of the Fund's marketing
expenses. This includes the
B-17
<PAGE>
cost of reproducing prospectuses, statements of additional information or any
other Trust documents (such as semi-annual reports) used as sales materials.
Effective on or about March 20, 1998, Composite Funds Distributor, Inc. ("CFD")
will become the distributor of the Fund's shares on a best efforts basis. CFD
is located at 6501 W. Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. CFD, as principal
underwriter and distributors, will bear all of the Fund's marketing expenses.
This includes the cost of reproducing prospectuses, statements of additional
information or any other Trust documents (such as semi-annual reports) used as
sales materials.
Administration
Until on or about March 20, 1998, Sierra Fund Administration Corporation will
serve as the Administrator of the Fund; thereafter Murphy Favre Securities
Services, Inc. ("Murphy Favre") is expected to serve as the Administrator. The
following provisions will apply in either case.
Subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, the Administrator is
responsible for all administrative and recordkeeping functions of the Fund. It
provides office facilities and supplies; provides clerical, executive,
accounting and administrative services; prepares reports to shareholders and
filings with regulatory authorities; prepares materials for the Board of
Trustees meetings; computes and pays dividends to shareholders; and provides
securities accounting and calculates net assets. Pursuant to the terms of the
Administration Agreement, the Administrator has delegated certain of these
functions to State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"). In addition,
the Administrator acts as the Fund's transfer and dividend paying agent and has
delegated certain of these functions to First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.
("First Data"). The Administrator is also a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Washington Mutual.
For its services, the Administrator is paid a monthly fee at an effective annual
rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average net assets. The Administrator pays State
Street a fee based on the average daily assets of the Fund and its expenses as
well as basic fees and charges for custody services. The Administrator also
pays First Data a fee for certain transfer agency services. The Administrator
may voluntarily waive fees payable to it and reimburse expenses from time to
time.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of the Fund's Common Shares is determined by
calculating the total value of the Fund's assets, deducting its total
liabilities, and dividing the result by the number of Common Shares outstanding.
The net asset value will be computed on each business day as of the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange, normally 4:00 p.m. Eastern
standard time. The Fund reserves the right to calculate the net asset value
more frequently if deemed desirable.
The value of the Fund's portfolio will be determined by the Advisor, following
guidelines established and periodically reviewed by the Trustees. Interests in
Senior Loans will be valued by the Advisor on behalf of the Fund based on the
recommendations provided by the Sub-Advisor. Said recommendation of the Sub-
Advisor may either be accepted or rejected by the Advisor upon the advice and
consent of the Board of Trustees. Senior Loan evaluations will be based on
market quotations and transactions in instruments which the Advisor believes may
be comparable to Senior Loan interests with respect to the following
characteristics: credit quality, interest rate, interest rate redetermination
period and maturity. Such instruments may include commercial paper, negotiable
certificates of deposit and short-term variable rate securities which have
adjustment periods comparable to the Senior Loan interests in the Fund's
portfolio. In determining the relationship between such instruments and the
Senior Loan interests in the Fund's portfolio, the Advisor will consider on an
ongoing basis, among other factors, (i) the creditworthiness of the Borrower and
(ii) the current interest rate, the period until next interest rate
redetermination and maturity of such Senior Loan interests. It is expected that
the Fund's net asset value will fluctuate as a function of interest rate and
credit factors. Because of the short-term nature of such instruments,
B-18
<PAGE>
however, the Fund's net asset value is expected to fluctuate less in response to
changes in interest rates than the net asset values of investment companies with
portfolios consisting primarily of fixed-income or longer term securities. The
Advisor believes that Lenders selling Senior Loan interests or otherwise
involved in a Senior Loan transaction may tend, in valuing Senior Loan interests
for their own account, to be less sensitive to interest rate and credit quality
changes and, accordingly, the Advisor does not intend to rely solely on such
valuations in valuing the Senior Loan interests for the Fund's account. In
addition, because a secondary trading market in Senior Loans has not yet fully
developed, in valuing Senior Loans, the Advisor may not rely solely on but may
consider, to the extent the Advisor believes such information to be reliable,
prices or quotations provided by banks, dealers or pricing services with respect
to secondary market transactions in Senior Loans. To the extent that an active
secondary market in Senior Loan interests develops to a reliable degree, the
Advisor may rely to an increasing extent on such market prices and quotations in
valuing the Senior Loan interests in the Fund's portfolio. In light of the
senior nature of Senior Loan interests included in the Fund's portfolio and
taking into account the Fund's access to non-public information with respect to
Borrowers relating to such Senior Loan interests, the Advisor does not currently
believe that consideration on a systematic basis of ratings provided by any
nationally recognized statistical rating organization or price fluctuations with
respect to long- or short-term debt of such Borrowers subordinate to the Senior
Loans of such Borrowers is necessary for the determination of the value of such
Senior Loan interests. Accordingly, the Advisor generally does not
systematically consider (but may consider in certain instances) and, in any
event, does not rely upon such ratings or price fluctuations in determining the
value of Senior Loan interests in the Fund's portfolio.
Other portfolio securities (other than short-term obligations, but including
listed issues) may be valued on the basis of prices furnished by one or more
pricing services which determine prices for normal, institutional-size trading
units of such securities using market information, transactions for comparable
securities and various relationships between securities which are generally
recognized by institutional traders. In certain circumstances, portfolio
securities will be valued at the last sale price on the exchange that is the
primary market for such securities, or the last quoted bid price for those
securities for which the over-the-counter market is the primary market or for
listed securities in which there were no sales during the day. The value of
interest rate swaps will be determined in accordance with a discounted present
value formula and then confirmed by obtaining a bank quotation.
Short-term obligations which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized
cost, if their original term to maturity when acquired by the Fund was 60 days
or less, or are valued at amortized cost using their value on the 61st day prior
to maturity, if their original term to maturity when acquired by the Fund was
more than 60 days, unless in each case this is determined not to represent fair
value. Repurchase agreements will be valued at cost plus accrued interest.
Securities for which there exist no price quotations or valuations and all other
assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or on behalf of
the Trustees.
DETERMINATION OF PERFORMANCE
From time to time, the Fund may quote the performance of its Class A Common
Shares in terms of yield, actual distributions, total return or capital
appreciation in reports or other communications to shareholders or in
advertising material.
The Fund may quote a 30-day yield figure (the "SEC Yield") which is calculated
according to a formula prescribed by the SEC. The formula can be expressed as
follows:
YIELD = 2[(a-b + 1)(to the sixth power) - 1]
---
cd
Where: a = dividends and interest earned during the period.
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursement).
B-19
<PAGE>
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding
during the period that were entitled to receive
dividends.
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last
day of the period.
For the purpose of determining the interest earned (variable "a" in the formula)
on debt obligations that were purchased by the Fund at a discount or premium,
the formula generally calls for amortization of the discount or premium; the
amortization schedule will be adjusted monthly to reflect changes in the market
values of the debt obligations.
The Fund may also quote a 30-day yield based on actual distributions during a
30-day period that is computed by dividing the net investment income per share
earned by the Fund during the period by the maximum Public Offering Price per
share on the last day of the 30-day period. This income is "annualized" by
assuming that the amount of income is generated each month over a one-year
period and is compounded semiannually. The annualized income is then shown as a
percentage of the maximum Public Offering Price. In addition, the Bond Funds
may advertise a similar 30-day yield computed in the same manner except that the
NAV per share is used in place of the Public Offering Price per share.
Capital appreciation for the Class A Common Shares of the Fund shows principal
changes for the period indicated, and total return combines principal changes
and dividend and interest income reinvested for the periods indicated.
Principal changes are based on the difference between the beginning and closing
net asset values for the period. Actual distributions include short-term
capital gains derived from option writing or other sources. The period selected
for performance data will depend upon the purpose of reporting the performance.
The total return of the Class A Common Shares may be calculated on an "average
annual total return" basis, and may also be calculated on an "aggregate total
return" basis, for various periods. Average annual total return reflects the
average annual percentage change in the value of an investment in a Fund over
the particular measuring period. Aggregate total return reflects the cumulative
percentage change in value over the measuring period. Average annual total
return figures provided for the Class A Common Shares will be computed according
to a formula prescribed by the SEC. The formula can be expressed as follows:
P(1+T)/n/ = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T = average annual total return/aggregate total return
n = number of years
ERV = Ending Redeemable Value of a hypothetical $1,000
payment made at the beginning of the 1, 5 or 10
years (or other) periods or the life of the Fund
The formula for calculating aggregate total return can be expressed as
follows:
Aggregate Total Return = [ (ERV) - 1 ]
-------------
P
The calculation of average annual total return and aggregate total return
assumes reinvestment of all income dividends and capital gain distributions on
the reinvestment dates during the period and includes all recurring fees charged
to all shareholder accounts. In addition, with respect to the Class A Common
Shares, the maximum 4.5% sales charge is deducted from the initial $1,000
payment (variable "P" in the formula).
B-20
<PAGE>
The ERV assumes complete redemption of the hypothetical investment at the end of
the measuring period and reflects deduction of all nonrecurring charges at the
end of the measuring period covered by the computation. A Fund's net investment
income changes in response to fluctuations in interest rates and the expenses of
the Fund.
The performance of a the Class A Common Shares will vary from time to time
depending upon market conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and
the Fund's operating expenses. Consequently, any given performance quotation
should not be considered representative of the Fund's performance for any
specified period in the future. In addition, because performance will
fluctuate, it may not provide a basis for comparing an investment in a Fund with
certain bank deposits or other investments that pay a fixed yield or return for
a stated period of time.
Investors should recognize that, because the Fund will have a high component of
variable and floating corporate loans, yields will change in response to the
perceived creditworthiness of the corporate issuers backing such loans. In
addition, the trend in interest rates will also have an impact on the Fund's
yield, although it will be noticeably smaller as compared to the
creditworthiness of corporate issuers. Accordingly, in periods of declining
interest rates the yield of the Fund will tend to be somewhat higher than
prevailing market rates, and in periods of rising interest rates yields will
tend to be somewhat lower. Comparative performance information may be used from
time to time in advertising the Class A Common Shares, including data from
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and other industry publications providing a
comparison of short-term money market rates.
TAXATION
The following federal income tax discussion reflects applicable tax laws as of
the date of this Statement of Additional Information.
Federal Taxation
The Fund intends to qualify each year and to elect to be treated as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). To qualify as a regulated investment company, the Fund
must, among other things: (a) derive at least 90% of its gross income from
dividends, interest, payments with respect to loans of securities and gains from
the sale or other disposition of securities or certain other related income; and
(b) diversify its holdings so that at the end of each quarter of the Fund's
taxable year (i) at least 50% of the value of the Fund's assets is represented
by cash, U.S. government securities, securities of other regulated investment
companies, and other securities which, with respect to any one issuer, do not
represent more than 5% of the value of the Fund's assets or more than 10% of the
voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not more than 25% of the value of the
Fund's assets is invested in the securities (other than U.S. government
securities or the securities of other regulated investment companies) of any one
issuer or of two or more issuers which the Fund controls and which are engaged
in the same, similar or related trades or businesses. The Fund's ability to
satisfy these tests may limit the precise composition of the Fund's portfolio of
Senior Loans and any collateral it may receive on default of a Senior Loan.
If the Fund so qualifies and distributes each year to its Shareholders at least
90% of its net investment income (including among other things, interest and net
short-term capital gain, but not net capital gains, which are the excess of net
long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses), in each year, it
will not be required to pay federal income taxes on any income distributed to
Shareholders. The Fund intends to distribute at least the minimum amount of net
investment income necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement. The
Fund also will not be subject to federal income tax on any net capital gains
distributed to Shareholders. As a Massachusetts business trust, the Fund will
not be subject to any excise
B-21
<PAGE>
or income taxes in Massachusetts as long as it qualifies as a regulated
investment company for federal income tax purposes.
In order to avoid a 4% excise tax, the Fund will be required to distribute, by
December 31 of each year, at least 98% of its ordinary income for such year and
at least 98% of its capital gain net income (the latter of which generally is
computed on the basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year),
plus any amounts that were not distributed in previous taxable years. For
purposes of the excise tax, any ordinary income or capital gain net income
retained by, and subject to federal income tax in the hands of, the Fund will be
treated as having been distributed.
If the Fund failed to qualify as a regulated investment company or failed to
satisfy the 90% distribution requirement in any taxable year, the Fund would be
taxed as an ordinary corporation on its taxable income (even if such income was
distributed to its Shareholders) and all distributions out of earnings and
profits would be taxed to Shareholders as ordinary income. In addition, the
Fund could be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial taxes and
interest and make substantial distributions before requalifying as a regulated
investment company that is accorded special tax treatment.
Some of the Fund's investment practices are subject to special provisions of the
Code that, among other things, may defer the use of certain losses of the Fund
and affect the holding period of the securities held by the Fund and the
character of the gains or losses realized by the Fund. These provisions may
also require the Fund to mark-to-market some of the positions in its portfolio
(i.e., treat them as if they were closed out), which may cause the Fund to
recognize income without receiving cash with which to make distributions in
amounts necessary to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and the
distribution requirements for avoiding income and excise taxes. The Fund will
monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections in order to mitigate
the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the Fund as a
regulated investment company.
Investments of the Fund in securities issued at a discount or providing for
deferred interest or payment of interest in kind are subject to special tax
rules that will affect the amount, timing and character of distributions to
Shareholders. For example, with respect to certain securities issued at a
discount, the Fund will be required to accrue as income each year a portion of
the discount and to distribute such income each year in order to maintain its
qualification as a regulated investment company and to avoid income and excise
taxes. In order to generate sufficient cash to make distributions necessary to
satisfy the 90% distribution requirement and to avoid income and excise taxes,
the Fund may have to dispose of securities that it would otherwise have
continued to hold.
Income from investments in foreign securities received by the Fund may be
subject to withholding or other taxes imposed by foreign countries and U.S.
possessions. Such taxes will not be deductible or creditable by shareholders.
Distributions
Distributions of the Fund's net investment income are taxable to Common
Shareholders as ordinary income, whether paid in cash or reinvested in
additional Common Shares. Distributions of the Fund's net capital gains
("capital gains dividends"), if any, designated by the Fund as deriving from net
gains on securities held for more than one year but not more than 18 months are
taxable to Common Shareholders at a maximum 28% capital gains tax rate, and
capital gains dividends, if any, deriving from net gains on securities held for
more than 18 months are generally taxable to Common Shareholders at a maximum
20% capital gains tax rate (10% for shareholders in the 15% tax bracket),
regardless of the length of time Shares of the Fund have been held by such
Common Shareholders. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits
will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's Common Shares and, after
such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to
such holder (assuming such Common
B-22
<PAGE>
Shares are held as a capital asset). It is not expected that any portion of the
distributions from the Fund will be eligible for the dividends received
deduction for corporations. The Fund will inform Shareholders of the source and
tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
Common Shareholders receiving distributions in the form of additional Common
Shares issued by the Fund will be treated for federal income tax purposes as
receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the
Common Shares received, determined as of the distribution date. The basis of
such Common Shares will equal the fair market value on the distribution date.
Although dividends generally will be treated as distributed when paid, dividends
declared in October, November or December, payable to Shareholders of record on
a specified date in such a month and paid during January of the following year
will be treated as having been distributed by the Fund and received by the
Shareholders on the December 31 prior to the date of payment. In addition,
certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the Fund
may be "spilled back" and treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of
the 4% excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, Shareholders will be
treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the
distribution was actually made.
The Fund is required, in certain circumstances, to withhold 31% of taxable
dividends and certain other payments, including redemptions, paid to Common
Shareholders who do not furnish to the Fund their correct taxpayer
identification number (in the case of individuals, their social security number)
and certain required certifications or who are otherwise subject to backup
withholding.
Sale of Shares
Except as discussed below, selling Common Shareholders will generally recognize
gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between their adjusted tax
basis in the Common Shares and the amount received. If such Common Shares are
held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss and
will be a "28% Rate Gain", subject to a maximum 28% capital gains tax rate, if
such Common Shares have been held for more than one year but not more than 18
months, and a "20% Rate Gain", generally subject to a maximum 20% capital gains
tax rate (10% for shareholders in the 15% tax bracket), if the shares have been
held for more than 18 months. Any loss realized upon a taxable disposition of
Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital
loss to the extent of any capital gains dividends received with respect to such
Common Shares. For purposes of determining whether Common Shares have been held
for six months or less, the holding period is suspended for any periods during
which the Common Shareholder's risk of loss is diminished as a result of holding
one or more other positions in substantially similar or related property or
through certain options or short sales.
If the Fund makes a tender offer for its Common Shares (see "Repurchase (Tender
Offer) of Shares"), a Shareholder who tenders all Common Shares will realize a
taxable gain or loss under the above rules. Shareholders who do not tender their
Common Shares pursuant to the offer should not realize any taxable income
provided that tendering Shareholders tender all Common Shares owned by them. If
tendering Shareholders tender fewer than all Common Shares owned by them and if
the distribution to such Shareholders does not otherwise qualify as an exchange
under Section 302 of the Code, the proceeds received upon tender would be
treated as a dividend in whole or in part or a return of capital or capital
gain, depending on the Fund's earnings and profits and the Shareholder's basis
in the tendered shares. In that case, it is possible, although the Fund
believes it is unlikely, that non-tendering Shareholders may be deemed to have
received a distribution under Section 305 of the Code which may be taxable to
non-tendering Shareholders in whole or in part. The federal income tax
consequences of the repurchase of Common Shares pursuant to tender offers will
be disclosed in the related offering documents.
B-23
<PAGE>
General
The federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information
only. Prospective investors should consult their advisors regarding the
specific federal tax consequences of holding and disposing of Common Shares, as
well as the effects of state, local and foreign tax laws and any proposed tax
law changes.
REPURCHASE (TENDER OFFER) OF SHARES
Commencement by the Fund of a tender offer during a period in which it is
simultaneously engaged in the continuous offering of its Common Shares may be a
violation of rules promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934. The Fund has received an exemption from the SEC that permits the Fund to
make tender offers for its Common Shares while simultaneously engaged in the
continuous offering of its Common Shares. No assurance can be given that the
Fund will be able to maintain such exemption indefinitely. If the Board of
Trustees of the Fund authorizes a tender offer when the Fund is unable to rely
on its exemption, the Fund intends to suspend the continuous offering of its
Common Shares during the term of such tender offer.
Even if a tender offer has been made, it is the policy of the Fund (which may be
changed by the Trustees) that it cannot accept tenders if (1) in the sole and
exclusive judgment of the Trustees, there is not sufficient liquidity of the
assets of the Fund; (2) such transactions, if consummated, would (a) impair the
Fund's status as a regulated investment company under the Code (which would make
the Fund a taxable entity, causing the Fund's taxable income to be taxed at the
Fund level, as more fully described in "Taxation") or (b) result in a failure to
comply with applicable asset coverage requirements; or (3) there is, in the
Board of Trustees' judgment, any (a) material legal action or proceeding
instituted or threatened challenging such transactions or otherwise materially
adversely affecting the Fund, (b) suspension of or limitation on prices for
trading securities generally on any United States national securities exchange
or in the over-the-counter market, (c) declaration of a banking moratorium by
federal or state authorities or any suspension of payment by banks in the United
States or New York State, (d) limitation affecting the Fund or the issuers of
its portfolio securities imposed by federal or state authorities on the
extension of credit by lending institutions, (e) commencement of war, armed
hostilities or other international or national calamity directly or indirectly
involving the United States or (f) other event or condition which would have a
material adverse effect on the Fund or the holders of its Common Shares if
Common Shares were repurchased. The Trustees may modify these conditions in
light of experience.
Under the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund cannot accept tenders or effect
repurchases of the Common Shares if, after deducting the amount of the purchase
or tender price, the Fund's total assets, less all liabilities or indebtedness
of the Fund, would fall below 200% of the aggregate liquidation value of the
Preferred Shares, if applicable. In addition, the Fund may be precluded from
accepting tenders or effecting repurchases at any time dividends on the
Preferred Shares, if outstanding, are in arrears. Any tender offer made by the
Fund for its Common Shares will be at a price equal to the net asset value of
the Common Shares determined at the close of business on the day the offer ends.
During the pendency of any tender offer by the Fund, the Fund will calculate
daily the net asset value of the Common Shares and will establish procedures
which will be specified in the tender offer documents, to enable Common
Shareholders to ascertain readily such net asset value. The relative
illiquidity of some of the Fund's portfolio securities could adversely impact
the Fund's ability to calculate net asset value in connection with
determinations of pricing for tender offers, if any. Each offer will be made
and Common Shareholders notified in accordance with the requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the 1940 Act, either by
publication or mailing or both. Each offering document will
B-24
<PAGE>
contain such information as is prescribed by such laws and the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder.
Tendered Common Shares that have been accepted and repurchased by the Fund will
be held in treasury and may be retired by the Board of Trustees. Treasury
Common Shares will be recorded and reported as an offset to Shareholders' equity
and accordingly will reduce the Fund's total assets. If Treasury Common Shares
are retired, Common Shares issued and outstanding and capital in excess of par
value will be reduced accordingly.
If the Fund must liquidate portfolio securities in order to repurchase Common
Shares tendered, the Fund may realize gains and losses.
Exchange Privilege
The Fund may make available to tendering shareholders the privilege of
exchanging Class A Common Shares of the Fund at net asset value for Class A
Shares of all portfolios of the Sierra Trust Funds ("Sierra Trust"), an open-end
investment company managed by the Advisor. A shareholder would be entitled to
exchange all or part of their Class A Common Shares of the Fund for Class A
shares of Sierra Trust. If the shares acquired in the exchange are subject to a
higher sales load, a sales load may be charged in an amount up to the difference
between the sales load previously paid and the initial sales load applicable to
the shares of the fund being acquired. See "Repurchase of Shares -- Exchange
Privilege" in the Prospectus for information regarding the application of sales
charges to certain exchanges. Shareholders of the Sierra Trust Funds may
exchange their Class A Shares for the Class A Common Shares of the Fund. If the
Class A Common Shares acquired in the exchange are subject to a higher sales
load, a sales load may be charged in an amount up to the difference between the
sales load previously paid and the initial sales load applicable to the Class A
Common Shares of the Fund being acquired. See "Reduced Sales Charge at Purchase
- -- Exchange Privilege" in the Prospectus.
An exchange of shares is treated for federal income tax purposes as a redemption
(sale) of shares given in exchange by the shareholder, and an exchanging
shareholder may, therefore, realize a taxable gain or loss in connection with
the exchange. See discussion of "Taxation" in the Statement of Additional
Information. Upon 60 days prior written notice to shareholders, the exchange
privilege may be modified or terminated and the Fund may impose a charge of up
to $5 for exchanges.
Shareholders of the Fund are entitled to exchange their shares for shares of the
Funds of Sierra Trust or Sierra Asset Management Portfolios only during the
tender offer period. The exchange privilege enables a shareholder to acquire
the Class A shares in Sierra Trust or Sierra Asset Management Portfolios with
different investment objectives or policies when the shareholder believes that a
shift between funds is an appropriate investment decision. This privilege is
available to shareholders residing in any state in which shares of the Funds
being acquired may legally be sold.
Upon receipt of proper instructions and all necessary supporting documents,
shares submitted for exchange are redeemed at the then-current net asset value
and the proceeds are immediately invested, at a price as described above, in the
same class of shares of the Fund being acquired. The Company reserved the right
to reject any exchange request.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
For purposes of these provisions, a 5%-or-greater holder of Common Shares (a
"Principal Shareholder") refers to any person who, whether directly or
indirectly and whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates,
beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding Common Shares of the Fund. The
transactions subject to these special approval requirements are: (i) the merger
or consolidation of the
B-25
<PAGE>
Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder; (ii)
the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder for
cash; (iii) the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the
assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an
aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose
of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series of
similar transactions within a twelve-month period); or (iv) the sale, lease or
exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary thereof, in exchange for securities of
the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an
aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the
purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series
of similar transactions within a twelve-month period).
The Board of Trustees has determined that the voting requirements described
above, which are greater than the minimum requirements under Massachusetts law
or the 1940 Act, are in the best interests of shareholders generally. Reference
should be made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the SEC for the full
text of these provisions.
B-26
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The following are the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended September
30, 1997 of the Fund and the report of the Independent Auditors, Price
Waterhouse LLP, dated October 31, 1997.
FS-1
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
September 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
<S> <C>
Investments, at value (Cost $8,324,315) (Note 2)
See portfolio of investments.................... $8,325,766
Cash.............................................. 13,082
Interest receivable............................... 29,408
Unamortized organization costs (Note 7)........... 164,945
Receivable from investment advisor (Note 3)....... 9,491
Other assets...................................... 891
----------
Total Assets.................................... 8,543,583
----------
LIABILITIES
Deferred facility fees (Note 2)................... 1,090
Dividends payable................................. 23,472
Administration fee payable (Note 3)............... 1,727
Accrued legal..................................... 21,000
Accrued audit fees................................ 32,000
Accrued Trustees' fees and expenses............... 18,485
Accrued expenses and other payables (Note 3)...... 21,514
----------
Total Liabilities............................... 119,288
----------
NET ASSETS........................................ $8,424,295
==========
NET ASSETS consist of:
Paid in capital................................... 8,417,012
Undistributed net investment income............... 5,305
Accumulated net realized gain on investments...... 527
Net unrealized appreciation of investments........ 1,451
----------
NET ASSETS...................................... $8,424,295
==========
Class A Common Shares Outstanding................. 842,216
==========
Net asset value per share of beneficial
interest outstanding*........................... $10.00
==========
Maximum sales charge.............................. 4.5%
Maximum offering price per share of
beneficial interest outstanding ($10.00/0.955).. $10.47
==========
</TABLE>
- ----------------------------
* Redemption price per share is equal to Net Asset Value less any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-2
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Statement of Operations
Year ended September 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
<S> <C>
Interest................................................ $ 758,883
Fees.................................................... 9,725
---------
Total Investment Income................................ 768,608
---------
EXPENSES:
Investment advisory fee (Note 3)........................ 102,711
Administration fee (Note 3)............................. 27,029
Audit fees.............................................. 34,000
Legal fees.............................................. 97,883
Tender offer expenses................................... 47,890
Trustees' fees and expenses (Note 3).................... 75,407
Registration and filing fees............................ 4,375
Amortization of organization costs...................... 48,836
Printing and postage.................................... 45,770
Other................................................... 8,877
---------
Subtotal............................................... 492,778
Fees waived and expenses absorbed
by investment advisor (Note 3)......................... (492,778)
---------
Total expenses......................................... 0
---------
NET INVESTMENT INCOME................................... 768,608
---------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN/(LOSS)
ON INVESTMENTS (Notes 2 and 4):
Realized gain from investment transactions.............. 527
Net change in unrealized depreciation of securities..... (4,866)
---------
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments.. (4,339)
---------
NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS.............................. $ 764,269
=========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-3
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Period
Ended Ended
September 30, 1997 September 30, 1996*
------------------ -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net investment income....................... $ 768,608 $ 416,342
Realized gain from investment transactions.. 527 0
Net change in unrealized appreciation/
(depreciation) of securities............... (4,866) 6,317
----------- -----------
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations................................. 764,269 422,659
----------- -----------
Distributions to shareholders from net
investment income:
Class A Common Shares.................... (768,608) (416,342)
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets from
Fund share transactions:
Class A Common Shares.................... (4,104,901) 12,427,218
----------- -----------
Net increase/(decrease) in net assets.... (4,109,240) 12,433,535
----------- -----------
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year........................... 12,533,535 100,000
----------- -----------
End of year................................. $ 8,424,295 $12,533,535
(includes undistributed net investment =========== ===========
income of $5,305 and $845, respectively)
CAPITAL STOCK ACTIVITY:
AMOUNT
Sold...................................... $ 507,414 $12,610,620
Issued as reinvestment of dividends....... 425,453 255,107
Repurchased............................... (5,037,768) (438,509)
Net increase/(decrease)................... $(4,104,901) $12,427,218
SHARES
Sold...................................... 50,711 1,261,061
Issued as reinvestment of dividends....... 42,537 25,490
Repurchased............................... (503,732) (43,851)
----------- -----------
Net increase/(decrease)................... (410,484) 1,242,700
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
- -----------------------------------
* Sierra Prime Income Fund commenced operations on February 16, 1996.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-4
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Statement of Cash Flows
Year ended September 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Interest income received (excluding net amortization of
discount of $246,287).................................. $ 538,126
Fee income received..................................... 4,211
Reimbursement of operating expenses..................... 85,934
Proceeds from sales of long-term securities............. 3,927,608
Purchases of long-term securities....................... (1,025,217)
Net proceeds from short-term investments................ 1,361,287
-----------
Cash provided by operating activities...................... $ 4,891,949
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shares sold............................... 510,287
Payments on shares repurchased.......................... (5,037,768)
Distributions paid*..................................... (347,916)
Due to Custodian........................................ (3,470)
-----------
Cash used for financing activities......................... (4,878,867)
-----------
Increase in cash........................................... 13,082
Cash at beginning of period................................ 0
-----------
Cash at end of period...................................... $ 13,082
===========
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM
OPERATIONS TO CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase in net assets resulting from
operations.............................................. $ 764,269
Decrease in investments**............................. $ 4,019,343
Decrease in interest receivable....................... 25,530
Decrease in receivable for investment
securities sold...................................... 2,387
Decrease in unamortized organization costs............ 48,836
Decrease in other assets.............................. 18,989
Increase in accrued expenses.......................... 18,109
Decrease in deferred facility fees.................... (5,514)
-----------
Total adjustments..................................... 4,127,680
-----------
Cash provided by operating activities...................... $ 4,891,949
===========
</TABLE>
- --------------------------
* Non cash activities include reinvestment of dividends of $425,453
** Includes unrealized appreciation of $1,451.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-5
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Financial Highlights
For a Fund share outstanding throughout the period
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Period
Ended Ended
September 30, 1997 September 30, 1996*
------------------ ------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period..................... $ 10.01 $ 10.00
------- -------
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income.................................... .71 .40
Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments... (.01) .01
------- -------
Total from investment operations......................... .70 .41
------- -------
Less distributions:
Dividends from net investment income..................... (.71) (.40)
------- -------
Total distributions...................................... (.71) (.40)
------- -------
Net asset value, end of period........................... $ 10.00 $ 10.01
======= =======
Total return +........................................... 7.25% 4.19%
======= =======
Ratios to average net assets/supplemental data:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's)..................... $ 8,424 $12,534
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets........ 0.00% 0.00% **
Ratio of net investment income to average net assets..... 7.11% 6.72% **
Portfolio turnover rate.................................. 17% 44%
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets
without fees waived and expenses absorbed by investment
advisor................................................. 4.56% 4.75% **
Net investment income per share without fees waived
and expenses absorbed by investment advisor............. $ 0.26 $ 0.12
</TABLE>
* Sierra Prime Income Fund commenced operations on February 16, 1996.
** Annualized.
+ Total return represents aggregate total return for the period indicated.
The total return would have been lower if certain fees and expenses had not
been waived and absorbed by the investment advisor.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-6
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Portfolio of Investments
September 30, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal Loan Stated
Amount Borrower Rate* Type Maturity** Value
--------- -------- ----- ---- ---------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SENIOR LOANS--43.1%
Broadcasting--9.1%
$ 764,115 Benedek Broadcasting Corporation 10.125% Term 05/01/2001 $ 764,550
----------
Cable--3.9%
328,555 Marcus Cable Operating Company, L.P. 6.791 Term 12/31/2002 328,555
----------
Entertainment--8.7%
307,500 AMF Group, Inc. 8.188 Term 03/31/2001 307,500
424,528 AMF Group, Inc. 8.563 Term 03/31/2003 424,528
----------
732,028
----------
Food & Beverages--4.5%
378,200 Stroh Brewery Company 8.250 Term 06/30/2001 378,920
----------
----
Food Stores--4.7%
400,000 Carr-Gottstein Foods 8.792 Term 12/31/2002 399,978
----------
----
Healthcare--4.2%
355,410 Merit Behavioral Care Corporation 7.734 Term 03/11/2007 355,375
----------
Paper--8.0%
153,266 Jefferson Smurfit Corporation 8.188 Term 04/30/2001 153,269
117,741 Stone Container Corporation 8.813 Term 04/01/2000 117,741
400,000 Stone Container Corporation 9.063 Term 10/01/2003 400,350
----------
671,360
Total Senior Loan Interests (cost $3,629,315) 3,630,766
----------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES--55.7% (cost $4,695,000)
4,695,000 Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB)
6.000%, due 10/01/1997................ 4,695,000
----------
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (Cost $8,324,315+) 98.8% 8,325,766
OTHER ASSETS AND LIABILITIES (Net).................. 1.2 98,529
----- ----------
NET ASSETS.......................................... 100.0% $8,424,295
===== ==========
</TABLE>
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-7
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
September 30, 1997
* Senior loans in which the Sierra Prime Income Fund invests generally pay
interest at rates which are periodically redetermined by reference to a base
lending rate plus a premium. These base lending rates are generally (i) the
prime rate offered by one or more major United States banks; (ii) the lending
rate offered by one or more major European banks, such as the London Inter-Bank
Offered Rate (LIBOR); or (iii) the certificate of deposit ratio. Senior loans
are generally considered to be restricted in that the Fund ordinarily is
contractually obligated to receive approval from the Agent Bank and/or borrower
prior to the disposition of a senior loan. Within each loan there may be
different rates due to different reset dates. The rates disclosed for each loan
are the weighted average coupon rates as of September 30, 1997.
** Senior loans in the Sierra Prime Income Fund's portfolio generally are
subject to mandatory and/or optional prepayment. Because of these mandatory
prepayment conditions and because there may be significant economic incentives
for a Borrower to prepay, prepayments of senior loans in the Fund's portfolio
may occur. As a result, the actual remaining maturity of senior loans held in
the Fund's portfolio may be substantially less than the stated maturities shown.
Although the Fund is unable to accurately estimate the actual remaining maturity
of individual senior loans, the Fund estimates that the actual average maturity
of the senior loans held in its portfolio will be approximately 18-24 months.
+ At September 30, 1997, the aggregate cost for federal tax purposes was
$8,324,315. The gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there
is an excess of value over tax cost and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation
for all securities in which there is an excess of tax cost over value were
$1,530 and $79, respectively.
See Notes to Financial Statements.
FS-8
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Notes to Financial Statements
1. Organization and Business
Sierra Prime Income Fund (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act"), as a non-diversified, closed-end
management investment company. The Fund was organized as a Massachusetts
business trust on October 4, 1995. During the period October 4, 1995 to
February 15, 1996, the Fund had no operations other than those related to
organizational matters, including the initial capital contribution of $100,000
and the issuance of 10,000 shares of beneficial interest to Sierra Fund
Administration Corporation.
The Trustees of the Fund authorized an unlimited number of Common Shares with
separate classes of beneficial interest. Currently there are only Class A
Common Shares. Shares are continuously offered at a price equal to the next
determined net asset value ("NAV") per share plus a maximum sales charge based
on a determined schedule.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual
results could differ from those estimates. The following is a summary of
significant accounting policies consistently followed by the Sierra Prime Income
Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Portfolio Valuation:
Senior Loans are not actively traded in a public market. Sierra Investment
Advisors Corporation (the "Advisor"), and Van Kampen American Capital Management
Inc. (the "Sub-Advisor"), following procedures established by the Fund's Board
of Trustees, value the Senior Loan interests held by the Fund at fair value. In
valuing a Senior Loan interest, the Advisor and Sub-Advisor consider relevant
factors, data and information, including: (i) the characteristics of and
fundamental analytical data relating to the Senior Loan, including the cost,
size, current interest rate, period until next interest rate reset, maturity and
base lending rate of the Senior Loan interest, the terms and conditions of the
Senior Loan and any related agreements, and the position of the Senior Loan in
the Borrower's debt structure; (ii) the nature, adequacy and value of the
collateral, including the Fund's rights, remedies and interests with respect to
the collateral; (iii) the creditworthiness of the Borrower's business, cash
flows, capital structure and future prospects; (iv) information relating to the
market for Senior Loans, including price quotations for (if considered reliable)
and trading in Senior Loans and interests in similar Loans; (v) the reputation
and financial condition of the Agent and any Intermediate Participants in the
Senior Loans; and (vi) general economic and market conditions affecting the fair
value of Senior Loans.
Other Fund holdings (other than short term obligations, but including listed
issues) are valued on the basis of prices furnished by one or more pricing
services which determine prices for normal, institutional-size trading units of
such securities using market information, transactions for comparable securities
and various relationships between securities which are generally recognized by
institutional traders. In certain circumstances, portfolio securities will be
valued at the last sale price on the exchange that is the primary market for
such securities, or the average of the last quoted bid price and asked price for
those securities for which the over-the-counter market is the primary market or
for listed securities in which there were no sales during the day.
FS-9
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
Short-term obligations which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized
cost, if their original term to maturity when acquired by the Fund was 60 days
or less, or are valued at amortized cost using their value on the 61st day prior
to maturity, if their original term to maturity when acquired by the Fund was
more than 60 days, unless in each case this is determined not to represent fair
value. Repurchase agreements will be valued by the Fund at cost plus accrued
interest. Securities for which there exist no price quotations or valuations
and all other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or
on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
Illiquid Investments:
Senior Loans in which the Fund invests presently are not readily marketable and
may be subject to restrictions on resale. Interests in Senior Loans generally
are not listed on any national securities exchange or automated quotation system
and no regular market has developed for such interests. Although interests in
Senior Loans are traded among certain financial institutions in private
transactions between buyers and sellers these loans continue to be considered
illiquid. Senior Loans' illiquidity may impair the Fund's ability to realize
the full value of its assets in the event of a voluntary or involuntary
liquidation of such assets. Liquidity relates to the ability of the Fund to
sell an investment in a timely manner. The market for relatively illiquid
securities tends to be more volatile than the market for more liquid securities.
The Fund has no limitation on the amount of its assets which may be invested in
securities which are not readily marketable or are subject to restriction on
resale. The substantial portion of the Fund's assets invested in relatively
illiquid Senior Loan interests may restrict the ability of the Fund to dispose
of its investments in Senior Loans in a timely fashion and at a fair price, and
could result in capital losses to the Fund and holders of Common Shares.
However, many of the Senior Loans in which the Fund invests are of a relatively
large principal amount and are held by a relatively large number of owners which
should, in the Advisor's opinion, enhance the relative liquidity of such
interests. The risks associated with illiquidity are particularly acute in
situations where the Fund's operations require cash, such as when the Fund
tenders (Note 5) for its Common Shares and may result in the Fund borrowing to
meet short-term cash requirements.
Cash Flow Information:
The cash amount in the Statement of Cash Flows is the amount reported in the
Statement of Assets and Liabilities and does not include any short-term
investments at September 30, 1997. The Fund issues its shares, invests in
securities, and makes distributions from net investment income and net capital
gains (which are either paid in cash or reinvested at the discretion of
shareholders). These activities are reported in the Statement of Changes in Net
Assets. Information on cash receipts and payments is presented in the Statement
of Cash Flows.
Repurchase Agreements:
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements (a purchase of, and a simultaneous
commitment to resell, a financial instrument at an agreed upon price on an
agreed upon date) only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System and
member firms of the New York Stock Exchange. When participating in repurchase
agreements, the Fund buys securities from a vendor (e.g., a bank or brokerage
firm) with the agreement that the vendor will repurchase the securities at a
higher price at a later date. Such transactions afford an opportunity for the
Fund to earn a return on available cash at minimal market risk, although the
Fund may be subject to various delays and risks of loss if the vendor is unable
to meet its obligation to repurchase. Under the 1940 Act, repurchase agreements
are deemed to be collateralized loans of money by the Fund to the seller. In
evaluating whether to enter into a repurchase agreement, the Advisor will
consider carefully the creditworthiness of the vendor. If the member bank or
member firm that is the party to the repurchase agreement petitions for
bankruptcy or otherwise becomes subject to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, the law
regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. The securities underlying a
repurchase agreement will be marked to market every business day so that the
value of the collateral is at least equal to the value of the loan, including
the accrued interest thereon, and the Advisor will monitor the value or the
collateral. No specific limitations exists as to the percentage of the Fund's
assets which may be used to participate in repurchase agreements.
FS-10
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
Securities Transactions and Investment Income:
Securities transactions are recorded on trade date (the date the order to buy or
sell is executed). Realized gains and losses from securities sold are recorded
on the identified cost basis. Income is recorded on the accrual basis and
consists of interest accrued and discount earned less premiums amortized.
Facility fees are received upon the purchase of a new loan and are recognized as
income ratably over the expected life of the loan. The deferred facility fees
are the "unearned" portion of these facility fees. The Fund may purchase and
sell interest in Senior Loans and other portfolio securities on a "when issued"
and "delayed delivery" basis. No income accrues to the Fund on such interests
or securities in connection with such purchase transactions prior to the date
the Fund actually takes delivery of such interest or securities. When the Fund
is the buyer in such a transaction, however, it will maintain, in a segregated
account with its custodian, cash or high-grade portfolio securities having an
aggregate value equal to the amount of such purchase commitments until payment
is made.
Dividends and Distributions to Shareholders:
The Fund's policy is to declare daily and pay monthly distributions to holders
of Class A Common Shares of substantially all net investment income of the Fund.
Distributions of any net long-term capital gains earned by the Fund are made
annually. Distributions of any net short-term capital gains earned by the Fund
are distributed no less frequently than annually at the discretion of the Board
of Trustees. Additional distributions of net investment income and capital
gains for the Fund may be made at the discretion of the Board of Trustees in
order to avoid the application of a 4% non-deductible excise tax on certain
undistributed amounts of ordinary income and capital gains. Income
distributions and capital gain distributions are determined in accordance with
income tax regulations which may differ from generally accepted accounting
principles. These differences are primarily due to differing treatments of
income and gains on various investment securities held by the Fund, timing
differences and differing characterization of distributions made by the Fund.
For the year ended September 30, 1997, permanent differences resulting from book
and tax accounting for organizational costs were reclassified causing a decrease
of $4,460 to paid-in capital and an increase to undistributed net investment
income for the same amount.
Federal Income Taxes:
It is the Fund's policy to qualify as a regulated investment company by
complying with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, applicable to regulated investment companies and by, among other
things, distributing substantially all of its taxable earnings to its
shareholders. Therefore, no Federal income tax provision is required.
3. Investment Advisory, Sub-Advisory, Administration Fees and Other
Transactions
On July 1, 1997, GWFC, the indirect parent of Sierra Advisors, the Fund's
current investment advisor, and Washington Mutual, Inc. ("WAMU"), a publicly-
held financial services company, consummated a previously announced Agreement
and Plan of Merger resulting in the merger of GWFC with and into a wholly owned
subsidiary of WAMU (the "Merger"). As a result of the Merger, Sierra Advisors
and its affiliates are now indirect subsidiaries of WAMU.
FS-11
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
Sierra Advisors, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of WAMU, is the Fund's
investment advisor. Sierra Advisors is entitled to a monthly fee at an annual
rate of 0.95% of the average daily net assets of the Fund. These fees were
$102,711 for the year ended September 30, 1997 and have been voluntarily waived
by Sierra Advisors. Sierra Advisors pays a monthly fee at an annual rate of
0.475% to Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc. for services rendered as
the Sub-Advisor.
Sierra Fund Administration Corporation ("Sierra Administration") is the Fund's
administrator. Sierra Administration receives a monthly fee at an annual rate of
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets and the Fund pays First Data
Investor Services Group, Inc. ("First Data") directly for all transfer agent
services. The Administration fees for the year ended September 30, 1997 were
$27,029. Sierra Administration pays State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State
Street") for certain administrative and custodial services. The Fund pays for
the sub-administrator and custodial out-of pocket expenses.
The compensation of the officers and Trustees who are interested persons (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the Advisor is paid by the Advisor or by its parent,
WAMU. The Fund pays the compensation of all other officers and Trustees of the
Fund. Trustees who are not interested persons are paid an annual fee of $5,000,
a fee of $1,000 per meeting of the Board of Trustees, a fee of $750 per
committee meeting of the Fund, and a fee of $1,000 per contract renewal meeting
of the Fund, plus expenses. The designated "Lead Trustee," because of increased
responsibilities, is paid 1 1/2 times the normal Trustee compensation for
meeting fees and retainer for the Fund, plus expenses.
Sierra Advisors has agreed to voluntarily reimburse the Fund's total operating
expenses. For the year ended September 30, 1997 the total reimbursement to the
Fund was $390,067.
For the year ended September 30, 1997, Great Western Financial Securities
Corporation and Sierra Investment Services Corporation ("SISC"), both registered
broker-dealers, have received $6,626 and $844, respectively, representing
commissions (front-end sales charges).
4. Purchase and Sales of Securities
The aggregate cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, excluding
U.S. Government and short-term investments, for the year ended September 30,
1997 was $1,025,217 and $3,925,221, respectively.
5. Tender of Shares
The Board of Trustees of the Fund currently intends, each quarter, to consider
authorizing the Fund to make tender offers for a portion of its outstanding
Class A Common Shares at the then current net asset value of these Common
Shares. The Fund does not intend to list its Common Shares on any national
securities exchange and none of the Fund, the Advisor or SISC intends to make a
secondary trading market in the classes of the Common Shares at any time.
Accordingly, there is not expected to be any secondary trading market in the
Common Shares and an investment in such Common Shares should be considered
illiquid. There can be no assurance that the Fund will in fact tender for any
of its Common Shares. If the Fund tenders for Common Shares there is no
guarantee that all, or any, Common Shares tendered will be purchased. An early
withdrawal charge may be charged by SISC on those repurchases or tenders done
during the first or second year after purchase. For the year ended September
30, 1997, 503,732 shares were tendered and repurchased by the Fund with no early
withdrawal charge.
FS-12
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
6. Shares of Beneficial Interest
The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited number of full
and fractional Common Shares of beneficial interest with no par value. The Fund
initially is offering 5,000,000 Class A Common Shares in a continuous offering
pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
7. Organization Costs
Expenses incurred in connection with the organization of the Fund, including the
fees and expenses of registering and qualifying its shares for distribution
under Federal and state securities regulations, are being amortized on a
straight-line basis over a period of five years from commencement of operations
of the Fund. In the event any of the initial shares of the Fund are redeemed by
any holder thereof during the amortization period, the proceeds of such
redemptions will be reduced by an amount equal to the pro-rata portion of
unamortized deferred organizational expenses in the same proportion as the
number of shares being redeemed bears to the number of initial shares of such
Fund outstanding at the time of such redemption. To the extent that proceeds of
the redemptions are less than such pro-rata portion of any unamortized
organizational expenses, Sierra Administration has agreed to reimburse the Fund.
8. Senior Loan Participations
The Fund invests primarily in participations, assignments, or acts as a party to
the primary lending syndicate of a Variable Rate Senior Loan interest to United
States corporations, partnerships, and other entities. When the Fund purchases
a participation of a Senior Loan interest, the Fund typically enters into a
contractual agreement with the lender or other third party selling the
participation, but not with the borrower directly. As such, the Fund assumes
the credit risk of the Borrower, Selling Participant or other persons
interpositioned between the Fund and the Borrower.
At September 30, 1997, the following sets forth the selling participants with
respect to interests in Senior Loans purchased by the Fund on a participation
basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal
Amount Value
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Selling Participant
- -------------------------------
Goldman Sachs Credit Partners 1,496,144 $1,496,578
Chase Securities Inc. 954,971 954,940
Bankers Trust 400,000 399,978
Morgan Guaranty 378,200 378,920
Lehman Commercial Paper, Inc. 400,000 400,000
---------- ----------
$3,629,315 $3,630,766
---------- ----------
</TABLE>
9. Line of Credit
Sierra Prime Income Fund and the Sierra Trust Funds participate in a $40 million
line of credit provided by Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch (the "Bank") under
a Credit Agreement (the "Agreement") dated May 22, 1996, primarily for temporary
or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that
otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities. Under the
Agreement, Sierra Prime Income Fund may borrow up to $433,000 plus its pro rata
portion of any unused base commitment allocation of the other borrowers under
the Agreement. Interest is payable at one of the following rates depending on
the type of loan designated by the borrower: (i) the higher of 0.50% in excess
of the Federal Funds Rate and the prime lending rate announced by the Bank; (ii)
the New York Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) plus 0.35% on an annualized basis;
or (iii) the London Interbank
FS-13
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 0.35% on an annualized basis. The Fund is charged an
aggregate commitment fee computed at a rate equal to 0.05% on an annual basis of
the daily average unutilized credit balance. The Agreement requires that the
aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loan made shall not exceed 33 1/3
% of the value of the total assets of the fund less all liabilities and
indebtedness not represented by senior securities. The Fund currently expects,
however, to limit its borrowing to an amount sufficient to meet its tender offer
purchases or 15% of its assets, whichever is greater. During the year ended
September 30, 1997, the Fund had not borrowed under the Agreement. As of October
27, 1997, a Second Amendment to the Agreement was signed extending the Agreement
to December 31, 1997.
10. Subsequent Events
The fifth tender offer for the fiscal year end September 30, 1997 commenced on
September 10, 1997 and expired on October 10, 1997. A total of 44,396 shares
were tendered to the Fund for repurchase.
A Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Fund (the "Special Meeting") to be held
on December 23, 1997 is being called in preparation for the planned
consolidation of the funds managed by Sierra Advisors and its affiliates,
including but not limited to the Fund, Sierra Trust Funds, The Sierra Variable
Trust and Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, and those managed by Composite
Research & Management Co. ("Composite"), which also is an indirect subsidiary of
Washington Mutual. The planned consolidation will result in a common Board and
a single investment advisor in Composite. Shareholders of record of the Fund on
October 29, 1997 will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting.
On October 27-28, 1997, the Fund's Board of Trustees approved, subject to
shareholder approval, the following matters: (1) A proposal to elect a Board of
Trustees, (2) a proposal to approve a new Investment Management Agreement
between the Fund and Composite; and (3) a proposal to approve a new Investment
Sub-Advisory Agreement for the Fund between Composite and Van Kampen American
Capital Management, Inc. ("Van Kampen"). The Fund will also be entering into:
(a) a new administration agreement with Murphey Favre Securities Services, Inc.
("Murphey Favre"); (b) a new distribution agreement with Composite for the
purpose of replacing the current distributor, Sierra Investment Services
Corporation; and (c) a transfer agency and services agreements with Murphey
Favre for providing transfer agency services.
If the proposal to elect a Board of Trustees (Proposal 1) is approved, then the
Fund will increase the number of its Trustees from six to thirteen. If the
proposal to approve a new investment advisory agreement between the Fund and
Composite (Proposal 2) is approved, the investment advisory fees and total
operating expenses for the Fund will remain the same or decrease. If the
proposal to approve a new investment sub-advisory agreement with Van Kampen is
approved, the Fund will continue to receive investment sub-advisory services on
the same basis without change in the level of services and compensation received
by Van Kampen.
FS-14
<PAGE>
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Report of Independent Accountants
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations, of
changes in net assets and of cash flows and the financial highlights present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sierra Prime Income
Fund (the "Fund") at September 30, 1997, the results of its operations, its cash
flows, the changes in its net assets and the financial highlights for the
periods indicated, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
These financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as
"financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities owned at
September 30, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian, and with respect to
senior collateralized loans by correspondence with the selling participants and
agent banks, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
As explained in Note 2, the financial statements include senior collateralized
loans valued at $3,630,766 (43.1 percent of net assets), whose values have been
determined in accordance with procedures established by the Trustees in the
absence of readily ascertainable market values. Those values determined in
accordance with procedures established by the Trustees may differ significantly
from the values that would have been used had a ready market for the senior
collateralized loans existed, and the differences could be material to the
financial statements.
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
October 31, 1997
FS-15
<PAGE>
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(1) Financial Statements:
Financial Statements included in Part A:
-Financial Highlights (audited)
Financial Statements included in Part B:
-Portfolio of Investments (audited)
-Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of September 30,
1997 (audited)
-Statement of Operations for the year ended
September 30, 1997 (audited)
-Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the year ended
September 30, 1997 (audited)
-Notes to Financial Statements (audited)
(2) Exhibits
(a)(1) Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 4, 1995
originally filed as Exhibit (2)(a) of Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-2 filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1995 and refiled via
EDGAR as Exhibit 2(a)(1) of Registrant's Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2
filed with the SEC on January 28, 1997 .
(2) Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 18,
1996 originally filed as Exhibit (2)(a)(2) of Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
N-2 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 14, 1996 and refiled via EDGAR as Exhibit 2(a)(2) of
Registrant's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-2 filed with the SEC on
January 28, 1997.
(b) By-laws originally filed as Exhibit (2)(b) of Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-2 filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1995 and refiled via
EDGAR as Exhibit (2)(b) of Registrant's Post-Effective
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2
filed with the SEC on January 28, 1997.
(c) Not applicable
(d) Not applicable
(e) Not applicable
(f) Not applicable
(g)(1) Form of Investment Management Agreement to be dated on or
about March 20, 1998 is filed herewith.
(2) Form of Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement to be dated on or
about March 20, 1998 is filed herewith.
(h)(1) Form of Distribution Contract to be dated on or about March
20, 1998 is filed herewith.
(i) Not applicable
(j) Form of Custody Agreement*
(k)(1) Form of Administration Agreement to be dated on or about
March 20, 1998 is filed herewith.
1
<PAGE>
(2) Form of Transfer Agent Contract to be dated on or about March
20, 1998 is filed herewith.
(3) Pricing Agreement dated December 20, 1996 is filed herewith.
(4) Credit Agreement dated May 22, 1996**
(5) First Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated May 22, 1996
(6) Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated May 22, 1996
(l) Opinion and consent of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP*
(m) Not applicable
(n) Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP is filed herewith
(o) Not applicable
(p) Purchase Agreement between Sierra Fund Administration
Corporation and the Sierra Prime Income Fund**
(q) Not applicable
(24) Powers of Attorney for David E. Anderson, Arthur H. Bernstein,
Kristianne Blake, Edmond R. Davis, John W. English, Michael K.
Murphy, Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D. and William G. Papesh
are filed herewith.
(27) Financial Data Schedule is filed herewith.
* Incorporated by reference to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form N-2 (1933
Act No. 33-98824 and 1940 Act No. 811-9122) filed with the SEC on February
14, 1996.
** Incorporated by reference to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form N-2
(1933 Act No. 33-98824 and 1940 Act No. 811-9122) filed with the SEC on
January 28, 1997.
Item 25. Marketing Arrangements
Not applicable
Item 26. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution
Not applicable
Item 27. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control With Registrant
Effective on or about March 20, 1998, the Registrant will be operated under
the supervision of Composite. Composite is affiliated with Murphey Favre
Securities Services, Inc., which will serve as transfer agent and administrator
for the Registrant. Effective March 20, 1998, an affiliate of Composite,
Composite Funds Distributor, Inc. will serve as the principal underwriter and
distributor for the Registrant. Composite, Murphey Favre Securities Services,
Inc. and Composite Funds Distributor, Inc. serve in their same capacities for
four other registered investment companies (constituting 36 portfolios).
Composite, Murphey Favre Securities Services, Inc. and Composite Funds
Distributor, Inc. are all wholly-owned subsidiaries of Washington Mutual, Inc.
and are all incorporated under the laws of the State of Washington.
Item 28. Number of Holders of Securities
Title of Class Number of Record Holders
Class A Common Shares 328 (as of January 14, 1998)
Item 29. Indemnification
2
<PAGE>
Under Section 8.1 of Registrant's Amended Agreement and Declaration of
Trust ("Declaration of Trust"), any past or present Trustee or officer of
Registrant (including persons who serve at Registrant's request as directors,
officers or trustees of another organization in which Registrant has any
interest as a shareholder, creditor or otherwise (hereinafter referred to as a
"Covered Person"), is indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by law against
liability and all expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with any
action, suit or proceeding to which he may be a party or otherwise involved by
reason of his being or having been a Covered Person. This provision does not
authorize indemnification when it is determined, in the manner specified in the
Declaration of Trust, that a Covered Person has not acted in good faith in the
reasonable belief that his actions were in or not opposed to the best interests
of Registrant. Moreover, this provision does not authorize indemnification when
it is determined, in the manner specified in the Declaration of Trust, that the
Covered Person would otherwise be liable to Registrant or its shareholders by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of his duties. Expenses may be paid by Registrant in advance of the final
disposition of any action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by
a Covered Person to repay those expenses to Registrant in the event that it is
ultimately determined that indemnification of the expenses is not authorized
under the Declaration of Trust and the Covered Person either provides security
for such undertaking or insures Registrant against losses from such advances or
the disinterested Trustees or independent legal counsel determines, in the
manner specified in the Declaration of Trust, that there is reason to believe
the Covered Person will be found to be entitled to indemnification.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), may be permitted to Trustees, officers and
controlling persons of Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or
otherwise, Registrant has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a Trustee, officer or controlling
person of Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such Trustee, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, Registrant will, unless in the
opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will by governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Item 30(A). Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisor
--Sierra Investment Advisors Corporation (until on or about March 20, 1998)
Sierra Advisors is an investment advisor registered under the Investment
Advisors Act of 1940, as amended, (the "Advisors Act") and an indirect
subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc.
The list required by this Item 30 of officers and directors of Sierra
Advisors, together with information as to any other business, profession,
vocation or employment of substantial nature engaged in by such officers and
directors during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to Schedules A
and D of Form ADV filed by Sierra Advisors pursuant to the Advisors Act (SEC
File No. 801-32921).
On or about March 20, 1998, Composite Research and Management Co.
("Composite"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Washington Mutual, Inc., a
Washington corporation will become the Investment Advisor. Composite serves in
that capacity for other registered investment companies constituting 36
portfolios.
The list required by this Item 30 of officers and directors of Composite,
together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or
employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors
during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to Schedules A and D of
Form ADV filed by Composite pursuant to the Advisors Act (SEC File No. 801-
40808).
30(B). Business and Other Connections of Investment Sub-advisor
-- Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc.
Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc. ("Van Kampen") is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Discover & Co. Van Kampen
provides investment advice to a wide variety of individual, institutional and
investment company clients.
The list required by this Item 30 of officers and directors of Van Kampen,
together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or
employment of a substantial nature engaged in by such officers and directors
during the past two years, is incorporated by reference to Schedules A and D of
Form ADV filed by Van Kampen pursuant to the Advisors Act (SEC File No. 801-
40808).
3
<PAGE>
Item 31. Location of Accounts and Records
(1) Sierra Prime Income Fund
9301 Corbin Avenue
Northridge, California 91324
(declaration of trust and by-laws)
(2) Sierra Investment Advisors Corporation
9301 Corbin Avenue
Northridge, California 91324
(with respect to their services as investment
advisor through March 1998)
(3) Great Western Financial Securities Corporation
9301 Corbin Avenue
Northridge, California 91324
(with respect to their services as a dealer)
(4) Sierra Fund Administration Corporation
9301 Corbin Avenue
Northridge, California 91324)
(with respect to their services as administrator through
March 20, 1998)
(5) State Street Bank and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110
(with respect to their services as a
sub-administrator and custodian)
(6) First Data Investor Services Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 5118
Westboro, MA 01581-5118
(with respect to their services as a shareholder
servicing agent and transfer agent)
(7) Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc.
1001 Warrenville Road
Lisle, Illinois 60532
(with respect to their services as investment sub-advisor)
(8) Sierra Investment Services Corporation
9301 Corbin Avenue
Northridge, California 91324
(with respect to their services as a principal underwriter
through March 1998)
(9) Composite Research and Management Co.
1201 Third Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101
(various records beginning on or about March 20, 1998)
(10) Composite Funds Distributor, Inc.
6501 W. Main Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99201
(various records beginning on or about March 20, 1998)
(11) Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
2000 One Logan Square
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
(with respect to their services as counsel to the Fund)
4
<PAGE>
Item 32. Management Services
Not Applicable.
Item 33. Undertakings
1. Registrant undertakes to suspend offering of its Common Shares until it
amends its prospectus if (1) subsequent to the effective date of its
Registration Statement, the net asset value declines more than 10 percent from
its net asset value as of the effective date of the Registration Statement, or
(2) the net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as
stated in the prospectus.
2. Not applicable
3. Not applicable
4. Pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Item 512(a)
of Registration S-K, the Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) to file during any
period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to
this registration statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section
10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to reflect in the Prospectus any
facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement
(or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in
the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
the registration statement; and (iii) to include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration
statement; (2) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof; and (3) to remove from registration by means of post-
effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold
at the termination of the offering.
5. Not applicable
6. The Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means
designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business days of receipt
of a written or oral request, its Statement of Additional Information.
5
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused
this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to this Registration Statement to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of
Northridge and State of California on the 22nd day of January, 1998.
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
By: /s/ Keith B. Pipes
--------------------------------
Keith B. Pipes
President and Chief Executive Officer
6
<PAGE>
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to this Registration Statement has been signed
below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date(s) indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title(s) Date
- --------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Keith B. Pipes President and January 22, 1998
- ------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Keith B. Pipes
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Craig M. Miller Treasurer and January 22, 1998
- ------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
Craig M. Miller
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
David E. Anderson
Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Wayne L. Attwood, M.D.
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Arthur H. Bernstein, Esq.
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Kristianne Blake
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Edmond R. Davis, Esq.
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
John W. English
Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Anne V. Farrell
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Michael K. Murphy
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D.
* Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
William G. Papesh
Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Daniel L. Pavelich
Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Jay Rockey
Trustee January __, 1998
- -------------------------------
Richard C. Yancey
</TABLE>
*By: /s/ Keith B. Pipes
---------------------
Keith B. Pipes
Executed by Keith B. Pipes pursuant to a Power of Attorney.
7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------
(g)(1) Investment Management Agreement
(g)(2) Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement
(h) Distribution Contract
(k)(1) Form of Administration Agreement
(k)(2) Form of Transfer Agent Contract
(k)(3) Pricing Agreement
(k)(4) Previously filed
(k)(5) First Amendment to the Credit Agreement
(k)(6) Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement
(n) Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP
24 Powers of Attorney signed by David E. Anderson, Arthur H.
Bernstein, Kristianne Blake, Edmond R. Davis, John W.
English, Michael K. Murphy, Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D.
and William G. Papesh
27 Financial Data Schedule
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (g)(1)
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), dated March __, 1998,
between the Sierra Prime Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust, (the
"Fund"), and Composite Research & Management Co., a Washington corporation (the
"Manager").
W I T N E S S E T H
-------------------
WHEREAS, the Fund is a closed-end management investment company, registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Fund desires to retain the Manager to render investment
management services to the Fund, and the Manager is willing to render such
services;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Appointment. The Fund hereby appoints the Manager to act as investment
manager to the Fund for the period and on the terms set forth in this Agreement.
The Manager accepts such appointment and agrees to render the services herein
described, for the compensation herein provided.
2. Management. Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the
Fund, the Manager shall manage the investment operations of the Fund and the
composition of the Fund's portfolio, including the purchase, retention and
disposition of securities therefor, in accordance with the Fund's investment
objectives, policies and restrictions as stated in the Prospectus and Statement
of Additional Information (as such terms are hereinafter defined) and
resolutions of the Fund's Board of Trustees and subject to the following
understandings:
(a) The Manager shall provide supervision of the Fund's investments,
furnish a continuous investment program for the Fund's portfolio and
determine from time to time what securities will be purchased, retained, or
sold by the Fund, and what portion of the assets will be invested or held
as cash.
(b) The Manager, in the performance of its duties and obligations under
this Agreement, shall act in conformity with the Agreement and Declaration
of Trust of the Fund and the investment policies of the Fund as determined
by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
(c) The Manager shall determine the securities to be purchased or sold by
the Fund and shall place orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities pursuant to its determinations with brokers or dealers selected
by the Manager. In executing portfolio transactions and selecting brokers
or dealers, the Manager shall use its best efforts to seek on behalf of the
Fund the best overall terms available. In assessing the best
<PAGE>
overall terms available for any transaction, the Manager may consider all
factors it deems relevant, including the breadth of the market in the
security, the price of the security, the size of the transaction, the
timing of the transaction, the reputation, financial condition, experience,
and execution capability of a broker or dealer, the amount of commission,
and the value of any brokerage and research services (as those terms are
defined in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended) provided by a broker or dealer. The Manager is authorized to pay
to a broker or dealer who provides such brokerage and research services a
commission for executing a portfolio transaction for the Fund which is in
excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have
charged for effecting the transaction if the Manager determines in good
faith that such commission was reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services provided by such broker or dealer, viewed
in terms of that particular transaction or in terms of the overall
responsibilities of the Manager to the Fund and/or other accounts over
which the Manager exercises investment discretion.
(d) On occasions when the Manager deems the purchase or sale of a security
to be in the best interest of the Fund as well as other fiduciary accounts
for which it has investment responsibility, the Manager, to the extent
permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may aggregate the securities
to be so sold or purchased in order to obtain the best execution, most
favorable net price or lower brokerage commissions.
(e) Subject to the provisions of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of
the Fund and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940
Act"), the Manager, at its expense, may select and contract with one or
more investment advisers (the "Sub-adviser") for the Fund to perform some
or all of the services for which it is responsible pursuant to this Section
2. The Manager shall be solely responsible for the compensation of any
Sub-adviser of the Fund for its services to the Fund. The Manager may
terminate the services of any Sub-adviser at any time in its sole
discretion, and shall at such time assume the responsibilities of such Sub-
adviser unless and until a successor Sub-adviser is selected. To the
extent that more than one Sub-adviser is selected, the Manager shall, in
its sole discretion, determine the amount of the Fund's assets allocated to
each such Sub-adviser.
3. Services Not Exclusive. The investment management services rendered by the
Manager hereunder to the Fund are not to be deemed exclusive, and the Manager
shall have the right to render similar services to others, including, without
limitation, other investment companies.
4. Expenses. During the term of this Agreement, the Manager shall pay all
expenses incurred by it in connection with its activities under this Agreement
including the salaries and expenses of any of the officers or employees of the
Manager who act as officers, Trustees or employees of the Fund but excluding the
cost of securities purchased for the Fund and the amount of any brokerage fees
and commissions incurred in executing portfolio transactions for the Fund, and
shall provide the Fund with suitable office space. Other expenses to be
incurred in the operation of the Fund (other than those borne by any third
party), including without
2
<PAGE>
limitation, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and commissions, fees of Trustees
who are not officers, directors, or employees of the Manager, federal
registration fees and state Blue Sky qualification fees, administration fees,
bookkeeping, charges of custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents'
fees, certain insurance premiums, industry association fees, outside auditing
and legal expenses, costs of maintaining the Fund's existence, costs of
independent pricing services, costs attributable to investor services
(including, without limitation, telephone and personnel expenses), costs of
preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses to existing shareholders,
costs of stockholders' reports and meetings of shareholders and Trustees of the
Fund, as applicable, and any extraordinary expenses will be borne by the Fund.
5. Compensation. For the services provided pursuant to this Agreement, the
Fund shall pay to the Manager as full compensation therefor a monthly fee
computed on the average daily net assets of the Fund as stated in Schedule A
attached hereto. The Fund acknowledges that the Manager, as agent for the Fund,
will allocate a portion of the fee equal to the sub-advisory fee payable to the
sub-advisor, if any, under its sub-advisory agreement to the sub-advisor for
sub-advisory services. The Fund acknowledges that the Manager, as agent for the
Fund, may allocate a portion of the fee to Murphey Favre Securities Services,
Inc. for administrative services, portfolio accounting and regulatory compliance
systems. The Manager also from time to time and in such amounts as it shall
determine in its sole discretion may allocate a portion of the fee to Composite
Funds Distributor, Inc. for facilitating distribution of the Fund. This payment
would be made from revenue which otherwise would be considered profit to the
Manager for its services. This disclosure is being made to the Fund solely for
the purpose of conforming with requirements of the Washington Department of
Revenue for exclusion of revenue from the Washington Business and Occupation
Tax.
6. Limitation of Liability. The Manager shall not be liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection
with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the
performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations
and duties under this Agreement.
7. Delivery of Documents. The Fund has heretofore delivered to the Manager
true and complete copies of each of the following documents and shall promptly
deliver to it all future amendments and supplements thereto, if any:
(a) Agreement and Declaration of Trust (presently in effect and as amended
from time to time);
(b) Bylaws of the Fund;
(c) Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 and under the
1940 Act of the Fund on Form N-2, and all amendments thereto, as filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement")
relating to the Fund and the shares of the Fund;
3
<PAGE>
(d) Notification of Registration of the Fund under the 1940 Act on Form N-
8A;
(e) Prospectuses of the Fund (such prospectuses as presently in effect
and/or as amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Prospectus"); and
(f) Statement of Additional Information of the Fund (such statement as
presently in effect and/or as amended or supplemented from time to time,
the "Statement of Additional Information").
8. Duration and Termination. This Agreement shall become effective as of the
date first above-written for an initial period of two years and shall continue
thereafter so long as such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually (a) by the vote of the Board of Trustees including a majority of those
members of the Fund's Board of Trustees who are not parties to this Agreement or
"interested persons" of any such party, cast in person at a meeting called for
that purpose, or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) this Agreement may be terminated at
any time, without the payment of any penalty, by either the Fund (by vote of the
Fund's Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund) or the Manager, on sixty (60) days prior written notice
to the other and (b) shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment. As used in this Agreement, the terms "majority of the outstanding
voting securities," "interested persons" and "assignment" shall have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the 1940 Act.
9. Amendments. No provision of this Agreement may be amended, modified,
waived or supplemented except by a written instrument signed by the party
against which enforcement is sought. No amendment of this Agreement shall be
effective until approved in accordance with any applicable provisions of the
1940 Act.
10. Use of Name and Logo. The Fund agrees that it shall furnish to the
Manager, prior to any use or distribution thereof, copies of all prospectuses,
statements of additional information, proxy statements, reports to stockholders,
sales literature, advertisements, and other material prepared for distribution
to stockholders of the Fund or to the public, which in any way refer to or
describe the Manager or which include any trade names, trademarks or logos of
the Manager or of any affiliate of the Manager. The Fund further agrees that it
shall not use or distribute any such material if the Manager reasonably objects
in writing to such use or distribution within five (5) business days after the
date such material is furnished to the Manager.
The Manager and/or its affiliates own the names "Sierra," "Composite" and
any other names which may be listed from time to time on a Schedule B to be
attached hereto that they may develop for use in connection with the Fund, which
names may be used by the Fund only with the consent of the Manager and/or its
affiliates. The Manager, on behalf of itself and/or its affiliates, consents to
the use by the Fund of such names or any other names embodying such names, but
only on condition and so long as (i) this Agreement shall remain in full force,
(ii) the Fund shall fully perform, fulfill and comply with all provisions of
this Agreement
4
<PAGE>
expressed herein to be performed, fulfilled or complied with by it, and (iii)
the Manager is the manager of the Fund. No such name shall be used by the Fund
at any time or in any place or for any purposes or under any conditions except
as provided in this section. The foregoing authorization by the Manager, on
behalf of itself and/or its affiliates, to the Fund to use such names as part of
a business or name is not exclusive of the right of the Manager and/or its
affiliates themselves to use, or to authorize others to use, the same; the Fund
acknowledges and agrees that as between the Manager and/or its affiliates and
the Fund, the Manager and/or its affiliates have the exclusive right so to use,
or authorize others to use, such names, and the Fund agrees to take such action
as may reasonably be requested by the Manager, on behalf of itself and/or its
affiliates, to give full effect to the provisions of this section (including,
without limitation, consenting to such use of such names). Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Fund agrees that, upon (i) any violation of the
provisions of this Agreement by the Fund or (ii) any termination of this
Agreement, by either party or otherwise, the Fund will, at the request of the
Manager, on behalf of itself and/or its affiliates, made within six months after
such violation or termination, use its best efforts to change the name of the
Fund so as to eliminate all reference, if any, to such names and will not
thereafter transact any business in a name containing such names in any form or
combination whatsoever, or designate itself as the same entity as or successor
to an entity of such names, or otherwise use such names or any other reference
to the Manager and/or its affiliates, except as may be required by law. Such
covenants on the part of the Fund shall be binding upon it, its Trustees,
officers, shareholders, creditors and all other persons claiming under or
through it.
The provisions of this section shall survive termination of this Agreement.
11. Notices. Any notice or other communication required to be given pursuant
to this Agreement shall be deemed duly given if delivered or mailed by
registered mail, postage prepaid, if to the Fund: 601 W. Main Ave., Suite 300,
Spokane, Washington 99201; or if to the Manager: 1201 Third Avenue, Suite
1220, Seattle, Washington 98101; or to either party at such other address as
such party shall designate to the other by a notice given in accordance with the
provisions of this section.
12. Miscellaneous.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or authorized by the
Board of Trustees of the Fund from time to time, the Manager for all
purposes herein shall be deemed to be an independent contractor and shall
have no authority to act for or represent the Fund in any way or otherwise
be deemed an agent of the Fund.
(b) The Fund shall furnish or otherwise make available to the Manager
such information relating to the business affairs of the Fund as the
Manager at any time or from time to time reasonably requests in order to
discharge its obligations hereunder.
(c) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors.
5
<PAGE>
(d) If any provision of this Agreement shall be held or made invalid
or by any court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of this
Agreement shall not be affected thereby.
13. Declaration of Trust and Limitation of Liability. A copy of the Agreement
and Declaration of Trust of the Fund is on file with the Secretary of State of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this
Agreement is executed by an officer of the Fund on behalf of the Trustees of the
Fund, as trustees and not individually, on further behalf of the Fund, and that
the obligations of this Agreement shall be binding upon the assets and
properties of the Fund only and shall not be binding upon the assets and
properties of the Trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders of the
Fund individually.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the date first above-written.
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
By:
---------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Attest:
By:
--------------------------
Name:
Title:
COMPOSITE RESEARCH &
MANAGEMENT CO.
By:
---------------------------------
William G. Papesh
President
Attest:
By:
--------------------------
Sharon L. Howells
Secretary
6
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
COMPOSITE RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT CO.
ADVISORY FEES
The fees to be charged to Sierra Prime Income Fund for advisory services
(including any sub-advisory fees) are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
All Assets
----------
<S> <C>
Sierra Prime Income Fund............................... 0.950%
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT(g)(2)
INVESTMENT SUB-ADVISORY AGREEMENT
Effective as of March __, 1998
Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Composite Research & Management Co. ("Composite"), a corporation
organized under the laws of the State of California, hereby agrees with Van
Kampen American Capital Management Inc. (the "Sub-Advisor"), a corporation
organized under the laws of the State of Delaware, as follows:
1. Investment Description; Appointment
Composite desires to employ the capital of the Sierra Prime Income
Fund (the "Trust") by investing and reinvesting in investments of the kind and
in accordance with the limitations specified in its Agreement and Declaration of
Trust, as amended ("Declaration of Trust"), and in its Prospectus and Statement
of Additional Information relating to the Trust as in effect and which may be
amended from time to time, and in such manner and to such extent as may from
time to time be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. Copies of the
Trust's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and the Trust's
Declaration of Trust, as amended or restated, have been or will be submitted to
the Sub-Advisor. The Trust agrees to provide copies of all amendments to or
restatements of the Trust's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information
and the Trust's Declaration of Trust to the Sub-Advisor on a timely and on-going
basis but in all events prior to such time as said amendments or restatements
become effective. The Sub-Advisor will be entitled to rely on all such
documents furnished to it by the Trust or Composite. The Trust desires to
employ and hereby appoints the Sub-Advisor to act as investment sub-advisor to
the Trust. The Sub-Advisor accepts the appointment and agrees to furnish the
services described herein for the compensation set forth below.
2. Services as Investment Sub-Advisor
Subject to the supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Trust and
of Composite, the Trust's investment advisor, the Sub-Advisor will (a) act in
conformity with the Trust's Declaration of Trust, the Investment Company Act of
1940 (the "1940 Act"), the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as the same may from time to time be amended; (b) make
investment decisions for the Trust in accordance with
<PAGE>
the Trust's investment objectives and policies as stated in the Trust's
Prospectus(es)) and Statement of Additional Information as in effect and, after
timely notice to the Sub-Advisor, which may be amended from time to time; (c)
place purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Trust to effectuate the
investment decisions made; (d) maintain books and records with respect to the
securities transactions of the Trust and will furnish the Trust's Board of
Trustees such periodic, regular and special reports as the Board may reasonably
request; and (e) treat confidentially and as proprietary information of the
Trust, all records and other information specifically relative to the Trust and
prior, present or potential shareholders; and will not use such records and
information for any purpose other than performance of its responsibilities and
duties hereunder, except after prior notification to and approval in writing by
the Trust, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed and such
records may not be withheld where the Sub-Advisor is subject to audit by the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or other regulatory, administrative or
judicial proceeding or audit or where the Sub-Advisor may be exposed to civil or
criminal contempt proceedings for failure to comply, when requested to divulge
such information by duly constituted authorities, or when so requested by the
Trust. In providing those services, the Sub-Advisor will supervise the Trust's
investments and conduct a continual program of investment, evaluation and, if
appropriate, sale and reinvestment of the Trust's assets. In addition, the Sub-
Advisor will furnish the Trust or Composite with whatever statistical
information the Trust or Composite may reasonably request with respect to the
instruments that the Trust may hold or contemplate purchasing.
3. Brokerage
In executing transactions for the Trust and selecting banks,
syndicated loan agents, brokers or dealers (hereinafter referred to as "brokers
or dealers"), the Sub-Advisor will use its best efforts to seek the best overall
terms available and shall execute or direct the execution of all such
transactions in a manner permitted by law and in a manner that is in the best
interest of the Trust and its shareholders. In assessing the best overall terms
available for any Trust transaction, with respect to the lenders from whom the
Trust will purchase assignments and participations in Senior Loans the Sub-
Advisor will consider all factors it deems relevant including, but not limited
to their professional ability, level of service, relationship with the borrower,
financial condition, credit standards and quality of management. With respect
to investments other than Senior Loans, the Sub-Advisor will consider all
factors it deems relevant including, but not limited to, breadth of the market
in the security, the price of the security, the financial condition and
execution capability of the broker or dealer and the reasonableness of any
commission for the specific transaction and on a continuing basis. Pursuant to
its investment determinations for the Trust, in placing orders with brokers or
dealers, the Sub-Advisor will attempt to obtain the best net price and the most
favorable execution of its orders. Consistent with this obligation, when the
execution and price offered by two or more brokers or dealers are comparable,
the Sub-Advisor may, in its discretion, purchase and sell portfolio securities
to and from brokers or dealers who provide the Trust with research advice and
other services.
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4. Information Provided to the Trust
The Sub-Advisor will keep the Trust and Composite informed of
developments materially affecting the Trust, and will on its own initiative,
furnish the Trust and Composite on at least a quarterly basis with whatever
information the Sub-Advisor reasonably believes is appropriate for this purpose.
5. Standard of Care
The Sub-Advisor shall exercise its reasonable best judgment in
rendering the services described in Paragraphs 2 and 3 above. The Sub-Advisor
shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss
suffered by the Trust or the Advisor in connection with the matters to which
this Agreement relates, except (a) a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary
duty with respect to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case any
award of damages shall be limited to the period and the amount set forth in
Section 36(b)(3) of the 1940 Act) or (b) a loss resulting from willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its
duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations and duties under this
Agreement (each such breach, act or omission described in (a) or (b) shall be
referred to as "Disqualifying Conduct").
6. Compensation
In consideration of the services rendered pursuant to this Agreement,
Composite will pay the Sub-Advisor on the first business day of each month a fee
for the previous month at an annual rate of .475% of the Trust's average daily
net assets. The Sub-Advisor shall have no right to obtain compensation directly
from the Trust for services provided hereunder and agrees to look solely to
Composite for payment of fees due. Upon any termination of this Agreement
before the end of a month, the fee for such part of that month shall be prorated
according to the proportion that such period bears to the full monthly period
and shall be payable upon the date of termination of this Agreement. For the
purpose of determining fees payable to the Sub-Advisor, the value of the Trust's
net assets shall be computed at the times and in the manner specified in the
Trust's Prospectus and/or Statement of Additional Information relating to the
Trust as from time to time in effect.
7. Expenses
The Sub-Advisor will bear all expenses in connection with the
performance of its services under this Agreement, which expenses shall not
include brokerage fees or commissions in connection with the effectuation of
securities transactions. The Trust (or Composite) will bear certain other
expenses to be incurred in its operation, including but not
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limited to: organizational expenses, taxes, interest, brokerage fees and
commissions, if any; fees of Trustees of the Trust who are not officers,
directors or employees of the Sub-Advisor, Composite, the Trust's sub-
administrator or any of their affiliates; Securities and Exchange Commission
fees and state Blue Sky qualification fees; out-of-pocket expenses of
custodians, transfer and dividend disbursing agents and the Trust's sub-
administrator and transaction charges of custodians; insurance premiums; outside
auditing and legal expenses; costs of maintenance of the Trust's existence;
costs attributable to investor services, including without limitation, telephone
and personnel expenses; costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and
statements of additional information for regulatory purposes and for
distribution to existing shareholders; costs of shareholders' reports and
meetings of the shareholders of the Trust and of the officers or Board of
Trustees of the Trust; and any extraordinary expenses.
8. Services to Other Companies or Accounts
The Trust understands that the Sub-Advisor now acts, will continue to
act and may act in the future as investment adviser to fiduciary and other
managed accounts and as investment advisor or investment Sub-Advisor to one or
more other investment companies or series of investment companies, and Composite
has no objection to the Sub-Advisor so acting, provided that whenever the Trust
and one or more other accounts or investment companies advised by the Sub-
Advisor have available funds for investment, investments suitable and
appropriate for each will be allocated in accordance with procedures believed to
be equitable to each entity. Similarly, opportunities to sell securities will
be allocated in an equitable manner. Composite recognizes that in some cases
this procedure may limit the size of the position that may be acquired or
disposed of for the Trust. In addition, Composite understands that the persons
employed by the Sub-Advisor to assist in the performance of the Sub-Advisor's
duties hereunder will not devote their full time to such service and nothing
contained herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict the right of the Sub-
Advisor or any affiliate of the Sub-Advisor to engage in and devote time and
attention to other business or to render services of whatever kind or nature.
9. Term of Agreement
This Agreement shall become effective as of the date first written
above, shall continue in effect for a period of two years thereafter, and shall
continue in effect for a period of more than two years thereafter only so long
as such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (a) the Board
of Trustees of the Trust or (b) a vote of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940
Act) of the Trust's outstanding voting securities, provided that in either event
the continuance is also approved by a majority of the Board of Trustees who are
not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to this
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting
on such approval. This Agreement is terminable, without penalty, on 30 days'
written notice, by Composite, the Board of Trustees
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of the Trust or by vote of holders of a majority of the Trust's shares, or upon
90 days' written notice, by the Sub-Advisor and, will terminate automatically
upon any termination of the advisory agreement between the Trust and Composite.
In addition, this Agreement will also terminate automatically in the event of
its assignment (as defined in said Act). The Sub-Advisor agrees to notify the
Trust of any circumstances that might result in this Agreement being deemed to
be assigned.
10. Representations of the Trust and the Sub-Advisor
The Trust represents that (a) a copy of its Agreement and Declaration
of Trust, dated October 4, 1995, and Amended Agreement and Declaration of Trust
dated January 18, 1996, together with all amendments thereto, is on file in the
office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (b) the
appointment of Composite has been duly authorized, (c) the appointment of the
Sub-Advisor has been duly authorized, and (d) it has acted and will continue to
act in conformity with the 1940 Act, and other applicable laws.
The Sub-Advisor represents that it is authorized to perform the
services described herein.
11. Indemnification
Composite shall indemnify and hold harmless the Sub-Advisor, its
officers, directors, employee control persons and affiliated persons (as defined
in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended) from and against any and all
claims, losses, liabilities or damages (including reasonable attorneys' fees and
other related expenses), arising from or in connection with this Agreement or
the performance by the Sub-Advisor of its duties hereunder; provided, however,
that nothing contained herein shall require that the Sub-Advisor be indemnified
for Disqualifying Conduct.
12. Amendment of this Agreement
No provision of this Agreement may be changed, waived, discharged
or terminated orally, but only by an instrument in writing signed by the party
against which enforcement of the change, waiver, discharge or termination is
sought.
13. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties hereto.
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14. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
15. Counterparts
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall
together, constitute only one instrument.
If the foregoing accurately sets forth our agreement, kindly indicate
your acceptance hereof by signing and returning the enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
COMPOSITE RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT CO.
Dated: By
------------------- -----------------------------
Name:
Title:
Accepted:
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT INC.
By Dated:
------------------------- ---------------------
Name:
Title:
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EXHIBIT (h)(1)
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT
THIS DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT (this "Agreement"), dated this ____ day of
March, 1998, between Sierra Prime Income Fund, a Massachusetts business trust
(the "Trust"), and Composite Funds Distributor, Inc., a Washington corporation
doing business at Seattle, Washington, herein sometimes referred to as the
"Distributor."
RECITALS
--------
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as a closed-end, management investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act");
WHEREAS, the Trust and the Distributor desire to enter into an agreement
that sets forth standard terms and conditions for the distribution of the
classes of common shares of beneficial interest of the Trust (the "Shares");
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained
and other good and valuable consideration the receipt of which is hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. APPOINTMENT. The Trust hereby affirms the appointment of Composite
Funds Distributor, Inc. as the agent for distribution of the Shares covered by
the Trust's registration statement (as hereinafter defined) and grants
Distributor the right to sell Shares on behalf of the Trust and on the terms set
forth in this Agreement. The Distributor agrees to use its best efforts to
solicit orders for the sale of such Shares, at such Shares' public offering
price, as determined in accordance with the Registration Statement. The
Distributor shall have the right to order from the Trust the Shares needed, but
not more than needed (correcting for any clerical errors or errors of
transmission), to fill such orders as are unconditional.
2. DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS. The Trust has furnished the Distributor with
copies of:
(a) Agreement and Declaration of Trust and all amendments thereto
for the Trust (as amended from time to time, the "Declaration of Trust");
(b) Bylaws and all amendments thereto for the Trust (as amended
from time to time, the "Bylaws"); and
(c) The Trust's registration statement, prospectus, statement of
additional information, and any amendments and supplements thereto, then in
effect (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act") and the 1940 Act.
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From time to time, the Trust will furnish the Distributor with current
copies of all amendments or supplements to the foregoing, if any, and all
documents, notices and reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") and will make available, upon request, evidence of payment of
registration fees imposed from time to time by the States in which Shares are
sold by the Distributor.
3. DUTIES OF THE DISTRIBUTOR. The Distributor shall provide each Fund
with the benefit of its best judgment, efforts and facilities in rendering its
services as Distributor. The Distributor will act as the exclusive Distributor
of the Shares, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees and
the following understandings: (i) the Trust's Board of Trustees shall be
responsible for and control the conduct of the Trust's affairs; (ii in all
matters relating to the performance of this Agreement, the Distributor will act
in conformity with the Declaration of Trust, Bylaws and Registration Statement
of the Trust and with the instructions and directions of the Trust's Board of
Trustees; (ii the Distributor will conform to and comply with applicable
requirements of the 1940 Act, the 1933 Act and all other applicable federal or
state laws and regulations.
4. DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES. It is mutually understood and agreed that the
Distributor does not undertake to sell all or any specific portion of the
Shares. The Trust shall not sell any of its Shares except through the
Distributor. The Distributor may, as principal and on its own behalf, enter
into agreements ("Dealer Agreements"), on such terms and conditions as the
Distributor determines are not inconsistent with this Agreement, with (a) any
broker-dealer who is (i) registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "1934 Act"), (ii) registered as required under applicable state
securities or blue sky laws, and (iii) a member in good standing of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"); and (b) any other person (as
such term is defined in the 1934 Act) that is not required, for purposes of
effecting transactions in securities, to be registered under the 1934 Act, but
is registered as required under applicable state securities or blue sky laws,
authorizing such broker-dealers and other persons (collectively, "Brokers") to
act as agents in connection with the sale of Shares of the Trust (which may
include accepting orders for the purchase or redemption of Shares, responding to
inquiries regarding the Trust or the Funds, and performing other related
functions). Expulsion or suspension from the NASD of any Broker required to be
registered under the 1934 Act shall automatically terminate such Broker's Dealer
Agreement with the Distributor for sales of Shares as of the effective date of
such expulsion or suspension. Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing
sentence:
(a) The Distributor may, and when requested by the Trust, shall,
suspend its efforts to effectuate sales of the Trust shares at any time
when in the opinion of the Distributor or of the Trust no sales should be
made because of a need to revise a Registration Statement, or because of
market or other economic considerations or abnormal circumstances of any
kind. Either party in its sole discretion may reject orders for the
purchase of such shares;
(b) The Trust may withdraw the offering of its shares (i) at any
time with the consent of the Distributor or (ii without such consent when
so required by the provisions
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of any statute (including the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act) or of any order,
rule or regulation of any governmental body having jurisdiction;
(c) The Distributor is not authorized by the Trust to provide any
information or to make any representations other than those contained in
the appropriate Registration Statements, or contained in shareholder
reports or other material that may be prepared by or on behalf of the Trust
for Distributor's use. This shall not be construed to prevent the
Distributor from preparing and distributing sales literature or other
material as it may deem appropriate.
5. COMPENSATION. The Trust shall not pay any compensation to the
Distributor for services as principal underwriter herein, nor shall the Trust
reimburse the Distributor for any expenses related to such services.
A. Early Withdrawal Charges. The Trust shall cause its transfer agent
-------------------------
(the "Transfer Agent") to withhold, from repurchase proceeds payable to holders
of Shares, all early withdrawal sales charges properly payable by such holders
in accordance with the terms of the Prospectuses relating to such Shares
("EWCs") and shall cause the Transfer Agent to pay such amounts over as promptly
as possible after the settlement date for each repurchase of such Shares.
B. Other Services; Service Fee. Upon request of the Trust's Board of
----------------------------
Trustees, the Distributor may, but shall be under no duty to, perform additional
services on behalf of the Trust, which services are not required by this
Agreement but may be performed by the Distributor in conformity with applicable
law. Any such services will be performed on behalf of the Trust, and the
Distributor may impose additional charges for such services, which charges may
be billed to the Trust and subject to examination by the Trust's independent
accountants. The Distributor's payment or assumption of any expense of the
Trust that it is not required to pay or assume under this Agreement shall not
relieve the Distributor of any of its obligations to the Trust or obligate the
Distributor to pay or assume any similar expense on any subsequent occasion.
C. Directed Payment; Allocable Portion Calculations. The Distributor may
-------------------------------------------------
direct the Trust to pay any part or all of the EWCs payable to the Distributor
in respect of any Shares directly to persons providing funds to the Distributor
to cover or otherwise enable the incurring of expenses associated with
distribution services, and the Trust agrees to accept and to comply with such
direction. The Distributor shall, at its own expense and not as the expense of
the Trust, provide the Trust with any necessary calculations of the
Distributor's Allocable Portion of any EWCs, and the Trust shall be entitled to
rely conclusively on such calculations, without prejudice to any claim it may
have concerning the accuracy of such calculations.
D. Maximum Charges. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
----------------
in this Agreement, EWCs paid to Distributor by any class of shares of the Trust
shall not exceed the amount permitted by the NASD Contract ("NASD Rules"), as
in effect from time to time, and the aggregate amount of EWCs paid to the
Distributor by any class of shares of the Trust shall not exceed 8.50% of the
offering price (determined in accordance with the NASD Rules in effect from time
to time).
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6. EXPENSES. The expenses connected with distribution shall be allocable
between the Trust and the Distributor as follows:
(a) The Distributor shall furnish the services of personnel to the
extent that such services are required to carry out its obligations under
this Agreement and shall bear all distribution expense incurred in the
distribution of Shares except those expenses allocated specifically to the
Trust in Section 6(b) of this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement,
"distribution expenses" of the Distributor shall mean all expenses borne by
the Distributor which represent payment for activities primarily intended
to result in the sale of the Trust shares.
(b) The Trust assumes and shall pay or cause to be paid the
following expenses incurred on its behalf:
Registration of shares including the expense of printing and distributing
prospectuses to existing shareholders; expenses incurred for maintaining the
Trust's existence, taxes and expenses related to portfolio transactions; charges
and expenses of any registrar, custodian or depository for portfolio securities
and other property, and any stock transfer, dividend or account agent or agents;
all taxes, including securities issuance and transfer taxes, and fees payable to
federal, state or other governmental agencies; costs and expenses in connection
with the registration and maintenance of registration of the Trust and the
Shares with the SEC and various states and other jurisdictions (including filing
fees, legal fees and disbursements of counsel); expenses of shareholders' and
directors' meetings and preparing, printing, and mailing of proxy statements and
reports to shareholders; fees and travel expenses of directors who are not
"interested persons" as that term is defined in the 1940 Act; expenses incident
to the payment of any dividend, distribution, withdrawal or redemption, whether
in shares or in cash; charges and expenses of any outside service used for
pricing of the Shares; fees and expenses of legal counsel and of independent
accountants; membership dues of industry associations; postage (excluding
postage for promotional and sales literature); insurance premiums on property of
personnel (including, but not limited to legal claims and liabilities and
litigation costs and any indemnification related thereto); and all other charges
and costs of the Trust's operation unless otherwise explicitly provided herein.
7. DUTIES OF THE TRUST.
A. The Trust agrees at its own expense to execute any and all documents,
to furnish any and all information and to take any other actions that may be
reasonably necessary in connection with (a) the registration of Shares under the
1933 Act and (b) the qualification, pursuant to state securities laws, of the
Shares for sale in those states that the Distributor may designate.
B. Information Reports; Financial Data. The Trust shall furnish to the
------------------------------------
Distributor from time to time, for use in connection with the sale of the
Shares, such information reports with respect to the Trust and the Shares as the
Distributor may reasonably request. Such reports shall be signed by officers of
the Trust duly authorized; the Trust warrants the statements contained in any
reports so signed to be true and correct. The Trust shall furnish to the
Distributor, upon its
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request, (a) annual audits of the Trust's books and accounts made by independent
public accounts regularly retained by the Trust, (b) semiannual unaudited
financial statements pertaining to the Trust, (c) quarterly earnings statements
prepared by the Trust, (d) a monthly itemized list of the securities in the
portfolio of the Trust, (e) monthly balance sheets as soon as practicable after
the end of each month and (f) such additional information regarding the Trust's
financial condition as the Distributor may reasonable request from time to time.
8. NON-EXCLUSIVITY. The services of the Distributor are not exclusive and
the Distributor shall be entitled to render distribution or other services to
others (including other investment companies) and to engage in other activities.
It is understood and agreed that officers of the Distributor may serve as
officers or trustees of the Trust, and that officers or trustees of the Trust
may serve as officers of the Distributor to the extent permitted by law; and
that officers of the Distributor are not prohibited from engaging in any other
business activity or from rendering services to any other person, or from
serving as partners, officers or directors of any other firm or corporation,
including other investment companies and broker/dealers.
9. TERM AND APPROVAL. This Agreement shall become effective as of the
date first above written for an initial period of two years, and shall continue
in force and effect from year to year thereafter, provided that, with respect to
the Trust or the Trust shares, such continuance is specifically approved at
least annually:
(a) By the Trust's Board of Trustees, including the affirmative
vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Trust who are not (i)
parties to this Agreement, (ii) interested persons of any such party (as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act), or (iii) persons having a
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of this Agreement or
any agreement related to this Agreement (the "Qualified Trustees") by votes
cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such
approval, or
(b) By the vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund (as defined in Section 2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act).
10. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated, with respect to the
Trust or the Trust share, at any time, without the payment of any penalty, on
sixty (60) days' written notice, by vote of the Board of Trustees of the Trust,
or by a vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees, or by a vote of a majority
of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in Section 2(a)(42)
of the 1940 Act), or by the Distributor on sixty (60) days' written notice to
the Fund. The notice provided for herein may be waived by either party. This
Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its assignment, the term
"assignment" for this purpose having the meaning set forth in Section (a)(4) of
the 1940 Act.
11. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The Trust represents and warrants to
the Distributor that any registration statement, prospectus and statement of
additional information, when such Registration Statement becomes effective, will
include all statements required to be contained therein in conformity with the
1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the rules and regulations of the SEC; that all
statements of fact contained in any registration statement,
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prospectus or statement of additional information will be true and correct when
such Registration Statement becomes effective; and that neither any registration
statement nor any prospectus or statement of additional information when such
Registration Statement becomes effective will include an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading to a purchaser of
shares. The Distributor may, but shall not be obligated to, propose from time to
time such amendment or amendments to any registration statement and such
supplement or supplements to any prospectus or statement of additional
information as, in the light of future developments, may, in the opinion of the
Distributor's counsel, be necessary or advisable. If the Trust shall not propose
such amendment or amendments and/or supplement or supplements within fifteen
(15) days after receipt by the Trust of a written request from the Distributor
to do so, the Distributor may, at its option, terminate this Agreement. The
Trust shall not file any amendment to any registration statement or supplement
to any prospectus or statement of additional information without giving the
Distributor reasonable notice thereof in advance; provided, however, that
nothing contained in this Agreement shall in any way limit the Trust's right to
file at any time such amendments to any registration statement and/or
supplements to any prospectus or statement of additional information, of
whatever character, as the Trust may deem advisable, such right being in all
respects absolute and unconditional.
12. AMENDMENTS. This Agreement may be amended, with respect to any Fund
or Class, by the parties hereto only if such amendment is specifically approved
(i) by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or by the vote of majority of
outstanding voting securities of the Fund, and (ii by a majority of the
Qualified Trustees, which vote must be cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval.
13. INDEMNIFICATION.
13.1 The Trust authorizes the Distributor and any dealers with
whom Distributor has entered into dealer agreements to use any
prospectus or statement of additional information furnished by the
Trust from time to time, in connection with the sale of shares of each
Fund. The Trust agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Distributor, its
several officers and directors, and any person who controls
Distributor within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and
harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and
expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such
claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in
connection therewith) which Distributor, its officers and directors,
or any such controlling person, may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1940
Act or common law or otherwise, arising out of or based upon any
untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in any registration statement, any prospectus or any
statement of additional information, or arising out of or based upon
any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to
be stated in any registration statement, any prospectus or any
statement of additional information, or necessary to make the
statements in any of them not misleading; provided, however, that the
Trust's agreement to indemnify the Distributor, its officers or
directors, and any such controlling person shall not be
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deemed to cover any claims, demands, liabilities or expenses arising
out of or based upon any statements or representations made by
Distributor or its representatives or agents other than such
statements and representations as are contained in any registration
statement, prospectus or statement of additional information and in
such financial and other statements as are furnished to the
Distributor pursuant to paragraph 2 hereof; and further provided that
the Trust's agreement to indemnify the Distributor and the Trust's
representations and warranties shall not be deemed to cover any
liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which Distributor would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or
gross negligence in the performance of its duties, or by reason of
Distributor' reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under
this Agreement. The Trust's agreement to indemnify Distributor, its
officers and directors, and any such controlling person, as aforesaid,
is expressly conditioned upon the Trust's being notified of any action
brought against Distributor, its officers or directors, or any such
controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or by
telegram addressed to the Trust at its principal office stated herein
and sent to the Trust by the person against whom such action is
brought, within ten (10) days after the summons or other first legal
process shall have been served. The failure so to notify the Trust of
any such action shall not relieve the Trust from any liability that
the Trust may have to the person against whom such action is brought
by reason of any such untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission
or alleged omission otherwise than on account of the Trust's indemnity
agreement contained in this paragraph 12.1. The Trust's
indemnification agreement contained in this paragraph 12.1 and the
Trust's representations and warranties in this Agreement shall remain
operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation
made by or on behalf of Distributor, its officers and directors, or
any controlling person, and shall survive the delivery of any shares.
This agreement of indemnity will inure exclusively to Distributor's
benefit, to the benefit of its several officers and directors and
their respective estates, and to the benefit of the controlling
persons and their successors. The Trust agrees to notify Distributor
promptly of the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against
the Trust or any of its officers or trustees in connection with the
issuance and sale of any shares.
13.2 Distributor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold the
Trust, its several officers and trustees, and any person who controls
the Trust within the meaning of Section 15 of the 1933 Act, free and
harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities and
expenses (including the costs of investigating or defending such
claims, demand or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in
connection therewith) that the Trust, it officers or trustees or any
such controlling person may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or
common law or otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or
expense incurred by the Trust, its officers or trustees or such
controlling person resulting from such claims or demands shall arise
out of or be based upon (a) any unauthorized sales literature,
advertisements, information, statements or representations or (b) any
untrue or allegedly untrue statement of material fact contained in
information furnished in
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writing by the Distributor to the Trust and used in the answers to any
of the items of the Registration Statement or in the corresponding
statements made in the prospectus or statement of additional
information, or shall arise out of or be based upon any omission or
alleged omission to state a material fact in connection with such
information furnished in writing by Distributor to the Trust and
required to be stated in such answers or necessary to make such
information not misleading. Distributor's agreement to indemnify the
Trust, its officers and trustees, and any such controlling person, as
aforesaid, is expressly conditioned upon Distributor being notified of
any action brought against the Trust, its officers or trustees, or any
such controlling person, such notification to be given by letter or
telegram addressed to Distributor at its principal office as stated
herein and sent to Distributor by the person against whom such action
is brought, within ten days after the summons or other first legal
process shall have been served. The failure so to notify the
Distributor of any such action shall not relieve Distributor from any
liability that the Distributor may have to the Trust, its officers or
trustees, or to such controlling person by reason of any such untrue
or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission otherwise
than on account of Distributor's indemnity agreement contained in this
paragraph 12.2. The Distributor agrees to notify the Trust promptly of
the commencement of any litigation or proceedings against Distributor
or any of its officers or directors in connection with the issuance
and sale of any shares.
13.3 In case any action shall be brought against any
indemnified party under paragraph 12.1 or 12.2, and it shall notify
the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying
party shall be entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it
shall wish to do so, to assume the defense thereof with counsel
satisfactory to such indemnified party. If the indemnifying party opts
to assume the defense of such action, the indemnifying party will not
be liable to the indemnified party for any legal or other expenses
subsequently incurred by the indemnified party in connection with the
defense thereof other than (a) reasonable costs of investigation or
the furnishing of documents or witnesses and (b) all reasonable fees
and expenses of separate counsel to such indemnified party if (i) the
indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have agreed to the
retention of such counsel or (ii) the indemnified party shall have
concluded reasonably that representation of the indemnifying party and
the indemnified party by the same counsel would be inappropriate due
to actual or potential differing interests between them in the conduct
of the defense of such action.
14. LIABILITY OF THE DISTRIBUTOR. In the performance of its duties
hereunder, the Distributor shall be obligated to exercise care and diligence and
to act in good faith and to use its best efforts within reasonable limits to
insure the accuracy of all services performed under this Agreement, but the
Distributor shall not be liable for any act or omission which does not
constitute willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Distributor or reckless disregard by the Distributor of its duties under this
Agreement.
-8-
<PAGE>
15. NOTICES. Any notices under this Agreement shall be in writing,
addressed and delivered or mailed postage paid to the other party at such
address as such other party may designate for the receipt of such notice. Until
further notice to the other party, it is agreed that the address of the Trust
shall be 601 West Main Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201, and the address of the
Distributor shall be 1201 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101.
16. DECLARATION OF TRUST AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. A copy of the
Declaration of Trust of the Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is
executed by an officer of the Trust on behalf of the trustees of the Trust, as
trustees and not individually, on further behalf of each Fund, and that the
obligations of this Agreement with respect to each Fund shall be binding upon
the assets and properties of the Fund only and shall not be binding upon the
assets and properties of any other Fund or series of the Trust or upon any of
the trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders of the Fund or the
Trust individually.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed in duplicate by their respective officers on the day and year first
above written.
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
By:
------------------------------
Name:
Title:
Attest:
By:
-------------------------------
Name:
Title:
-9-
<PAGE>
COMPOSITE FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
By:
---------------------------------
William G. Papesh
President
Attest:
By:
--------------------------
Sharon L. Howells
Secretary
-10-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (k)(1)
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT
March __, 1998
Murphey Favre Securities Services, Inc.
601 W. Main Avenue, Suite 300
Spokane, WA 99201
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The Sierra Prime Income Fund (the "Trust"), an unincorporated business
trust organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, confirms
its agreements with Murphey Favre Securities Services, Inc. ("Murphey Favre"), a
corporation organized under the laws of the state of Washington, regarding
administrative services to be provided by Murphey Favre in connection with the
Trust. Murphey Favre agrees to provide services upon the following terms and
conditions:
1. Investment Description; Appointment
-----------------------------------
The Fund desires to employ its capital by investing and reinvesting (a) in
investments of the kind, and in accordance with the limitations, specified in
(i) the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated October 4, 1995 and the Amended
Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated January 18, 1996, as amended from time
to time (the "Declaration of Trust"), and (ii) the prospectus (the "Prospectus")
and statement of additional information (the "Statement") relating to the Trust
contained in the Registration statement on Form N-2, File No. 33-98824, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Registration Statement") and
(b) in such manner and to such extent as may from time to time be approved by
the Trust's Board of Trustees. Copies of the Prospectus, the Statement and the
Declaration of Trust have been submitted to Murphey Favre. The Trust desires to
employ and hereby appoints Murphey Favre to act as its administrator. Murphey
Favre accepts this appointment and agrees to furnish the services described
herein for the compensation set forth below.
2. Services as Administrator
-------------------------
Subject to the supervision and direction of the Board of Trustees, Murphey
Favre is responsible for all administrative functions with respect to the Trust
and will (a) assist in supervising all aspects of the operations of the Trust
except those performed by the investment adviser and sub-advisers under their
respective investment management and sub-advisory agreements; (b) supply the
Trust with office facilities which may be in Murphey Favre's own offices,
statistical and research data, data processing services, clerical, accounting
and
<PAGE>
bookkeeping services (including, but not limited to, the calculation of the no
asset value of shares of the Trust), internal auditing and legal services,
internal executive and administrative services, and stationery and office
supplies; (c) prepare reports to the Trust's shareholders and materials for the
Board of Trustees; (d) prepare tax returns; (e) prepare reports to and filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and state regulatory authorities;
(f) cooperate with the Trust's transfer agent for the purpose of establishing
and implementing procedures to ensure that the Trust's transfer agency and
shareholder relations functions are efficiently carried out; and (g) provide
such other similar services as the Trust may reasonably request to the extent
permitted under application statutes, rules and regulations. The services to be
performed by Murphey Favre hereunder may be delegated by it, in whole or in
part, to one or more sub-administrators provided that any delegation of duties
to a sub-administrator shall not relieve Murphey Favre of its responsibilities
hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, Murphey
Favre shall not be responsible for the performance of any duties which are
required to be performed by the Trust's transfer agent.
3. Compensation
------------
a. In consideration of services rendered pursuant to this Agreement, the
Trust will pay Murphey Favre on the first business day of each month a fee for
the previous month at an annual rate of 0.25% of the Trust's average daily net
assets, out of which fee Murphey Favre shall pay expenses as described in
Section 5 including, without limitation, fees of any sub-administrator engaged
by Murphey Favre and the base fees and charges (but not transaction-based fees
and out-of-pocket expenses) of the Trust's custodian.
b. Upon any termination of this Agreement before the end of any month,
the fee for such part of a month shall be prorated according to the proportion
which such period bears to the full monthly period and shall be payable upon the
date of termination of this Agreement. For the purpose of determining fees
payable to Murphey Favre, the value of the Trust's net assets shall be computed
at the times and in the manner specified in the Prospectus and/or the Statement
of Additional Information as from time to time in effect.
4. Expenses
--------
Murphey Favre will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of
its services under this Agreement, including, without limitation, payment of the
fee to the custodian and any sub-administrator described in Paragraph 2 above.
The Trust will bear certain other expenses to be incurred in its operation,
including: organizational expenses; taxes, interest, brokerage fees and
commissions, if any; fees of trustees of the Trust who are not officers,
directors, or employees of Composite Research & Management Co., the Trust's sub-
administrator or any of their affiliates; federal regulatory fees and state Blue
Sky qualification fees; out-of-pocket expenses of custodians and the Trust's
sub-administrator and transaction charges of custodians; insurance premiums;
outside auditing and legal expenses; costs of maintenance of the Trust's
existence; costs attributable to investor services, including, without
limitation, telephone and
2
<PAGE>
personnel expenses; costs of preparing and printing prospectuses and statements
of additional information for regulatory purposes and for distribution to
existing shareholders; costs of shareholders' reports and meetings of the
shareholders of the Trust and of the officers or Board of Trustees of the Trust;
and any extraordinary expenses.
5. Standard of Care
----------------
Murphey Favre shall exercise its best judgment in rendering the services
listed in Paragraph 2 above. Murphey Favre shall not be liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Trust in connection
with the matters to which this Agreement relates, except a loss resulting from
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the
performance of its duties or from reckless disregard by it of its obligations
and duties under this Agreement.
6. Term of Agreement
-----------------
This Agreement shall become effective as of the execution date and shall
continue for an initial two-year term and shall continue automatically from
year-to-year thereafter unless terminated in accordance with the following
sentence. This Agreement is terminable at any time, without penalty, on 60 days'
written notice, by the Board of Trustees of the Trust or upon 90 days' written
notice, by Murphey Favre.
7. Service to Other Companies or Accounts
--------------------------------------
The Trust understands that Murphey Favre may act in the future as
administrator to other investment companies or series of investment companies,
and the Trust has no objection to Murphey Favre's so acting. The Trust
understands that the persons employed by Murphey Favre to assist in the
performance of Murphey Favre's duties under this Agreement will not devote their
full time to such services and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be
deemed to limit or restrict the right of Murphey Favre or any affiliate of
Murphey Favre to engage in and devote time and attention to other businesses or
to render services of whatever kind or nature.
8. Representations of the Trust and Murphey Favre
----------------------------------------------
The Trust represents that (a) a copy of the Declaration of Trust is on file
in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (b) the
appointment of Murphey Favre has been duly authorized and (c) it has acted and
will continue to act in conformity with the 1940 Act and other applicable laws.
Murphey Favre represents that it is authorized to perform the services described
herein.
3
<PAGE>
9. Limitation of Liability
-----------------------
This Agreement has been executed on behalf of the Trust by the undersigned
officer of the Trust in his capacity as an officer of the Trust. The obligations
of this Agreement shall be binding only upon the assets and property of the
Trust and shall not be binding upon any Trustee, officer, or Trustee, officer,
or shareholder of the Trust individually.
10. Entire Agreement
----------------
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto.
11. Governing Law
-------------
This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
12. Counterparts
------------
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterpart, each of which
shall be deemed to be an original, but such counterparts shall together,
constitute only one instrument.
If the foregoing accurately sets forth our agreement, kindly indicate your
acceptance hereof by signing and returning the enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
By:
---------------------------------
President
- ---------------
Accepted:
MURPHEY FAVRE SECURITIES SERVICES, INC.
By:
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Vice President
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT(k)(2)
TRANSFER AGENT CONTRACT
TRANSFER AGENT CONTRACT (this "AGREEMENT"), dated March __, 1998, between
the Sierra Trust Funds (the "Trust"), Sierra Asset Management Portfolios and
Sierra Prime Income Fund, each a Massachusetts business trust (the "Trusts"),
and Murphey Favre Securities Services, Inc. (the "Transfer Agent"), a
Washington corporation.
W I T N E S S E T H
-------------------
WHEREAS, the Trusts are management investment companies registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940" Act); and
WHEREAS, Sierra Trust Funds and Sierra Asset Management Portfolios are
authorized to issue shares in separate series with each series representing a
separate portfolio of securities and other assets (each of which, together with
Sierra Prime Income Fund, being referred to hereinafter as a "Fund");
WHEREAS, each Fund desires the Transfer Agent to perform the services set
forth in Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, and
the Transfer Agent is willing to perform such services;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual agreements
set forth herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. The Transfer Agent shall perform for each Fund the services set forth
in Schedule A for a monthly fee as set forth in Schedule B attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference.
2. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Transfer Agent for postage, the
procurement and/or printing of statements, envelopes, checks, reports, tax
forms, proxies, or other forms of printed material required in the performance
of its services to the Fund under this Agreement.
3. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Transfer Agent for all freight and
other delivery charges and insurance or bonding charges incurred by the Transfer
Agent in delivering materials to and from the Fund and its shareholders
("Shareholders").
4. Each Fund agrees to reimburse the Transfer Agent for all direct
telephone expenses incurred by the Fund in calling Shareholders regarding their
Fund transactions, accounts, and for any other Fund business.
<PAGE>
5. Each Fund agrees that all computer programs and procedures developed to
perform services required under this Agreement are the property of the Transfer
Agent and the Transfer Agent agrees that all records and other data, except
computer programs and procedures, are the property of the Fund. The Transfer
Agent agrees that it will furnish all records and other data as may be requested
to a Fund immediately upon termination of this Agreement for any reason
whatsoever.
6. The Transfer Agent agrees to treat all records and other information
relative to a Fund with utmost confidence and further agrees that all records
maintained by the Transfer Agent for the Fund shall be open to inspection and
audit at reasonable times by the officers, agents or auditors employed by the
Fund and that such records shall be preserved and retained by the Transfer Agent
so long as this agreement shall remain in effect.
7. The Transfer Agent shall not be liable for any damage, loss of data,
delay or any other loss caused by any such power failure or machine breakdown,
except that the Transfer Agent shall be liable for actual out-of-pocket costs
caused by any such power failure or machine breakdown, and the Transfer Agent
shall recover the data in process that is assumed lost during any power failure
or machine breakdown.
8. The Transfer Agent will maintain in force through the duration of this
Agreement a fidelity bond in a face amount not less than $1,000,000 written by a
reputable insurance company, covering theft, embezzlement, forgery and other
acts of malfeasance by the Transfer Agent, its employees, or agents in
connection with services performed for a Fund.
9. This agreement may be terminated without the payment of any penalty by
any party upon one hundred eighty (180) days written notice thereof given by a
Fund to the Transfer Agent and upon one hundred eighty (180) days written notice
thereof given by the Transfer Agent to a Fund.
10. Any notice shall be officially given when sent by registered or
certified mail by a party to the appropriate address listed in the Trusts'
current registration statement, provided that each party may notify each other
by regular mail of any changed address to which such notices should be sent.
11. This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and
shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto and their respective successors.
12. A copy of the Declaration of Trust, or similar document, of each
Trust is on file with the Secretary of State of The Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, and notice is hereby given that this Agreement is executed by an
officer of each Trust on behalf of the trustees of that Trust, as trustees and
not individually, on further behalf of each Fund, and
2
<PAGE>
that the obligations of this Agreement as they related to a single Fund shall be
binding upon the assets and properties of that Fund only and shall not be
binding upon the assets and properties of any other Fund or upon any of the
trustees, officers, employees, agents or shareholders of a Fund or a Trust
individually.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto cause this Agreement to be
executed by their officers designated below as of the date first above-written.
SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, on behalf of its series:
California Money Fund
Short Term High Quality Bond Fund
California Municipal Fund
Florida Insured Municipal Fund
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund
Growth Fund
Emerging Growth Fund
International Growth Fund
Target Maturity 2002 Fund
By:
-----------------------------------
President
SIERRA ASSET MANAGEMENT PORTFOLIOS,
on behalf of its series:
Capital Growth Portfolio
Growth Portfolio
Balanced Portfolio
Value Portfolio
Income Portfolio
By:
--------------------------------------
President
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
By:
--------------------------------------
President
MURPHEY FAVRE SECURITIES SERVICES, INC.
By:
--------------------------------------
Executive Vice President
3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
I. Shareholder Services
A. Maintain all Shareholder records on electronic data processing
equipment, including:
1. Share balances
2. Account transaction history
3. Names and addresses
4. Distribution records
5. Transfer records
6. Over-all control records
B. New Accounts
1. Deposit all monies received into a Fund custody account maintained
by the Fund's custodian.
2. Set up account according to Shareholders' instructions
3. Issue and mail shareholder confirmations
C. Additional Purchases
1. Deposit monies received into a Fund custody account maintained by
the Fund's custodian.
2. Issue Shareholder confirmations
D. Redemptions
1. Liquidate shares upon Shareholder request
2. Make payments of redemption proceeds in accordance with the Fund's
then current prospectus.
3. Issue and mail Shareholder confirmation
A-1
<PAGE>
E. Transfer shares as requested, including obtaining necessary papers and
documents to satisfy transfer requirements. On irregular transfers
requiring special legal opinions, such special legal fees, if any, are
to be paid for by the Fund.
F. Process changes, corrections of addresses and registrations
G. Maintain service with Shareholders as follows:
1. Activity required to receive, process and reply to Shareholders'
correspondence regarding account matters
2. Refer correspondence regarding investment matters to the Fund with
sufficient account data to answer
3. Contact Shareholders directly to settle problems and answer
questions
H. Compute distributions, dividends and capital gains
1. Make payment or reinvest in additional shares as directed by
shareholders according to provisions of the Fund's then current
prospectus
2. Advise each Shareholder of the amount of dividends received and
tax status annually
I. Produce transcripts of shareholder account history as required
J. Maintain the controls associated with the computer programs and manual
systems to arrive at the Fund's total shares outstanding
K. Receive mail and perform other administrative functions relating to
transfer agent work
II. Other Services
A. Mailing services to shareholders
B. Services in connection with any stock splits
C. Develop special reports for Fund officers regarding statistical and
accounting data pertaining to the Fund. Fund shall pay for
out-of-pocket expenses charged by vendors to develop such reports
or portions thereof
A-2
<PAGE>
D. Voice response unit
E. NSCC support
A-3
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B: MONTHLY SHAREHOLDER SERVICING FEES
January __, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fee Per Account Per Month
-------------------------
Class B
&
Class A Class S
------- -------
<S> <C> <C>
Emerging Growth Fund $1.25 $1.35
Growth Fund $1.25 $1.35
International Growth Fund $1.25 $1.35
California Municipal Fund $1.45 $1.55
California Insured Intermediate Municipal Fund $1.45 $1.55
Florida Insured Municipal Fund $1.45 $1.55
Short Term High Quality Bond Fund $1.45 $1.55
California Money Fund
First 25,000 accounts $1.85 $1.95
Each additional account $1.55 $1.65
Target Maturity 2002 Fund $1.45 $1.55
Sierra Asset Management Portfolio
Balanced, Value & Income Portfolio $1.45 $1.55
Capital Growth & Growth Portfolio $1.25 $1.35
Sierra Prime Income Fund $1.45 $1.55
</TABLE>
Fees Include
. Shareholder and Broker Servicing
. Transaction Processing, Correspondence, and Research
. Settlement and Reconciliation
. Corporate Actions
. Tax Reporting and Compliance
. NSCC Support
. Management Company and Broker/Dealer Support
. Asset Allocation Processing for all distribution channels
Additional charges will be made for out-of-pocket expenses according to Schedule
C.
B-1
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE C
OUT-OF-POCKET EXPENSES
The Funds shall reimburse the Transfer Agent monthly for applicable out-of-
pocket expenses, including, but not limited to the following items:
. NSCC charges
. Banking fees
. Voice response unit
. Microfiche/Microfilm/Image production
. Magnetic media tapes and freight
. Printing costs, including certificates, envelopes, checks and stationery
. Postage (bulk, pre-sort, ZIP+4, bar-coding, first class) direct pass through
to the Funds
. Due diligence mailings
. Telephone and telecommunication costs, including all lease, maintenance and
line costs
. Ad hoc reports
. Shareholder transcripts
. Proxy solicitations, mailings and tabulations
. Daily & Distribution advice mailings
. Shipping, Certified and Overnight mail and insurance
. Year-end form production and mailings
. Terminals, communication lines, printers and other equipment and any expenses
incurred in connection with such terminals and lines
. Duplicating services
. Courier services
. Incoming and outgoing wire charges
. Federal Reserve charges for check clearance
. Overtime, as approved by the Funds
. Temporary staff, as approved by the Funds
. Travel and entertainment, as approved by the Funds
. Record retention, retrieval and destruction costs, including, but not limited
to exit fees charged by third party record keeping vendors
. Third party audit reviews
. Ad hoc programming time
. Insurance
. Such other miscellaneous expenses reasonably incurred by the Transfer Agent
in performing its duties and responsibilities under this Agreement
C-1
<PAGE>
Exhibit (k)(3)
AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT, dated as of December 4, 1996 by and among Sierra Prime Income
Fund, an unincorporated business trust, organized under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Fund"), Sierra Investment Advisors
Corporation, a California corporation ("Sierra Advisors") and Van Kampen
American Capital Management Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Management Inc.").
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Sierra Advisors acts as the investment advisor to the Fund;
WHEREAS, Management Inc., pursuant to that certain Investment Sub-Advisory
Agreement by and among the Fund, Sierra Advisors and Management Inc. dated
October 31, 1996, acts as the investment sub-advisor to the Fund;
WHEREAS, the Fund invests principally in interests in floating or variable
rate senior loans made primary to United States corporations, partnerships and
other entities (the "Senior Loan Interests") which Senior Loan Interests
generally pay interest at rates which are periodically redetermined by reference
to a base lending rate plus a premium;
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Fund have established certain
procedures for the valuation of the Senior Loan Interests in the Fund's
portfolio (the "Senior Loan Interest Pricing Procedures") and credit quality
review procedures for Senior Loan Interests in the Fund's portfolio (the "Credit
Quality Review Procedures") in accordance with certain resolutions adopted by
the Board of Trustees of the Fund (the "Senior Loan Interest Valuation
Resolutions") and guidelines for valuing senior loan interests (the "Senior Loan
Interest Valuation Guidelines") utilized by Management Inc.;
WHEREAS, the Fund and Sierra Advisors desire that Management Inc. provide
to the Fund valuations for the Senior Loan Interests in the Fund's portfolio in
accordance with the Senior Loan Interest Pricing Procedures and the Senior Loan
Interest Valuation Guidelines, and oversee the credit quality of the Senior Loan
Interests in the Fund's portfolio pursuant to the Credit Quality Review
Procedures;
WHEREAS, Management Inc. desires to provide such Senior Loan Interest
valuations, and to oversee the credit quality of such Senior Loan Interests, to
the Fund and Sierra Advisors;
WHEREAS, each of the parties hereto desire to set forth their
understandings with respect to Management Inc.'s provision of valuations and
credit quality review for Senior Loan Interests in the Fund's portfolio.
<PAGE>
THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements and covenants of the
parties set forth herein and such other good and valuable consideration, the
legally sufficiency of which is acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. SERVICES.
For the term of this Agreement, Management Inc. agrees to provide to Fund,
Sierra Advisors as well as to such other appropriate service provider to
the Fund as the Fund or Sierra Advisors may direct, including State Street
Bank & Trust Company as Custodian and Administrator of the Fund, its
valuations for Senior Loan Interests in the Fund's portfolio in the time
and manner as specified in the Valuation Committee Procedures as more fully
set forth in Section 2 hereof. Further, Management Inc. agrees to provide
to the Fund and Sierra Advisors credit review of the Senior Loan Interests
in the Fund's portfolio pursuant to the Credit Quality Review Procedures as
more fully set forth in Section 2 hereof.
2. PRICING PROCEDURES/SENIOR LOAN INTEREST GUIDELINES.
Each of the Fund and Sierra Advisors represent and warrant to Management
Inc. that the Valuation Committee Procedures and the Senior Loan Interest
Valuation Guidelines attached hereto and made part hereof as Exhibit A and
Attachment 1 thereto, respectively, have been adopted by the Board of
Trustees of the Fund. Each of the Fund and Sierra Advisory further
represent and warrant to Management Inc. that the Credit Quality Review
Procedures attached hereto and made part hereof as Exhibit B have been
adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. The Fund and Sierra Advisors
agree to provide copies of all amendments to or restatements of the
Valuation Committee Procedures, Senior Loan Interest Valuation Guidelines,
Credit Quality Review Procedures and Board resolutions affecting Senior
Loan interest valuations to Management Inc. on a timely and on-going basis,
but in all events prior to such time as said amendments become effective.
Management Inc. is entitled to rely on all such documents furnished to it
by the Fund and Sierra Advisors.
3. TERM.
The term of this Agreement shall be coterminous with the term of the
Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement and shall be terminable as set forth in
Section 9 of said Investment Sub-Advisory Agreement.
4. FEES.
In consideration of its retention as the investment sub-advisor for the
Fund, Management Inc. shall provide the Services indicated herein at no
cost to the Fund or Sierra Advisors.
-2-
<PAGE>
5. NO WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
Management Inc. will use its best efforts to provide accurate, complete and
timely Senior Loan Interest valuations to the Fund and Sierra Advisors.
Subject to Management Inc.'s contractual obligation to use reasonable
efforts as set forth in the preceding sentence, Management Inc. does not
warrant the accuracy or completeness or timeliness of any of the
recommendations supplied by it under this Agreement. THERE ARE NO
WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR ANY OTHER
WARRANTY IN CONNECTION WITH ANYTHING DONE OR SUPPLIED BY MANAGEMENT INC.
PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT.
EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF A BREACH OF FIDUCIARY DUTY, GROSS NEGLIGENCE, BAD
FAITH AND/OR WILLFUL MISFEASANCE ON THE PART OF MANAGEMENT, INC.,
MANAGEMENT INC. WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS OR GOOD
WILL, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY OR
OTHERWISE AND WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGES ARE FORESEEN OR UNFORESEEN, WITH
RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM BY THE FUND, SIERRA ADVISORS OR MANAGEMENT INC. AS THE
CASE MAY BE OR ANY THIRD PARTY ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT
OR ANY OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED UNDER THIS AGREEMENT INCLUDING WITHOUT
LIMITATION CLAIMS RELATING TO THE COMPLETENESS OR ACCURACY OR TIMELINESS OR
DELIVERY OF ANY RECOMMENDATIONS SUPPLIED, THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM THE USE
OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS, TRANSMISSION DELAYS OR OMISSIONS, INTERRUPTIONS IN
SERVICE, OR ANY OTHER CLAIM ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THE DATA OR THE
FAILURE TO SUPPLY ANY DATA.
6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.
Each of the parties hereto represents and warrants to the other party
hereto as follows:
(a) it has full power and authority (including full corporate power and
authority) to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder and this Agreement constitutes the valid and
legally binding obligation of such party, enforceable in accordance
with its terms and conditions; and
(b) the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby do not conflict with or violate in
any material respect: (i) said party's charter or by-laws; (ii) any
contract or agreement to which it is a party;
-3-
<PAGE>
(iii) any order, decree or judgment of any court or governmental
authority; or (iv) any Federal or State statute, rule or regulation.
7. COVENANTS.
During the term of this Agreement, each of the parties agree:
(a) to consult with the other parties hereto prior to recommending any
changes or modifications in the Guidelines;
(b) to comply with all codes, regulations and laws applicable to the
provision of the services to be provided by it under this Agreement;
(c) to execute and deliver such further documents and instruments and take
such other actions as the other parties hereto may reasonably request
to more effectively carry out the Services to be provided pursuant to
this Agreement; and
(d) to take no action that would be expected to result in any of its
representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement being or
becoming untrue in any material respect.
8. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Management Inc. agrees to provide information in support of its valuations
of Senior Loan Interests to the Fund and Sierra Advisors pursuant to their
reasonable request from time to time. All information in support of the
valuation of Senior Loan Interests deemed to be significant by Management,
Inc. will be provided pursuant to the reasonable request noted above. Both
the Fund and Sierra Advisors acknowledge and agree that any such
information provided by Management Inc. will be treated as material
non-public information and will hold such information strictly
confidential. Further, the Fund and Sierra Advisors agree that any such
information provided by Management Inc. may have the effect of limiting the
Fund or Sierra Advisors' ability to trade in other securities of the
issuers of Senior Loan Interests pursuant to Federal Insider Trading laws
and other applicable law.
-4-
<PAGE>
9. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) The Fund and Sierra Advisors shall indemnify and hold harmless
Management Inc., its affiliated persons (as defined in the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended) and its and their directors, officers,
employees, agents, advisors, representatives and affiliated persons,
control persons or any of its affiliates (each an "Indemnified Party")
against, and the Fund and Sierra Advisors agree that no Indemnified Party
shall have any liability to the Fund or Sierra Advisors or any of their
trustees, directors, officers, employees, agents, advisors, representatives
and affiliated persons and each person who controls either the Fund or
Sierra Advisors or any of each of their respective affiliated persons for,
any judgment, loss, claim, damage or liabilities, joint or several
(including litigation costs and reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from,
based upon or related to the services provided by Management Inc. (or any
other Indemnified Party) in good faith and in the absence of gross
negligence or willful misconduct under this Agreement. Management Inc. (or
such other Indemnified Party) shall have the right, at their expense, to
participate in the defense of any such claim through counsel of their own
choosing; provided, however, that neither the Fund or Sierra Advisor shall
be required to pay any settlement amount that it has not approved in
advance. Notwithstanding the above, neither Management Inc. (nor any other
Indemnified Party) shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder to the
extent that the judgment, loss, claim, damage or liabilities arising from a
claim for which indemnification is sought hereunder results directly or
indirectly from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Management
Inc. (or such other Indemnified Party).
(b) Except for any judgment, loss, claim, damage or liability arising from
the conduct of Management, Inc. deemed to be grossly negligent or willful
or wanton, if the foregoing indemnification is unavailable to an
Indemnified Party with respect to any judgment, loss, claim, damage,
liability or expense referred to therein, then in lieu of indemnification,
the Fund and Sierra Advisors shall contribute to the amount paid or payable
by an Indemnified Party.
10. NOTICES.
All notices hereunder shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person,
or sent by overnight courier service, to the address of the party set forth
below, or to such other address as may be stipulated in writing by the
parties pursuant hereto. Unless otherwise provided, notice shall be
effective on the date it is officially recorded as delivered.
(a) If to the Fund:
Sierra Prime Income Fund
9301 Corbin Avenue
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Northridge, California 91324
Attention: Keith B. Pipes
(b) If to Sierra Advisors:
Sierra Investment Advisors Corporation
9301 Corbin Avenue
Northridge, California 91324
Attention: Michael D. Goth
with a copy to:
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
2000 One Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103-6993
Attention: Jeffrey P. Burns, Esq.
(b) If to Management Inc.:
Van Kampen American Capital Management, Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Attention: Edward A. Treichel
with a copy to:
Van Kampen American Capital, Inc.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181
Attention: General Counsel
11. AMENDMENT: ASSIGNMENT.
This Agreement may not be amended except by written instrument executed by
each party hereto. No party may assign this Agreement to any third party,
without the express written consent of the other party hereto.
12. SURVIVAL OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS.
Notwithstanding the termination of this Agreement, those provisions of
this Agreement that by their nature are intended to survive such
termination shall survive, including without limitation, the provisions of
Sections 8 and 9.
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13. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.
This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties on the
subject hereof and terminates and supersedes all previous verbal and
written agreements on such subject.
14. RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARTIES.
It is understood that each party hereto that Management Inc. is an
independent contractor and that in performing services under this
Agreement, the employees of Management Inc. will in no sense be the
employees of the Fund or Sierra Advisors. It is further acknowledged and
agreed that the parties do not intend to constitute or establish a
partnership or any other business entity under any state law.
15. SEVERABILITY.
In the event any provision of this Agreement or application hereof to any
party or in any circumstances shall be determined to be invalid, unlawful
or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement and the
application of any provision to parties or circumstances other than those
as to which it is determined to be unlawful, invalid or unenforceable,
shall not be affected thereby, and each remaining provision of this
Agreement shall continue to be valid and may be enforced to the fullest
extent permitted by law.
16. NON-WAIVER.
No delay or failure by any party in exercising any right under this
Agreement and no partial or single exercise of that right shall constitute
a waiver of that or any other right.
17. ARBITRATION AND GOVERNING LAW.
(a) Any dispute, controversy or difference which may arise among the
parties hereto out of or in connection with this Agreement or any
agreement entered into among the parties pursuant to this Agreement or
any breach hereof or thereof shall, if possible, be settled by mutual
consultation in good faith between senior executive officers of the
parties having requisite decision making authority. Such mutual
consultation shall take place as soon as practicable after the receipt
by one party of a written notice from another party describing the
dispute, controversy or difference between them. Except as provided in
Section 8, in the event that the dispute is not resolved to the
satisfaction of such parties by such consultation within 90 days of
the written notice given to one party pursuant to this Section 17(a)
then by agreement of the parties such dispute may be subject to
arbitration procedures as agreed to by such parties.
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<PAGE>
(b) Regardless of the situs of the arbitration, this Agreement shall be
governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of
the State of Illinois.
(c) An arbitration award rendered shall be final and binding upon the
parties hereto. The amount of the costs of any such arbitration and by
whom they shall be paid will be determined as part of the arbitration.
Judgment upon such arbitration award may be entered in any court
having jurisdiction over the parties or their assets.
18. CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Except pursuant to Sections 8 and 9, no party shall be liable to any other
party for any consequential, indirect, incidental or special damages, even
if advised of the possibility of such damages.
19. NO THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES.
Except as provided in Section 9 with respect to indemnification, nothing in
this Agreement shall confer any rights upon any person or entity other than
the parties hereto and their respective heirs, successors and permitted
assigns.
20. CAPTIONS.
The captions used herein are for convenience only and constitute no part
of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned parties have duly executed this
Agreement as of the date first above written.
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
By: /s/ Keith B. Pipes
Name: Keith B. Pipes
Title: Executive Vice President
SIERRA INVESTMENT ADVISORS CORPORATION
By: /s/ F. Brian Cerini
Name: F. Brian Cerini
Title: Chairman
VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
By: /s/ Edward A. Treichel
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Name: Edward A. Treichel
Title: Senior Vice President
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EXHIBIT A
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
VALUATION COMMITTEE PROCEDURES
A. VALUATION COMMITTEE
1. Function and Responsibility
a. The Valuation Committee is generally responsible for overseeing
the valuation of assets held by the Sierra Prime Income Fund (the
"Trust") to ensure that such valuations are consistent with
valuation resolutions adopted by the Board of Trustees and Senior
Loan Interest ("SLI") Valuation Guidelines utilized by the
sub-advisor, Van Kampen American Capital Management Inc. (the "Van
Kampen" or "Sub-Advisor") (the "Guidelines").
b. Van Kampen is responsible for recommending to the Board, or its
agents, and Sierra Investment Advisors Corporation ("Sierra
Advisors" or "Advisor") the valuations for the SLIs held by the
Trust, which Board may accept or reject such valuation
recommendation.
c. The valuations recommended by Van Kampen for the SLIs held by the
Trust will be used unless rejected by the Board or any of its
agents, such as the Advisor.
2. Composition
a. The Valuation Committee of the Trust will consist of the members
of the Investment Policy Committee of Sierra Advisors. A majority
of the members of the Valuation Committee must be present in order
for such Committee to achieve a quorum to transact business.
B. MEETINGS
1. The Valuation Committee shall have special meetings:
a. If called by any member of the Valuation Committee, or
b. If, as determined by the Portfolio Manager (discussed below), any
of the following events occurs with respect to any SLI in the
Trust's portfolio ("Special Situations"):
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I. Sierra-Advisors or Sub-Advisor becomes aware that obligor
announces intent to file bankruptcy;
II. Sierra-Advisors or Sub-Advisor becomes aware that obligor
announces inability to make payments on Senior Loan;
III. Sierra-Advisors or Sub-Advisor becomes aware that obligor
is negotiating for debtor-in-possession financing;
IV. Sierra-Advisors or Sub-Advisor becomes aware that agent (or
other intermediary) may be insolvent.
2. The Valuation Committee shall determine, at each special meeting called:
a. The current Credit Component value (as such term is utilized in
the Guidelines) for each SLI that, just prior to commencement of
such meeting, had a Credit Component value of less than par (the
"troubled credits") and each SLI which is on the "Watch List", as
discussed below; and
b. The appropriateness of assumptions used in connection with the
Interest Rate Component (as such term is utilized in the
Guidelines);
C. REFERENCE FROM THE VALUATION COMMITTEE TO THE CREDIT COMMITTEE
1. The Valuation Committee shall promptly refer to the Credit Committee for
the Credit Committee's determination as to a sale recommendation if:
a. Any SLI with respect to which a Special Situation shall have
occurred; and
b. Any other SLI with respect to which the Valuation Committee
determines it to be appropriate to refer such SLI to the Credit
Committee for such determination.
D. PORTFOLIO MANAGER
1. It shall be the responsibility of the Portfolio Manager to identify
"Special Situations" (as defined above) requiring the calling of a
special meeting of the Valuation Committee and to maintain a list (the
"Watch List") to be submitted to the Credit Committee of all SLIs for
which the following events, and other events of similar credit impact
have occurred:
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a. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the obligor has filed, announced it
is considering filing or is reported to be considering filing for
bankruptcy protection;
b. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the obligor has defaulted in, has
announced its inability to make, or is reported as being unable to
make scheduled payments or principal and/or interest with respect
to any debt obligations of such obligor;
c. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the obligor or any creditor of the
obligor has proposed a plan of reorganization or restructuring
with respect to the obligor;
d. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the obligor has violated any
covenant with respect to the Senior Loan Agreements;
e. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the obligor has requested, has
indicated that it intends to request or is reported to be
considering requesting a commitment to-debtor-in-possession
financing;
f. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the obligor has suspended, has
reported that it may suspend or is reported to be considering
suspending payments to its trade creditors;
g. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the obligor has been denied credit
by its suppliers;
h. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that secondary market indications
suggest a principal value of less than par; or that facility fee
or interest rate spread (over base lending rate) indications
materially differ from general market indications;
i. Sub-Advisor becomes aware that the agent bank (or other
intermediary) is or is reported to be insolvent or has had its
short-term credit rating reduced, with respect to banks through
whom the Trust has purchased a participation to A-1/P-1 (or its
equivalent) or lower or, with respect to banks through whom the
Trust has purchased an assignment, to A-2/P-2 (or its equivalent)
or lower;
j. Sub-Advisor becomes aware of any material adverse change in
cashflow or liquidity of the obligor;
k. Sub-Advisor becomes aware of any material adverse change in the
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operating performance or results of obligor; or
l. A member of the Valuation Committee, the Credit Committee or the Board
of Trustees of the Trust or the Advisor has requested inclusion on the
"Watch List".
2. The Portfolio Manager shall submit the Watch List, together with the
factors causing each SLI to be placed on the Watch List, to each member
of the Valuation Committee or the Advisor prior to the next regularly
scheduled Valuation Committee meeting.
3. Once a SLI has been placed on the Watch List, it may be removed only by
a vote of the Valuation Committee.
E. DOCUMENTATION
1. For each date on which the Valuation Committee considers a change in the
Credit Component Value of a SLI held by the Trust, a memo (the "Pricing
Memo") with respect to such SLI shall be created and kept with the
pricing records of the Trust. One member of the Valuation Committee
shall be responsible for the Pricing Memo. The Pricing Memo shall
contain a brief description of the basis for the determination of the
estimated fair value of the principal amount of the SLI. For example,
the Pricing Memo may (to the extent applicable) include, but is not
limited to the following:
a. Any material events relative to the credit quality of the obligor
which have occurred since the date of the last Pricing Memo;
b. The estimated period of time that any lapse in payment of principal
or interest will last;
c. The adequacy of the Collateral Coverage for the Senior Loan
(equaling the difference between the collateral valuation of the
obligor and the aggregate stated principal amount of all senior
indebtedness of such obligor), including the calculation thereof;
d. Whether the Advisor or Sub-Advisor believes there is a risk of
liquidation of the obligor;
e. Market rates of interest for higher risk obligors, (e.g.,
----
contractual default rates; yield on "junk bond" index; yield with
respect to well secured debt obligations of non-investment grade
obligors); and
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<PAGE>
f. The factors considered in the review of the Interest Rate Component,
and any adjustments thereto.
2. The Valuation Committee shall review the logs showing actual current
spreads and fees for representative transactions in both the primary and
secondary market for SLIs, and include in the Pricing Memo a summary of
such Review.
3. The Valuation Committee shall prepare a report summarizing adjustment to
the value of each SLI adjusted during a quarter, together with a brief
summary of the reasons for such adjustments, for submission to the Board
of Trustees of the Trust at each regularly scheduled quarterly meeting
of the Board. In addition, the records of the Valuation Committee,
including the Pricing Memos, shall be made available to the Board of
Trustees and the Advisor upon their request.
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ATTACHMENT 1
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
Senior Loan Interest Valuation Guidelines
I. Introduction
These guidelines set forth the general valuation considerations utilized by
Van Kampen American Capital Management, Inc., ("Van Kampen" or
"Sub-Advisor"), the investment sub-adviser to Sierra Prime Income Fund (the
"Trust"), on behalf of the Trust with respect to interests (the "Senior
Loan Interests") in senior loans (the "Senior Loans") in which the Trust
invests. The Sub-Advisor with oversight and review by Sierra Investment
Advisors Corporation ("Sierra Advisors" or "Advisor") recommends the
valuation for the Trust's portfolio pursuant to guidelines established and
reviewed by the Board of Trustees of the Trust. The Board of Trustees
ultimately determines the proper value of the Senior Loan Interests by
either accepting or rejecting the recommendations of Van Kampen.
The value of a Senior Loan Interest in the Trust's portfolio is determined
with references to changes in market interest rates (the "Interest
Component") and to the creditworthiness of the obligor with respect to the
Senior Loan underlying the Senior Loan Interest (the "Credit Component").
In valuing Senior Loan Interests in the Trust's portfolio the Sub-Advisor
considers market quotations and transactions in instruments that the
Sub-Advisor believes may be comparable to such Senior Loan Interests. In
determining the relationship between such instruments and the Senior Loan
Interests in the Trust's portfolio, the Sub-Advisor considers such factors
as the creditworthiness of the obligor, the current interest rate, the
period until next interest rate redetermination and maturity of such Senior
Loan Interests. To the extent that the Sub-Advisor believes such
information to be reliable, the Sub-Advisor considers prices, quotations
and market indications provided by the banks, dealers or pricing services
with respect to transactions in Senior Loan Interests.
II. The Interest Component
Interest payments with respect to Senior Loan Interests generally are
determined with reference to a base interest rate, such as the prime rate,
the London interbank offer rate or the certificate of deposit ("CD") rate,
plus a premium or spread. Additionally, the effective rate of return on a
Senior Loan Interest may be adjusted through receipt or payment of a fee,
if any, at the time of purchase or sale of the Senior Loan Interest.
Pursuant to the loan documents with respect to the Senior Loan, the
applicable interest rate on the Senior Loan will be redetermined on a
periodic basis, e.g., daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
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A. Fluctuations in the Base Rate
The following guidelines should be utilized to take into account
changes in value of the Senior Loan Interests in the Trust's
portfolio as a result of fluctuations in the market rates of
interest.
1. Compare the base interest rate in effect with respect to a Senior
Loan Interest (the "effective base rate") to publicly reported
current market rates of interest on instruments with a comparable
base rate of interest (the "current base rate").
2. Calculate the amount of discount or premium between the amount of
interest scheduled to be received until the next interest rate
redetermination date, calculated with reference to the effective
base rate, and the amount of interest that would be received if
the current base rate were in effect.
3. Calculate the present value of such amount of discount or premium,
if any, using a discount factor based on short-term market rates
of interest derived from market quotations in comparable
securities, e.g., the 90-day retail CD rate.
----
B. Fluctuations in Spreads
The following guidelines should be utilized to take into account
changes in the value of the Senior Loan Interests in the Trust's
portfolio as a result of fluctuations in market spreads.
1. Consider primary and secondary market information with respect to
spreads applicable to current transactions in Senior Loan
Interests in order to determine the spread which the Sub-Advisor
believes would be applicable to a current transaction in such
Senior Loan Interest (the "current spread"). Compare the actual
spread with respect to the Senior Loan Interest (the "actual
spread") to the current spread.
2. Calculate the amount of discount or premium between the amount of
interest which would be received during the life of the Senior
Loan, calculated with reference to the actual spread, and the
amount of interest that would be received if the current spread
were applicable to the Senior Loan Interest.
3. Calculate the present value of such amount of discount or premium,
if any, using a discount factor based on short-term market rates
of interest derived from market quotations in comparable
securities.
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C. Fluctuations in Facility Fees
The following guidelines should be utilized to take into account
changes in the value of the Senior Loan Interests in the Trust's
portfolio as a result of fluctuations in market facility fees.
1. Consider Primary and Secondary market information with respect to
facility fees applicable to current transactions in Senior Loan
Interests in order to determine the facility fee which the
Sub-Advisor believes would be applicable to a current transaction
in such Senior Loan Interest (the "current fee").
2. Calculate the premium or discount between the unamortized portion
of any facility fee received by the Trust with respect to a Senior
Loan Interest and the current fee.
III. The Credit Component
The following guidelines should be utilized to take into account changes in
the value of the Senior Loan Interests in the Trust's portfolio as a result
of changes in the credit quality of the obligor with respect to a Senior
Loan.
1. Creditworthiness. Analyze the creditworthiness of the obligor with
respect to the Senior Loan underlying the Senior Loan Interest to
determine whether such creditworthiness necessitates any adjustment to
the stated principal value of the Senior Loan Interest.
(a) Delayed Payment. Attempt to determine whether there is a material
risk of a lapse in the scheduled repayment of principal and/or in
payment of interest on the Senior Loan, the likely duration of any
such lapse and whether all or a portion of any default in the
repayment of principal and/or the payment of interest will
ultimately be recovered by the Trust.
(b) Collateral Valuation
(i) If upon best information and belief it appears to the
Sub-Advisor that the obligor with respect to the Senior Loan
will continue to be operated as a going concern, estimate the
value of the obligor as a going concern and compare such
valuation to the principal amount of the Senior Loan and any
other senior securities of such obligor with an equal capital
structure ranking to that of the Senior Loan. In making such
estimations, utilize, to the extent appropriate, traditional
valuation methods, e.g., by making reference to earnings
----
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<PAGE>
multiples for purchases and sales of companies in the same or
similar industries as that of the obligor.
(ii) If upon best information and belief the Sub-Advisor believes
it unlikely that the obligor with respect to the Senior Loan
will continue to be operated as a going concern, attempt to
estimate the liquidation value of the obligor focusing on the
value of specific collateral securing the Senior Loan and
compare such valuation to the principal amount of the Senior
Loan and any other senior securities of such obligor with an
equal capital structure ranking to that of the Senior Loan.
2. Affect on Principal. If warranted by the foregoing credit
analysis, reduce the principal value of the Senior Loan Interest
to an amount which, in consideration of any other circumstances
deemed relevant by the Sub-Advisor, reflects the estimated fair
value of such Senior Loan Interest.
IV. In addition to the Interest Component and Credit Component, consider, to
the extent deemed to be reliable, any available secondary market prices or
quotations for trades in the Senior Loan Interests in the Trust's
portfolio, any available bid and ask quotations regarding such Senior Loan
Interests and other market information. Determine the reliability of the
market data by considering such factors as:
1. the parties to any trades in Senior Loan Interest and whether such
transaction was a transfer of the Senior Loan Interest to a new lender
or was a repositioning of interests among the existing lenders;
2. the recency of any trade in a Senior Loan interest;
3. the size of any trade in relation to the size of the Trust's portfolio
position in such Senior Loan Interest;
4. whether the seller with respect to any trade as know to be a distressed
company in need of cash;
5. the reliability of the source of market information; and
6. whether the Sub-Advisor has access to financial information regarding
the obligor with respect to the Senior Loan that such source may not.
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EXHIBIT B
SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
CREDIT QUALITY REVIEW PROCEDURES
A. Credit Committee
1. Function and Responsibility
a) The Credit Committee shall be responsible generally for
reviewing the overall credit quality of the portfolio of Sierra
Prime Income Fund (the "Fund") including, but not limited to, (i)
reviewing the credit quality of every Senior Loan Interest ("SLI")
that is placed on the "Watch List" (i.e., "troubled credits") held
----
in the Fund's portfolio; (ii) periodically reviewing the credit
quality of agents and selling lenders associated with SLIs which
the Fund acquires; and (iii) periodically reviewing issuers with
respect to short-term investments made by the Fund.
b) The Credit Committee shall have particular responsibility for
determining whether to recommend the sale of any SLI referred to
the Credit Committee by the Valuation Committee.
2. Composition
The Credit Committee of the Trust will consist of the members of the
Investment Policy Committee of Sierra Advisors. A majority of the
members of the Credit Committee must be present in order for such
Committee to achieve a quorum to transact business.
3. Operation
a) The Credit Committee shall meet as necessary to (i) review SLI
purchases (excluding subsequent additional purchases of previously
approved SLIs with total commitments up to $50,000,000), (ii)
determine whether to recommend SLI sales, and (iii) consider such
other issues with respect to the overall credit quality of the
Fund as may be appropriate.
b) The Credit Committee shall request of the Portfolio Manager such
reports, research, summaries, memoranda or other materials as
deemed appropriate by the Credit Committee in connection with the
discharge of its responsibilities pursuant hereto; and
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<PAGE>
c) Minutes of all meetings of the Credit Committee shall be kept.
B. Portfolio Manager
1. All SLIs must be reviewed and ratified by the Credit Committee (except
with regard to subsequent additional purchases of previously approved
SLIs with total commitments up to $50,000,000).
2. The Portfolio Manager shall have the authority to sell any SLI on
behalf of the Fund without obtaining the prior authorization of the
Credit Committee;
3. The Portfolio Manager shall use its best efforts to effect the sale of
any SLI recommended by the Credit Committee and shall report promptly
to the Credit Committee, as the case may be, in the events that a sale
of the terms so recommended is not readily achievable.
4. The Portfolio Manager shall have the authority to acquire (i) short-
term SLIs with respect to issuers approved by the Credit Committee
and, to the extent required by applicable law, the Fund's prospectus
or the policies of the Fund, by the board of Trustees and (ii) other
high quality, short-term securities described in the Fund's
prospectus; and
5. The Portfolio Manager shall prepare or oversee the preparation of such
reports, research, summaries, memoranda or other material as the
Credit Committee may request in connection with the discharge of its
responsibilities.
C. Reference from Valuation Committee
1. The Valuation Committee promptly shall reference to the Credit
Committee for the Credit Committee's determination as to a sale
recommendation:
a) Any SLI with respect to which a Special Situation (as defined in
the Valuation Committee Procedures) shall have occurred;
b) Any SLI that has been designated by the Pricing Committee as a
Watch List SLI (as provided in the Valuation Committee
Procedures); and
c) Any other SLI with respect to which the Pricing Committee
determines it to be appropriate to refer such SLI to the Credit
Committee for such determination.
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<PAGE>
D. Reporting to Board of Trustees
1. The Credit Committee shall present a credit report, for each SLI
referred to the Credit Committee from the Valuation Committee, as of
the close of each quarter, to the Board of Trustees of the Fund at
each regularly scheduled quarterly meeting of the Board. In addition,
the minutes of the Credit Committee meetings shall be made available
to the Board of Trustees upon their request.
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EXHIBIT (k)(5)
FIRST AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
-----------------------------------
FIRST AMENDMENT (this "Amendment"), dated as of July 30, 1997 among the
entities listed on the signature pages hereto (each a "Borrower" and
collectively the "Borrowers") and DEUTSCHE BANK AG, NEW YORK BRANCH (together
with its successors and assigns, the "Bank"; all capitalized terms used herein
and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings provided in the
Credit Agreement referred to below.
W I T N E S S E T H:
-------------------
WHEREAS, the Borrowers and the Bank are parties to a Credit Agreement,
dated as of May 22, 1996 (the "Credit Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Borrowers and the Bank wish to amend the Credit Agreement as
herein provided;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed:
1. The definition of "Expiry Date" is hereby deleted in its entirety and
replaced with the following:
"Expiry Date" shall mean October 28, 1997
2. In order to induce the Bank to enter into this Agreement (a) each
Borrower hereby makes each of the representatives, warranties and agreements
contained in Section 5 of the Credit Agreement on the Amendment Date, after
giving effect to this Amendment and (b) represents that no Default or Event of
Default exists or shall exist after giving effect to this Amendment.
3. This Amendment is limited as specified and shall not constitute a
modification, acceptance or waiver of any provision of either the Credit
Agreement or any other Credit Documents.
4. This Amendment may be executed in any number of counterparts and by
the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which
counterparts when executed and
<PAGE>
delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one
and the same instrument. A complete set of counterparts shall be lodged with the
Borrowers and the Bank.
5. This Amendment and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder
shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of
New York.
6. This Amendment shall become effective on the date (the "Amendment
Date") when the Borrowers and the Bank shall have signed a copy hereof (whether
the same or different copies) and shall have delivered (including by way of
telecopier) the same to the Bank at its Notice Office.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their duly authorized
officers to execute and deliver this Amendment as of the date first above
written.
Address: SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
Sierra Prime Income Fund
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
Short Term High Quality Bond Fund SHORT TERM HIGH QUALITY BOND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
Short Term Global Government Fund SHORT TERM GLOBAL GOVERNMENT
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
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<PAGE>
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
U.S. Government Fund U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228 /s/ Keith Pipes
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 --------------------------------
Name: Keith Pipes
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Title: Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
Corporate Income Fund CORPORATE INCOME FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
California Municipal Fund CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
Florida Insured Municipal Fund FLORIDA INSURED MUNICIPAL FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
-3-
<PAGE>
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
California Insured Intermediate Municipal CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE
Fund MUNICIPAL FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
National Municipal Fund NATIONAL MUNICIPAL FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
Growth & Income Fund GROWTH & INCOME FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
Growth Fund GROWTH FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
-4-
<PAGE>
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
Emerging Growth Fund EMERGING GROWTH FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
Address: SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
International Growth Fund INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Officer Title: Executive Vice President
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK
BRANCH
/s/ Aaron H. Dorr
--------------------------------
By: Aaron H. Dorr
Title: Assistant Vice President
/s/ Antou Rodulian
--------------------------------
By:
Title:
-5-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT(k)(6)
SECOND AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT
------------------------------------
SECOND AMENDMENT (this "Second Amendment"), dated as of October 27, 1997,
among the entities listed on the signature pages hereto (each a "Borrower" and
collectively the "Borrowers") and DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, (together
with its successors and assigns, the "Bank"; all capitalized terms used herein
and not otherwise defined shall have the respective meanings provided in the
Credit Agreement referred to below).
WITNESSETH:
-----------
WHEREAS, the Borrowers and the Bank are parties to a Credit Agreement,
dated as of May 22, 1996, as amended to date, (the "Credit Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Borrowers and the Bank wish to amend the Credit Agreement as
herein provided.
NOW, THEREFORE. it is agreed:
1. The definition of "Expiry Date" is hereby deleted in its entirety
and replaced with the following:
"Expiry Date" shall mean December 31, 1997.
2. In order to induce the Bank to enter into this Second Amendment,
(a) each Borrower hereby makes each of the representations, warranties and
agreements contained in Section 5 of the Credit Agreement on the Amendment
date, after giving effect to this Second Amendment and (b) represents that
no Default or Event of Default exists or shall exist after giving effect to
this Second Amendment.
3. This Second Amendment is limited as specified and shall not
constitute a modification, acceptance or waiver of any other provision of
either the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Documents.
4. This Second Amendment may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts,
each of which counterparts when executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same
instrument. A complete set of counterparts shall be lodged with the
Borrowers and the Bank.
<PAGE>
5. This Second Amendment and the rights and obligations of the
parties hereunder and thereunder shall be construed in accordance with and
be governed by the laws of the State of New York.
6. This Second Amendment shall become effective on the date (the
"Amendment Date") when the Borrowers and the Bank shall have signed a copy
hereof (whether the same or different copies) and shall have delivered
(including by way of telecopier) the same to the Bank at its Notice Office.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused their duly
authorized officers to execute and deliver this First Amendment as of the date
first above written.
Address:
Sierra Prime Income Fund. SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 Name: Keith Pipes
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Title:Executive Vice
Chief Financial Officer President
Address:
Short Term High Quality Bond Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF SHORT TERM HIGH QUALITY BOND
Northridge, CA 91324 FUND
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
---------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
Short Term Global Government SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
Fund OF SHORT TERM GLOBAL
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 GOVERNMENT FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
---------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
-2-
<PAGE>
Address:
California Insured Intermediate Municipal SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
Fund CALIFORNIA INSURED INTERMEDIATE
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 MUNICIPAL FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
National Municipal Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue. Suite 333 OF NATIONAL MUNICIPAL FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
Growth and Income Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF OF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF GROWTH AND INCOME FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
Growth Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF GROWTH FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
-3-
<PAGE>
Address:
U. S. Government Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF U.S. GOVERNMENT FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
Corporate Income Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF CORPORATE INCOME FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
---------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
California Municipal Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF CALIFORNIA MUNICIPAL FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
Florida Insured Municipal Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF FLORIDA INSURED MUNICIPAL FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
Emerging Growth Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF EMERGING GROWTH FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
--------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
-4-
<PAGE>
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
Address:
International Growth Fund SIERRA TRUST FUNDS, ON BEHALF
9301 Corbin Avenue, Suite 333 OF INTERNATIONAL GROWTH FUND
Northridge, CA 91324
Telephone: 818-725-0228
Telecopier: 818-725-0269 By: /s/ Keith Pipes
-----------------------------
Attn: Keith B. Pipes Name: Keith Pipes
Chief Financial Office Title: Executive Vice
President
DEUTSCHE BANK AG
NEW YORK BRANCH
By: /s/ Nicole J. Holzapfel
---------------------------
Name: Nicole J. Holzapfel
Title: Assistant Vice
President
By: /s/ Aaron H. Dorr
-----------------------------
Name: Aaron H. Dorr
Title: Assistant Vice
President
-5-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT (n)
CONSENT OF PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the registration
statement on Form N-2 (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated October
31, 1997, relating to the financial statements and financial highlights of
Sierra Prime Income Fund, which appears in such Statement of Additional
Information, and to the incorporation by reference of our report into the
Prospectus which constitutes part of this Registration Statement. We also
consent to the references to us under the heading "Financial Highlights" in such
Prospectus.
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
January 22, 1998
<PAGE>
Exhibit 24
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ David E. Anderson
-----------------------------
DAVID E. ANDERSON
Date: December 30, 1997
<PAGE>
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Arthur H. Bernstein
-------------------------------
ARTHUR H. BERNSTEIN
Date: December 30, 1997
<PAGE>
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Kristianne Blake
---------------------------------
KRISTIANNE BLAKE
Date: December 30, 1997
<PAGE>
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Edmond R. Davis
------------------------------
EDMOND R. DAVIS
Date: December 30, 1997
<PAGE>
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ John W. English
------------------------------
JOHN W. ENGLISH
Date: December 30, 1997
<PAGE>
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Michael K. Murphy
-------------------------------
MICHAEL K. MURPHY
Date: December 30, 1997
<PAGE>
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ Alfred E. Osborne, Jr., Ph.D.
---------------------------------
ALFRED E. OSBORNE, JR., PH.D
Date: December 30, 1997
<PAGE>
Sierra Trust Funds
Sierra Variable Trust
Sierra Prime Income Fund
Sierra Asset Management Portfolios
The Composite Funds
Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc.
Composite Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc.
Composite Tax-Exempt Bond Fund Inc.
Composite Northwest Fund, Inc.
Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc.
Composite Cash Management Company
POWER OF ATTORNEY
-----------------
The individual whose signature appears below does hereby constitute and
appoint Keith B. Pipes and John T. West, and each of them acting alone, as
his/her true and lawful attorney and agent, with power of substitution or
resubstitution, to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent may deem necessary or advisable or
which may be required to enable each of Sierra Trust Funds, Sierra Variable
Trust, Sierra Prime Income Fund, Sierra Asset Management Portfolios, The
Composite Funds, Composite U.S. Government Securities, Inc., Composite Income
Fund, Inc., Composite Growth & Income Fund, Inc., Composite Tax-Exempt Bond
Fund Inc., Composite Northwest Fund, Inc., Composite Bond & Stock Fund, Inc. and
Composite Cash Management Company (collectively, the "Registrants") to comply
with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the"1933 Act") and the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and any rules, regulations or
requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission in respect thereof, in
connection with each Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A or N-2
pursuant to the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, together with any and all
amendments thereto, including specifically, but without limiting the generality
of the foregoing, the power and authority to sign in the name and on behalf of
the undersigned as a trustee or director (as appropriate) of each Registrant
such Registration Statement and any and all such amendments filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act and/or the 1940 Act, and
any other instruments or documents related thereto, and the undersigned does
hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorney and agent shall do or cause to
be done by virtue hereof.
/s/ William G. Papesh
-------------------------------
WILLIAM G. PAPESH
Date: December 30, 1997
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 6
<CIK> 0001002948
<NAME> SIERRA PRIME INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
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<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1997
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<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 8,325,766
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<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 842,216
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<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (4,866)
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<EQUALIZATION> 0
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 507,414
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<SHARES-REINVESTED> 425,453
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> (4,109,240)
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