As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on July 31, 1996
Registration Nos. 333-2205 and 811-7583
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 2
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 2
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
6 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code:
(617) 423-0800
Philip W. Coolidge
6 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
Copy to:
Allan S. Mostoff, Esq.
Dechert, Price & Rhoads, 1500 K Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20005
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practible after the
effective date of this registration statement.
Pursuant to Rule 24f-2(a)(1) under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
Registrant hereby declares that an indefinite number of its Shares of Beneficial
Interest (par value $0.01 per share) is being registered by this registration
statement. Registrant intends to file the notice required by Rule 24f-2 with
respect to its series, Republic Fixed Income Fund and Republic International
Equity Fund (for their fiscal years ending October 31, 1996), on or before
December 30, 1996.
Republic Portfolios has also executed this Registration Statement.
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The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates
as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file
a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement
shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the
Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.
<PAGE>
CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
PART A; INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM NUMBER PROSPECTUS CAPTION
Item 1. Cover Page Cover Page
Item 2. Synopsis Highlights
Item 3. Condensed Financial Not Applicable.
Information
Item 4. General Description of Investment Objective
Registrant and Policies; Additional
Risk Factors and Policies
Item 5. Management of the Fund Management of the Fund
Item 5A. Management's Discussion Not Applicable
of Fund Performance
Item 6. Capital Stock and Other Dividends and
Securities Distributions; Tax Matters;
Description of
Shares, Voting Rights and
Liabilities
Item 7. Purchase of Securities Purchase of Shares;
Being Offered Determination of Net
Asset Value
Item 8. Redemption or Repurchase Redemption of Shares
Item 9. Legal Proceedings Not Applicable
PART B; INFORMATION REQUIRED IN STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Statement of Additional
ITEM NUMBER INFORMATION CAPTION
Item 10. Cover Page Cover Page
Item 11. Table of Contents Table of Contents
Item 12. General Information and Not Applicable
History
Item 13. Investment Objectives and Investment Objective,
Policies Policies and Restrictions
Item 14. Management of the Registrant Management of the Fund;
Management of the Trust
Item 15. Control Persons and Other Information
Principal Holders of
Securities
Item 16. Investment Advisory and Management of the Fund;
Other Services Management of the Trust
Item 17. Brokerage Allocation Portfolio Transactions
Item 18. Capital Stock and Other Other Information
Securities
Item 19. Purchase, Redemption and Prospectus - Purchase of
Pricing of Securities Being Shares; Prospectus -
Offered Redemption of Shares;
Prospectus - Determination
of Net Asset Value
Item 20. Tax Status Taxation
Item 21. Underwriters Management of the Fund -
Distributor and Sponsor;
Management of the Trust
Item 22. Calculation of Performance Performance Information
Data
Item 23. Financial Statements Not Applicable
PART C
Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the
appropriate items, so numbered, in Part C of this Registration Statement.
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC
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FIXED INCOME
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FUND
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PROSPECTUS
______ __, 1996
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC FIXED INCOME FUND
SIX ST. JAMES AVENUE, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116
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ACCOUNT AND GENERAL INFORMATION: (800) 782-8183 (TOLL FREE)
Republic Fixed Income Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified series of Republic
Advisor Funds Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment company
which currently consists of three funds, each of which has different and
distinct investment objectives and policies. Only shares of the Fund are being
offered by this Prospectus. Shares of the Fund are offered primarily to
clients of Republic National Bank of New York ("Republic" or the "Manager")
and its affiliates for which Republic or its affiliates exercise investment
discretion. Republic is the investment manager of the Portfolio. Miller
Anderson & Sherrerd ("MAS" or the "Sub-Adviser") continuously manages the
investments of the Portfolio.
UNLIKE OTHER OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES (MUTUAL FUNDS) WHICH
DIRECTLY ACQUIRE AND MANAGE THEIR OWN PORTFOLIO OF SECURITIES, THE TRUST SEEKS
TO ACHIEVE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND BY INVESTING ALL OF THE FUND'S
INVESTABLE ASSETS ("ASSETS") IN FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO (THE "PORTFOLIO"),
WHICH HAS THE SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AS THE FUND. THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE
OF THE FUND WILL CORRESPOND DIRECTLY WITH THE INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF THE
PORTFOLIO. THE PORTFOLIO IS A DIVERSIFIED SERIES OF REPUBLIC PORTFOLIOS, WHICH
IS AN OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY. SEE "SPECIAL INFORMATION
CONCERNING THE TWO-TIER FUND STRUCTURE".
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to realize above-average
total return over a market cycle of three to five years, consistent with
reasonable risk, through investment primarily in a diversified portfolio of
U.S. Government securities, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and
other fixed-income securities. The Portfolio's average weighted maturity will
ordinarily exceed five years.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT. SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, REPUBLIC OR ANY OTHER BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT
FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS SUBJECT TO
INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
Shares of the Fund are continuously offered for sale at net asset value with
no sales charge by Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. ("SBDS" or the
"Distributor" or the "Sponsor") to customers of a financial institution, such
as a federal or state-chartered bank, trust company or savings and loan
association, that has entered into a shareholder servicing agreement with the
Trust (each a "Shareholder Servicing Agent"). At present, the only Shareholder
Servicing Agents are Republic and its affiliates.
AN INVESTOR SHOULD OBTAIN FROM HIS SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT, AND SHOULD
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROSPECTUS, THE MATERIALS PROVIDED BY THE
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT DESCRIBING THE PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH SHARES OF
THE FUND MAY BE PURCHASED AND REDEEMED THROUGH SUCH SHAREHOLDER SERVICING
AGENT.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Fund
that a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust has filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission a Statement of Additional
Information, dated __________, 1996, with respect to the Fund, containing
additional and more detailed information about the Fund, which is hereby
incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. An investor may obtain a copy
of the Statement of Additional Information without charge by contacting the
Fund at the address and telephone number printed above.
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Investors should read this Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
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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.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS __________, 1996
<PAGE>
HIGHLIGHTS
THE FUND Page 1
Republic Fixed Income Fund (the "Fund") is a separate series of Republic
Advisor Funds Trust (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust organized on
April 5, 1996, which currently consists of three funds, each of which has
different and distinct investment objectives and policies. The Fund is the
successor to Republic Fixed Income Fund, a series of Republic Funds (the
"Predecessor Fund") which commenced investment operations on January 9, 1995.
The Fund assumed all of the assets and liabilities of the Predecessor Fund in a
reorganization effective __________, 1996.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, RISKS AND POLICIES Pages 7 and 10
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to realize above-average total
return over a market cycle of three to five years, consistent with reasonable
risk, through investment primarily in a diversified portfolio of U.S. Government
securities, corporate bonds, mortgage-backed securities and other fixed-income
securities. The Trust seeks to achieve the investment objective of the Fund by
investing all of the Fund's Assets in Fixed Income Portfolio (the "Portfolio"),
which has the same investment objective as the Fund. The Portfolio is a series
of Republic Portfolios (the "Portfolio Trust"), a master trust fund established
under the law of the State of New York and organized on November 1, 1994. The
Portfolio's average weighted maturity will ordinarily exceed five years. There
can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund or the Portfolio
will be achieved.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO TRUST Page 25
Republic acts as investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment
Management Contract with the Portfolio Trust. For its services, the Manager is
entitled to receive from the Portfolio a fee at the annual rate of 0.20% of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets. The Manager is currently waiving this fee.
MAS continuously manages the investment portfolio of the Portfolio pursuant
to a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Manager. For its services, the Sub-
Adviser is paid a fee by the Portfolio, computed daily and based on the
Portfolio's average daily net assets, equal on an annual basis to 0.375% on
net assets up to $50 million, 0.25% on net assets over $50 million and up to
$95 million, $300,000 on net assets over $95 million and up to $150 million,
0.20% on net assets over $150 million and up to $250 million, and 0.15% on net
assets over $250 million. See "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio
Trust."
SBDS acts as sponsor and as administrator of the Fund (the "Fund
Administrator") and distributor of shares of the Fund. For its services to the
Fund, the Fund Administrator receives from the Fund a fee payable monthly equal
on an annual basis to 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $100
million. Signature Financial Group (Cayman) Limited ("Signature (Cayman)") acts
as administrator of the Portfolio (the "Portfolio Administrator"). For its
services to the Portfolio, the Portfolio Administrator receives from the
Portfolio a fee payable monthly equal on an annual basis to 0.05% of the average
daily net assets of the Portfolio.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS Pages 30 and 32
Shares of the Fund are continuously offered for sale by the
Distributor at net asset value with no sales charge to customers of a
financial institution such as a federal or state-chartered bank, trust company
or savings and loan association, that has entered into a shareholder servicing
agreement with the Trust (each a "Shareholder Servicing Agent"). At present,
the only Shareholder Servicing Agents are Republic and its affiliates. The
minimum initial investment is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is
$100. The Fund may accept initial and subsequent investments of lesser amounts
in its discretion. No minimum is imposed on reinvested dividends. Shares may
be redeemed without cost at the net asset value per Share next determined
after receipt of the redemption request. See "Purchase of Shares" and
"Redemption of Shares".
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS Page 32
The Trust declares all of the Fund's net investment income daily as a dividend
to Fund shareholders and distributes all such dividends monthly. Any net
realized capital gains are distributed at least annually. All Fund distributions
will be invested in additional Fund shares, unless the shareholder instructs the
Fund otherwise. See "Dividends and Distributions."
FEE TABLE
The following table summarizes an investor's maximum transaction costs from
investing in Fund shares and the estimated aggregate annual operating expenses
of the Fund and the Portfolio as a percentage of the average daily net assets
of the Fund. The fiscal year ends of the Fund and the Portfolio are both
October 31. The example illustrates the dollar cost of such estimated expenses
on a $1,000 investment in Fund shares. The Trustees of the Trust believe that
the aggregate per share expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio will be less
than or approximately equal to the expenses which the Fund would incur if the
Trust retained the services of an investment adviser on behalf of the Fund and
the Assets of the Fund were invested directly in the type of securities being
held by the Portfolio.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses ............................. None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investment Advisory Fee after waiver* .................... 0.33%
Other Expenses ........................................... 0.50%
----
-- Administrative Services Fee ..................... 0.10%
-- Other Operating Expenses ........................ 0.40%
Total Operating Expenses after waiver** ...................... 0.83%
====
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*Reflects a waiver of the investment management fee payable to Republic and
an investment sub-advisory fee payable to MAS equal on an annual basis to
0.33% of the Fund's average daily net assets. Without such waiver, the
Investment Advisory Fee would be equal on an annual basis to 0.53% of the
Fund's average net assets. See "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio
Trust".
**Total Operating Expenses are shown net of investment management fee
waiver. Without such fee waiver, Total Operating Expenses would be equal
on an annual basis to 1.03% of the Fund's average net assets.
EXAMPLE
A shareholder of the Fund would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
investment in Fund shares, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at
the end of:
1 year ............................................... $ 8
3 years ............................................... $26
THE EXAMPLE SET FORTH ABOVE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF
FUTURE AGGREGATE EXPENSES OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES
MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
The purpose of the expense table provided above is to assist investors in
understanding the expenses of investing in the Fund and an investor's share of
the aggregate operating expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio. The
information is based on the expenses the Fund and the Portfolio expect to
incur for the current fiscal year of the Portfolio (and the Fund's initial
fiscal period).* For a more detailed discussion on the costs and expenses of
investing in the Fund, see "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust."
- ------------
*Assuming average daily net assets of $50 million in the Fund and $75 million
in the Portfolio for the current fiscal year.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Fund is the successor to Republic Fixed Income Fund, a series of
Republic Funds (the "Predecessor Fund") which commenced investment operations
on January 9, 1995. The Fund assumed all of the assets and liabilities of the
Predecessor Fund in a reorganization effective __________, 1996. The financial
data shown below is to assist investors in evaluating the performance of the
Fund since commencement of operations through October 31, 1995. The
information shown in the following schedule has been audited by Ernst & Young
LLP, independent auditors, whose report on the Fund's financial statements is
incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information from
the Fund's Annual Report dated October 31, 1995. The Annual Report also
includes management's discussion of fund performance, and may be obtained
without charge upon request. This information should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements.
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT
THE INDICATED PERIOD:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE FOR THE PERIOD
SIX MONTHS JANUARY 9, 1995
ENDED (COMMENCEMENT
APRIL 30, 1996 OF OPERATIONS) TO
(UNAUDITED) OCTOBER 31, 1995
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<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .................. $10.96 $10.00
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INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ............................. 0.29 0.46
Net realized and unrealized gain from Portfolio ... (0.19) 0.96
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Total increase from investment operations ......... 0.10 1.42
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LESS DIVIDENDS:
From net investment income ........................ (0.29) (0.46)
Net realized capital gains ........................ (0.37) --
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Total distributions to shareholders ............... (0.66) (0.46)
Net asset value, end of period ........................ $10.40 $10.96
====== ======
TOTAL RETURN .......................................... 0.89%(a) 14.37%(a)
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) .............. $39,303 $26,128
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (b) ....... 0.83%(c) 0.91%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (b) ...................................... 5.49%(c) 5.63%(c)
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(a) Not annualized.
(b) Reflects a voluntary expense limitation and waiver of fees by affiliated parties of the Fund.
If this limitation had not been in effect, the annualized ratios of expenses and net investment
income to average net assets for the six months ended April 30, 1996 and the period January 9,
1995 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995 would have been:
Ratio of expenses to average net assets ......... 1.30%(c) 1.72%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets ........................................ 5.01%(c) 4.82%(c)
(c) Annualized.
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek to realize above-average
total return over a market cycle of three to five years, consistent with
reasonable risk, through investment in a diversified portfolio of U.S.
Government securities, corporate bonds (including bonds rated below investment
grade commonly referred to as "junk bonds"), foreign fixed income securities,
mortgage-backed securities of domestic issuers and other fixed-income
securities. The Portfolio's average weighted maturity will ordinarily exceed
five years. The investment objective of the Portfolio is the same as the
investment objective of the Fund.
There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be
achieved. The investment objective of each of the Fund and the Portfolio may
be changed without investor approval. If there is a change in the investment
objective of the Fund, shareholders should consider whether the Fund remains
an appropriate investment in light of their then-current financial position
and needs. Shareholders of the Fund shall receive 30 days' prior written
notice of any change in the investment objective of the Fund or the Portfolio.
Since the investment characteristics of the Fund will correspond to those of
the Portfolio, the following is a discussion of the various investment
policies of the Portfolio.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Portfolio will normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in fixed
income securities. The Portfolio may invest in the following securities, which
may be issued by domestic or foreign entities and denominated in U.S. dollars
or foreign currencies: securities issued, sponsored or guaranteed by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities (U.S. Government securities);
corporate debt securities; corporate commercial paper; mortgage pass-throughs,
mortgage-backed bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and other
asset-backed securities; variable and floating rate debt securities;
obligations of foreign governments or their subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities; obligations of international agencies or supranational
entities; and foreign currency exchange-related securities.
The Sub-Adviser will seek to achieve the Portfolio's objective by investing
at least 80% of the Portfolio's assets in investment grade debt or fixed
income securities. Investment grade debt securities are those rated by one or
more nationally recognized statistical rating organizations ("NRSROs") within
one of the four highest quality grades at the time of purchase (e.g., AAA, AA,
A or BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Groups, Inc. ("S&P") or Fitch Investors
Service, Inc. ("Fitch") or Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. ("Moody's")), or in the case of unrated securities, determined by the
Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality. Securities rated by a NRSRO in the
fourth highest rating category have speculative characteristics and are
subject to greater credit and market risks than higher-rated bonds. See the
Appendix to this Prospectus for a description of the ratings assigned by
Moody's, S&P, and Fitch.
Up to 20% of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in preferred stock,
convertible securities, and in fixed income securities that at the time of
purchase are rated Ba or B by Moody's or BB or B by S&P or rated comparably by
another NRSRO (or, if unrated, are deemed by the Sub-Adviser to be of
comparable quality). Securities rated below "investment grade," i.e., rated
below Baa by Moody's or BBB by S&P, are described as "speculative" by both
Moody's and S&P. Such securities are sometimes referred to as "junk bonds,"
and may be subject to greater market fluctuations, less liquidity and greater
risk. For a complete discussion of the special risks associated with
investments in lower rated securities, see "Additional Risk Factors and
Policies: High Yield/High Risk Securities."
From time to time, the Sub-Adviser may invest more than 50% of the
Portfolio's assets in mortgage-backed securities including mortgage pass-
through securities, mortgage-backed bonds and CMOs, that carry a guarantee
from a U.S. government agency or a private issuer of the timely payment of
principal and interest. For a description of the risks associated with
mortgage-backed securities, see "Additional Risk Factors and Policies:
Mortgage Related Securities." When investing in mortgage-backed securities, it
is expected that the Portfolio's primary emphasis will be in mortgage-backed
securities issued by governmental and government-related organizations such as
the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"), the Federal National
Mortgage Association ("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Association
("FHLMC"). However, the Portfolio may invest without limit in mortgage-backed
securities of private issuers when the Sub-Adviser determines that the quality
of the investment, the quality of the issuer, and market conditions warrant
such investments. Mortgage-backed securities issued by private issuers will be
rated investment grade by Moody's or S&P or, if unrated, deemed by the Sub-
Adviser to be of comparable quality.
A mortgage-backed bond is a collateralized debt security issued by a thrift
or financial institution. The bondholder has a first priority perfected
security interest in collateral consisting usually of agency mortgage pass-
through securities, although other assets including U.S. Treasury securities
(including zero coupon Treasury bonds), agency securities, cash equivalent
securities, whole loans and corporate bonds may qualify. The amount of
collateral must be continuously maintained at levels from 115% to 150% of the
principal amount of the bonds issued, depending on the specific issue
structure and collateral type. For a complete discussion of mortgage-backed
securities, see "Additional Risk Factors and Policies: Mortgage-Related
Securities."
A portion of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in bonds and other fixed
income securities denominated in foreign currencies if, in the opinion of the
Sub-Adviser, the combination of current yield and currency value offer
attractive expected returns. These holdings may be in as few as one foreign
currency bond market (such as the United Kingdom gilt market), or may be
spread across several foreign bond markets. The Portfolio may also purchase
securities of developing countries; however, the Portfolio does not intend to
invest in the securities of Eastern European countries. When the total return
opportunities in a foreign bond market appear attractive in local currency
terms, but where, in the Sub-Adviser's judgment, unacceptable currency risk
exists, currency futures, forwards and options and swaps may be used to hedge
the currency risk. See "Additional Risk Factors and Policies: Foreign
Securities" below and the Statement of Additional Information.
The Portfolio may invest in Eurodollar bank obligations and Yankee bank
obligations. See "Additional Risk Factors and Policies -- Eurodollar and
Yankee Bank Obligations" below. The Portfolio may also invest in Brady Bonds,
which are issued as a result of a restructuring of a country's debt
obligations to commercial banks under the "Brady Plan". See "Additional Risk
Factors and Policies -- Brady Bonds" below.
The Portfolio may also invest in the following instruments on a temporary
basis when economic or market conditions are such that the Sub-Adviser deems a
temporary defensive position to be appropriate: time deposits, certificates of
deposit and bankers' acceptances issued by a commercial bank or savings and
loan association; commercial paper rated at the time of purchase by one or
more NRSRO in one of the two highest categories or, if not rated, issued by a
corporation having an outstanding unsecured debt issue rated high-grade by a
NRSRO; short-term corporate obligations rated high-grade by a NRSRO; U.S.
Government obligations; Government agency securities issued or guaranteed by
U.S. Government-sponsored instrumentalities and federal agencies; and
repurchase agreements collateralized by the securities listed above. The
Portfolio may also purchase securities on a when-issued basis, lend its
securities to brokers, dealers, and other financial institutions to earn
income and borrow money for temporary or emergency purposes.
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS AND POLICIES
DERIVATIVES
The Portfolio may invest in various instruments that are commonly known as
derivatives. Generally, a derivative is a financial arrangement the value of
which is based on, or "derived" from, a traditional security, asset, or market
index. A mutual fund, of course, derives its value from the value of the
investments it holds and so might even be called a "derivative." Some
"derivatives" such as mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are
in many respects like any other investment, although they may be more volatile
or less liquid than more traditional debt securities. There are, in fact, many
different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. There are
a range of risks associated with those uses. Futures and options are commonly
used for traditional hedging purposes to attempt to protect a fund from
exposure to changing interest rates, securities prices, or currency exchange
rates and for cash management purposes as a low cost method of gaining
exposure to a particular securities market without investing directly in those
securities. The Portfolio may use derivatives for hedging purposes, cash
management purposes, as a substitute for investing directly in fixed income
instruments, and to enhance return when the Sub-Adviser believes the
investment will assist the Portfolio in achieving its investment objective. A
description of the derivatives that the Portfolio may use and some of their
associated risks follows.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
The Portfolio may use financial futures contracts, options on futures
contracts and options on securities (collectively, "futures and options"). In
addition, the Portfolio may invest in foreign currency futures contracts and
options on foreign currencies and foreign currency futures. Futures contracts
provide for the sale by one party and purchase by another party of a specified
amount of a specific security at a specified future time and price. An option
is a legal contract that gives the holder the right to buy or sell a specified
amount of the underlying security, currency or futures contract at a fixed or
determinable price upon the exercise of the option. A call option conveys the
right to buy and a put option conveys the right to sell a specified quantity
of the underlying instrument.
The use of options and futures is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions, and there can be no guarantee that
their use will increase the Portfolio's return. While the use of these
instruments by the Portfolio may reduce certain risks associated with owning
its portfolio securities, these techniques themselves entail certain other
risks. If the Sub-Adviser applies a strategy at an inappropriate time or
judges market conditions or trends incorrectly, options and futures strategies
may lower the Portfolio's return. Certain strategies limit the Portfolio's
potential to realize gains as well as limit its exposure to losses. The
Portfolio could also experience losses if the prices of its options and
futures positions were poorly correlated with its other investments. There can
be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when the Portfolio
seeks to close out a futures contract or a futures option position. Most
futures exchanges and boards of trade limit the amount of fluctuation
permitted in futures contract prices during a single day; once the daily limit
has been reached on a particular contract, no trades may be made that day at a
price beyond that limit. In addition, certain of these instruments are
relatively new and without a significant trading history. As a result, there
is no assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to
exist. Lack of a liquid market for any reason may prevent the Portfolio from
liquidating an unfavorable position and the Portfolio would remain obligated
to meet margin requirements until the position is closed. In addition, the
Portfolio will incur transaction costs, including trading commissions and
options premiums, in connection with its futures and options transactions, and
these transactions could significantly increase the Portfolio's turnover rate.
The Portfolio will not enter into futures contracts or options thereon to
the extent that its outstanding obligations to purchase securities under these
contracts in combination with its outstanding obligations with respect to
options transactions would exceed 35% of its total assets. The Portfolio will
use financial futures contracts and related options only for "bona fide
hedging" purposes, as such term is defined in applicable regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission, or, with respect to positions in
financial futures and related options that do not qualify as "bona fide
hedging" positions, will enter such non-hedging positions only to the extent
that assets committed to initial margin deposits on such instruments, plus
premiums paid for open futures options positions, less the amount by which any
such positions are "in-the-money," do not exceed 5% of the Portfolio's net
assets. The Portfolio will segregate assets or "cover" its positions
consistent with requirements under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended ("1940 Act"). The Portfolio may also purchase and write put and call
options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against declines
in the dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases in
the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired.
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Investing in securities issued by companies whose principal business
activities are outside the United States may involve significant risks not
present in domestic investments. For example, there is generally less publicly
available information about foreign companies, particularly those not subject
to the disclosure and reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws.
Foreign issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and
financial reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those
applicable to domestic issuers. Investments in foreign securities also involve
the risk of possible adverse changes in investment or exchange control
regulations, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, other taxes imposed by
the foreign country on the Fund's earnings, assets, or transactions,
limitation on the removal of cash or other assets of the Portfolio, political
or financial instability, or diplomatic and other developments which could
affect such investments. Further, economies of particular countries or areas
of the world may differ favorably or unfavorably from the economy of the
United States. Changes in foreign exchange rates will affect the value of
securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar.
Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume than domestic
securities and therefore may exhibit greater price volatility. Furthermore,
dividends and interest payments from foreign securities may be withheld at the
source. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities
may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custodial
arrangements, and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") are
intended to minimize the risk of loss to the Portfolio from adverse changes in
the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. The Portfolio
may not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes. The Portfolio has
no specific limitation on the percentage of assets it may commit to forward
contracts, subject to its stated investment objective and policies, except
that the Portfolio will not enter into a forward contract if the amount of
assets set aside to cover the contract would impede portfolio management.
A forward contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency
for an agreed price at a future date which is individually negotiated and
privately traded by currency traders and their customers. A forward contract
may be used, for example, when the Portfolio enters into a contract for the
purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to
"lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security.
The Portfolio may also combine forward contracts with investments in
securities denominated in other currencies in order to achieve desired credit
and currency exposures. Such combinations are generally referred to as
synthetic securities. For example, in lieu of purchasing a foreign bond, the
Portfolio may purchase a U.S. dollar-denominated security and at the same time
enter into a forward contract to exchange U.S. dollars for the contract's
underlying currency at a future date. By matching the amount of U.S. dollars
to be exchanged with the anticipated value of the U.S. dollar-denominated
security, the Portfolio may be able to lock in the foreign currency value of
the security and adopt a synthetic investment position reflecting the credit
quality of the U.S. dollar-denominated security.
There is a risk in adopting a synthetic investment position to the extent
that the value of a security denominated in U.S. dollars or other foreign
currency is not exactly matched with the Portfolio's obligation under the
forward contract. On the date of maturity the Portfolio may be exposed to some
risk of loss from fluctuations in that currency. Although the Sub-Adviser will
attempt to hold such mismatching to a minimum, there can be no assurance that
the Sub-Adviser will be able to do so. When the Portfolio enters into a
forward contract for purposes of creating a synthetic security, it will
generally be required to hold high-grade, liquid securities or cash in a
segregated account with a daily value at least equal to its obligation under
the forward contract.
HIGH YIELD/HIGH RISK SECURITIES
Securities rated lower than Baa by Moody's or lower than BBB by S&P are
sometimes referred to as "high yield" or "junk" bonds. In addition, securities
rated Baa (Moody's) and BBB (S&P) are considered to have some speculative
characteristics.
Investing in high yield securities involves special risks in addition to the
risks associated with investments in higher rated debt securities. High yield
securities may be regarded as predominately speculative with respect to the
issuer's continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Analysis
of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield securities may be more
complex than for issuers of higher quality debt securities, and the ability of
the Portfolio to achieve its investment objective may, to the extent of its
investments in high yield securities, be more dependent upon such
creditworthiness analysis than would be the case if the Portfolio were
investing in higher quality securities.
High yield securities may be more susceptible to real or perceived adverse
economic and competitive industry conditions than higher grade securities. The
prices of high yield securities have been found to be less sensitive to
interest rate changes than more highly rated investments, but more sensitive
to adverse economic downturns or individual corporate developments. A
projection of an economic downturn or of a period of rising interest rates,
for example, could cause a decline in high yield security prices because the
advent of a recession could lessen the ability of a highly leveraged company
to make principal and interest payments on its debt securities. If the issuer
of high yield securities defaults, the Portfolio may incur additional expenses
to seek recovery. In the case of high yield securities structured as zero
coupon or payment-in-kind securities, the market prices of such securities are
affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes and, therefore, tend to
be more volatile than securities which pay interest periodically and in cash.
The secondary markets on which high yield securities are traded may be less
liquid than the market for higher grade securities. Less liquidity in the
secondary trading markets could adversely affect and cause large fluctuations
in the daily net asset value of the Portfolio. Adverse publicity and investor
perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the
values and liquidity of high yield securities, especially in a thinly traded
market.
The use of credit ratings as the sole method of evaluating high yield
securities can involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the
safety of principal and interest payments, not the market value risk of high
yield securities. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit
ratings in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last
rated. The Sub-Adviser does not rely solely on credit ratings when selecting
securities for the Portfolio, and develops its own independent analysis of
issuer credit quality. If a credit rating agency changes the rating of a
security held by the Portfolio, the Portfolio may retain the security if the
Sub-Adviser deems it in the best interest of investors.
ZERO COUPON OBLIGATIONS
The Portfolio may invest in zero coupon obligations, which are fixed-income
securities that do not make regular interest payments. Instead, zero coupon
obligations are sold at substantial discounts from their face value. The
Portfolio accrues income on these investments for tax and accounting purposes,
which is distributable to shareholders and which, because no cash is received
at the time of accrual, may require the liquidation of other portfolio
securities to satisfy the Portfolio's distribution obligations, in which case
the Portfolio will forego the purchase of additional income-producing assets
with these funds. The difference between a zero coupon obligation's issue or
purchase price and its face value represents the imputed interest an investor
will earn if the obligation is held until maturity. Zero coupon obligations
may offer investors the opportunity to earn higher yields that those available
on ordinary interest-paying obligations of similar credit quality and
maturity. However, zero coupon obligation prices may also exhibit greater
price volatility than ordinary fixed-income securities because of the manner
in which their principal and interest are returned to the investor.
MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES
Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Portfolio may invest in mortgage-backed
certificates and other securities representing ownership interests in mortgage
pools, including CMOs. Interest and principal payments on the mortgages
underlying mortgage-backed securities are passed through to the holders of the
mortgage-backed securities. Mortgage-backed securities currently offer yields
higher than those available from many other types of fixed-income securities,
but because of their prepayment aspects, their price volatility and yield
characteristics will change based on changes in prepayment rates. Generally,
prepayment rates increase if interest rates fall and decrease if interest
rates rise. For many types of mortgage-backed securities, this can result in
unfavorable changes in price and yield characteristics in response to changes
in interest rates and other market conditions. For example, as a result of
their prepayment aspects, the Portfolio's mortgage-backed securities may have
less potential for capital appreciation during periods of declining interest
rates than other fixed income securities of comparable maturities, although
such obligations may have a comparable risk of decline in market value during
periods of rising interest rates.
Mortgage-backed securities have yield and maturity characteristics that are
dependent on the mortgages underlying them. Thus, unlike traditional debt
securities, which may pay a fixed rate of interest until maturity when the
entire principal amount comes due, payments on these securities include both
interest and a partial payment of principal. In addition to scheduled loan
amortization, payments of principal may result from the voluntary prepayment,
refinancing or foreclosure of the underlying mortgage loans. Such prepayments
may significantly shorten the effective durations of mortgage-backed
securities, especially during periods of declining interest rates. Similarly,
during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in the rate of
prepayments may significantly lengthen the effective durations of such
securities.
Investment in mortgage-backed securities poses several risks, including
prepayment, market, and credit risk. Prepayment risk reflects the risk that
borrowers may prepay their mortgages faster than expected, thereby affecting
the investment's average life and perhaps its yield. Whether or not a mortgage
loan is prepaid is almost entirely controlled by the borrower. Borrowers are
most likely to exercise prepayment options at the time when it is least
advantageous to investors, generally prepaying mortgages as interest rates
fall, and slowing payments as interest rates rise. Besides the effect of
prevailing interest rates, the rate of prepayment and refinancing of mortgages
may also be affected by home value appreciation, ease of the refinancing
process and local economic conditions.
Market risk reflects the risk that the price of the security may fluctuate
over time. The price of mortgage-backed securities may be particularly
sensitive to prevailing interest rates, the length of time the security is
expected to be outstanding, and the liquidity of the issue. In a period of
unstable interest rates, there may be decreased demand for certain types of
mortgage-backed securities, and a fund invested in such securities wishing to
sell them may find it difficult to find a buyer, which may in turn decrease
the price at which they may be sold.
Credit risk reflects the risk that the Portfolio may not receive all or part
of its principal because the issuer or credit enhancer has defaulted on its
obligations. Obligations issued by U.S. government-related entities are
guaranteed as to the payment of principal and interest, but are not backed by
the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. The performance of private
label mortgage-backed securities, issued by private institutions, is based on
the financial health of those institutions.
For further information, see the Statement of Additional Information.
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Portfolio may invest in Stripped
Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBS") which are derivative multi-class mortgage
securities. SMBS may be issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S.
Government and private originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans,
including savings and loan associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks,
investment banks and special purpose entities of the foregoing. The
Portfolio's investments in SMBS will be limited to 10% of net assets.
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different
proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage
assets. One type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest
and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will
receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In some
cases, one class will receive all of the interest (the interest-only or IO
class), while the other class will receive all of the principal (the
principal-only or PO class). The cash flows and yields on IO and PO classes
can be extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments (including
prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets. For example, a rapid
or slow rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect on the
yield to maturity of IOs or POs, respectively. If the underlying mortgage
assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal, an
investor may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in an IO class of a
stripped mortgage-backed security. Conversely, if the underlying mortgage
assets experience slower than anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield
on a PO class will be affected more severely than would be the case with a
traditional mortgage-backed security.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through
several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these
securities were only recently developed. As a result, established trading
markets have not yet developed and, accordingly, certain of these securities
may be deemed illiquid and subject to the Portfolio's limitations on
investment in illiquid securities. For further information on these
securities, see the Statement of Additional Information.
Other Asset-Backed Securities. The Portfolio may invest in securities
representing interests in other types of financial assets, such as credit card
receivables, automobile loan and lease receivables, aircraft lease
receivables, home equity loan receivables, manufactured housing receivables,
equipment loan and lease receivables, and student loan receivables. Such
securities are subject to many of the same risks as are mortgage-backed
securities, including prepayment risks and risks of foreclosure. They may or
may not be secured by the receivables themselves or may be unsecured
obligations of their issuers. For further information on these securities, see
the Statement of Additional Information.
EURODOLLAR AND YANKEE BANK OBLIGATIONS
The Portfolio may invest in Eurodollar bank obligations and Yankee bank
obligations. Eurodollar bank obligations are dollar-denominated certificates
of deposit and time deposits issued outside the U.S. capital markets by
foreign branches of U.S. banks and by foreign banks. Yankee bank obligations
are dollar-denominated obligations issued in the U.S. capital markets by
foreign banks. Eurodollar and Yankee obligations are subject to the same risks
that pertain to domestic issues, notably credit risk, market risk and
liquidity risk. Additionally, Eurodollar (and to a limited extent Yankee bank)
obligations are subject to certain sovereign risks. One such risk is the
possibility that a sovereign country might prevent capital, in the form of
dollars, from freely flowing across its borders. Other risks include: adverse
political and economic developments, the extent and quality of government
regulation of financial markets and institutions, the imposition of foreign
withholding taxes, and the expropriation or nationalization of foreign
issuers.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Portfolio may invest in repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government securities, certificates of deposit and certain bankers'
acceptances. Repurchase agreements are transactions by which the Portfolio
purchases a security and simultaneously commits to resell that security to the
seller (a bank or securities dealer) at an agreed upon price on an agreed upon
date (usually within seven days of purchase). The resale price reflects the
purchase price plus an agreed upon market rate of interest which is unrelated
to the coupon rate or date of maturity of the purchased security. The Sub-
Adviser will continually monitor the value of the underlying securities to
ensure that their value, including accrued interest, always equals or exceeds
the repurchase price. Repurchase agreements are considered to be loans
collateralized by the underlying security under the 1940 Act, and therefore
will be fully collateralized.
The use of repurchase agreements involves certain risks. For example, if the
seller of the agreements defaults on its obligation to repurchase the
underlying securities at a time when the value of these securities has
declined, the Portfolio may incur a loss upon disposition of them. If the
seller of the agreement becomes insolvent and subject to liquidation or
reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code or other laws, a bankruptcy court may
determine that the underlying securities are collateral not within the control
of the Portfolio and therefore subject to sale by the trustee in bankruptcy.
Finally, it is possible that the Portfolio may not be able to substantiate its
interest in the underlying securities. While the Portfolio Trust's management
acknowledges these risks, it is expected that they can be controlled through
stringent security selection criteria and careful monitoring procedures.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities that are
illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market, or because of
legal or contractual restrictions on resale. This policy does not limit the
acquisition of securities (i) eligible for resale to qualified institutional
buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 or (ii)
commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(2) under the Securities Act of
1933 that are determined to be liquid in accordance with guidelines
established by the Portfolio Trust's Board of Trustees. There may be delays in
selling these securities and sales may be made at less favorable prices. The
Portfolio has a separate policy that no more than 10% of its net assets may be
invested in securities which are restricted as to resale, including Rule 144A
and Section 4(2) securities.
The Sub-Adviser may determine that a particular Rule 144A security is liquid
and thus not subject to the Portfolio's limits on investment in illiquid
securities, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Factors
that the Sub-Adviser must consider in determining whether a particular Rule
144A security is liquid include the frequency of trades and quotes for the
security, the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and
the number of other potential purchasers, dealer undertakings to make a market
in the security, and the nature of the security and the nature of the market
for the security (i.e., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method
of soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer). Investing in Rule 144A
securities could have the effect of increasing the level of the Portfolio's
illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutions might become, for a
time, uninterested in purchasing these securities.
BRADY BONDS
A portion of the Portfolio's assets may be invested in certain debt
obligations customarily referred to as Brady Bonds, which are created through
the exchange of existing commercial bank loans to foreign entities for new
obligations in connection with debt restructuring under a plan introduced by
former Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Bonds
have been issued only recently and, accordingly, do not have a long payment
history. They may be collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various
currencies (although most are dollar-denominated) and are actively traded in
the over-the-counter secondary market. Brady Bonds have been issued by the
governments of Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nigeria, Uruguay, Venezuela,
Brazil and the Philippines, as well as other emerging markets countries. Most
Brady Bonds are currently rated below BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's. In light
of the risk characteristics of Brady Bonds (including uncollateralized
repayment of principal at maturity for some instruments) and, among other
factors, the history of default with respect to commercial bank loans by
public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds, investments in
Brady Bonds should be viewed as speculative. For further information on these
securities, see the Statement of Additional Information.
FLOATING AND VARIABLE RATE OBLIGATIONS
Certain obligations that the Portfolio may purchase may have a floating or
variable rate of interest, i.e., the rate of interest varies with changes in
specified market rates or indices, such as the prime rates, and at specified
intervals. Certain floating or variable rate obligations that may be purchased
by the Portfolio may carry a demand feature that would permit the holder to
tender them back to the issuer of the underlying instrument, or to a third
party, at par value prior to maturity. The demand features of certain floating
or variable rate obligations may permit the holder to tender the obligations
to foreign banks, in which case the ability to receive payment under the
demand feature will be subject to certain risks, as described under "Foreign
Securities," above.
INVERSE FLOATING RATE OBLIGATIONS
The Portfolio may invest in inverse floating rate obligations ("inverse
floaters"). Inverse floaters have coupon rates that vary inversely at a
multiple of a designated floating rate, such as LIBOR (London Inter-Bank
Offered Rate). Any rise in the reference rate of an inverse floater (as a
consequence of an increase in interest rates) causes a drop in the coupon rate
while any drop in the reference rate of an inverse floater causes an increase
in the coupon rate. In addition, like most other fixed-income securities, the
value of inverse floaters will generally decrease as interest rates increase.
Inverse floaters may exhibit substantially greater price volatility than fixed
rate obligations having similar credit quality, redemption provisions and
maturity, and inverse floater CMOs exhibit greater price volatility than the
majority of mortgage pass-through securities or CMOs. In addition, some
inverse floater CMOs exhibit extreme sensitivity to changes in prepayments. As
a result, the yield to maturity of an inverse floater CMO is sensitive not
only to changes in interest rates, but also to changes in prepayment rates on
the related underlying mortgage assets.
BANKING INDUSTRY AND SAVINGS AND LOAN INDUSTRY OBLIGATIONS
As a temporary defensive measure, the Portfolio may invest in certificates
of deposit, time deposits, bankers' acceptances, and other short-term debt
obligations issued by commercial banks and savings and loan associations
("S&Ls"). Certificates of deposit are receipts from a bank or S&L for funds
deposited for a specified period of time at a specified rate of return. Time
deposits in banks or S&Ls are generally similar to certificates of deposit but
are uncertificated. Bankers' acceptances are time drafts drawn on commercial
banks by borrowers, usually in connection with international commercial
transactions. The Portfolio may not invest in time deposits maturing in more
than seven days. The Portfolio will limit its investment in time deposits
maturing from two business days through seven calendar days to 15% of its
total assets.
The Portfolio will not invest in any obligation of a commercial bank unless
(i) the bank has total assets of at least $1 billion, or the equivalent in
other currencies or, in the case of domestic banks which do not have total
assets of at least $1 billion, the aggregate investment made in any one such
bank is limited to $100,000 and the principal amount of such investment is
insured in full by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC"),
(ii) in the case of U.S. banks, it is a member of the FDIC and (iii) in the
case of foreign branches of U.S. banks, the security is deemed by the Sub-
Adviser to be of an investment quality comparable with other debt securities
which may be purchased by the Portfolio.
The Portfolio may also invest in obligations of U.S. banks, foreign branches
of U.S. banks (Eurodollars) and U.S. branches of foreign banks (Yankee
dollars) as a temporary defensive measure. Euro and Yankee dollar investments
will involve some of the same risks as investing in foreign securities, as
described above and in the Statement of Additional Information.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Portfolio may lend its securities to qualified brokers, dealers, banks
and other financial institutions for the purpose of realizing additional
income. Loans of securities will be collateralized by cash, letters of credit,
or securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. The
collateral will equal at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. In addition, the Portfolio will not lend its portfolio securities
to the extent that greater than one-third of its total assets, at fair market
value, would be committed to loans at that time.
FIRM COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS AND WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Portfolio may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or firm-
commitment basis, in which a security's price and yield are fixed on the date
of the commitment but payment and delivery are scheduled for a future date. On
the settlement date, the market value of the security may be higher or lower
than its purchase or sale price under the agreement. If the other party to a
when-issued or firm-commitment transaction fails to deliver or pay for the
security, the Portfolio could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or
suffer a loss. The Portfolio will not earn interest on securities until the
settlement date. The Portfolio will maintain in a segregated account with the
custodian cash or liquid, high-grade debt securities equal (on a daily marked-
to-market basis) to the amount of its commitment to purchase the securities on
a when-issued basis.
SWAPS, CAPS, FLOORS AND COLLARS
The Portfolio may enter into swap contracts and other similar instruments in
accordance with its policies. A swap is an agreement to exchange the return
generated by one instrument for the return generated by another instrument.
The payment streams are calculated by reference to a specified index and
agreed upon notional amount. The term specified index includes currencies,
fixed interest rates, prices and total return on interest rate indices, fixed-
income indices, stock indices and commodity indices (as well as amounts
derived from arithmetic operations on these indices). For example, the
Portfolio may agree to swap the return generated by a fixed-income index for
the return generated by a second fixed-income index. The currency swaps in
which the Portfolio may enter will generally involve an agreement to pay
interest streams calculated by reference to interest income linked to a
specified index in one currency in exchange for a specified index in another
currency. Such swaps may involve initial and final exchanges that correspond
to the agreed upon notional amount.
The swaps in which the Portfolio may engage also include rate caps, floors
and collars under which one party pays a single or periodic fixed amount(s)
(or premium) and the other party pays periodic amounts based on the movement
of a specified index.
The Portfolio will usually enter into swaps on a net basis, i.e., the two
return streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or
dates specified in the instrument, with the Portfolio receiving or paying, as
the case may be, only the net amount of the two returns. The Portfolio's
obligations under a swap agreement will be accrued daily (offset against any
amounts owing to the Portfolio) and any accrued but unpaid net amounts owed to
a swap counterparty will be covered by the maintenance of a segregated account
consisting of cash, U.S. Government securities, or high-grade debt
obligations, to avoid any potential leveraging. The Portfolio will not enter
into any swap agreement unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or
the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is rated AA or A-1 or better by
S&P or Aa or P-1 or better by Moody's, rated comparably by another NRSRO or
determined by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality.
Interest rate swaps do not involve the delivery of securities, other
underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to
interest rate swaps is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the
Portfolio is contractually obligated to make. If the other party to an
interest rate swap defaults, the Portfolio's risk of loss consists of the net
amount of interest payments that the Portfolio is contractually entitled to
receive. In contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the
entire principal value of one designated currency in exchange for the other
designated currency. Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap
is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will default on its
contractual delivery obligations. If there is a default by the counterparty,
the Portfolio may have contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related
to the transaction. The swap market has grown substantially in recent years
with a large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as
principals and as agents utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a
result, the swap market has become relatively liquid. Caps, floors and collars
are more recent innovations for which standardized documentation has not yet
been fully developed and, accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
The use of swaps is a highly specialized activity which involves investment
techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio
securities transactions. If the Sub-Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of
market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of the Portfolio would be less favorable than it would have been
if this investment technique were not used.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Sub-Adviser manages the Portfolio generally without regard to
restrictions on portfolio turnover, except those imposed by provisions of the
federal tax laws regarding short-term trading. In general, the Portfolio will
not trade for short-term profits, but when circumstances warrant, investments
may be sold without regard to the length of time held. The Portfolio's annual
turnover rate may exceed 100% due to changes in portfolio duration, yield
curve strategy or commitments to forward delivery mortgage-backed securities.
However, it is expected that the annual turnover rate for the Portfolio will
not exceed 250%. For the period from January 9, 1995 (commencement of
operations) to October 31, 1995, the portfolio turnover rate was 100%. Because
the Portfolio may have a portfolio turnover rate of 100% or more, transaction
costs incurred by the Portfolio, and the realized capital gains and losses of
the Portfolio, may be greater than those of a fund with a lesser portfolio
turnover rate. See "Portfolio Transactions" and "Tax Matters" below.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each of the Portfolio and the Fund has adopted certain investment
restrictions designed to reduce exposure to specific situations (except that
none of these investment restrictions shall prevent the Fund from investing
all of its Assets in a registered investment company with substantially the
same investment objective). Some of these investment restrictions are:
(1) with respect to 75% of its assets, the Portfolio (Fund) will not
purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than 5% of the
Portfolio's (Fund's) total assets taken at market value would be
invested in the securities of any single issuer, except that this
restriction does not apply to securities issued or guaranteed by the
U.S. Government or its agencies or instrumentalities;
(2) with respect to 75% of its assets, the Portfolio (Fund) will not
purchase a security if, as a result, the Portfolio (Fund) would hold
more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer;
(3) the Portfolio (Fund) will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in
the securities of issuers (other than securities issued or guaranteed by
U.S. or foreign governments or political subdivisions thereof) which
have (with predecessors) a record of less than three years of continuous
operation;
(4) the Portfolio (Fund) will not acquire any securities of companies within
one industry if, as a result of such acquisition, more than 25% of the
value of the Portfolio's (Fund's) total assets would be invested in
securities of companies within such industry; provided, however, that
there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, or
instruments issued by U.S. banks when the Portfolio (Fund) adopts a
temporary defensive position;
(5) the Portfolio (Fund) will not make loans except (i) by purchasing debt
securities in accordance with its investment objective and policies, or
entering into repurchase agreements and (ii) by lending its portfolio
securities;
(6) the Portfolio (Fund) will not borrow money (including from a bank or
through reverse repurchase agreements or forward dollar roll
transactions involving mortgage-backed securities or similar investment
techniques entered into for leveraging purposes), except that the
Portfolio (Fund) may borrow as a temporary measure to satisfy redemption
requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes, provided that the
Portfolio (Fund) maintains asset coverage of at least 300% for all such
borrowings;
(7) the Portfolio (Fund) will not issue senior securities, except as
permitted under the 1940 Act; and,
(8) the Portfolio (Fund) will not invest its assets in securities of any
investment company, except by purchase in the open market involving only
customary brokers' commissions or in connection with mergers,
acquisitions of assets or consolidations and except as may otherwise be
permitted by the 1940 Act; provided, however, that the Portfolio shall
not invest in the shares of any open-end investment company unless (1)
the Portfolio's Sub-Adviser waives any investment advisory fees with
respect to such assets and (2) the Portfolio pays no sales charge in
connection with the investment.
Limitations (1), (2), (4), (5), (6) and (7) and certain other limitations
described in the Statement of Additional Information are fundamental and may
be changed only with the approval of the holders of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio
or the Fund, as the case may be. The other investment restrictions described
here and in the Statement of Additional Information are not fundamental
policies meaning that the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio Trust may change
them without investor approval. If a percentage limitation on investment or
utilization of assets as set forth above is adhered to at the time an
investment is made, a later change in percentage resulting from changes in the
value or total cost of the Portfolio's assets will not be considered a
violation of the restriction, and the sale of securities will not be required.
SPECIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TWO-TIER FUND STRUCTURE
The Trust, which is an open-end investment company, seeks to achieve the
investment objective of the Fund by investing all of the Fund's Assets in the
Portfolio, a series of a separate open-end investment company with the same
investment objective as the Fund. Other mutual funds or institutional
investors may invest in the Portfolio on the same terms and conditions as the
Fund. However, these other investors may have different sales commissions and
other operating expenses which may generate different aggregate performance
results. Information concerning other investors in the Portfolio is available
by calling the Sponsor at (617) 423-0800. The two-tier investment fund
structure has been developed relatively recently, so shareholders should
carefully consider this investment approach.
The investment objective of the Fund may be changed without the approval of
the shareholders of the Fund and the investment objective of the Portfolio may
be changed without the approval of the investors in the Portfolio.
Shareholders of the Fund shall receive 30 days prior written notice of any
change in the investment objective of the Fund or the Portfolio. For a
description of the investment objective, policies and restrictions of the
Portfolio, see "Investment Objective and Policies" above.
Except as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, whenever the
Trust is requested to vote on a matter pertaining to the Portfolio, the Trust
will hold a meeting of the shareholders of the Fund and, at the meeting of
investors in the Portfolio, the Trust will cast all of its votes in the same
proportion as the votes of the Fund's shareholders even if all Fund
shareholders did not vote. Even if the Trust votes all its shares at the
Portfolio meeting, other investors with a greater pro rata ownership in the
Portfolio could have effective voting control of the operations of the
Portfolio.
The Trust may withdraw the Fund's investment in the Portfolio as a result of
certain changes in the Portfolio's investment objective, policies or
restrictions or if the Board of Trustees of the Trust determines that it is
otherwise in the best interests of the Fund to do so. Upon any such
withdrawal, the Board of Trustees of the Trust would consider what action
might be taken, including the investment of all of the assets of the Fund in
another pooled investment entity or the retaining of an investment adviser to
manage the Fund's assets in accordance with the investment policies described
above with respect to the Portfolio. In the event the Trustees of the Trust
were unable to accomplish either, the Trustees will determine the best course
of action.
As with traditionally structured funds which have large investors, the
actions of such large investors may have a material affect on smaller
investors. For example, if a large investor withdraws from the Portfolio, a
small remaining fund may experience higher pro rata operating expenses,
thereby producing lower returns. Additionally, the Portfolio may become less
diverse, resulting in increased portfolio risk.
For descriptions of the management and expenses of the Portfolio, see
"Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust" below and in the Statement
of Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO TRUST
The business and affairs of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust are managed
under the direction of their respective Boards of Trustees. The Trustees of
each of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust are Frederick C. Chen, Alan S.
Parsow, Larry M. Robbins and Michael Seely. Additional information about the
Trustees, as well as the executive officers of the Trust and the Portfolio
Trust, may be found in the Statement of Additional Information under the
caption "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust -- Trustees and
Officers".
A majority of the disinterested Trustees have adopted written procedures
reasonably appropriate to deal with potential conflicts of interest arising
from the fact that the same individuals are Trustees of the Trust and of the
Portfolio Trust. Under the conflicts of interest procedures, the Trustees will
review on a quarterly basis any potential conflicts of interests after
consulting with Fund counsel, the Manager and the Fund Administrator. If a
potential conflict of interest arises, the Board of Trustees of the entity
that may be adversely affected will take such action as is reasonably
appropriate to resolve the conflict, up to and including establishing a new
Board of Trustees for such entity. See "Management of the Trust and the
Portfolio Trust" in the Statement of Additional Information for more
information about the Trustees and the executive officers of the Trust and the
Portfolio Trust.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Republic, whose address is 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018,
serves as investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment
Management Contract with the Portfolio Trust. Subject to the general guidance
and the policies set by the Trustees of the Portfolio Trust, Republic provides
general supervision over the investment management functions performed by the
Sub-Adviser. For its services under the Investment Management Contract, the
Manager is entitled to receive from the Portfolio a fee, payable monthly, at
the annual rate of 0.20% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets. The
Manager is currently waiving this fee.
Republic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic New York Corporation, a
registered bank holding company. As of December 31, 1995 Republic was the 20th
largest commercial bank in the United States measured by deposits and the 19th
largest commercial bank measured by shareholder equity.
Republic and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and other commercial
banking relationships with the issuers of obligations purchased for the
Portfolio, including outstanding loans to such issuers which may be repaid in
whole or in part with the proceeds of obligations so purchased.
Based upon the advice of counsel, Republic believes that the performance of
investment advisory and other services for the Portfolio will not violate the
Glass-Steagall Act or other applicable banking laws or regulations. However,
future statutory or regulatory changes, as well as future judicial or
administrative decisions and interpretations of present and future statutes
and regulations, could prevent Republic from continuing to perform such
services for the Portfolio. If Republic were prohibited from acting as
investment manager to the Portfolio, it is expected that the Trust's Board of
Trustees would recommend to Fund shareholders approval of a new investment
advisory agreement with another qualified investment adviser selected by the
Board or that the Board would recommend other appropriate action.
SUB-ADVISER
MAS continuously manages the investment portfolio of the Portfolio pursuant
to a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Manager. For its services, the Sub-
Adviser is paid a fee by the Portfolio, computed daily and based on the
Portfolio's average daily net assets, equal to 0.375% of net assets up to $50
million, 0.25% of net assets over $50 million up to $95 million, $300,000 of
net assets over $95 million up to $150 million, 0.20% of net assets over $150
million up to $250 million, and 0.15% of net assets over $250 million. It is
the responsibility of the Sub-Adviser not only to make investment decisions
for the Portfolio, but also to place purchase and sale orders for the
portfolio transactions of the Portfolio. See "Portfolio Transactions."
MAS, whose address is One Tower Bridge, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
19428, is a Pennsylvania limited partnership founded in 1969. MAS provides
investment services to employee benefit plans, endowment funds, foundations
and other institutional investors. As of March 31, 1996, MAS had in excess of
$36.2 billion in assets under management.
On January 3, 1996, Morgan Stanley Group Inc. acquired MAS in a transaction
in which Morgan Stanley Asset Management Holdings Inc., an indirect wholly
owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Group Inc., became the sole general partner
of MAS. Morgan Stanley Asset Management Holdings Inc. and two other wholly
owned subsidiaries of Morgan Stanley Group Inc. became the limited partners of
MAS. Morgan Stanley Group Inc. and various of its directly or indirectly owned
subsidiaries are engaged in a wide range of financial services.
Kenneth B. Dunn, whose business experience for the past five years is
provided below, is the individual portfolio manager responsible for management
of the Portfolio.
Partner, MAS, since prior to 1991. Portfolio Manager, MAS Fixed Income
and MAS Domestic Fixed Income Portfolios, since 1987; MAS Fixed Income
II Portfolio, since 1990; MAS Mortgage-Backed Securities and Special
Purpose Fixed Income Portfolios, since 1992; and MAS Municipal and PA
Municipal Portfolios, since 1994.
DISTRIBUTOR AND SPONSOR
SBDS whose address is 6 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, acts
as sponsor and principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund's shares
pursuant to a Distribution Contract with the Trust.
ADMINISTRATOR AND PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Pursuant to Administrative Services Agreements, SBDS and Signature (Cayman)
provide each of the Fund and the Portfolio, respectively, with general office
facilities, and supervise the overall administration of the Fund and the
Portfolio including, among other responsibilities, the preparation and filing
of all documents required for compliance by the Fund and the Portfolio with
applicable laws and regulations and arranging for the maintenance of books and
records of the Fund and the Portfolio. For its services to the Fund, SBDS
receives from the Fund fees payable monthly equal on an annual basis (for the
Fund's then-current fiscal year) to 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net
assets up to $100 million. The Administrator receives no compensation from the
Fund with respect to the Fund's assets over $100 million. The administrative
services fees of the Fund are subject to an annual minimum fee. See the
Statement of Additional Information. For its services to the Portfolio,
Signature (Cayman) receives from the Portfolio fees payable monthly equal on
an annual basis (for the Portfolio's then-current fiscal year) to 0.05% of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets.
SBDS and Signature (Cayman) provide persons satisfactory to the respective
Boards of Trustees to serve as officers of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust.
Such officers, as well as certain other employees of the Trust and of the
Portfolio Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of SBDS, Signature
(Cayman) or their affiliates.
SBDS, Signature (Cayman) and their affiliates also serve as administrator
and distributor of other investment companies. SBDS and Signature (Cayman) are
wholly owned subsidiaries of Signature Financial Group, Inc.
FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT
Pursuant to respective fund accounting agreements, Signature Financial
Services, Inc. ("Signature") serves as fund accounting agent to each of the
Fund and the Portfolio. For its services to the Fund, Signature receives from
the Fund fees payable monthly equal on an annual basis to $12,000. For its
services to the Portfolio, Signature receives fees payable monthly equal on an
annual basis to $40,000.
TRANSFER AGENT AND CUSTODIAN
Each of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust has entered into a Transfer Agency
Agreement with Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT") pursuant to which IBT
acts as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") for the Fund and the Portfolio.
The Transfer Agent maintains an account for each shareholder of the Fund
(unless such account is maintained by the shareholder's Shareholder Servicing
Agent) and investor in the Portfolio, performs other transfer agency functions
and acts as dividend disbursing agent for the Fund. Pursuant to respective
Custodian Agreements, IBT also acts as the custodian (the "Custodian") of the
assets of the Fund and the Portfolio. The Portfolio Trust's Custodian
Agreement provides that the Custodian may use the services of sub-custodians
with respect to the Portfolio. The Custodian's responsibilities include
safeguarding and controlling the Fund's cash and the Portfolio's cash and
securities, and handling the receipt and delivery of securities, determining
income and collecting interest on the Portfolio's investments, maintaining
books of original entry for portfolio accounting and other required books and
accounts, and calculating the daily net asset value of the Portfolio.
Securities held for the Portfolio may be deposited into the Federal Reserve-
Treasury Department Book Entry System or the Depository Trust Company. The
Custodian does not determine the investment policies of the Fund or the
Portfolio or decide which securities will be purchased or sold for the
Portfolio. Assets of the Portfolio may, however, be invested in securities of
the Custodian and the Portfolio Trust may deal with the Custodian as principal
in securities transactions for the Portfolio. For its services, IBT receives
such compensation as may from time to time be agreed upon by it and the Trust
or the Portfolio Trust.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENTS
The Trust has entered into a shareholder servicing agreement (a "Servicing
Agreement") with each Shareholder Servicing Agent pursuant to which a
Shareholder Servicing Agent, as agent for its customers, among other things:
answers customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the manner in
which purchases and redemptions of Shares may be effected and certain other
matters pertaining to the Fund; assists shareholders in designating and
changing dividend options, account designations and addresses; provides
necessary personnel and facilities to establish and maintain shareholder
accounts and records; assists in processing purchase and redemption
transactions; arranges for the wiring of funds; transmits and receives funds
in connection with customer orders to purchase or redeem Shares; verifies and
guarantees shareholder signatures in connection with redemption orders and
transfers and changes in shareholder-designated accounts; furnishes (either
separately or on an integrated basis with other reports sent to a shareholder
by a Shareholder Servicing Agent) monthly and year-end statements and
confirmations of purchases and redemptions; transmits, on behalf of the Trust,
proxy statements, annual reports, updated prospectuses and other
communications from the Trust to the Fund's shareholders; receives, tabulates
and transmits to the Trust proxies executed by shareholders with respect to
meetings of shareholders of the Fund or the Trust; and provides such other
related services as the Trust or a shareholder may request.
The Trust understands that some Shareholder Servicing Agents also may impose
certain conditions on their customers, subject to the terms of this
Prospectus, in addition to or different from those imposed by the Trust, such
as requiring a different minimum initial or subsequent investment, account
fees (a fixed amount per transaction processed), compensating balance
requirements (a minimum dollar amount a customer must maintain in order to
obtain the services offered), or account maintenance fees (a periodic charge
based on a percentage of the assets in the account or of the dividends paid on
those assets). Each Shareholder Servicing Agent has agreed to transmit to its
customers who are holders of Shares appropriate prior written disclosure of
any fees that it may charge them directly and to provide written notice at
least 30 days prior to the imposition of any transaction fees.
The Glass-Steagall Act prohibits certain financial institutions from
engaging in the business of underwriting securities of open-end investment
companies, such as shares of the Fund. The Trust engages banks as Shareholder
Servicing Agents on behalf of the Fund only to perform administrative and
shareholder servicing functions as described above. The Trust believes that
the Glass-Steagall Act should not preclude a bank from acting as a Shareholder
Servicing Agent. There is presently no controlling precedent regarding the
performance of shareholder servicing activities by banks. Future changes in
either federal statutes or regulations relating to the permissible activities
of banks, as well as future judicial or administrative decisions and
interpretations of present and future statutes and regulations, could prevent
a bank from continuing to perform all or part of its servicing activities. If
a bank were prohibited from so acting, its shareholder customers would be
permitted to remain Fund shareholders, and alternative means for continuing
the servicing of such shareholders would be sought. In such event, changes in
the operation of the Fund might occur and a shareholder serviced by such bank
might no longer be able to avail himself of any automatic investment or other
services then being provided by such bank. The Trustees of the Trust do not
expect that shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse financial
consequences as a result of these occurrences.
OTHER EXPENSES
The Fund bears all costs of its operations other than expenses specifically
assumed by the Distributor, Manager or the Sub-Adviser. See "Management of the
Trust -- Expenses and Expense Limits" in the Statement of Additional
Information. Trust expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to
the Fund; other expenses are allocated proportionately among all the
portfolios in the Trust in relation to the net assets of each portfolio.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
To the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements, the Sub-Adviser
may place orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio investments for the
Portfolio with Republic New York Securities Corporation, subject to obtaining
best price and execution for a particular transaction. See the Statement of
Additional Information.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of each of the Shares is determined on each day on which
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading ("Fund Business Day"). This
determination is made once during each such day as of 4:00 p.m., New York
time, by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its
investment in the Portfolio and other assets less its liabilities, including
expenses payable or accrued) by the number of Shares outstanding at the time
the determination is made.
The value of the Fund's investment in the Portfolio is also determined once
daily at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each day the New York Stock Exchange is
open for regular trading ("Portfolio Business Day").
The determination of the value of the Fund's investment in the Portfolio is
made by subtracting from the value of the total assets of the Portfolio the
amount of the Portfolio's liabilities and multiplying the difference by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents the Fund's share of the
aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio.
Values of assets held by the Portfolio are determined on the basis of their
market or other fair value, as described in the Statement of Additional
Information.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Shares may be purchased through Shareholder Servicing Agents without a sales
load at their net asset value next determined after an order is received by a
Shareholder Servicing Agent if it is transmitted to and accepted by the
Distributor. Purchases are therefore effected on the same day the purchase
order is received by the Distributor provided such order is received prior to
4:00 p.m., New York time, on any Fund Business Day. The Trust intends the Fund
to be as fully invested at all times as is reasonably practicable in order to
enhance the yield on its assets. Each Shareholder Servicing Agent is
responsible for and required to promptly forward orders for shares to the
Distributor.
All purchase payments are invested in full and fractional Shares. The Trust
reserves the right to cease offering Shares for sale at any time or to reject
any order for the purchase of Shares.
An investor may purchase Shares by authorizing his Shareholder Servicing
Agent to purchase such Shares on his behalf through the Distributor.
Exchange Privilege. By contacting his Shareholder Servicing Agent, a
shareholder may exchange some or all of his Shares for shares of one or more
of the following investment companies at net asset value without a sales
charge: Republic U.S. Government Money Market Fund (Adviser Class), Republic
New York Tax Free Money Market Fund (Adviser Class), Republic New York Tax
Free Bond Fund (Adviser Class), Republic Equity Fund (Adviser Class), Republic
International Equity Fund, Republic Small Cap Equity Fund, and such other
Republic Funds or other registered investment companies for which Republic
serves as investment adviser as Republic may determine. An exchange may result
in a change in the number of Shares held, but not in the value of such Shares
immediately after the exchange. Each exchange involves the redemption of the
Shares to be exchanged and the purchase of the shares of the other Republic
Fund which may produce a gain or loss for tax purposes.
The exchange privilege (or any aspect of it) may be changed or discontinued
upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders and is available only to
shareholders in states in which such exchanges legally may be made. A
shareholder considering an exchange should obtain and read the prospectus of
the other Republic Fund and consider the differences in investment objectives
and policies before making any exchange.
Shares are being offered only to customers of Shareholder Servicing Agents.
Shareholder Servicing Agents may offer services to their customers, including
specialized procedures for the purchase and redemption of Shares, such as pre-
authorized or automatic purchase and redemption programs. Each Shareholder
Servicing Agent may establish its own terms, conditions and charges, including
limitations on the amounts of transactions, with respect to such services.
Charges for these services may include fixed annual fees, account maintenance
fees and minimum account balance requirements. The effect of any such fees
will be to reduce the net return on the investment of customers of that
Shareholder Servicing Agent. Conversely, certain Shareholder Servicing Agents
may (although they are not required by the Trust to do so) credit to the
accounts of their customers from whom they are already receiving other fees
amounts not exceeding such other fees or the fees received by the Shareholder
Servicing Agent from the Fund, which will have the effect of increasing the
net return on the investment of such customers of those Shareholder Servicing
Agents.
Shareholder Servicing Agents may transmit purchase payments on behalf of
their customers by wire directly to the Fund's custodian bank by following the
procedures described above.
For further information on how to direct a Shareholder Servicing Agent to
purchase Shares, an investor should contact his Shareholder Servicing Agent
(see back cover for address and phone number).
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
A shareholder may redeem all or any portion of the Shares in his account at
any time at the net asset value next determined after a redemption order in
proper form is received by the Transfer Agent. Redemptions are effected on the
same day the redemption order is furnished by the shareholder to his
Shareholder Servicing Agent and is transmitted to and received by the Transfer
Agent provided such order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, on
any Fund Business Day. Shares redeemed earn dividends up to and including the
Fund Business Day prior to the day the redemption is effected.
The proceeds of a redemption are normally paid from the Fund in federal
funds on the next Fund Business Day on which the redemption is effected, but
in any event within seven days. The right of any shareholder to receive
payment with respect to any redemption may be suspended or the payment of the
redemption proceeds postponed during any period in which the New York Stock
Exchange is closed (other than weekends or holidays) or trading on such
Exchange is restricted or, to the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act,
if an emergency exists.
A shareholder may redeem Shares only by authorizing his Shareholder
Servicing Agent to redeem such Shares on his behalf (since the account and
records of such a shareholder are established and maintained by his
Shareholder Servicing Agent). For further information as to how to direct a
Shareholder Servicing Agent to redeem Shares, a shareholder should contact his
Shareholder Servicing Agent (see back cover for address and phone number).
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
The Trust declares all of the Fund's net investment income daily as a
dividend to Fund shareholders. Dividends substantially equal to all of the
Fund's net investment income earned during the month are distributed in that
month to Fund shareholders of record. Generally, the Fund's net investment
income consists of the interest and dividend income it earns, less expenses.
In computing interest income, premiums are not amortized nor are discounts
accrued on long-term debt securities in the Portfolio, except as required for
federal income tax purposes.
The Fund's net realized short-term and long-term capital gains, if any, are
distributed to shareholders annually. Additional distributions are also made
to the Fund's shareholders to the extent necessary to avoid application of the
4% non-deductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income and net
capital gains of regulated investment companies.
Unless a shareholder elects to receive dividends in cash (subject to the
policies of the shareholder's Shareholder Servicing Agent), dividends are
distributed in the form of additional Shares (purchased at their net asset
value without a sales charge).
Certain mortgage-backed securities may provide for periodic or unscheduled
payments of principal and interest as the mortgages underlying the securities
are paid or prepaid. However, such principal payments (not otherwise
characterized as ordinary discount income or bond premium expense) will not
normally be considered as income to the Portfolio and therefore will not be
distributed as dividends to Fund shareholders. Rather, these payments on
mortgage-backed securities generally will be reinvested by the Portfolio in
accordance with its investment objective and policies.
TAX MATTERS
This discussion is intended for general information only. An investor should
consult with his own tax advisor as to the tax consequences of an investment
in the Fund, including the status of distributions from the Fund under
applicable state or local law.
Each year, the Trust intends to qualify the Fund and elect that the Fund be
treated as a separate "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). To so qualify, the
Fund must meet certain income, distribution and diversification requirements.
Provided such requirements are met and all investment company taxable income
and net realized capital gains of the Fund are distributed to shareholders in
accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, generally no
federal income or excise taxes will be paid by the Fund on amounts so
distributed.
Dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, paid to shareholders are
treated in the same manner for federal income tax purposes whether received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Shareholders must treat
dividends, other than long-term capital gain dividends, as ordinary income.
Dividends designated by the Fund as long-term capital gain dividends are
taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain regardless of the length of
time the shares of the Fund have been held by the shareholders. Certain
dividends declared in October, November, or December of a calendar year to
shareholders of record on a date in such a month are taxable to shareholders
(who otherwise are subject to tax on dividends) as though received on December
31 of that year if paid to shareholders during January of the following
calendar year.
Foreign Tax Withholding. Income received by the Portfolio from sources
within foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other income or
similar taxes imposed by such countries. If more than 50% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of
securities of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible and intends to
elect to treat its share of any non-U.S. income and similar taxes it pays (or
which are paid by the Portfolio) as though the taxes were paid by the Fund's
shareholders. Pursuant to this election, a shareholder will be required to
include in gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received)
his pro rata share of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund or Portfolio, and
will be entitled either to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his pro rata
share of foreign income and similar taxes in computing his taxable income or
to use it as a foreign tax credit against his U.S. federal income tax
liability, subject to limitations. No deduction for foreign taxes may be
claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize deductions, but such a
shareholder may be eligible to claim the foreign tax credit. Shareholders will
be notified within 60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether
the foreign taxes paid by the Fund or Portfolio will be treated as paid by the
Fund's shareholders for that year. Furthermore, foreign shareholders may be
subject to U.S. tax at the rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate) of the income
resulting from the Fund's election to treat any foreign taxes paid by it as
paid by its shareholders, but will not be able to claim a credit or deduction
for the foreign taxes treated as having been paid by them.
The Fund generally will be required to withhold federal income tax at a rate
of 31% ("backup withholding") from dividends paid, capital gain distributions,
and redemption proceeds to shareholders if (1) the shareholder fails to
furnish the Fund with the shareholder's correct taxpayer identification number
("TIN") or social security number and to make such certifications as the Fund
may require, (2) the Internal Revenue Service notifies the shareholder or the
Fund that the shareholder has failed to report properly certain interest and
dividend income to the Internal Revenue Service and to respond to notices to
that effect, or (3) when required to do so, the shareholder fails to certify
that he is not subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an
additional tax and any amounts withheld may be credited against the
shareholder's federal income tax liability. Dividends from the Fund
attributable to the Fund's net investment income and short-term capital gains
generally will be subject to U.S. withholding tax when paid to shareholders
treated under U.S. tax law as nonresident alien individuals or foreign
corporations, estates, partnerships or trusts.
The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and, under current
law, is not liable for any income or franchise tax in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts as long as each series of the Trust (including the Fund)
qualifies as a "regulated investment company" under the Code.
For additional information relating to the tax aspects of investing in the
Fund, see the Statement of Additional Information.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES, VOTING RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES
The Trust's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001
per share) and to divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser number
of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests in
the Trust. The shares of each series participate equally in the earnings,
dividends and assets of the particular series. Currently, the Trust has three
series of shares, each of which constitutes a separately managed fund. The
Trust reserves the right to create additional series of shares.
Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the
Fund with each other share. Shares have no preference, preemptive, conversion
or similar rights. Shares when issued are fully paid and non-assessable,
except as set forth below. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each
share held on matters on which they are entitled to vote. The Trust is not
required and has no current intention to hold annual meetings of shareholders,
although the Trust will hold special meetings of Fund shareholders when in the
judgment of the Trustees of the Trust it is necessary or desirable to submit
matters for a shareholder vote. Shareholders of each series generally vote
separately, for example, to approve investment advisory agreements or changes
in fundamental investment policies or restrictions, but shareholders of all
series may vote together to the extent required under the 1940 Act, such as in
the election or selection of Trustees, principal underwriters and accountants
for the Trust. Under certain circumstances the shareholders of one or more
series could control the outcome of these votes.
The series of the Portfolio Trust will vote separately or together in the
same manner as the series of the Trust. Under certain circumstances, the
investors in one or more series of the Portfolio Trust could control the
outcome of these votes.
Shareholders of the Fund have under certain circumstances (e.g., upon
application and submission of certain specified documents to the Trustees by a
specified number of shareholders) the right to communicate with other
shareholders of the Trust in connection with requesting a meeting of
shareholders of the Trust for the purpose of removing one or more Trustees.
Shareholders of the Trust also have the right to remove one or more Trustees
without a meeting by a declaration in writing subscribed to by a specified
number of shareholders. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Fund,
shareholders of the Fund would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets
of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.
The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts
business trust". Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a business
trust may, under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners
for its obligations. However, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial
loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which
both inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its
obligations.
The Portfolio Trust is organized as a master trust fund under the laws of
the State of New York. The Portfolio is a separate series of the Portfolio
Trust, which currently has two other series. The Portfolio Trust's Declaration
of Trust provides that the Fund and other entities investing in the Portfolio
(e.g., other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts and
common and commingled trust funds) are each liable for all obligations of the
Portfolio. However, the risk of the Fund incurring financial loss on account
of such liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate
insurance existed and the Portfolio itself was unable to meet its obligations.
Accordingly, the Trustees of the Trust believe that neither the Fund nor its
shareholders will be adversely affected by reason of the investment of all of
the Assets of the Fund in the Portfolio.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Fund, may add to or reduce its
investment in the Portfolio on each Portfolio Business Day. At 4:00 p.m., New
York time on each Portfolio Business Day, the value of each investor's
beneficial interest in the Portfolio is determined by multiplying the net
asset value of the Portfolio by the percentage, effective for that day, which
represents that investor's share of the aggregate beneficial interests in the
Portfolio. Any additions or withdrawals, which are to be effected on that day,
are then effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate beneficial
interests in the Portfolio is then recomputed as the percentage equal to the
fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor's investment
in the Portfolio as of 4:00 p.m., New York time on such day plus or minus, as
the case may be, the amount of any additions to or withdrawals from the
investor's investment in the Portfolio effected on such day, and (ii) the
denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio as of
4:00 p.m., New York time on such day plus or minus, as the case may be, the
amount of the net additions to or withdrawals from the aggregate investments
in the Portfolio by all investors in the Portfolio. The percentage so
determined is then applied to determine the value of the investor's interest
in the Portfolio as of 4:00 p.m., New York time on the following Portfolio
Business Day.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Yield and total return data for the Fund may from time to time be included
in advertisements about the Trust. "Total return" is expressed in terms of the
average annual compounded rate of return of a hypothetical investment in the
Fund over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years. All total return figures reflect the
deduction of a proportional share of Fund expenses on an annual basis, and
assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid. "Yield"
refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund over the 30-day
(or one month) period ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet of
the Fund included in the Trust's registration statement with respect to the
Fund. See the Statement of Additional Information for further information
concerning the calculation of yield and total return data.
Historical total return information for any period or portion thereof prior
to the establishment of the Fund will be that of the Portfolio, adjusted to
assume that all charges, expenses and fees of the Fund and the Portfolio which
are presently in effect were deducted during such periods.
Since these total return and yield quotations are based on historical
earnings and since the Fund's total return and yield fluctuate from day to
day, these quotations should not be considered as an indication or
representation of the Fund's total return or yield in the future. Any
performance information should be considered in light of the Fund's investment
objective and policies, characteristics and quality of the Fund's portfolio
and the market conditions during the time period indicated, and should not be
considered to be representative of what may be achieved in the future. From
time to time the Trust may also use comparative performance information in
such advertisements, including the performance of unmanaged indices, the
performance of the Consumer Price Index (as a measure for inflation), and data
from Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. and other industry publications.
A Shareholder Servicing Agent may charge its customers direct fees in
connection with an investment in the Fund, which will have the effect of
reducing the net return on the investment of customers of that Shareholder
Servicing Agent. Conversely, the Trust has been advised that certain
Shareholder Servicing Agents may credit to the accounts of their customers
from whom they are already receiving other fees amounts not exceeding such
other fees or the fees received by the Shareholder Servicing Agent from the
Fund, which will have the effect of increasing the net return on the
investment of such customers of those Shareholder Servicing Agents. Such
customers may be able to obtain through their Shareholder Servicing Agent
quotations reflecting such decreased return.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
All shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Trust, 6 St. James
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
GENERAL AND ACCOUNT INFORMATION (800) 782-8183 (TOLL FREE)
--------------------
The Trust's Statement of Additional Information, dated _________, 1996, with
respect to the Fund contains more detailed information about the Fund,
including information related to (i) the Fund's investment restrictions, (ii)
the Trustees and officers of the Trust and the Manager, Sub-Adviser and
Sponsor of the Fund, (iii) portfolio transactions, (iv) the Fund's shares,
including rights and liabilities of shareholders, and (v) additional yield
information, including the method used to calculate the total return and yield
of the Fund.
<PAGE>
APPENDIX
The characteristics of corporate debt obligations rated by Moody's are
generally as follows:
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edge". Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements
are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to
impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities, or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa
securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements. The
future of such bonds cannot be considered as well assured.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of a desirable
investment.
Caa -- Bonds rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in default
or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or
interest.
Ca -- Bonds rated Ca are speculative to a high degree.
C -- Bonds rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and are regarded as
having extremely poor prospects.
The characteristics of corporate debt obligations rated by S&P are generally
as follows:
AAA -- This is the highest rating assigned by S&P to a debt obligation and
indicates an extremely strong capacity to pay principal and interest.
AA -- Bonds rated AA also qualify as high quality debt obligations. Capacity
to pay principal and interest is very strong, and in the majority of instances
they differ from AAA issues only in small degree.
A -- Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debts in higher rated categories.
BBB -- Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.
BB -- Debt rated BB is predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to
pay interest and repay principal in accordance with terms of the obligation.
BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation; CC indicates the highest degree
of speculation.
BB, B, CCC AND CC -- Debt in these ratings is predominantly speculative with
respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with
terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest degree of speculation and CC
the highest.
A bond rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold a security,
inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a
particular investor.
The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by the rating services from other sources which they consider
reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of, such information, or for other reasons.
The characteristics of corporate debt obligations rated by Fitch are
generally as follows:
AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very
strong, although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated
in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short term debt of these issuers is generally
rated "-+".
A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
BB -- Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay
interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic
changes. However, business and financial alternatives can be identified which
could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B -- Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payments of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited
margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity
throughout the life of the issue.
CCC -- Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not
remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an
advantageous business and economic environment.
CC -- Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C -- Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD AND D-- Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments.
Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of
their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor.
DDD represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D
represents the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) or Minus (-): Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus
and minus signs, however, are not used in the DDD, DD, or D categories.
RATINGS OF COMMERCIAL PAPER
Commercial paper rated A-1 by S&P has the following characteristics:
liquidity ratios are adequate to meet cash requirements; the issuer's long-
term debt is rated A or better; the issuer has access to at least two
additional channels of borrowing; and basic earnings and cash flow have an
upward trend with allowances made for unusual circumstances. Typically, the
issuer's industry is well established and the issuer has a strong position
within the industry.
Commercial paper rated Prime-1 by Moody's is the highest commercial paper
assigned by Moody's. Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning
ratings are the following: (1) evaluation of the management of the issuer; (2)
economic evaluation of the issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of
speculative-type risks which may be inherent in certain areas; (3) evaluation
of the issuer's products in relation to competition and consumer acceptance;
(4) liquidity; (5) amount and quality of long-term debt; (6) trend of earnings
over a period of ten years; (7) financial strength of a parent company and the
relationships which exist with the issuer; and (8) recognition by the
management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of
public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations. Relative
strength or weakness of the above factors determine how the issuer's
commercial paper is rated with various categories.
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIXED INCOME
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
ADMINISTRATOR, DISTRIBUTOR AND SPONSOR
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-0800
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Investors Bank & Trust Company
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
(800) 782-8183
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
LEGAL COUNSEL
Dechert Price & Rhoads
1500 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
______ __, 1996
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
SIX ST. JAMES AVENUE, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02116
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACCOUNT AND GENERAL INFORMATION: (800) 782-8183 (TOLL FREE)
Republic International Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a diversified series of
Republic Advisor Funds Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment
company which currently consists of three funds, each of which has different and
distinct investment objectives and policies. Only shares of the Fund are being
offered by this Prospectus. Shares of the Fund are offered primarily to clients
of Republic National Bank of New York ("Republic" or the "Manager") and its
affiliates for which Republic or its affiliates exercise investment discretion.
Republic is the investment manager of the Portfolio. Capital Guardian Trust
Company ("CGTC" or the "Sub-Adviser") continuously manages the investments of
the Portfolio.
UNLIKE OTHER OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES (MUTUAL FUNDS) WHICH
DIRECTLY ACQUIRE AND MANAGE THEIR OWN PORTFOLIO OF SECURITIES, THE TRUST SEEKS
TO ACHIEVE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE OF THE FUND BY INVESTING ALL OF THE FUND'S
INVESTABLE ASSETS ("ASSETS") IN INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO (THE
"PORTFOLIO"), WHICH HAS THE SAME INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AS THE FUND. THE
INVESTMENT EXPERIENCE OF THE FUND WILL CORRESPOND DIRECTLY WITH THE INVESTMENT
EXPERIENCE OF THE PORTFOLIO. THE PORTFOLIO IS A DIVERSIFIED SERIES OF REPUBLIC
PORTFOLIOS, WHICH IS AN OPEN-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY. SEE "SPECIAL
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TWO-TIER FUND STRUCTURE".
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital
and future income through investment primarily in securities of non-U.S. issuers
(including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and U.S. registered securities)
and securities whose principal markets are outside of the United States. The
principal investments of the Portfolio will be in equity securities of companies
in developed nations, including Europe, Canada, Australia and the Far East. The
Portfolio may also invest in emerging market equity securities.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS NEITHER INSURED NOR GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT. SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, REPUBLIC OR ANY OTHER BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
OR ANY OTHER AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUND IS SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS,
INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT INVESTED.
Shares of the Fund are continuously offered for sale at net asset value with
no sales charge by Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. ("SBDS" or the
"Distributor" or the "Sponsor") to customers of a financial institution, such as
a federal or state-chartered bank, trust company or savings and loan
association, that has entered into a shareholder servicing agreement with the
Trust (each a "Shareholder Servicing Agent"). At present, the only Shareholder
Servicing Agents are Republic and its affiliates.
AN INVESTOR SHOULD OBTAIN FROM HIS SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT, AND SHOULD
READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROSPECTUS, THE MATERIALS PROVIDED BY THE
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT DESCRIBING THE PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH SHARES OF THE
FUND MAY BE PURCHASED AND REDEEMED THROUGH SUCH SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT.
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information concerning the Fund that
a prospective investor should know before investing. The Trust has filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission a Statement of Additional Information,
dated ___________ , 1996, with respect to the Fund, containing additional and
more detailed information about the Fund, which is hereby incorporated by
reference into this Prospectus. An investor may obtain a copy of the Statement
of Additional Information without charge by contacting the Fund at the address
and telephone number printed above.
--------------------
Investors should read this Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
--------------------
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.
THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS __________, 1996
<PAGE>
HIGHLIGHTS
THE FUND PAGE 1
Republic International Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a separate series of
Republic Advisor Funds Trust (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust
organized on April 5, 1996, which currently consists of three funds, each of
which has different and distinct investment objectives and policies. The Fund is
the successor to Republic International Equity Fund, a series of Republic Funds
(the "Predecessor Fund") which commenced investment operations on January 9,
1995. The Fund assumed all of the assets and liabilities of the Predecessor Fund
in a reorganization effective ___________ , 1996.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, RISKS AND POLICIES PAGES 7 AND 9
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital
and future income through investment primarily in securities of non-U.S. issuers
(including American Depository Receipts ("ADRs") and U.S. registered securities)
and securities whose principal markets are outside of the United States. The
Trust seeks to achieve the investment objective of the Fund by investing all of
the Fund's Assets in International Equity Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), which has
the same investment objective as the Fund. The Portfolio is a series of Republic
Portfolios (the "Portfolio Trust"), a master trust fund established under the
law of the State of New York and organized on November 1, 1994. There can be no
assurance that the investment objective of the Fund or the Portfolio will be
achieved.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND
THE PORTFOLIO TRUST PAGE 17
Republic acts as investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an
Investment Management Contract with the Portfolio Trust. For its services, the
Adviser is entitled to receive from the Portfolio a fee at the annual rate of
0.25% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets. The Adviser is currently
waiving this fee.
Capital Guardian Trust Company ("CGTC" or the "Sub-Adviser") continuously
manages the investment portfolio of the Portfolio pursuant to a Sub-Advisory
Agreement with the Manager. For its services, the Sub-Adviser is paid a fee by
the Portfolio, computed daily and based on the Portfolio's average daily net
assets, equal on an annual basis to 0.70% of net assets up to $25 million, 0.55%
of net assets over $25 million and up to $50 million, 0.425% of net assets over
$50 million and up to $250 million, and 0.375% of net assets over $250 million.
See "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust".
SBDS acts as sponsor and as administrator of the Fund (the "Fund
Administrator") and distributor of shares of the Fund. For its services to the
Fund, the Fund Administrator receives from the Fund a fee payable monthly equal
on an annual basis to 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net assets up to $100
million. Signature Financial Group (Cayman) Limited ("Signature (Cayman)") acts
as administrator of the Portfolio (the "Portfolio Administrator "). For its
services to the Portfolio, the Portfolio Administrator receives from the
Portfolio a fee payable monthly equal on an annual basis to 0.05% of the average
daily net assets of the Portfolio.
PURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS PAGES 23 AND 25
Shares of the Fund are continuously offered for sale by the Distributor at
net asset value with no sales charge to customers of a financial institution
such as a federal or state-chartered bank, trust company or savings and loan
association, that has entered into a shareholder servicing agreement with the
Trust (each a "Shareholder Servicing Agent"). At present, the only Shareholder
Servicing Agents are Republic and its affiliates. The minimum initial investment
is $1,000 and the minimum subsequent investment is $100. The Fund may accept
initial and subsequent investments of lesser amounts in its discretion. No
minimum is imposed on reinvested dividends. Shares may be redeemed without the
cost at the net asset value per Share next determined after receipt of the
redemption request. See "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption of Shares".
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS PAGE 25
The Trust declares and distributes all of the Fund's net investment income
as a dividend to Fund shareholders semi-annually. Any net realized capital
gains are distributed at least annually. All Fund distributions will be
invested in additional Fund shares, unless the shareholder instructs the Fund
otherwise. See "Dividends and Distributions."
<PAGE>
FEE TABLE
The following table summarizes an investor's maximum transaction costs from
investing in Fund Shares and the estimated aggregate annual operating expenses
of the Fund and the Portfolio as a percentage of the average daily net assets of
the Fund. The fiscal year ends of the Fund and the Portfolio are both October
31. The example illustrates the dollar cost of such estimated expenses on a
$1,000 investment in Fund Shares. The Trustees of the Trust believe that the
aggregate per share expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio will be less than or
approximately equal to the expenses which the Fund would incur if the Trust
retained the services of an investment adviser on behalf of the Fund and the
Assets of the Fund were invested directly in the type of securities being held
by the Portfolio.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses ............................. None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
Investment Advisory Fee after waiver* .................... 0.53%
Other Expenses ........................................... 0.68%
----
-- Administrative Services Fee ..................... 0.10%
-- Other Operating Expenses ........................ 0.58%
Total Operating Expenses after waiver** ...................... 1.21%
====
- ----------
*Reflects a waiver of the investment management fee payable to Republic and an
investment sub-advisory fee payable to CGTC equal on an annual basis to 0.53%
of the Fund's average daily net assets. Without such waiver, the Investment
Advisory Fee would be equal on an annual basis to 0.78% of the Fund's average
net assets. See "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust".
**Total Operating Expenses are shown net of investment management fee waiver.
Without such fee waiver, Total Operating Expenses would be equal on an
annual basis to 1.46% of the Fund's average net assets.
EXAMPLE
A shareholder of the Fund would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
investment in Fund Shares, assuming (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption at
the end of:
1 year ................................................. $12
3 years ................................................. $38
THE EXAMPLE SET FORTH ABOVE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF
FUTURE AGGREGATE EXPENSES OF THE FUND AND THE PORTFOLIO, AND ACTUAL EXPENSES
MAY BE GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
The purpose of the expense table provided above is to assist investors in
understanding the expenses of investing in the Fund and an investor's share of
the aggregate operating expenses of the Fund and the Portfolio. The information
is based on the expenses the Fund and the Portfolio expect to incur for the
current fiscal year of the Portfolio (and the Fund's initial fiscal period).*
For a more detailed discussion on the costs and expenses of investing in the
Fund, see "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust."
- ----------
*Assuming average daily net assets of $75 million in the Fund and $100 million
in the Portfolio for the current fiscal year.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Fund is the successor to Republic International Equity Fund, a series of
Republic Funds (the "Predecessor Fund") which commenced investment operations on
January 9, 1995. The Fund assumed all of the assets and liabilities of the
Predecessor Fund in a reorganization effective ___________ , 1996. The financial
data shown below is to assist investors in evaluating the performance of the
Fund since commencement of operations through October 31, 1995. The information
shown in the following schedule has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, whose report on the Fund's financial statements is
incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information from the
Fund's Annual Report dated October 31, 1995. The Annual Report also includes
management's discussion of fund performance, and may be obtained without charge
upon request. This information should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements.
<PAGE>
SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT
THE INDICATED PERIOD:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE FOR THE PERIOD
SIX MONTHS JANUARY 9, 1995
ENDED (COMMENCEMENT
APRIL 30, 1996 OF OPERATIONS) TO
(UNAUDITED) OCTOBER 31, 1995
-------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of period .................. $10.80 $10.00
------ ------
INCOME FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS:
Net investment income ............................. 0.11 0.08
Net realized and unrealized gain from Portfolio 1.13 0.75
------ ------
Total increase from investment operations ......... 1.24 0.83
------ ------
LESS DIVIDENDS:
From net investment income ........................ (0.16) (0.03)
Net realized capital gains ........................ (0.01) --
------ ------
Total distributions to shareholders ............... (0.17) (0.03)
Net asset value, end of period ........................ $11.87 $10.80
====== ======
TOTAL RETURN .......................................... 11.20%(a) 8.31%(a)
RATIOS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period (in 000's) .............. $80,563 $34,244
Ratio of expenses to average net assets (b) 1.21%(c) 1.14%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets (b) ...................................... 0.89%(c) 1.26%(c)
<FN>
- ----------
(a) Not annualized.
(b) Reflects a voluntary expense limitation by affiliated parties of the Fund. If this limitation
had not been in effect, the annualized ratios of expenses and net investment income to average
net assets for the six months ended April 30, 1996 and the period January 9, 1995 (commencement
of operations) to October 31, 1995 would have been:
Ratio of expenses to average net assets ......... 1.33%(c) 2.12%(c)
Ratio of net investment income to average net
assets ........................................ 0.77%(c) 0.28%(c)
(c) Annualized.
</FN>
</TABLE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital
and future income through investment primarily in securities of non-U.S. issuers
(including American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and U.S. registered securities)
and securities whose principal markets are outside of the United States. The
investment objective of the Portfolio is the same as the investment objective of
the Fund.
There can be no assurance that the investment objective of the Fund will be
achieved. The investment objective of each of the Fund and the Portfolio may be
changed without investor approval. If there is a change in the investment
objective of the Fund, shareholders should consider whether the Fund remains an
appropriate investment in light of their then-current financial position and
needs. Shareholders of the Fund shall receive 30 days' prior written notice of
any change in the investment objective of the Fund or the Portfolio.
Since the investment characteristics of the Fund will correspond to those of
the Portfolio, the following is a discussion of the various investment policies
of the Portfolio.
INVESTMENT POLICIES
The Portfolio will normally invest at least 80% of its total assets in equity
securities of foreign corporations, consisting of common stocks and other
securities with equity characteristics, including preferred stock, warrants,
rights, securities convertible into common stock ("convertible securities"),
trust certificates, limited partnership interests and equity participations. The
common stock in which the Portfolio may invest includes the common stock of any
class or series of any similar equity interest, such as trust or limited
partnership interests. These equity investments may or may not pay dividends and
may or may not carry voting rights. The principal investments of the Portfolio
will be in equity securities of companies organized and domiciled in developed
nations outside the United States or for which the principal trading market is
outside the United States, including Europe, Canada, Australia and the Far East,
although the Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in equity securities
of companies in emerging markets. See "Additional Risk Factors and Policies:
Foreign Securities -- Emerging Markets." The Portfolio intends to have at least
three different countries represented in its portfolio. It is the current
intention of the Portfolio to invest primarily in companies with large market
capitalizations. The Portfolio seeks to outperform the Morgan Stanley Capital
International EAFE (Europe, Australasia and Far East) Index), a capitalization
weighed index containing approximately 1,100 equity securities of companies
located outside the United States. The Portfolio invests in securities listed on
foreign or domestic securities exchanges and securities traded in foreign or
domestic over-the-counter markets, and may invest in certain restricted or
unlisted securities.
Under exceptional conditions abroad or when, in the opinion of the
Sub-Adviser, economic or market conditions warrant, the Portfolio may
temporarily invest part or all of its assets in fixed income securities
denominated in foreign currencies, obligations of domestic or foreign
governments and their political subdivisions ("Government Securities"), and
nonconvertible preferred stock, or hold its assets in cash or equivalents. Debt
securities purchased by the Portfolio will be limited to those rated, at the
time of investment, in the four highest rating categories by a nationally
recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, if unrated, determined
by the Sub-Adviser to be of comparable quality. Securities rated by a NRSRO in
the fourth highest rating category are considered to have some speculative
characteristics. When the total return opportunities in a foreign bond market
appear attractive in local currency terms, but, in the Sub-Adviser's judgment,
unacceptable currency risk exists, currency futures, forwards and options may be
used to hedge the currency risk. See "Additional Risk Factors and Policies:
Forward Foreign Currency Contracts and Options on Foreign Currencies."
As described under "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust--Sub
Adviser," CGTC, the Portfolio's Sub-Adviser, uses a system of multiple portfolio
managers pursuant to which the Portfolio is divided into segments which are
assigned to individual portfolio managers. Within investment guidelines, each
portfolio manager makes individual decisions as to company, country, industry,
timing and percentage based on extensive field research and direct company
contact.
Because of the risks associated with common stocks and other equity
investments, the Portfolio is intended to be a long-term investment vehicle and
is not designed to provide investors with a means of speculating on short-term
stock market movements. The Sub-Adviser seeks to reduce these risks by
diversifying the portfolio as well as by monitoring broad economic trends and
corporate and legislative developments.
ADDITIONAL RISK FACTORS AND POLICIES
FOREIGN SECURITIES
Investing in securities issued by companies whose principal business
activities are outside the United States may involve significant risks not
present in domestic investments. For example, there is generally less publicly
available information about foreign companies, particularly those not subject to
the disclosure and reporting requirements of the U.S. securities laws. Foreign
issuers are generally not bound by uniform accounting, auditing, and financial
reporting requirements and standards of practice comparable to those applicable
to domestic issuers. Investments in foreign securities also involve the risk of
possible adverse changes in investment or exchange control regulations,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, limitation on the removal of cash or
other assets of the Portfolio, political or financial instability, or diplomatic
and other developments which could affect such investments. Further, economies
of particular countries or areas of the world may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the economy of the United States. Changes in foreign exchange
rates will affect the value of securities denominated or quoted in currencies
other than the U.S. dollar. Foreign securities often trade with less frequency
and volume than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price
volatility. Furthermore, dividends from foreign securities may be withheld at
the source. Additional costs associated with an investment in foreign securities
may include higher custodial fees than apply to domestic custodial arrangements,
and transaction costs of foreign currency conversions.
Emerging Markets. Investing in emerging market countries presents greater risk
than investing in foreign issuers in general. A number of emerging markets
restrict foreign investment in stocks. Repatriation of investment income,
capital, and the proceeds of sales by foreign investors may require governmental
registration and/or approval in some emerging market countries. A number of the
currencies of developing countries have experienced significant declines against
the U.S. dollar in recent years, and devaluation may occur subsequent to
investments in these currencies by the Portfolio. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have negative
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market
countries. Many of the emerging securities markets are relatively small, have
low trading volumes, suffer periods of relative illiquidity, and are
characterized by significant price volatility. There is the risk that a future
economic or political crisis could lead to price controls, forced mergers of
companies, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure, nationalization, or
creation of government monopolies, any of which could have a detrimental effect
on the Portfolio's investments.
Investing in formerly communist East European countries involves the
additional risk that the government or other executive or legislative bodies may
decide not to continue to support the economic reform programs implemented since
the fall of communism and could follow radically different political and/or
economic policies to the detriment of investors, including non-market oriented
policies such as the support of certain industries at the expense of other
sectors or a return to a completely centrally planned economy. The Portfolio
does not currently intend to invest a significant portion of its assets in
formerly communist East European countries.
As used in this Prospectus, "emerging markets" include any country which in
the opinion of the Sub-Adviser is generally considered to be an emerging or
developing country by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(the World Bank) and the International Monetary Fund. Currently, these countries
generally include every country in the world except Australia, Austria, Belgium,
Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United
Kingdom and United States.
A company in an emerging market is one that: (i) is domiciled and has its
principal place of business in an emerging market or (ii) (alone or on a
consolidated basis) derives or expects to derive a substantial portion of its
total revenue from either goods produced, sales made or services performed in
emerging markets. The Portfolio may invest up to 20% of its assets in the equity
securities of companies based in emerging markets.
Sovereign and Supranational Debt Obligations. Debt instruments issued or
guaranteed by foreign governments, agencies, and supranational organizations
("sovereign debt obligations"), especially sovereign debt obligations of
developing countries, may involve a high degree of risk, and may be in default
or present the risk of default. The issuer of the obligation or the governmental
authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling to
repay principal and interest when due, and may require renegotiation or
rescheduling of debt payments. In addition, prospects for repayment of principal
and interest may depend on political as well as economic factors.
DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
The Portfolio may invest in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European
Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global Depositary Receipts ("GDRs"), and
International Depositary Receipts ("IDRs"), or other similar securities
convertible into securities of foreign issuers. ADRs (sponsored or unsponsored)
are receipts typically issued by a U.S. bank or trust company evidencing the
deposit with such bank or company of a security of a foreign issuer, and are
publicly traded on exchanges or over-the-counter in the United States. In
sponsored programs, an issuer has made arrangements to have its securities trade
in the form of ADRs. In unsponsored programs, the issuer may not be directly
involved in the creation of the program. Although regulatory requirements with
respect to sponsored and unsponsored programs are generally similar, in some
cases it may be easier to obtain financial information from an issuer that has
participated in the creation of a sponsored program.
EDRs, which are sometimes referred to as Continental Depositary Receipts, are
receipts issued in Europe typically by foreign bank and trust companies that
evidence ownership of either foreign or domestic underlying securities. IDRs are
receipts typically issued by a European bank or trust company evidencing
ownership of the underlying foreign securities. GDRs are receipts issued by
either a U.S. or non-U.S. banking institution evidencing ownership of the
underlying foreign securities.
DERIVATIVES
The Portfolio may invest in various instruments that are commonly known as
derivatives. Generally, a derivative is a financial arrangement the value of
which is based on, or "derived" from, a traditional security, asset, or market
index. A mutual fund, of course, derives its value from the value of the
investments it holds and so might even be called a "derivative." Some
"derivatives" such as mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities are in
many respects like any other investment, although they may be more volatile or
less liquid than more traditional debt securities. There are, in fact, many
different types of derivatives and many different ways to use them. There are a
range of risks associated with those uses. Futures and options are commonly used
for traditional hedging purposes to attempt to protect a fund from exposure to
changing interest rates, securities prices, or currency exchange rates and for
cash management purposes as a low cost method of gaining exposure to a
particular securities market without investing directly in those securities. The
Portfolio may use derivatives for hedging purposes, cash management purposes, as
a substitute for investing directly in fixed income instruments, and to enhance
return when the Sub-Adviser believes the investment will assist the Portfolio in
achieving its investment objective. A description of the derivatives that the
Portfolio may use and some of their associated risks follows.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") are
intended to minimize the risk of loss to the Portfolio from adverse changes in
the relationship between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. The Portfolio
may not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes, and will commit no
more than 100% of the value of its assets to forward contracts entered into for
hedging purposes.
A forward contract is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency
for an agreed price at a future date which is individually negotiated and
privately traded by currency traders and their customers. A forward contract may
be used, for example, when the Portfolio enters into a contract for the purchase
or sale of a security denominated in a foreign currency in order to "lock in"
the U.S. dollar price of the security. The Portfolio may also purchase and write
put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against
declines in the dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against
increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired.
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
For hedging purposes only, the Portfolio may invest in foreign currency
futures contracts and options on foreign currencies and foreign currency futures
contracts. Futures contracts provide for the sale by one party and purchase by
another party of a specified amount of a specific security, at a specified
future time and price. An option is a legal contract that gives the holder the
right to buy or sell a specified amount of the underlying security or futures
contract at a fixed or determinable price upon the exercise of the option. A
call option conveys the right to buy and a put option conveys the right to sell
a specified quantity of the underlying security. The Portfolio will segregate
assets or "cover" its positions consistent with requirements under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended ("1940 Act").
The use of options and futures is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions, and there can be no guarantee that their use
will increase the Portfolio's return. While the use of these instruments by the
Portfolio may reduce certain risks associated with owning its portfolio
securities, these techniques themselves entail certain other risks. If the
Sub-Adviser applies a strategy at an inappropriate time or judges market
conditions or trends incorrectly, options and futures strategies may lower the
Portfolio's return. Certain strategies limit the Portfolio's potential to
realize gains as well as limit its exposure to losses. The Portfolio could also
experience losses if the prices of its options and futures positions were poorly
correlated with its other investments. There can be no assurance that a liquid
market will exist at a time when the Portfolio seeks to close out a futures
contract or a futures option position. Most futures exchanges and boards of
trade limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in futures contract prices
during a single day; once the daily limit has been reached on a particular
contract, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond that limit. In
addition, certain of these instruments are relatively new and without a
significant trading history. As a result, there is no assurance that an active
secondary market will develop or continue to exist. Lack of a liquid market for
any reason may prevent the Portfolio from liquidating an unfavorable position
and the Portfolio would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the
position is closed. In addition, the Portfolio will incur transaction costs,
including trading commissions and options premiums, in connection with its
futures and options transactions, and these transactions could significantly
increase the Portfolio's turnover rate.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
Although the Portfolio's equity investments consist primarily of common and
preferred stocks, the Portfolio may buy securities convertible into common stock
if, for example, the Sub-Adviser believes that a company's convertible
securities are undervalued in the market. Convertible securities eligible for
purchase by the Portfolio consist of convertible bonds, convertible preferred
stocks, warrants and rights. See "Additional Risk Factors and Policies --
Warrants" below and the Statement of Additional Information for a discussion of
these instruments.
ILLIQUID INVESTMENTS
The Portfolio may invest up to 15% of its net assets in securities that are
illiquid by virtue of the absence of a readily available market, or because of
legal or contractual restrictions on resale. This policy does not limit the
acquisition of securities eligible for resale to qualified institutional buyers
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as described below. The
Portfolio may not invest more than 10% of its assets in restricted securities
(including Rule 144A securities). There may be delays in selling these
securities and sales may be made at less favorable prices.
The Sub-Adviser may determine that a particular Rule 144A security is liquid
and thus not subject to the Portfolio's limits on investment in illiquid
securities, pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees. Factors
that the Sub-Adviser must consider in determining whether a particular Rule 144A
security is liquid include the frequency of trades and quotes for the security,
the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the security and the number of
other potential purchasers, dealer undertakings to make a market in the
security, and the nature of the security and the nature of the market for the
security (i.e., the time needed to dispose of the security, the method of
soliciting offers and the mechanics of transfer). Investing in Rule 144A
securities could have the effect of increasing the level of the Portfolio's
illiquidity to the extent that qualified institutions might become, for a time,
uninterested in purchasing these securities.
WARRANTS
The Portfolio may invest up to 10% of its net assets in warrants, except that
this limitation does not apply to warrants acquired in units or attached to
securities. A warrant is an instrument issued by a corporation which gives the
holder the right to subscribe to a specific amount of the corporation's capital
stock at a set price for a specified period of time. Warrants do not represent
ownership of the securities, but only the right to buy the securities. The
prices of warrants do not necessarily move parallel to the prices of underlying
securities. Warrants may be considered speculative in that they have no voting
rights, pay no dividends, and have no rights with respect to the assets of a
corporation issuing them. Warrant positions will not be used to increase the
leverage of the Portfolio. Consequently, warrant positions are generally
accompanied by cash positions equivalent to the required exercise amount.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
The Portfolio may lend its securities to qualified brokers, dealers, banks and
other financial institutions for the purpose of realizing additional income.
Loans of securities will be collateralized by cash, letters of credit, or
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies. The
collateral will equal at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. In addition, the Portfolio will not lend its portfolio securities to
the extent that greater than one-third of its total assets, at fair market
value, would be committed to loans at that time.
FIRM COMMITMENT AGREEMENTS AND WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES
The Portfolio may purchase and sell securities on a when-issued or
firm-commitment basis, in which a security's price and yield are fixed on the
date of the commitment but payment and delivery are scheduled for a future date.
On the settlement date, the market value of the security may be higher or lower
than its purchase or sale price under the agreement. If the other party to a
when-issued or firm-commitment transaction fails to deliver or pay for the
security, the Portfolio could miss a favorable price or yield opportunity or
suffer a loss. The Portfolio will not earn interest on securities until the
settlement date. The Portfolio will maintain in a segregated account with the
custodian cash or liquid, high-grade debt securities equal (on a daily
marked-to-market basis) to the amount of its commitment to purchase the
securities on a when-issued basis.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Sub-Adviser manages the Portfolio generally without regard to restrictions
on portfolio turnover, except those imposed by provisions of the federal tax
laws regarding short-term trading. In general, the Portfolio will not trade for
short-term profits, but when circumstances warrant, investments may be sold
without regard to the length of time held. For the period from January 9, 1995
(commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995, the portfolio turnover rate
for the Portfolio was 3%. Although this figure is reflective of the Portfolio's
initial period of operations, it is expected that in subsequent years the annual
turnover rate for the Portfolio will not exceed 40%.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each of the Portfolio and the Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions
designed to reduce exposure to specific situations (except that none of these
investment restrictions shall prevent the Fund from investing all of its assets
in a registered investment company with substantially the same investment
objective). Some of these investment restrictions are:
(1) with respect to 75% of its assets, the Portfolio (Fund) will not purchase
securities of any issuer if, as a result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's
(Fund's) total assets taken at market value would be invested in the
securities of any single issuer;
(2) with respect to 75% of its assets, the Portfolio (Fund) will not purchase
a security if, as a result, the Portfolio (Fund) would hold more than 10%
of the outstanding voting securities of any issuer;
(3) the Portfolio (Fund) will not invest more than 5% of its total assets in
the securities of issuers (other than securities issued or guaranteed by
U.S. or foreign governments or political subdivisions thereof) which have
(with predecessors) a record of less than three years of continuous
operation;
(4) the Portfolio (Fund) will not acquire any securities of companies within
one industry, if, as a result of such acquisition, more than 25% of the
value of the Portfolio's (Fund's) total assets would be invested in
securities of companies within such industry; provided, however, that
there shall be no limitation on the purchase of obligations issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, when
the Portfolio (Fund) adopts a temporary defensive position;
(5) the Portfolio (Fund) will not make loans except for the lending of
portfolio securities pursuant to guidelines established by its Board of
Trustees and except as otherwise in accordance with its investment
objective and policies;
(6) the Portfolio (Fund) will not borrow money except from a bank as a
temporary measure to satisfy redemption requests or for extraordinary or
emergency purposes, provided that the Portfolio (Fund) maintains asset
coverage of at least 300% for all such borrowings;
(7) the Portfolio (Fund) will not purchase warrants, valued at the lower of
cost or market, in excess of 10% of the Portfolio's (Fund's) net assets.
Included within that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the Portfolio's
(Fund's) net assets, are warrants whose underlying securities are not
traded on principal domestic or foreign exchanges. Warrants acquired by
the Portfolio (Fund) in units or attached to securities are not subject to
these restrictions;
(8) the Portfolio (Fund) will not issue senior securities, except as
permitted under the 1940 Act; and
(9) the Portfolio (Fund) will not invest its assets in securities of any
investment company, except by purchase in the open market involving only
customary brokers' commissions or in connection with mergers, acquisitions
of assets or consolidations and except as may otherwise be permitted by
the 1940 Act; provided, however, that the Portfolio shall not invest in
the shares of any open-end investment company unless (1) the Portfolio's
Sub-Adviser waives any investment advisory fees with respect to such
assets and (2) the Portfolio pays no sales charge in connection with the
investment.
Limitations (1), (2), (4), (5), (6) and (8), and certain other limitations
described in the Statement of Additional Information are fundamental and may be
changed only with the approval of the holders of a "majority of the outstanding
voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Portfolio or the Fund, as
the case may be. The other investment restrictions described here and in the
Statement of Additional Information are not fundamental policies meaning that
the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio Trust may change them without investor
approval. If a percentage limitation on investment or utilization of assets as
set forth above is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change
in percentage resulting from changes in the value or total cost of the
Portfolio's assets will not be considered a violation of the restriction, and
the sale of securities will not be required.
SPECIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING THE TWO-TIER FUND STRUCTURE
The Trust, which is an open-end investment company, seeks to achieve the
investment objective of the Fund by investing all of the Fund's Assets in the
Portfolio, a series of a separate open-end investment company with the same
investment objective as the Fund. Other mutual funds or institutional investors
may invest in the Portfolio on the same terms and conditions as the Fund.
However, these other investors may have different sales commissions and other
operating expenses which may generate different aggregate performance results.
Information concerning other investors in the Portfolio is available by calling
the Sponsor at (617) 423-0800. The two-tier investment fund structure has been
developed relatively recently, so shareholders should carefully consider this
investment approach.
The investment objective of the Fund may be changed without the approval of
the shareholders of the Fund and the investment objective of the Portfolio may
be changed without the approval of the investors in the Portfolio. Shareholders
of the Fund will receive 30 days prior written notice of any change in the
investment objective of the Fund or the Portfolio. For a description of the
investment objective, policies and restrictions of the Portfolio, see
"Investment Objective and Policies" above.
Except as permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, whenever the
Trust is requested to vote on a matter pertaining to the Portfolio, the Trust
will hold a meeting of the shareholders of the Fund and, at the meeting of
investors in the Portfolio, the Trust will cast all of its votes in the same
proportion as the votes of the Fund's shareholders even if all Fund shareholders
did not vote. Even if the Trust votes all its shares at the Portfolio meeting,
other investors with a greater pro rata ownership in the Portfolio could have
effective voting control of the operations of the Portfolio.
The Trust may withdraw the Fund's investment in the Portfolio as a result of
certain changes in the Portfolio's investment objective, policies or
restrictions or if the Board of Trustees of the Trust determines that it is
otherwise in the best interests of the Fund to do so. Upon any such withdrawal,
the Board of Trustees of the Trust would consider what action might be taken,
including the investment of all of the Assets of the Fund in another pooled
investment entity or the retaining of an investment adviser to manage the Fund's
Assets in accordance with the investment policies described above with respect
to the Portfolio. In the event the Trustees of the Trust were unable to
accomplish either, the Trustees will determine the best course of action.
As with traditionally structured funds which have large investors, the actions
of such large investors may have a material affect on smaller investors. For
example, if a large investor withdraws from the Portfolio, a small remaining
fund may experience higher pro rata operating expenses, thereby producing lower
returns. Additionally, the Portfolio may become less diverse, resulting in
increased portfolio risk.
For descriptions of the management and expenses of the Portfolio, see
"Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust" below and in the Statement of
Additional Information.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO TRUST
The business and affairs of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust are managed
under the direction of their respective Boards of Trustees. The Trustees of each
of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust are Frederick C. Chen, Alan S. Parsow,
Larry M. Robbins and Michael Seely. Additional information about the Trustees,
as well as the executive officers of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust, may be
found in the Statement of Additional Information under the caption "Management
of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust -- Trustees and Officers".
A majority of the disinterested Trustees have adopted written procedures
reasonably appropriate to deal with potential conflicts of interest arising from
the fact that the same individuals are Trustees of the Trust and of the
Portfolio Trust. Under the conflicts of interest procedures, the Trustees will
review on a quarterly basis any potential conflicts of interests after
consulting with Fund counsel, the Manager and the Fund Administrator. If a
potential conflict of interest arises, the Board of Trustees of the entity that
may be adversely affected will take such action as is reasonably appropriate to
resolve the conflict, up to and including establishing a new Board of Trustees
for such entity. See "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust" in the
Statement of Additional Information for more information about the Trustees and
the executive officers of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Republic, whose address is 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018, serves
as investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an Investment Management
Contract with the Portfolio Trust. Subject to the general guidance and the
policies set by the Trustees of the Portfolio Trust, Republic provides general
supervision over the investment management functions performed by the
Sub-Adviser. For its services under the Investment Management Contract, the
Manager is entitled to receive from the Portfolio a fee, payable monthly, at the
annual rate of 0.25% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets. The Manager is
currently waiving this fee.
Republic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic New York Corporation, a
registered bank holding company. As of December 31, 1995, Republic was the 20th
largest commercial bank in the United States measured by deposits and the 19th
largest commercial bank measured by shareholder equity.
Republic and its affiliates may have deposit, loan and other commercial
banking relationships with the issuers of obligations purchased for the
Portfolio, including outstanding loans to such issuers which may be repaid in
whole or in part with the proceeds of obligations so purchased.
Based upon the advice of counsel, Republic believes that the performance of
investment advisory and other services for the Portfolio will not violate the
Glass-Steagall Act or other applicable banking laws or regulations. However,
future statutory or regulatory changes, as well as future judicial or
administrative decisions and interpretations of present and future statutes and
regulations, could prevent Republic from continuing to perform such services for
the Portfolio. If Republic were prohibited from acting as investment manager to
the Portfolio, it is expected that the Trust's Board of Trustees would recommend
to Fund shareholders approval of a new investment advisory agreement with
another qualified investment adviser selected by the Board or that the Board
would recommend other appropriate action.
SUB-ADVISER
CGTC continuously manages the investment portfolio of the Portfolio pursuant
to a Sub-Advisory Agreement with the Manager. For its services, the Sub-Adviser
is paid a fee by the Portfolio, computed daily and based on the Portfolio's
average daily net assets, equal to 0.70% of net assets up to $25 million, 0.55%
of net assets over $25 million up to $50 million, 0.425% of net assets over $50
million up to $250 million, and 0.375% of net assets over $250 million. It is
the responsibility of the Sub-Adviser not only to make investment decisions for
the Portfolio, but also to place purchase and sale orders for the portfolio
transactions of the Portfolio. See "Portfolio Transactions."
CGTC, which was founded in 1968, is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital
Group Companies, Inc., both of which are located at 333 South Hope Street, Los
Angeles, California 90071. As of December 31, 1995 CGTC managed in excess of $47
billion of assets primarily for large institutional clients. CGTC's research
activities are conducted by affiliated companies with offices in Los Angeles,
San Francisco, New York, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, London, Geneva, Singapore,
Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Capital Research and Management Company ("CRMC"), another wholly owned
subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., provides investment advisory
services to the following mutual funds, which are know collectively as the
American Funds Group: AMCAP Fund, American Balanced Fund, American High Income
Municipal Bond Fund, American High Income Trust, American Mutual Fund, The Bond
Fund of America, The Cash Management Trust of America, Capital Income Builder,
Inc., Capital World Bond Fund, EuroPacific Growth Fund, Fundamental Investors,
The Growth Fund of America, Income Fund of America, Intermediate Bond Fund of
America, The Investment Company of America, Limited Term Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of
America, The New Economy Fund, New Perspective Fund, Smallcap World Fund, The
Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America, The American Funds Tax-Exempt Series I, The
American Funds Tax-Exempt Series II, The Tax-Exempt Money Fund of America, The
American Funds Income Series, The U.S. Treasury Money Fund of America,
Washington Mutual Investors Fund, and Capital World Growth and Income Fund. CRMC
also provides investment advisory services to: American Variable Insurance
Series and Anchor Pathway Fund, which are used exclusively as underlying
investment vehicles for variable insurance contracts and policies, and to
Endowments, Inc. and Bond Portfolio for Endowments, Inc., whose shares may be
owned only by tax-exempt organizations. Capital International, Inc., an indirect
wholly owned subsidiary of The Capital Group Companies, Inc., provides
investment advisory services to Emerging Markets Growth Fund, Inc., which is a
closed-end investment company.
The following persons are primarily responsible for portfolio management of
the Portfolio: David Fisher, Vice Chairman of CGTC, has had 30 years experience
as an investment professional (26 years with CGTC or its affiliates); Harmut
Giesecke, Senior Vice President and Director of Capital International, Inc., has
had 24 years experience as an investment professional (23 years with CGTC or its
affiliates); Nancy Kyle, Senior Vice President of CGTC, has had 22 years
experience as an investment professional (5 years with CGTC or its affiliates;
from 1980 to 1990, Ms. Kyle was managing director of J. P. Morgan Investment
Management, Inc.); John McIlwraith, Senior Vice President of CGTC, has had 26
years experience as an investment professional (12 years with CGTC or its
affiliates); Robert Ronus, President of CGTC, has had 27 years experience as an
investment professional (23 years with CGTC or its affiliates); and Nilly
Sikorsky, Director of The Capital Group, Inc., has had 33 years experience as an
investment professional, all of which was with CGTC or its affiliates.
DISTRIBUTOR AND SPONSOR
SBDS, whose address is 6 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116, acts
as sponsor and principal underwriter and distributor of the Fund's shares
pursuant to a Distribution Contract with the Trust.
ADMINISTRATOR AND PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, SBDS and Signature (Cayman)
provide each of the Fund and the Portfolio, respectively, with general office
facilities and supervise the overall administration of the Fund and the
Portfolio including, among other responsibilities, the preparation and filing of
all documents required for compliance by the Fund and the Portfolio with
applicable laws and regulations and arranging for the maintenance of books and
records of the Fund and the Portfolio. For its services to the Fund, SBDS
receives from the Fund fees payable monthly equal on an annual basis (for the
Fund's then-current fiscal year) to 0.05% of the Fund's average daily net assets
up to $100 million. The Administrator of the Fund receives no compensation from
the Fund with respect to the Fund's assets over $100 million. The administrative
services fees of the Fund are subject to an annual minimum fee. See the
Statement of Additional Information. For its services to the Portfolio,
Signature (Cayman) receives from the Portfolio fees payable monthly equal on an
annual basis (for the Portfolio's then-current fiscal year) to 0.05% of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets.
SBDS and Signature (Cayman) provide persons satisfactory to the respective
Boards of Trustees to serve as officers of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust.
Such officers, as well as certain other employees of the Trust and of the
Portfolio Trust, may be directors, officers or employees of SBDS, Signature
(Cayman) or their affiliates.
SBDS, Signature (Cayman) and their affiliates also serve as administrator and
distributor of other investment companies. SBDS and Signature (Cayman) are
wholly owned subsidiaries of Signature Financial Group, Inc.
FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT
Pursuant to respective fund accounting agreements, Signature Financial
Services, Inc. ("Signature") serves as fund accounting agent to each of the Fund
and the Portfolio. For its services to the Fund, Signature receives from the
Fund fees payable monthly equal on an annual basis to $12,000. For its services
to the Portfolio, Signature receives fees payable monthly equal on an annual
basis to $50,000.
TRANSFER AGENT AND CUSTODIAN
Each of the Trust and the Portfolio Trust has entered into a Transfer Agency
Agreement with Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT") pursuant to which IBT acts
as transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") for the Fund and the Portfolio. The
Transfer Agent maintains an account for each shareholder of the Fund (unless
such account is maintained by the shareholder's Shareholder Servicing Agent) and
investor in the Portfolio, performs other transfer agency functions and acts as
dividend disbursing agent for the Fund. Pursuant to respective Custodian
Agreements, IBT also acts as the custodian (the "Custodian") of the assets of
the Fund and the Portfolio. The Portfolio Trust's Custodian Agreement provides
that the Custodian may use the services of sub-custodians with respect to the
Portfolio. The Custodian's responsibilities include safeguarding and controlling
the Fund's cash and the Portfolio's cash and securities, and handling the
receipt and delivery of securities, determining income and collecting interest
on the Portfolio's investments, maintaining books of original entry for
portfolio accounting and other required books and accounts, and calculating the
daily net asset value of the Portfolio. Securities held for the Portfolio may be
deposited into the Federal Reserve-Treasury Department Book Entry System or the
Depositary Trust Company. The Custodian does not determine the investment
policies of the Fund or the Portfolio or decide which securities will be
purchased or sold for the Portfolio. Assets of the Portfolio may, however, be
invested in securities of the Custodian and the Portfolio Trust may deal with
the Custodian as principal in securities transactions for the Portfolio. For its
services, IBT receives such compensation as may from time to time be agreed upon
by it and the Trust or the Portfolio Trust.
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENTS
The Trust has entered into a shareholder servicing agreement (a "Servicing
Agreement") with each Shareholder Servicing Agent pursuant to which a
Shareholder Servicing Agent, as agent for its customers, among other things:
answers customer inquiries regarding account status and history, the manner in
which purchases and redemptions of Shares may be effected and certain other
matters pertaining to the Fund; assists shareholders in designating and changing
dividend options, account designations and addresses; provides necessary
personnel and facilities to establish and maintain shareholder accounts and
records; assists in processing purchase and redemption transactions; arranges
for the wiring of funds; transmits and receives funds in connection with
customer orders to purchase or redeem Shares; verifies and guarantees
shareholder signatures in connection with redemption orders and transfers and
changes in shareholder-designated accounts; furnishes (either separately or on
an integrated basis with other reports sent to a shareholder by a Shareholder
Servicing Agent) monthly and year-end statements and confirmations of purchases
and redemptions; transmits, on behalf of the Trust, proxy statements, annual
reports, updated prospectuses and other communications from the Trust to the
Fund's shareholders; receives, tabulates and transmits to the Trust proxies
executed by shareholders with respect to meetings of shareholders of the Fund or
the Trust; and provides such other related services as the Trust or a
shareholder may request.
The Trust understands that some Shareholder Servicing Agents also may impose
certain conditions on their customers, subject to the terms of this Prospectus,
in addition to or different from those imposed by the Trust, such as requiring a
different minimum initial or subsequent investment, account fees (a fixed amount
per transaction processed), compensating balance requirements (a minimum dollar
amount a customer must maintain in order to obtain the services offered), or
account maintenance fees (a periodic charge based on a percentage of the assets
in the account or of the dividends paid on those assets). Each Shareholder
Servicing Agent has agreed to transmit to its customers who are holders of
Shares appropriate prior written disclosure of any fees that it may charge them
directly and to provide written notice at least 30 days prior to the imposition
of any transaction fees.
The Glass-Steagall Act prohibits certain financial institutions from engaging
in the business of underwriting securities of open-end investment companies,
such as shares of the Fund. The Trust engages banks as Shareholder Servicing
Agents on behalf of the Fund only to perform administrative and shareholder
servicing functions as described above. The Trust believes that the
Glass-Steagall Act should not preclude a bank from acting as a Shareholder
Servicing Agent. There is presently no controlling precedent regarding the
performance of shareholder servicing activities by banks. Future changes in
either federal statutes or regulations relating to the permissible activities of
banks, as well as future judicial or administrative decisions and
interpretations of present and future statutes and regulations, could prevent a
bank from continuing to perform all or part of its servicing activities. If a
bank were prohibited from so acting, its shareholder customers would be
permitted to remain Fund shareholders, and alternative means for continuing the
servicing of such shareholders would be sought. In such event, changes in the
operation of the Fund might occur and a shareholder serviced by such bank might
no longer be able to avail himself of any automatic investment or other services
then being provided by such bank. The Trustees of the Trust do not expect that
shareholders of the Fund would suffer any adverse financial consequences as a
result of these occurrences.
OTHER EXPENSES
The Fund bears all costs of its operations other than expenses specifically
assumed by the Distributor, Manager or the Sub-Adviser. See "Management of the
Trust -- Expenses and Expense Limits" in the Statement of Additional
Information. Trust expenses directly attributable to the Fund are charged to the
Fund; other expenses are allocated proportionately among all the portfolios in
the Trust in relation to the net assets of each portfolio.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
To the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements, the Sub-Adviser
may place orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio investments for the
Portfolio with Republic New York Securities Corporation, subject to obtaining
best price and execution for a particular transaction. See the Statement of
Additional Information.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of each of the Shares is determined on each day on which
the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading ("Fund Business Day"). This
determination is made once during each such day as of 4:00 p.m., New York time,
by dividing the value of the Fund's net assets (i.e., the value of its
investment in the Portfolio and other assets less its liabilities, including
expenses payable or accrued) by the number of Shares outstanding at the time the
determination is made.
The value of the Fund's investment in the Portfolio is also determined once
daily at 4:00 p.m., New York time, on each day the New York Stock Exchange is
open for regular trading ("Portfolio Business Day").
The determination of the value of the Fund's investment in the Portfolio is
made by subtracting from the value of the total assets of the Portfolio the
amount of the Portfolio's liabilities and multiplying the difference by the
percentage, effective for that day, which represents the Fund's share of the
aggregate beneficial interests in the Portfolio.
Values of assets held by the Portfolio are determined on the basis of their
market or other fair value, as described in the Statement of Additional
Information.
PURCHASE OF SHARES
Shares may be purchased through Shareholder Servicing Agents without a sales
load at their net asset value next determined after an order is received by a
Shareholder Servicing Agent if it is transmitted to and accepted by the
Distributor. Purchases are therefore effected on the same day the purchase order
is received by the Distributor provided such order is received prior to 4:00
p.m., New York time, on any Fund Business Day. The Trust intends the Fund to be
as fully invested at all times as is reasonably practicable in order to enhance
the yield on its assets. Each Shareholder Servicing Agent is responsible for and
required to promptly forward orders for shares to the Distributor.
All purchase payments are invested in full and fractional Shares. The Trust
reserves the right to cease offering Shares for sale at any time or to reject
any order for the purchase of Shares.
An investor may purchase Shares by authorizing his Shareholder Servicing Agent
to purchase such Shares on his behalf through the Distributor.
Exchange Privilege. By contacting his Shareholder Servicing Agent, a
shareholder may exchange some or all of his Shares for shares of one or more of
the following investment companies at net asset value without a sales charge:
Republic U.S. Government Money Market Fund (Adviser Class), Republic New York
Tax Free Money Market Fund (Adviser Class), Republic New York Tax Free Bond Fund
(Adviser Class), Republic Equity Fund (Adviser Class), Republic Fixed Income
Fund, Republic Small Cap Equity Fund, and such other Republic Funds or other
registered investment companies for which Republic serves as investment adviser
as Republic may determine. An exchange may result in a change in the number of
Shares held, but not in the value of such Shares immediately after the exchange.
Each exchange involves the redemption of the Shares to be exchanged and the
purchase of the shares of the other Republic Fund which may produce a gain or
loss for tax purposes.
The exchange privilege (or any aspect of it) may be changed or discontinued
upon 60 days' written notice to shareholders and is available only to
shareholders in states in which such exchanges legally may be made. A
shareholder considering an exchange should obtain and read the prospectus of the
other Republic Fund and consider the differences in investment objectives and
policies before making any exchange.
Shares are being offered only to customers of Shareholder Servicing Agents.
Shareholder Servicing Agents may offer services to their customers, including
specialized procedures for the purchase and redemption of Shares, such as
pre-authorized or automatic purchase and redemption programs. Each Shareholder
Servicing Agent may establish its own terms, conditions and charges, including
limitations on the amounts of transactions, with respect to such services.
Charges for these services may include fixed annual fees, account maintenance
fees and minimum account balance requirements. The effect of any such fees will
be to reduce the net return on the investment of customers of that Shareholder
Servicing Agent. Conversely, certain Shareholder Servicing Agents may (although
they are not required by the Trust to do so) credit to the accounts of their
customers from whom they are already receiving other fees amounts not exceeding
such other fees or the fees received by the Shareholder Servicing Agent from the
Fund, which will have the effect of increasing the net return on the investment
of such customers of those Shareholder Servicing Agents.
Shareholder Servicing Agents may transmit purchase payments on behalf of their
customers by wire directly to the Fund's custodian bank by following the
procedures described above.
For further information on how to direct a Shareholder Servicing Agent to
purchase Shares, an investor should contact his Shareholder Servicing Agent (see
back cover for address and phone number).
REDEMPTION OF SHARES
A shareholder may redeem all or any portion of the Shares in his account at
any time at the net asset value next determined after a redemption order in
proper form is furnished by the shareholder to his Shareholder Servicing Agent
and is transmitted to and received by the Transfer Agent. Redemptions are
effected on the same day the redemption order is received by the Transfer Agent
provided such order is received prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any Fund
Business Day. Shares redeemed earn dividends up to and including the Fund
Business Day prior to the day the redemption is effected.
The proceeds of a redemption are normally paid from the Fund in federal funds
on the next Fund Business Day on which the redemption is effected, but in any
event within seven days. The right of any shareholder to receive payment with
respect to any redemption may be suspended or the payment of the redemption
proceeds postponed during any period in which the New York Stock Exchange is
closed (other than weekends or holidays) or trading on such Exchange is
restricted or, to the extent otherwise permitted by the 1940 Act, if an
emergency exists.
A shareholder may redeem Shares only by authorizing his Shareholder Servicing
Agent to redeem such Shares on his behalf (since the account and records of such
a shareholder are established and maintained by his Shareholder Servicing
Agent). For further information as to how to direct a Shareholder Servicing
Agent to redeem Shares, a shareholder should contact his Shareholder Servicing
Agent (see back cover for address and phone number).
DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
Dividends substantially equal to all of the Fund's net investment income
earned are distributed to Fund shareholders of record semi-annually. Generally,
the Fund's net investment income consists of the interest and dividend income it
earns, less expenses. In computing interest income, premiums are not amortized
nor are discounts accrued on long-term debt securities in the Portfolio, except
as required for federal income tax purposes.
The Fund's net realized short-term and long-term capital gains, if any, are
distributed to shareholders annually. Additional distributions are also made to
the Fund's shareholders to the extent necessary to avoid application of the 4%
non-deductible federal excise tax on certain undistributed income and net
capital gains of regulated investment companies.
Unless a shareholder elects to receive dividends in cash (subject to the
policies of the shareholder's Shareholder Servicing Agent), dividends are
distributed in the form of additional Shares (purchased at their net asset value
without a sales charge).
TAX MATTERS
This discussion is intended for general information only. An investor should
consult with his own tax advisor as to the tax consequences of an investment in
the Fund, including the status of distributions from the Fund under applicable
state or local law.
Each year, the Trust intends to qualify the Fund and elect that the Fund be
treated as a separate "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). To so qualify, the Fund
must meet certain income, distribution and diversification requirements.
Provided such requirements are met and all investment company taxable income and
net realized capital gains of the Fund are distributed to shareholders in
accordance with the timing requirements imposed by the Code, generally no
federal income or excise taxes will be paid by the Fund on amounts so
distributed.
Dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, paid to shareholders are
treated in the same manner for federal income tax purposes whether received in
cash or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. Shareholders must treat
dividends, other than long-term capital gain dividends, as ordinary income.
Dividends designated by the Fund as long-term capital gain dividends are taxable
to shareholders as long-term capital gain regardless of the length of time the
shares of the Fund have been held by the shareholders. Certain dividends
declared in October, November, or December of a calendar year to shareholders of
record on a date in such a month are taxable to shareholders (who otherwise are
subject to tax on dividends) as though received on December 31 of that year if
paid to shareholders during January of the following calendar year.
Foreign Tax Withholding. Income received by the Portfolio from sources within
foreign countries may be subject to withholding and other income or similar
taxes imposed by such countries. If more than 50% of the value of the
Portfolio's total assets at the close of its taxable year consists of securities
of foreign corporations, the Fund will be eligible and intends to elect to treat
its share of any non-U.S. income and similar taxes it pays (or which are paid by
the Portfolio) as though the taxes were paid by the Fund's shareholders.
Pursuant to this election, a shareholder will be required to include in gross
income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) his pro rata share
of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund or Portfolio, and will be entitled either
to deduct (as an itemized deduction) his pro rata share of foreign income and
similar taxes in computing his taxable income or to use it as a foreign tax
credit against his U.S. federal income tax liability, subject to limitations. No
deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by a shareholder who does not itemize
deductions, but such a shareholder may be eligible to claim the foreign tax
credit. Shareholders will be notified within 60 days after the close of the
Fund's taxable year whether the foreign taxes paid by the Fund or Portfolio will
be treated as paid by the Fund's shareholders for that year. Furthermore,
foreign shareholders may be subject to U.S. tax at the rate of 30% (or lower
treaty rate) of the income resulting from the Fund's election to treat any
foreign taxes paid by it as paid its shareholders, but will not be able to claim
a credit or deduction for the foreign taxes treated as having been paid by them.
The Fund generally will be required to withhold federal income tax at a rate
of 31% ("backup withholding") from dividends paid, capital gain distributions,
and redemption proceeds to shareholders if (1) the shareholder fails to furnish
the Fund with the shareholder's correct taxpayer identification number ("TIN")
or social security number and to make such certifications as the Fund may
require, (2) the Internal Revenue Service notifies the shareholder or the Fund
that the shareholder has failed to report properly certain interest and dividend
income to the Internal Revenue Service and to respond to notices to that effect,
or (3) when required to do so, the shareholder fails to certify that he is not
subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and
any amounts withheld may be credited against the shareholder's federal income
tax liability. Dividends from the Fund attributable to the Fund's net investment
income and short-term capital gains generally will be subject to U.S.
withholding tax when paid to shareholders treated under U.S. tax law as
nonresident alien individuals or foreign corporations, estates, partnerships or
trusts.
The Trust is organized as a Massachusetts business trust and, under current
law, is not liable for any income or franchise tax in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts as long as each series of the Trust (including the Fund) qualifies
as a "regulated investment company" under the Code.
For additional information relating to the tax aspects of investing in the
Fund and for information about the tax aspects of the Portfolio, see the
Statement of Additional Information.
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES, VOTING RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES
The Trust's Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional shares of beneficial interest (par value $0.001
per share) and to divide or combine the shares into a greater or lesser number
of shares without thereby changing the proportionate beneficial interests in the
Trust. The shares of each series participate equally in the earnings, dividends
and assets of the particular series. Currently, the Trust has three series of
shares, each of which constitutes a separately managed fund. The Trust reserves
the right to create additional series of shares.
Each share of the Fund represents an equal proportionate interest in the Fund
with each other share. Shares have no preference, preemptive, conversion or
similar rights. Shares when issued are fully paid and non-assessable, except as
set forth below. Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held on
matters on which they are entitled to vote. The Trust is not required and has no
current intention to hold annual meetings of shareholders, although the Trust
will hold special meetings of Fund shareholders when in the judgment of the
Trustees of the Trust it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for a
shareholder vote. Shareholders of each series generally vote separately, for
example, to approve investment advisory agreements or changes in fundamental
investment policies or restrictions, but shareholders of all series may vote
together to the extent required under the 1940 Act, such as in the election or
selection of Trustees, principal underwriters and accountants for the Trust.
Under certain circumstances the shareholders of one or more series could control
the outcome of these votes.
The series of the Portfolio Trust will vote separately or together in the same
manner as the series of the Trust. Under certain circumstances, the investors in
one or more series of the Portfolio Trust could control the outcome of these
votes.
Shareholders of the Fund have under certain circumstances (e.g., upon
application and submission of certain specified documents to the Trustees by a
specified number of shareholders) the right to communicate with other
shareholders of the Trust in connection with requesting a meeting of
shareholders of the Trust for the purpose of removing one or more Trustees.
Shareholders of the Trust also have the right to remove one or more Trustees
without a meeting by a declaration in writing subscribed to by a specified
number of shareholders. Upon liquidation or dissolution of the Fund,
shareholders of the Fund would be entitled to share pro rata in the net assets
of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders.
The Trust is an entity of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business
trust". Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of such a business trust may,
under certain circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for its
obligations. However, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on
account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which both
inadequate insurance existed and the Trust itself was unable to meet its
obligations.
The Portfolio Trust is organized as a master trust fund under the laws of the
State of New York. The Portfolio is a separate series of the Portfolio Trust,
which currently has two other series. The Portfolio Trust's Declaration of Trust
provides that the Fund and other entities investing in the Portfolio (e.g.,
other investment companies, insurance company separate accounts and common and
commingled trust funds) are each liable for all obligations of the Portfolio.
However, the risk of the Fund incurring financial loss on account of such
liability is limited to circumstances in which both inadequate insurance existed
and the Portfolio itself was unable to meet its obligations. Accordingly, the
Trustees of the Trust believe that neither the Fund nor its shareholders will be
adversely affected by reason of the investment of all of the Assets of the Fund
in the Portfolio.
Each investor in the Portfolio, including the Fund, may add to or reduce its
investment in the Portfolio on each Portfolio Business Day. At 4:00 p.m., New
York time on each Portfolio Business Day, the value of each investor's
beneficial interest in the Portfolio is determined by multiplying the net asset
value of the Portfolio by the percentage, effective for that day, which
represents that investor's share of the aggregate beneficial interests in the
Portfolio. Any additions or withdrawals, which are to be effected on that day,
are then effected. The investor's percentage of the aggregate beneficial
interests in the Portfolio is then recomputed as the percentage equal to the
fraction (i) the numerator of which is the value of such investor's investment
in the Portfolio as of 4:00 p.m., New York time on such day plus or minus, as
the case may be, the amount of any additions to or withdrawals from the
investor's investment in the Portfolio effected on such day, and (ii) the
denominator of which is the aggregate net asset value of the Portfolio as of
4:00 p.m., New York time on such day plus or minus, as the case may be, the
amount of the net additions to or withdrawals from the aggregate investments in
the Portfolio by all investors in the Portfolio. The percentage so determined is
then applied to determine the value of the investor's interest in the Portfolio
as of 4:00 p.m., New York time on the following Portfolio Business Day.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Yield and total return data for the Fund may from time to time be included in
advertisements about the Trust. "Total return" is expressed in terms of the
average annual compounded rate of return of a hypothetical investment in the
Fund over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years. All total return figures reflect the
deduction of a proportional share of Fund expenses on an annual basis, and
assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested when paid. "Yield"
refers to the income generated by an investment in the Fund over the 30-day (or
one month) period ended on the date of the most recent balance sheet of the Fund
included in the Trust's registration statement with respect to the Fund. See the
Statement of Additional Information for further information concerning the
calculation of yield and total return data
Historical total return information for any period or portion thereof prior to
the establishment of the Fund will be that of the Portfolio, adjusted to assume
that all charges, expenses and fees of the Fund and the Portfolio which are
presently in effect were deducted during such periods.
Since these total return and yield quotations are based on historical earnings
and since the Fund's total return and yield fluctuate from day to day, these
quotations should not be considered as an indication or representation of the
Fund's total return or yield in the future. Any performance information should
be considered in light of the Fund's investment objective and policies,
characteristics and quality of the Fund's portfolio and the market conditions
during the time period indicated, and should not be considered to be
representative of what may be achieved in the future. From time to time the
Trust may also use comparative performance information in such advertisements,
including the performance of unmanaged indices, the performance of the Consumer
Price Index (as a measure for inflation), and data from Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc. and other industry publications.
A Shareholder Servicing Agent may charge its customers direct fees in
connection with an investment in the Fund, which will have the effect of
reducing the net return on the investment of customers of that Shareholder
Servicing Agent. Conversely, the Trust has been advised that certain Shareholder
Servicing Agents may credit to the accounts of their customers from whom they
are already receiving other fees amounts not exceeding such other fees or the
fees received by the Shareholder Servicing Agent from the Fund, which will have
the effect of increasing the net return on the investment of such customers of
those Shareholder Servicing Agents. Such customers may be able to obtain through
their Shareholder Servicing Agent quotations reflecting such decreased return.
SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES
All shareholder inquiries should be directed to the Trust, 6 St. James
Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
General and Account Information (800) 782-8183 (Toll Free)
--------------------
The Trust's Statement of Additional Information, dated __________, 1996, with
respect to the Fund contains more detailed information about the Fund, including
information related to (i) the Fund's investment restrictions, (ii) the Trustees
and officers of the Trust and the Manager, Sub-Adviser and Sponsor of the Fund,
(iii) portfolio transactions, (iv) the Fund's shares, including rights and
liabilities of shareholders, and (v) additional yield information, including the
method used to calculate the total return and yield of the Fund.
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERNATIONAL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EQUITY FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
ADMINISTRATOR, DISTRIBUTOR AND SPONSOR
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-0800
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Investors Bank & Trust Company
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
(800) 782-8183
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
99 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
LEGAL COUNSEL
Dechert Price & Rhoads
1500 K Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC FIXED INCOME FUND
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
(800) 782-8183
Republic National Bank of New York - Investment Manager
("Republic" or the "Manager")
Miller Anderson & Sherrerd - Sub-Adviser
("MAS" or the "Sub-Adviser")
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. -
Administrator, Distributor and Sponsor
("SBDS" or the "Administrator of the Fund" or the "Distributor" or the
"Sponsor")
Signature Financial Group (Grand Cayman) Limited -
Administrator of the Portfolio
("Signature (Cayman)")
Signature Financial Services, Inc. -
Fund Accounting Agent
("Signature")
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Republic Fixed Income Fund (the "Fund") is a separate series of
Republic Advisor Funds Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment
company which currently consists of three funds, each of which has different and
distinct investment objectives and policies. The Trust seeks to achieve the
Fund's investment objective by investing all of the Fund's investable assets
("Assets") in Fixed Income Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), which has the same
investment objective as the Fund. The Portfolio is a series of Republic
Portfolios (the "Portfolio Trust"), an open-end management investment company.
The Fund is described in this Statement of Additional Information.
Shares of the Fund are offered only to clients of Republic and its
affiliates for which Republic or its affiliates exercises investment discretion.
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS
ONLY AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION WHEN PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY THE PROSPECTUS
FOR THE FUND, DATED __________, 1996 (THE "PROSPECTUS"). This Statement of
Additional Information contains additional and more detailed information than
that set forth in the Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the
Prospectus. The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information may be
obtained without charge by writing or calling the Fund at the address and
telephone number printed above.
__________, 1996
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS............................. 1
Mortgage-Related and Other Asset-Backed Securities....................... 1
Brady Bonds.............................................................. 5
Foreign Currency Exchange-Related Securities............................. 5
Eurodollar and Yankee Obligations........................................ 6
Portfolio Management..................................................... 6
Investment Restrictions.................................................. 7
Percentage and Rating Restrictions....................................... 9
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS...................................................... 9
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION..................................................... 9
Consumer Price Index.................................................... 10
Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Index.............................. 10
Salomon Bond Index...................................................... 10
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO TRUST............................. 10
Trustees and Officers................................................... 10
Investment Manager...................................................... 13
Sub-Adviser............................................................. 13
Administrator and Portfolio Administrator............................... 14
Fund Accounting Agent................................................... 14
Custodian and Transfer Agent............................................ 14
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE............................................ 14
TAXATION.................................................................... 15
Options, Futures, Forward Contracts
and Swap Contracts...................................................... 16
OTHER INFORMATION........................................................... 18
Capitalization.......................................................... 18
Voting Rights........................................................... 18
Independent Auditors.................................................... 18
Counsel................................................................. 19
Registration Statement.................................................. 19
Financial Statements.................................................... 19
References in this Statement of Additional Information to the
"Prospectus" are to the Prospectus, dated , 1996, of the Fund by which shares of
the Fund are offered. Unless the context otherwise requires, terms defined in
the Prospectus have the same meaning in this Statement of Additional Information
as in the Prospectus.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The following information supplements the discussion of the investment
objective and policies of the Portfolio discussed under the caption "Investment
Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus.
MORTGAGE-RELATED AND OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
Mortgage-related securities are interests in pools of mortgage loans
made to residential home buyers, including mortgage loans made by savings and
loan institutions, mortgage bankers, commercial banks and others. Pools of
mortgage loans are assembled as securities for sale to investors by various
governmental, government-related and private organizations (see "MORTGAGE
PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES"). The Portfolio may also invest in debt securities
which are secured with collateral consisting of mortgage-related securities (see
"COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS") and in other types of mortgage-related
securities.
There are two methods of trading mortgage-backed securities. A specific
pool transaction is a trade in which the pool number of the security to be
delivered on the settlement date is known at the time the trade is made. This is
in contrast with the typical mortgage transaction, called a TBA (to be
announced) transaction, in which the type of mortgage securities to be delivered
is specified at the time of trade but the actual pool numbers of the securities
that will be delivered are not known at the time of the trade. For example, in a
TBA transaction an investor could purchase $1 million 30-year FNMA 9's and
receive up to three pools on the settlement date. The pool numbers of the pools
to be delivered at settlement will be announced shortly before settlement takes
place. The terms of the TBA trade may be made more specific if desired. For
example, an investor may request pools with particular characteristics, such as
those that were issued prior to January 1, 1990. The most detailed specification
of the trade is to request that the pool number be known prior to purchase. In
this case the investor has entered into a specific pool transaction. Generally,
agency pass-through mortgage-backed securities are traded on a TBA basis. The
specific pool numbers of the securities purchased do not have to be determined
at the time of the trade.
MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES. Interests in pools of
mortgage-related securities differ from other forms of debt securities, which
normally provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with
principal payments at maturity or specified call dates. Instead, these
securities provide a monthly payment which consists of both interest and
principal payments. In effect, these payments are a "pass-through" of the
monthly payments made by the individual borrowers on their residential or
commercial mortgage loans, net of any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of
such securities. Additional payments are caused by repayments of principal
resulting from the sale of the underlying property, refinancing or foreclosure,
net of fees or costs which may be incurred. Some mortgage-related securities
(such as securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association) are
described as "modified pass-through." These securities entitle the holder to
receive all interest and principal payments owed on the mortgage pool, net of
certain fees, at the scheduled payment dates regardless of whether or not the
mortgagor actually makes the payment.
The principal governmental guarantor of mortgage-related securities is
the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA"). GNMA is a wholly owned
U.S. Government corporation within the Department of Housing and Urban
Development. GNMA is authorized to guarantee, with the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Government, the timely payment of principal and interest on securities
issued by institutions approved by GNMA (such as savings and loan institutions,
commercial banks and mortgage bankers) and backed by pools of FHA-insured or
VA-guaranteed mortgages.
Government-related guarantors (I.E., not backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government) include the Federal National Mortgage Association
("FNMA") and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC"). FNMA is a
government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private stockholders. It is
subject to general regulation by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
FNMA purchases conventional (I.E., not insured or guaranteed by any government
agency) residential mortgages from a list of approved seller/servicers which
include state and federally chartered savings and loan associations, mutual
savings banks, commercial banks and credit unions and mortgage bankers. Pass-
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through securities issued by FNMA are guaranteed as to timely payment
of principal and interest by FNMA but are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government.
FHLMC was created by Congress in 1970 for the purpose of increasing the
availability of mortgage credit for residential housing. It is a
government-sponsored corporation formerly owned by the 12 Federal Home Loan
Banks and now owned entirely by private stockholders. FHLMC issues participation
certificates ("PCs") which represent interests in conventional mortgages from
FHLMC's national portfolio. FHLMC guarantees the timely payment of interest and
ultimate collection of principal, but Pcs are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. Government.
Commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, private mortgage
insurance companies, mortgage bankers and other secondary market issuers also
create pass-through pools of conventional residential mortgage loans. Such
issuers may, in addition, be the originators and/or servicers of the underlying
mortgage loans as well as the guarantors of the mortgage-related securities.
Pools created by such non-governmental issuers generally offer a higher rate of
interest than government and government-related pools because there are no
direct or indirect government or agency guarantees of payments in the former
pools. However, timely payment of interest and principal of these pools may be
supported by various forms of insurance or guarantees, including individual
loan, title, pool and hazard insurance and letters of credit. The insurance and
guarantees are issued by governmental entities, private insurers and the
mortgage poolers. Such insurance and guarantees and the credit worthiness of the
issuers thereof will be considered in determining whether a mortgage-related
security meets the Portfolio's investment quality standards. There can be no
assurance that the private insurers or guarantors can meet their obligations
under the insurance policies or guarantee arrangements. Although the market for
such securities is becoming increasingly liquid, securities issued by certain
private organizations may not be readily marketable. The Portfolio will not
purchase mortgage-related securities or other assets which in the Sub-Adviser's
opinion are illiquid if, as a result, more than 15% of the value of the
Portfolio's net assets will be illiquid.
Mortgage-backed securities that are issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities, are not subject to the
Portfolio's industry concentration restrictions, set forth below under
"Investment Restrictions," by virtue of the exclusion from that test available
to all U.S. Government securities. In the case of privately issued
mortgage-related securities, the Portfolio takes the position that
mortgage-related securities do not represent interests in any particular
"industry" or group of industries. The assets underlying such securities may be
represented by a portfolio of first lien residential mortgages (including both
whole mortgage loans and mortgage participation interests) or portfolios of
mortgage pass-through securities issued or guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC.
Mortgage loans underlying a mortgage-related security may in turn be insured or
guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or the Department of Veterans
Affairs. In the case of private issue mortgage-related securities whose
underlying assets are neither U.S. Government securities nor U.S.
Government-insured mortgages, to the extent that real properties securing such
assets may be located in the same geographical region, the security may be
subject to a greater risk of default than other comparable securities in the
event of adverse economic, political or business developments that may affect
such region and, ultimately, the ability of residential homeowners to make
payments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages.
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS ("CMOS"). A CMO is a hybrid between
a mortgage-backed bond and a mortgage pass-through security. Similar to a bond,
interest and prepaid principal is paid, in most cases, semiannually. CMOs may be
collateralized by whole mortgage loans, but are more typically collateralized by
portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC, or
FNMA, and their income streams.
CMOs are structured into multiple classes, each bearing a different
stated maturity. Actual maturity and average life will depend upon the
prepayment experience of the collateral. CMOs provide for a modified form of
call protection through a de facto breakdown of the underlying pool of mortgages
according to how quickly the loans are repaid. Monthly payment of principal
received from the pool of underlying mortgages, including prepayments, is first
returned to investors holding the shortest maturity class. Investors holding
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the longer maturity classes receive principal only after the first class has
been retired. An investor is partially guarded against a sooner than desired
return of principal because of the sequential payments.
In a typical CMO transaction, a corporation ("issuer") issues multiple
series (E.G., A, B, C, Z) of CMO bonds ("Bonds"). Proceeds of the Bond offering
are used to purchase mortgages or mortgage pass-through certificates
("Collateral"). The Collateral is pledged to a third party trustee as security
for the Bonds. Principal and interest payments from the Collateral are used to
pay principal on the Bonds in the order A, B, C, Z. The Series A, B, and C Bonds
all bear current interest. Interest on the Series Z Bond is accrued and added to
principal and a like amount is paid as principal on the Series A, B, or C Bond
currently being paid off. When the Series A, B, and C Bonds are paid in full,
interest and principal on the Series Z Bond begins to be paid currently. With
some CMOs, the issuer serves as a conduit to allow loan originators (primarily
builders or savings and loan associations) to borrow against their loan
portfolios.
FHLMC CMOS. FHLMC CMOs are debt obligations of FHLMC issued in multiple
classes having different maturity dates which are secured by the pledge of a
pool of conventional mortgage loans purchased by FHLMC. Unlike FHLMC Pcs,
payments of principal and interest on the CMOs are made semiannually, as opposed
to monthly. The amount of principal payable on each semiannual payment date is
determined in accordance with FHLMC's mandatory sinking fund schedule, which, in
turn, is equal to approximately 100% of FHA prepayment experience applied to the
mortgage collateral pool. All sinking fund payments in the CMOs are allocated to
the retirement of the individual classes of bonds in the order of their stated
maturities. Payment of principal on the mortgage loans in the collateral pool in
excess of the amount of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund obligation for any payment
date are paid to the holders of the CMOs as additional sinking fund payments.
Because of the "pass-through" nature of all principal payments received on the
collateral pool in excess of FHLMC's minimum sinking fund requirement, the rate
at which principal of the CMOs is actually repaid is likely to be such that each
class of bonds will be retired in advance of its scheduled maturity date.
If collection of principal (including prepayments) on the mortgage
loans during any semiannual payment period is not sufficient to meet FHLMC's
minimum sinking fund obligation on the next sinking fund payment date, FHLMC
agrees to make up the deficiency from its general funds.
Criteria for the mortgage loans in the pool backing the FHLMC CMOs are
identical to those of FHLMC Pcs. FHLMC has the right to substitute collateral in
the event of delinquencies and/or defaults.
OTHER MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES. Other mortgage-related securities
include securities other than those described above that directly or indirectly
represent a participation in, or are secured by and payable from, mortgage loans
on real property, including CMO residuals or stripped mortgage-backed
securities. Other mortgage-related securities may be equity or debt securities
issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan
associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks,
partnerships, trusts and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
CMO RESIDUALS. CMO residuals are derivative mortgage securities issued
by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan
associations, homebuilders, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks
and special purpose entities of the foregoing.
The cash flow generated by the mortgage assets underlying a series of
CMOs is applied first to make required payments of principal and interest on the
CMOs and second to pay the related administrative expenses of the issuer. The
residual in a CMO structure generally represents the interest in any excess cash
flow remaining after making the foregoing payments. Each payment of such excess
cash flow to a holder of the related CMO residual represents income and/or a
return of capital. The amount of residual cash flow resulting from a CMO will
depend on, among other things, the characteristics of the mortgage assets, the
coupon rate of each class of CMO, prevailing interest rates, the amount of
administrative expenses and the prepayment experience on the mortgage assets. In
particular, the yield to maturity on CMO residuals is
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extremely sensitive to prepayments on the related underlying mortgage assets, in
the same manner as an interest-only ("IO") class of stripped mortgage-backed
securities. See "Other Mortgage-Related Securities - -Stripped Mortgage-Backed
Securities." In addition, if a series of a CMO includes a class that bears
interest at an adjustable rate, the yield to maturity on the related CMO
residual will also be extremely sensitive to changes in the level of the index
upon which interest rate adjustments are based. As described below with respect
to stripped mortgage-backed securities, in certain circumstances the Portfolio
may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in a CMO residual.
CMO residuals are generally purchased and sold by institutional
investors through several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers.
The CMO residual market has only very recently developed and CMO residuals
currently may not have the liquidity of other more established securities
trading in other markets. Transactions in CMO residuals are generally completed
only after careful review of the characteristics of the securities in question.
In addition, CMO residuals may or, pursuant to an exemption therefrom, may not
have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933
Act"). CMO residuals, whether or not registered under the 1933 Act, may be
subject to certain restrictions on transferability and may be deemed "illiquid"
and subject to the Portfolio's limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Stripped mortgage-backed
securities ("SMBS") are derivative multi-class mortgage securities. SMBS may be
issued by agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government or by private
originators of, or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan
associations, mortgage banks, commercial banks, investment banks and special
purpose entities of the foregoing.
SMBS are usually structured with two classes that receive different
proportions of the interest and principal distributions on a pool of mortgage
assets. A common type of SMBS will have one class receiving some of the interest
and most of the principal from the mortgage assets, while the other class will
receive most of the interest and the remainder of the principal. In the most
extreme case, one class will receive all of the interest (the IO class), while
the other class will receive all of the principal (the principal-only or "PO"
class). The yield to maturity on an IO class is extremely sensitive to the rate
of principal payments (including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage
assets, and a rapid rate of principal payments may have a material adverse
effect on the Portfolio's yield to maturity from these securities. If the
underlying mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of
principal, the Portfolio may fail to fully recoup its initial investment in
these securities even if the security is in one of the highest rating
categories.
Although SMBS are purchased and sold by institutional investors through
several investment banking firms acting as brokers or dealers, these securities
were only recently developed. As a result, established trading markets have not
yet developed and, accordingly, these securities may be deemed "illiquid" and
subject to the Portfolio's limitations on investment in illiquid securities.
OTHER ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES. The Portfolio may invest in asset-backed
securities unrelated to mortgage loans. Asset-backed securities present certain
risks that are not presented by mortgage
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- -backed securities. Primarily, these securities do not have the benefit of the
same type of security interest in the related collateral. Credit card
receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors are entitled to the
protection of a number of state and federal consumer credit laws, many of which
give such debtors the right to avoid payment of certain amounts owed on the
credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. Most issuers of automobile
receivables permit the servicer to retain possession of the underlying
obligations. If the servicer were to sell these obligations to another party,
there is a risk that the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of
the holders of the related automobile receivables. In addition, because of the
large number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and technical
requirements under state laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile
receivables may not have a proper security interest in all of the obligations
backing such receivables. Therefore, there is the possibility that recoveries on
repossessed collateral may not, in some cases, be available to support payments
on these securities.
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES - TYPES OF
CREDIT SUPPORT. Mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities are often
backed by a pool of assets representing the obligations of a number of different
parties. To lessen the effect of failure by obligors on underlying assets to
make payments, such securities may contain elements of credit support. Such
credit support falls into two categories: (i) liquidity protection and (ii)
protection against losses resulting from ultimate default by an obligor on the
underlying assets. Liquidity protection refers to the provision of advances,
generally by the entity administering the pool of assets, to ensure that the
pass-through of payments due on the underlying pool occurs in a timely fashion.
Protection against losses resulting from ultimate default enhances the
likelihood of ultimate payment of the obligations on at least a portion of the
assets in the pool. Such protection may be provided through guarantees,
insurance policies or letters of credit obtained by the issuer or sponsor from
third parties, through various means of structuring the transaction or through a
combination of such approaches. The U.S. Bond Index Portfolio will not pay any
additional fees for such credit support, although the existence of credit
support may increase the price of a security.
The ratings of mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities
for which third-party credit enhancement provides liquidity protection or
protection against losses from default are generally dependent upon the
continued creditworthiness of the provider of the credit enhancement. The
ratings of such securities could be subject to reduction in the event of
deterioration in the creditworthiness of the credit enhancement provider even in
cases where the delinquency and loss experience on the underlying pool of assets
is better than expected.
Examples of credit support arising out of the structure of the
transaction include "senior-subordinated securities" (multiple class securities
with one or more classes subordinate to other classes as to the payment of
principal thereof and interest thereon, with the result that defaults on the
underlying assets are borne first by the holders of the subordinated class),
creation of "reserve funds" (where cash or investments, sometimes funded from a
portion of the payments on the underlying assets, are held in reserve against
future losses) and "over-collateralization" (where the scheduled payments on, or
the principal amount of, the underlying assets exceed those required to make
payment of the securities and pay any servicing or other fees). The degree of
credit support provided for each issue is generally based on historical
information with respect to the level of credit risk associated with the
underlying assets. Delinquency or loss in excess of that which is anticipated
could adversely affect the return on an investment in such a security.
BRADY BONDS
The Brady Plan was conceived by the U.S. Treasury in the 1980's in an
attempt to produce a debt restructuring program that would enable a debtor
country to (i) reduce the absolute level of debt of its creditor banks, and (ii)
reschedule its external debt repayments, based upon its ability to service such
debts by persuading its creditor banks to accept a debt write-off by offering
them a selection of options, each of which represented an attractive substitute
for the nonperforming debt. Although it was envisioned that each debtor country
would agree to a unique package of options with its creditor banks, the plan was
that these options would be based upon the following: (i) a discount bond
carrying a market rate of interest (whether fixed or floating), with principal
collateralized by the debtor country with cash or securities in an amount
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equal to at least one year of rolling interest; (ii) a par bond carrying a low
rate of interest (whether fixed or floating), collateralized in the same way as
in (i) above; and (iii) retention of existing debt (thereby avoiding a debt
write-off) coupled with an advance of new money or subscription of new bonds.
Brady Plan debt restructurings totalling approximately $73 billion have
been implemented to date in Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nigeria, the
Philippines, Uruguay and Venezuela, with the largest proportion of Brady Bonds
having been issued to date by Mexico and Venezuela. Brazil has announced plans
to issue Brady Bonds aggregating approximately $35 billion, based on current
estimates. There can be no assurance that the circumstances regarding the
issuance of Brady Bonds by these countries will not change.
Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed rate
par bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full
as to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations which
have the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady
Bonds generally are collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in
the case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest
payments or, in the case of floating rate bonds, initially is equal to at least
one year's rolling interest payments based on the applicable interest rate at
the time and is adjusted at regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds
are entitled to "value recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in
effect constitute supplemental interest payments but generally are not
collateralized. Brady Bonds are often viewed as having three or four valuation
components: (i) the collateralized repayment of principal at final maturity,
(ii) the collateralized interest payments, (iii) the uncollateralized payments,
and (iv) any uncollateralized repayment of principal at maturity (these
uncollateralized amounts constitute the "residual risk"). In the event of a
default with respect to collateralized Brady Bonds as a result of which the
payment obligations of the issuer are accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon
obligations held as collateral for the payment of principal will not be
distributed to investors, nor will such obligations be sold and the proceeds
distributed. The collateral will be held by the collateral agent to the
scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds, which will continue to be
outstanding, at which time the face amount of the collateral will equal the
principal payments which would have then been due on the Brady Bonds in the
normal course.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE-RELATED SECURITIES
FOREIGN CURRENCY WARRANTS. Foreign currency warrants such as Currency
Exchange Warrants SM ("CEWs"SM) are warrants which entitle the holder to receive
from their issuer an amount of cash (generally, for warrants issued in the
United States, in U.S. dollars) which is calculated pursuant to a predetermined
formula and based on the exchange rate between a specified foreign currency and
the U.S. dollar as of the exercise date of the warrant. Foreign currency
warrants generally are exercisable upon their issuance and expire as of a
specified date and time. Foreign currency warrants have been issued in
connection with U.S. dollar-denominated debt offerings by major corporate
issuers in an attempt to reduce the foreign currency exchange risk which, from
the point of view of prospective purchasers of the securities, is inherent in
the international fixed-income marketplace. Foreign currency warrants may
attempt to reduce the foreign exchange risk assumed by purchasers of a security
by, for example, providing for a supplemental payment in the event that the U.S.
dollar depreciates against the value of a major foreign currency such as the
Japanese yen or German deutsche mark. The formula used to determine the amount
payable upon exercise of a foreign currency warrant may make the warrant
worthless unless the applicable foreign currency exchange rate moves in a
particular direction (E.G., unless the U.S. dollar appreciates or depreciates
against the particular foreign currency to which the warrant is linked or
indexed). Foreign currency warrants are severable from the debt obligations with
which they may be offered and may be listed on exchanges. Foreign
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currency warrants may be exercisable only in certain minimum amounts, and an
investor wishing to exercise warrants who possesses less than the minimum number
required for exercise may be required to either sell the warrants or to purchase
additional warrants, thereby incurring additional transaction costs. In the case
of any exercise of warrants, there may be a time delay between the time a holder
of warrants gives instructions to exercise and the time the exchange rate
relating to exercise is determined, during which time the exchange rate could
change significantly, thereby affecting both the market and cash settlement
values of the warrants being exercised. The expiration date of the warrants may
be accelerated if the warrants should be delisted from an exchange or if their
trading should be suspended permanently, which would result in the loss of any
remaining "time value" of the warrants (I.E., the difference between the current
market value and the exercise value of the warrants) and, in the case the
warrants were "out-of-the-money," in a total loss of the purchase price of the
warrants. Warrants are generally unaccrued obligations of their issuers and are
not standardized foreign currency options issued by the Options Clearing
Corporation (the "OCC"). Unlike foreign currency options issued by the OCC, the
terms of foreign exchange warrants generally will not be amended in the event of
governmental or regulatory actions affecting exchange rates or in the event of
the imposition of other regulatory controls affecting the international currency
markets. The initial public offering price of foreign currency warrants is
generally considerably in excess of the price that a commercial user of foreign
currencies might pay in the interbank market for a comparable option involving
significantly larger amounts of foreign currencies. Foreign currency warrants
are subject to complex political or economic factors.
PRINCIPAL EXCHANGE RATE LINKED SECURITIES. Principal exchange rate
linked securities ("PERLs"SM) are debt obligations the principal on which is
payable at maturity in an amount that may vary based on the exchange rate
between the U.S. dollar and a particular foreign currency at or about that time.
The return on "standard" PERLS is enhanced if the foreign currency to which the
security is linked appreciates against the U.S. dollar, and is adversely
affected by increases in the foreign exchange value of the U.S. dollar;
"reverse" PERLS are like the "standard" securities, except that their return is
enhanced by increases in the value of the U.S. dollar and adversely impacted by
increases in the value of foreign currency. Interest payments on the securities
are generally made in U.S. dollars at rates that reflect the degree of foreign
currency risk assumed or given up by the purchaser of the notes (I.E., at
relatively higher interest rates if the purchaser has assumed some of the
foreign exchange risk, or relatively lower interest rates if the issuer has
assumed some of the foreign exchange risk, based on the expectations of the
current market). PERLS may in limited cases be subject to acceleration of
maturity (generally, not without the consent of the holders of the securities),
which may have an adverse impact on the value of the principal payment to be
made at maturity.
PERFORMANCE INDEXED PAPER. Performance indexed paper ("PIPs"SM) is U.S.
dollar-denominated commercial paper the yield of which is linked to certain
foreign exchange rate movements. The yield to the investor on PIPs is
established at maturity as a function of the spot exchange rates between the
U.S. dollar and a designated currency as of or about that time (generally, the
index maturity two days prior to maturity). The yield to the investor will be
within a range stipulated at the time of purchase of the obligation, generally
with a guaranteed minimum rate of return that is below, and a potential maximum
rate of return that is above, market yields on U.S. dollar-denominated
commercial paper, with both the minimum and maximum rates of return on the
investment corresponding to the minimum and maximum values of the spot exchange
rate two business days prior to maturity. The Portfolio has no current intention
of investing in CEWsSM, PERLsSM or PIPsSM.
SOVEREIGN AND SUPRANATIONAL DEBT OBLIGATIONS
Debt instruments issued or guaranteed by foreign governments, agencies,
and supranational organizations ("sovereign debt obligations"), especially
sovereign debt obligations of developing countries, may involve a high degree of
risk, and may be in default or present the risk of default. The issuer of the
obligation or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the
debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal and interest
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when due, and may require renegotiation or rescheduling of debt payments. In
addition, prospects for repayment of principal and interest may depend on
political as well as economic factors.
MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLL TRANSACTIONS
The Portfolio may engage in dollar roll transactions with respect to
mortgage securities issued by the Government National Mortgage Association, the
Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation. In a dollar roll transaction, the Portfolio sells a mortgage-backed
security and simultaneously agrees to repurchase a similar security on a
specified future date at an agreed upon price. During the roll period, the
Portfolio will not be entitled to receive any interest or principal paid on the
securities sold. The Portfolio is compensated for the lost interest on the
securities sold by the difference between the sales price and the lower price
for the future repurchase as well as by the interest earned on the reinvestment
of the sales proceeds. The Portfolio may also be compensated by receipt of a
commitment fee. When the Portfolio enters into a mortgage dollar roll
transaction, liquid assets in an amount sufficient to pay for the future
repurchase are segregated with the Portfolio's custodian. Mortgage dollar roll
transactions are considered reverse repurchase agreements for purposes of the
Portfolio's investment restrictions.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
The Sub-Adviser's investment strategy for achieving the Portfolio's
investment objective has two basic components: maturity and duration management
and value investing.
MATURITY AND DURATION MANAGEMENT. Maturity and duration management
decisions are made in the context of an intermediate maturity orientation. The
maturity structure of the Portfolio is adjusted in anticipation of cyclical
interest rate changes. Such adjustments are not made in an effort to capture
short-term, day-to-day movements in the market, but instead are implemented in
anticipation of longer term, secular shifts in the levels of interest rates
(I.E., shifts transcending and/or not inherent to the business cycle).
Adjustments made to shorten portfolio maturity and duration are made to limit
capital losses during periods when interest rates are expected to rise.
Conversely, adjustments made to lengthen maturity are intended to produce
capital appreciation in periods when interest rates are expected to fall. The
foundation for the Sub-Adviser's maturity and duration strategy lies in analysis
of the U.S. and global economies, focusing on levels of real interest rates,
monetary and fiscal policy actions, and cyclical indicators.
VALUE INVESTING. The second component of the Sub-Adviser's investment
strategy for the Portfolio is value investing, whereby the Sub-Adviser seeks to
identify undervalued sectors and securities through analysis of credit quality,
option characteristics and liquidity. Quantitative models are used in
conjunction with judgment and experience to evaluate and select securities with
embedded put or call options which are attractive on a risk- and option-adjusted
basis. Successful value investing will permit the portfolio to benefit from the
price appreciation of individual securities during periods when interest rates
are unchanged.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each of the Portfolio Trust (with respect to the Portfolio) and the
Trust (with respect to the Fund) has adopted the following investment
restrictions which may not be changed without approval by holders of a "majority
of the outstanding voting securities" of the Portfolio or Fund, which as used in
this Statement of Additional Information means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67%
or more of the outstanding "voting securities" of the Fund present at a meeting,
if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding "voting securities" are
present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding
"voting securities". The term
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"voting securities" as used in this paragraph has the same meaning as in the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio (Fund) will not
(except that none of the following investment restrictions shall prevent the
Trust from investing all of the Fund's Assets in a separate registered
investment company with substantially the same investment objectives):
(1) invest in physical commodities or contracts on physical
commodities;
(2) purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase and
sell securities of companies which deal in real estate, other
than real estate limited partnerships, and may purchase and
sell marketable securities which are secured by interests in
real estate;
(3) make loans except: (i) by purchasing debt securities in
accordance with its investment objective and policies, or
entering into repurchase agreements, and (ii) by lending
its portfolio securities;
(4) with respect to 75% of its assets, purchase a security if, as
a result, it would hold more than 10% (taken at the time of
such investment) of the outstanding voting securities of any
issuer;
(5) with respect to 75% of its assets, purchase securities of any
issuer if, as the result, more than 5% of the Portfolio's
(Fund's) total assets, taken at market value at the time of
such investment, would be invested in the securities of such
issuer, except that this restriction does not apply to
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities;
(6) underwrite the securities of other issuers (except to the
extent that the Portfolio (Fund) may be deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of the 1933 Act in the
disposition of restricted securities);
(7) acquire any securities of companies within one industry if as
a result of such acquisition, more than 25% of the value of
the Portfolio's (Fund's) total assets would be invested in
securities of companies within such industry; provided,
however, that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, when the Portfolio (Fund)
adopts a temporary defensive position; and provided further
that mortgage-backed securities shall not be considered a
single industry for the purposes of this investment
restriction;
(8) borrow money (including from a bank or through reverse
repurchase agreements or forward dollar roll transactions
involving mortgage-backed securities or similar investment
techniques entered into for leveraging purposes), except that
the Portfolio (Fund) may borrow as a temporary measure to
satisfy redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, provided that the Portfolio (Fund) maintains asset
coverage of at least 300% for all such borrowings;
(9) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940
Act.
Each of the Portfolio and the Fund is also subject to the following
restrictions which may be changed by their respective Boards of Trustees without
investor approval (except that none of the following investment policies shall
prevent the Trust from investing all of the Assets of the Fund in a separate
registered investment company with substantially the same investment
objectives).
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<PAGE>
As a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Portfolio (Fund) will not:
(a) borrow money (including from a bank or through reverse
repurchase agreements or forward dollar roll transactions
involving mortgage-backed securities or similar investment
techniques entered into for leveraging purposes), except that
the Portfolio (Fund) may borrow for temporary or emergency
purposes up to 10% of its net assets; provided, however, that
the Portfolio (Fund) may not purchase any security while
outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of net assets;
(b) invest in futures and/or options on futures to the extent that
its outstanding obligations to purchase securities under any
future contracts in combination with its outstanding
obligations with respect to options transactions would exceed
35% of its total assets;
(c) invest in warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, in
excess of 5% of the value of its total assets (included within
that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the value of the
Portfolio's (Fund's) net assets, may be warrants that are not
listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock
Exchange or an exchange with comparable listing requirements;
warrants attached to securities are not subject to this
limitation);
(d) purchase on margin, except for use of short-term credit as may
be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
securities, but it may make margin deposits in connection with
transactions in options, futures, and options on futures; or
sell short unless, by virtue of its ownership of other
securities, it has the right to obtain securities equivalent
in kind and amount to the securities sold and, if the right is
conditional, the sale is made upon the same conditions
(transactions in futures contracts and options are not deemed
to constitute selling securities short);
(e) purchase or retain securities of an issuer if those officers
and Trustees of the Portfolio (Fund) or the Manager or
Sub-Adviser owning more than 1/2 of 1% of such securities
together own more than 5% of such securities;
(f) pledge, mortgage or hypothecate any of its assets to an extent
greater than one-third of its total assets at fair market
value;
(g) invest more than an aggregate of 15% of the net assets of the
Portfolio (Fund), determined at the time of investment, in
securities that are illiquid because their disposition is
restricted under the federal securities laws or securities for
which there is no readily available market; provided, however
that this policy does not limit the acquisition of (i)
securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on
resale but have a readily available market or (ii) securities
that are not registered under the 1933 Act, but which can be
sold to qualified institutional investors in accordance with
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and which are deemed to be liquid
pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees
("Restricted Securities").
(h) invest more than 10% of its assets in Restricted Securities
(including Rule 144A Securities);
(i) invest for the purpose of exercising control over management
of any company;
(j) invest its assets in securities of any investment company,
except by purchase in the open market involving only customary
brokers' commissions or in connection with mergers,
acquisitions of assets or consolidations and except as may
otherwise be permitted by the 1940 Act; provided, however,
that the Portfolio shall not invest in the shares of any
open-end investment company unless (1) the Portfolio's
Sub-Adviser waives any investment advisory fees with respect
to such assets and (2) the Portfolio pays no sales charge in
connection with the investment;
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<PAGE>
(k) invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of
issuers (other than securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. or
foreign government or political subdivisions thereof) which
have (with predecessors) a record of less than three years'
continuous operations;
(l) write or acquire options or interests in oil, gas or other
mineral explorations or development programs or leases.
PERCENTAGE AND RATING RESTRICTIONS
If a percentage restriction or a rating restriction on investment or
utilization of assets set forth above or referred to in the Prospectus is
adhered to at the time an investment is made or assets are so utilized, a later
change in percentage resulting from changes in the value of the securities held
by the Portfolio or a later change in the rating of a security held by the
Portfolio is not considered a violation of policy; however, the Sub-Adviser will
consider such change in its determination of whether to hold the security.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Sub-Adviser is primarily responsible for portfolio decisions and
the placing of portfolio transactions. In placing orders for the Portfolio, the
primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at
the most favorable price, although the Portfolio does not necessarily pay the
lowest spread or commission available. Other factors taken into consideration
are the dealer's general execution and operational facilities, the type of
transaction involved and other factors such as the dealer's risk in positioning
the securities. To the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements, the
Sub-Adviser may place orders for the purchase and sale of the Portfolio's
investments with Republic New York Securities Corporation, an affiliate of the
Manager.
Because the Portfolio invests primarily in fixed-income securities, it
is anticipated that most purchases and sales will be with the issuer or with
underwriters of or dealers in those securities, acting as principal.
Accordingly, the Portfolio would not ordinarily pay significant brokerage
commissions with respect to securities transactions.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Trust may, from time to time, include the total return for the
Fund, computed in accordance with formulas prescribed by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in advertisements or reports to shareholders or
prospective investors.
Quotations of average annual total return for the Fund will be
expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return of a
hypothetical investment in the Fund over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years (up to the
life of the Fund), calculated pursuant to the following formula: P (1 + T)n =
ERV (where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual
total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of
a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total
return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of Fund expenses on
an annual basis, and assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested
when paid. The Fund also may, with respect to certain periods of less than one
year, provide total return information for that period that is unannualized. Any
such information would be accompanied by standardized total return information.
Historical performance information for any period or portion thereof
prior to the establishment of the Fund will be that of the Portfolio, adjusted
to assume that all charges, expenses and fees of the Fund and the Portfolio
which are presently in effect were deducted during such periods, as permitted by
applicable SEC staff interpretations. The table that follows sets forth
historical return information for the periods indicated:
Average Annual Total Return -- January 9, 1995 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1995: ____%.
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<PAGE>
Performance information for the Fund may also be compared to various
unmanaged indices, described below. Unmanaged indices (I.E., other than Lipper)
generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and management costs and
expenses. Comparative information may be compiled or provided by independent
ratings services or by news organizations. Any performance information should be
considered in light of the Fund's investment objective and policies,
characteristics and quality of the Fund, and the market conditions during the
given time period, and should not be considered to be representative of what may
be achieved in the future.
The Fund may from time to time use one or more of the following
unmanaged indices for performance comparison purposes:
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX
The Consumer Price Index is published by the U.S. Department of Labor
and is a measure of inflation.
LEHMAN BROTHERS GOVERNMENT/CORPORATE INDEX
The Lehman Brothers Government/Corporate Index is a combination of the
Government and Corporate Bond Indices. The Government Index includes public
obligations of the U.S. Treasury, issues of government agencies, and corporate
debt backed by the U.S. Government. The Corporate Bond Index includes fixed-rate
nonconvertible corporate debt. Also included are Yankee Bonds and nonconvertible
debt issued by or guaranteed by foreign or international governments and
agencies. All issues are investment grade (BBB) or higher, with maturities of at
least one year and an outstanding par value of at least $100 million for U.S.
Government issues and $25 million for others. Any security downgraded during the
month is held in the index until month-end and then removed. All returns are
market value weighted inclusive of accrued income.
SALOMON BOND INDEX
The Salomon Bond Index, also known as the Broad Investment Grade (BIG)
Index, is a fixed income market capitalization-weighted index, including U.S.
Treasury, agency, mortgage and investment grade (BBB or better) corporate
securities with maturities of one year or longer and with amounts outstanding of
at least $25 million. The government index includes traditional agencies; the
mortgage index includes agency pass-throughs and FHA and GNMA project loans; the
corporate index includes returns for 17 industry sub-sectors. Securities
excluded from the Broad Index are floating/variable rate bonds, private
placements, and derivatives (E.G., U.S. Treasury zeros, CMOs, mortgage strips).
Every issue is trader-priced at month-end and the index is published monthly.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO TRUST
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The principal occupations of the Trustees and executive officers of the
Trust for the past five years are listed below. Asterisks indicate that those
Trustees and officers are "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
the Trust and the Portfolio Trust. The address of each, unless otherwise
indicated, is 6 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
FREDERICK C. CHEN, TRUSTEE
126 Butternut Hollow Road, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 - Management
Consultant.
ALAN S. PARSOW*, TRUSTEE
2222 Skyline Drive, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 - General Partner of Parsow
Partnership, Ltd. (investments).
LARRY M. ROBBINS, TRUSTEE
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<PAGE>
Wharton Communication Program, University of Pennsylvania, 336
Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 -
Director of the Wharton Communication Program and Adjunct Professor of
Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
MICHAEL SEELY, TRUSTEE
405 Lexington Avenue, Suite 909, New York, New York 10174 - President
of Investor Access Corporation (investor relations consulting firm).
PHILIP W. COOLIDGE*, PRESIDENT
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Signature Financial
Group, Inc. ("SFG"); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,
SBDS (since April, 1989), Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Signature (since May, 1993); Director, Chairman and President,
Signature (Cayman) (since March, 1992).
JOHN R. ELDER*, TREASURER
Vice President, SFG (since April, 1995); Treasurer, Phoenix Family of
Mutual Funds (prior to April, 1995).
LINDA T. GIBSON*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Legal Counsel and Assistant Secretary, SFG (since June, 1991);
Assistant Secretary, SBDS (since October, 1992); Assistant Secretary,
Signature (since March, 1993); law student, Boston University School of
Law (prior to May, 1992).
JAMES E. HOOLAHAN*, VICE PRESIDENT
Senior Vice President, SFG (since December, 1989).
SUSAN JAKUBOSKI*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT TREASURER
P.O. Box 2494, Elizabethan Square, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman
Islands, B.W.I. - Manager and Senior Fund Administrator, SFG and
Signature (Cayman) (since August, 1994); Assistant Treasurer, SBDS
(since September, 1994); Fund Compliance Administrator, Concord
Financial Group, Inc. (from November, 1990 to August, 1994).
THOMAS M. LENZ*, SECRETARY
Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, SFG (since
November, 1989); Assistant Secretary, SBDS (since February, 1991);
Assistant Secretary, Signature (since March, 1993).
MOLLY S. MUGLER*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Legal Counsel and Assistant Secretary, SFG; Assistant Secretary, SBDS
(since April, 1989); Assistant Secretary, Signature (since March,
1993).
BARBARA M. O'DETTE*, ASSISTANT TREASURER
Assistant Treasurer, SFG; Assistant Treasurer, SBDS (since April,
1989); Assistant Treasurer, Signature (since March, 1993).
ANDRES E. SALDANA*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Legal Counsel and Assistant Secretary, SFG (since November, 1992);
Assistant Secretary, SBDS (since September, 1993); Assistant Secretary,
Signature (since March, 1993); Attorney, Ropes & Gray (September, 1990
to November, 1992).
Messrs. Coolidge, Elder, Lenz and Saldana and Mss. Gibson, Jakuboski,
Mugler and O'Dette are also Trustees and/or officers of certain other investment
companies of which SBDS or an affiliate is the administrator.
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<PAGE>
COMPENSATION TABLE
Pension or
Retirement Total
Benefits Estimated Compensation
Aggregate Accrued as Annual From Fund
Name of Compensation Part of Fund Benefits Upon Complex** Paid
Trustee from Trust* Expenses Retirement to Trustees
- ------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
Frederick C. Chen $1,950 none none $8,600
Alan S. Parsow $1,950 none none $8,600
Larry M. Robbins $1,950 none none $8,600
Michael Seely $1,950 none none $8,600
*Estimated for fiscal year ending October 31, 1996. The Trustees who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, Republic Funds
(another investor in the Portfolio Trust) and the Portfolio Trust will receive
an annual retainer of $3,600 and a fee of $1,000 for each meeting of the Board
of Trustees or committee thereof attended.
**The Fund Complex consists of the Trust, Republic Funds and the Portfolio
Trust. Total compensation reflects an estimate of the fees to be received by the
Trustees from the Trust, Republic Funds and the Portfolio Trust for the fiscal
year ending October 31, 1996.
As of June 21, 1996, the Trustees and officers of the Trust and the
Portfolio Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund. As of the same date, there were no outstanding shares of the Fund.
The Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that it will indemnify its
Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection
with litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the
Trust, unless, as to liability to the Trust or its shareholders, it is finally
adjudicated that they engaged in wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of the duties involved in their offices, or unless with
respect to any other matter it is finally adjudicated that they did not act in
good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best
interests of the Trust. In the case of settlement, such indemnification will not
be provided unless it has been determined by a court or other body approving the
settlement or other disposition, or by a reasonable determination, based upon a
review of readily available facts, by vote of a majority of disinterested
Trustees or in a written opinion of independent counsel, that such officers or
Trustees have not engaged in wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of their duties.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Republic is the investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an
investment management agreement (the "Investment Management Contract") with the
Portfolio Trust. For its services, the Manager is paid a fee by the Portfolio,
computed daily, equal on an annual basis to 0.20% of the Portfolio's average
daily net assets.
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<PAGE>
The Investment Management Contract will continue in effect with respect
to the Portfolio, provided such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by
the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio
or by the Portfolio Trust's Board of Trustees, and (ii) by a majority of the
Trustees of the Portfolio Trust who are not parties to the Investment Management
Contract or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party.
The Investment Management Contract may be terminated with respect to the
Portfolio without penalty by either party on 60 days' written notice and will
terminate automatically if assigned.
Republic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic New York Corporation,
a registered bank holding company. No securities or instruments issued by
Republic New York Corporation or Republic will be purchased for the Portfolio.
Republic complies with applicable laws and regulations, including the
regulations and rulings of the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency relating to
fiduciary powers of national banks. These regulations provide, in general, that
assets managed by a national bank as fiduciary shall not be invested in stock or
obligations of, or property acquired from, the bank, its affiliates or their
directors, officers or employees or other persons with substantial connections
with the bank. The regulations further provide that fiduciary assets shall not
be sold or transferred, by loan or otherwise, to the bank or persons connected
with the bank as described above. Republic, in accordance with federal banking
laws, may not purchase for its own account securities of any investment company
the investment adviser of which it controls, extend credit to any such
investment company, or accept the securities of any such investment company as
collateral for a loan to purchase such securities. Moreover, Republic, its
officers and employees do not express any opinion with respect to the
advisability of any purchase of such securities.
The investment advisory services of Republic to the Portfolio are not
exclusive under the terms of the Investment Management Contract. Republic is
free to and does render investment advisory services to others.
SUB-ADVISER
MAS, as the Portfolio's Sub-Adviser, is responsible for the investment
management of the Portfolio's assets, including making investment decisions and
placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the Portfolio
directly with the issuers or with brokers or dealers selected by MAS or Republic
in its discretion. See "Portfolio Transactions." MAS also furnishes to the Board
of Trustees of the Portfolio Trust, which has overall responsibility for the
business and affairs of the Portfolio Trust, periodic reports on the investment
performance of the Portfolio.
For its services, MAS receives from the Portfolio a fee, computed daily
and based on the Portfolio's average daily net assets, equal on an annual basis
to 0.375% on net assets up to $50 million, 0.25% on net assets over $50 million
and up to $95 million, $300,000 on net assets over $95 million and up to $150
million, 0.20% on net assets over $150 million and up to $250 million, and 0.15%
on net assets over $250 million. For the period from January 9, 1995 (Portfolio
commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995, sub-advisory fees aggregated
$53,963.
The investment advisory services of MAS to the Portfolio are not
exclusive under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. MAS is free to and does
render investment advisory services to others.
ADMINISTRATOR AND PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Each Administrative Services Agreement is terminable with respect to
the Fund or the Portfolio, as the case may be, without penalty at any time by
vote of a majority of the respective Trustees, or by the respective
Administrator, upon not less than 60 days' written notice to the Fund or the
Portfolio, as the case may be. Each Agreement provides that neither the
respective Administrator nor its personnel shall be liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the administration of
the Fund or the Portfolio, as the case may be, except for willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross
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<PAGE>
negligence in the performance of its or their duties or by reason of reckless
disregard of its or their obligations and duties under the respective
Administrative Services Agreement. The minimum annual administrative services
fees paid by the Fund shall be $25,000. For the period from January 9, 1995
(Portfolio commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995, the Portfolio
accrued administrative services fees of $7,195.
FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT
Pursuant to respective fund accounting agreements, Signature serves as
fund accounting agent to each of the Fund and the Portfolio. For its services to
the Fund, Signature receives from the Fund fees payable monthly equal on an
annual basis to $12,000. For its services to the Portfolio, Signature receives
fees payable monthly equal on an annual basis to $40,000. For the period from
January 9, 1995 (Portfolio commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995,
Signature's fees for these services aggregated $32,438, of which $10,115 was
waived.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Investors Bank & Trust Company ("IBT") serves as custodian and transfer
agent for each of the Fund and the Portfolio pursuant to Custodian Agreements
and Transfer Agency Agreements, respectively. The Custodian may use the services
of sub-custodians with respect to the Portfolio.
EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Certain of the states in which Shares are expected to be qualified for
sale impose limitations on the expenses of the Fund. The effective limitation on
an annual basis with respect to the Fund is expected to be 2.5% on the first $30
million of the Fund's net assets, 2.0% on the next $70 million of such assets,
and 1.5% on any excess above $100 million. Trust expenses directly related to
the Fund are charged to the Fund; other expenses are allocated proportionally
among all of the portfolios of the Trust in relation to the net asset value of
the portfolios.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of each of the Shares is determined on each day on
which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading. As of the date
of this Statement of Additional Information, the NYSE is open every weekday
except for the days on which the following holidays are observed: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Bonds and other fixed income securities listed on a foreign exchange
are valued at the latest quoted sales price available before the time when
assets are valued. For purposes of determining the Portfolio's net asset value,
all assets and liabilities initially expressed in foreign currencies will be
converted into U.S. dollars at the bid price of such currencies against U.S.
dollars last quoted by any major bank.
Bonds and other fixed-income securities which are traded
over-the-counter and on a stock exchange will be valued according to the
broadest and most representative market, and it is expected that for bonds and
other fixed-income securities this ordinarily will be the over-the-counter
market. Bonds and other fixed income securities (other than short-term
obligations but including listed issues) in the Portfolio's portfolio may be
valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service, use of which
has been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio Trust. In making
such valuations, the pricing service utilizes both dealer-supplied valuations
and electronic data processing techniques which take into account appropriate
factors such as institutional-size trading in similar groups of securities,
yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics
and other market data, without exclusive reliance upon quoted prices or exchange
or over-the-counter prices, since such valuations are believed to reflect more
accurately the fair value of such securities. Short-term obligations are valued
at
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<PAGE>
amortized cost, which constitutes fair value as determined by the Board of
Trustees of the Portfolio Trust. Futures contracts are normally valued at the
settlement price on the exchange on which they are traded. Portfolio securities
(other than short-term obligations) for which there are no such valuations are
valued at fair value as determined in good faith under the direction of the
Board of Trustees of the Portfolio Trust.
Interest income on long-term obligations in the Portfolio's portfolio
is determined on the basis of interest accrued plus amortization of "original
issue discount" (generally, the difference between issue price and stated
redemption price at maturity) and premiums (generally, the excess of purchase
price over stated redemption price at maturity). Interest income on short-term
obligations is determined on the basis of interest accrued plus amortization of
premium.
Subject to the Trust's compliance with applicable regulations, the
Trust on behalf of the Fund and the Portfolio have reserved the right to pay the
redemption or repurchase price of shares of the Fund, either totally or
partially, by a distribution in kind of portfolio securities from the Portfolio
(instead of cash). The securities so distributed would be valued at the same
amount as that assigned to them in calculating the net asset value for the
shares being sold. If a shareholder received a distribution in kind, the
shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities
to cash. The Trust will redeem Fund shares in kind only if it has received a
redemption in kind from the Portfolio and therefore shareholders of the Fund
that receive redemptions in kind will receive securities of the Portfolio. The
Portfolio has advised the Trust that the Portfolio will not redeem in kind
except in circumstances in which the Fund is permitted to redeem in kind.
TAXATION
Each year, to qualify as a separate "regulated investment company"
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), at least 90%
of the Fund's investment company taxable income (which includes, among other
items, interest, dividends and the excess of net short-term capital gains over
net long-term capital losses) must be distributed to Fund shareholders and the
Fund must meet certain diversification of assets, source of income, and other
requirements. If the Fund does not so qualify, it will be taxed as an ordinary
corporation.
The Fund intends to apply to the Internal Revenue Service for rulings
including, among others, rulings to the effect that, (1) the Portfolio will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as a partnership and (2) for purposes of
determining whether the Fund satisfies the income and diversification
requirements to maintain its status as a RIC, the Fund, as an investor in its
corresponding Portfolio, will be deemed to own a proportionate share of the
Portfolio's income attributable to that share. While the IRS has issued
substantially similar rulings in the past and SBDS anticipates that the Fund
will receive the rulings it seeks, the IRS has complete discretion in granting
rulings and complete assurance cannot be given that such rulings will be
obtained. The Portfolio has advised its corresponding Fund that it intends to
conduct its operations so as to enable its investors, including the Fund, to
satisfy those requirements.
Amounts not distributed by the Fund on a timely basis in accordance
with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4%
excise tax. To prevent imposition of the excise tax, for each calendar year an
amount must be distributed equal to the sum of (1) at least 98% of the Fund's
ordinary income (excluding any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year,
(2) at least 98% of the excess of the Fund's capital gain net income for the
12-month period ending, as a general rule, on October 31 of the calendar year,
and (3) all such ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were
not distributed during such years.
Distributions by the Fund reduce the net asset value of the Fund
shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a shareholder's
cost basis, the distribution nevertheless would be taxable to the shareholder as
ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though, from an
investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should be careful to consider the tax implication of
buying shares just prior to a distribution by the Fund. The price
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<PAGE>
of shares purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming
distribution, but the distribution will generally be taxable to them.
If the Portfolio is the holder of record of any stock on the record
date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends are
included in the Portfolio's gross income not as of the date received but as of
the later of (a) the date such stock became ex-dividend with respect to such
dividends (I.E., the date on which a buyer of the stock would not be entitled to
receive the declared, but unpaid, dividends) or (b) the date the Portfolio
acquired such stock. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution
requirements, the Fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated
earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would
otherwise be the case.
Some of the debt securities that may be acquired by the Portfolio may
be treated as debt securities that are originally issued at a discount. Original
issue discount can generally be defined as the difference between the price at
which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at maturity.
Although no cash income is actually received by the Portfolio, original issue
discount on a taxable debt security earned in a given year generally is treated
for federal income tax purposes as interest and, therefore, such income would be
subject to the distribution requirements of the Code.
Some of the debt securities may be purchased by the Portfolio at a
discount which exceeds the original issue discount on such debt securities, if
any. This additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax
purposes. Generally, the gain realized on the disposition of any debt security
acquired by the Portfolio will be treated as ordinary income to the extent it
does not exceed the accrued market discount on such debt security.
Under certain circumstances, the Fund may be taxed on income deemed to
be earned from certain CMO residuals.
OPTIONS, FUTURES, FORWARD CONTRACTS AND SWAP CONTRACTS
Some of the options, futures contracts, forward contracts and swap
contracts entered into by the Portfolio may be "Section 1256 contracts." Section
1256 contracts held by the Portfolio at the end of its taxable year (and, for
purposes of the 4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the
Code) are "marked-to-market" with unrealized gains or losses being treated as
though they were realized. Any gains or losses, including "marked-to-market"
gains or losses, on Section 1256 contracts are generally 60% long-term and 40%
short-term capital gains or losses ("60/40") although all foreign currency gains
and losses from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character absent a
special election.
Generally, hedging transactions and certain other transactions in
options, futures, forward contracts and swap contracts undertaken by the
Portfolio may result in "straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The
straddle rules may affect the character of gain or loss realized by the
Portfolio. In addition, losses realized by the Portfolio on positions that are
part of a straddle may be deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being
taken into account in calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in
which such losses are realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the
straddle rules have been promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in
options, futures, forward contracts and swap contracts to the Portfolio are not
entirely clear. The transactions may increase the amount of short-term capital
gain realized by the Portfolio. Short-term gain is taxed as ordinary income when
distributed to Fund shareholders.
The Portfolio may make one or more of the elections available under the
Code which are applicable to straddles. If the Portfolio makes any of the
elections, the amount, character and timing of the recognition of gains or
losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that
vary according to the elections made. The rules applicable under certain of the
elections operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the
affected straddle positions.
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<PAGE>
Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of
gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or
losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be
distributed to Fund shareholders, and which will be taxed to Fund shareholders
as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased
substantially as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging
transactions.
The 30% limit on gains from the disposition of certain options,
futures, forward contracts and swap contracts held less than three months, and
the qualifying income and diversification requirements applicable to the
Portfolio assets, may limit the extent to which the Portfolio will be able to
engage in these transactions.
Rules governing the tax aspects of swap contracts are in a developing
stage and are not entirely clear in certain respects. Accordingly, while the
Fund intends to account for such transactions in a manner deemed to be
appropriate, the Internal Revenue Service might not necessarily accept such
treatment. If it does not, the status of the Fund as a regulated investment
company might be affected. The Fund intends to monitor developments in this
area. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for the Fund
to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which the
Fund will be able to engage in swap agreements.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates that occur between the time the Portfolio accrues income or other
receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign
currency and the time the Portfolio actually collects such receivables or pays
such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, in
disposing of debt securities denominated in foreign currencies and certain other
foreign currency contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the
value of a foreign currency between the date the security or contract is
acquired and the date it is disposed of are also usually treated as ordinary
income or loss. Under Section 988 of the Code, these gains or losses may
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income
to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.
Earnings derived by the Portfolio from sources outside the U.S. may be
subject to non-U.S. withholding and possibly other taxes. Such taxes may be
reduced or eliminated under the terms of a U.S. income tax treaty and the
Portfolio would undertake any procedural steps required to claim the benefits of
such a treaty. With respect to any non-U.S. taxes actually paid by the
Portfolio, if more than 50% in value of the Portfolio's total assets at the
close of any taxable year consists of securities of foreign corporations, the
Fund will elect to treat its share of any non-U.S. income and similar taxes the
Portfolio pays as though the taxes were paid by the Fund's shareholders.
Upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund, a shareholder generally
will realize a taxable gain or loss depending upon his basis in the shares. Such
gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares are capital
assets in the shareholder's hands, and will be long-term if the shareholder's
holding period for the shares is more than one year and generally otherwise will
be short-term. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Fund shares will be
disallowed to the extent that the shares disposed of are replaced (including
replacement through reinvesting of dividends and capital gain distributions in
the Fund) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending 30 days
after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the shares
acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
The information above is only a summary of some of the tax
considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. The Portfolio, the Fund,
and the Fund's distributions may also be subject to state, local, foreign or
other taxes not discussed above. A prospective investor may wish to consult a
tax advisor to determine the suitability of an investment in the Fund based on
the prospective investor's tax situation.
- 19 -
<PAGE>
OTHER INFORMATION
CAPITALIZATION
The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust established under a
Declaration of Trust dated April 5, 1996.
The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001 each. The Board of
Trustees may establish additional series (with different investment objectives
and fundamental policies) at any time in the future. Establishment and offering
of additional series will not alter the rights of the Fund's shareholders. When
issued, shares are fully paid, nonassessable, redeemable and freely
transferable. Shares do not have preemptive rights or subscription rights. In
liquidation of the Fund, each shareholder is entitled to receive his pro rata
share of the net assets of the Fund.
VOTING RIGHTS
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required to hold
annual meetings of Fund shareholders to elect Trustees or for other purposes. It
is not anticipated that the Trust will hold shareholders' meetings unless
required by law or the Declaration of Trust. In this regard, the Trust will be
required to hold a meeting to elect Trustees to fill any existing vacancies on
the Board if, at any time, fewer than a majority of the Trustees have been
elected by the shareholders of the Trust. In addition, the Declaration of Trust
provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares
of the Trust may remove persons serving as Trustee either by declaration in
writing or at a meeting called for such purpose. The Trustees are required to
call a meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of persons serving as
Trustee if requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than 10% of
the outstanding shares of the Trust.
The Trust's shares do not have cumulative voting rights, so that the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares may elect the entire Board of
Trustees, in which case the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to
elect any Trustees.
Interests in the Portfolio have no preference, preemptive, conversion
or similar rights, and are fully paid and non-assessable. The Portfolio Trust is
not required to hold annual meetings of investors, but will hold special
meetings of investors when, in the judgment of the Portfolio Trust's Trustees,
it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for an investor vote. Each
investor is entitled to a vote in proportion to the share of its investment in
the Portfolio.
Except as described below, whenever the Trust is requested to vote on a
matter pertaining to the Portfolio, the Trust will hold a meeting of the Fund's
shareholders and will cast all of its votes on each matter at a meeting of
investors in the Portfolio proportionately as instructed by the Fund's
shareholders. However, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory
requirements, the Trust would not request a vote of the Fund's shareholders with
respect to any proposal relating to the Portfolio which proposal, if made with
respect to the Fund, would not require the vote of the shareholders of the Fund.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, Ernst & Young, One Capital
Place, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I., served as independent
auditors of the Portfolio.
The Board of Trustees has appointed KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as
independent accountants of the Trust and the Fund for the fiscal year ending
October 31, 1996. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP will audit the Trust's annual financial
statements, prepare the Trust's income tax returns, and assist in the
preparation of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP is 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The
Portfolio Trust has appointed KPMG Peat
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<PAGE>
Marwick as its independent accountants to audit the Portfolio's financial
statements for the fiscal year ending October 31, 1996.
COUNSEL
Dechert Price & Rhoads, 1500 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005,
passes upon certain legal matters in connection with the shares offered by the
Trust, and also acts as counsel to the Trust.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus do not
contain all the information included in the Trust's registration statement filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act with respect to
shares of the Fund, certain portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
registration statement, including the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined
at the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C.
Statements contained herein and in the Prospectus as to the contents of
any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in
each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document
which was filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Portfolio's current audited financial statements dated October 31,
1995 and unaudited semiannual financial statements dated April 30, 1996 are
hereby incorporated herein by reference from the annual and semiannual reports,
respectively, of the Portfolio as filed with the SEC. The audited financial
statements dated October 31, 1995 and the unaudited semiannual financial
statements dated April 30, 1996 for Republic Fixed Income Fund, a series of
Republic Funds (the "Predecessor Fund"), are hereby incorporated herein by
reference from the annual and semiannual reports, respectively, of the
Predecessor Fund as filed with the SEC. A copy of each such report will be
provided without charge to each person receiving this Statement of Additional
Information.
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RF048C
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
(800) 782-8183
Republic National Bank of New York - Investment Manager
("Republic" or the "Manager")
Capital Guardian Trust Company - Sub-Adviser
("CGTC" or the "Sub-Adviser")
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. -
Administrator of the Fund, Distributor and Sponsor
("SBDS" or the "Administrator of the Fund" or the "Distributor" or the
"Sponsor")
Signature Financial Group (Grand Cayman) Limited -
Administrator of the Portfolio
("Signature (Cayman)")
Signature Financial Services, Inc. -
Fund Accounting Agent
("Signature")
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Republic International Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a separate series of
Republic Advisor Funds Trust (the "Trust"), an open-end management investment
company which currently consists of three funds, each of which has different and
distinct investment objectives and policies. The Trust seeks to achieve the
Fund's investment objective by investing all of the Fund's investable assets
("Assets") in International Equity Portfolio (the "Portfolio"), which has the
same investment objective as the Fund. The Portfolio is a series of Republic
Portfolios (the "Portfolio Trust"), an open-end management investment company.
The Fund is described in this Statement of Additional Information.
Shares of the Fund are offered only to clients of Republic and its
affiliates for which Republic or its affiliates exercises investment discretion.
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A PROSPECTUS AND IS
ONLY AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION WHEN PRECEDED OR ACCOMPANIED BY THE PROSPECTUS
FOR THE FUND, DATED __________, 1996 (THE "PROSPECTUS"). This Statement of
Additional Information contains additional and more detailed information than
that set forth in the Prospectus and should be read in conjunction with the
Prospectus. The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information may be
obtained without charge by writing or calling the Fund at the address and
telephone number printed above.
__________, 1996
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS............................ 1
U.S. Government Securities........................................ 1
Convertible Securities............................................ 1
Repurchase Agreements............................................. 1
Investment Restrictions........................................... 2
Percentage and Rating Restrictions................................ 4
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS..................................................... 4
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.................................................... 5
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO TRUST............................ 6
Trustees and Officers............................................. 6
Investment Manager................................................ 8
Sub-Adviser....................................................... 8
Administrator and Portfolio Administrator......................... 10
Fund Accounting Agent............................................. 10
Custodian and Transfer Agent...................................... 10
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE........................................... 10
TAXATION .................................................................. 11
Options, Futures and Forward Contracts............................ 12
Swap Agreements................................................... 12
Investment in Passive Foreign Investment Companies................ 12
Disposition of Shares............................................. 13
OTHER INFORMATION.......................................................... 14
Capitalization.................................................... 14
Voting Rights..................................................... 14
Independent Auditors.............................................. 14
Counsel ......................................................... 15
Registration Statement............................................ 15
Financial Statements.............................................. 15
References in this Statement of Additional Information to the
"Prospectus" are to the Prospectus, dated , 1996, of the Fund by which shares of
the Fund are offered. Unless the context otherwise requires, terms defined in
the Prospectus have the same meaning in this Statement of Additional Information
as in the Prospectus.
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The following information supplements the discussion of the investment
objective and policies of the Portfolio discussed under the caption "Investment
Objective and Policies" in the Prospectus.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
For liquidity purposes and for temporary defensive purposes, the
Portfolio may invest in U.S. Government securities held directly or under
repurchase agreements. U.S. Government securities include bills, notes, and
bonds issued by the U.S. Treasury and securities issued or guaranteed by
agencies or instrumentalities of the U.S. Government.
Some U.S. Government securities are supported by the direct full faith
and credit pledge of the U.S. Government; others are supported by the right of
the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such as securities issued
by the Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA"), are supported by the
discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase the agencies'
obligations; and others are supported only by the credit of the issuing or
guaranteeing instrumentality. There is no assurance that the U.S. Government
will provide financial support to an instrumentality it sponsors when it is not
obligated by law to do so.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
The Portfolio may buy securities that are convertible into common
stock. The following is a brief description of the various types of convertible
securities in which the Portfolio may invest.
CONVERTIBLE BONDS are issued with lower coupons than non-convertible
bonds of the same quality and maturity, but they give holders the option to
exchange their bonds for a specific number of shares of the company's common
stock at a predetermined price. This structure allows the convertible bond
holder to participate in share price movements in the company's common stock.
The actual return on a convertible bond may exceed its stated yield if the
company's common stock appreciates in value, and the option to convert to common
shares becomes more valuable.
CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCKS are non-voting equity securities that pay
a fixed dividend. These securities have a convertible feature similar to
convertible bonds; however, they do not have a maturity date. Due to their
fixed-income features, convertible issues typically are more sensitive to
interest rate changes than the underlying common stock. In the event of
liquidation, bondholders would have claims on company assets senior to those of
stockholders; preferred stockholders would have claims senior to those of common
stockholders.
WARRANTS entitle the holder to buy the issuer's stock at a specific
price for a specific period of time. The price of a warrant tends to be more
volatile than, and does not always track, the price of its underlying stock.
Warrants are issued with expiration dates. Once a warrant expires, it has no
value in the market.
RIGHTS represent a privilege granted to existing shareholders of a
corporation to subscribe to shares of a new issue of common stock before it is
offered to the public.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Portfolio may invest in instruments subject to repurchase
agreements only with member banks of the Federal Reserve System or "primary
dealers" (as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York) in U.S.
Government securities. Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, an
underlying debt instrument would be acquired for a relatively short period
(usually not more than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to
repurchase the instrument at a fixed price and time, thereby determining the
yield during the Fund's holding period. This results in a fixed rate of return
insulated from market fluctuations during such period. A repurchase agreement is
subject to the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the
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<PAGE>
security. Repurchase agreements may be deemed to be loans under the 1940 Act.
All repurchase agreements entered into on behalf of the Fund are fully
collateralized at all times during the period of the agreement in that the value
of the underlying security is at least equal to the amount of the loan,
including accrued interest thereon, and the Portfolio or its custodian bank has
possession of the collateral, which the Portfolio Trust's Board of Trustees
believes gives the Portfolio a valid, perfected security interest in the
collateral. Whether a repurchase agreement is the purchase and sale of a
security or a collateralized loan has not been definitively established. This
could become an issue in the event of the bankruptcy of the other party to the
transaction. In the event of default by the seller under a repurchase agreement
construed to be a collateralized loan, the underlying securities are not owned
by the Portfolio but only constitute collateral for the seller's obligation to
pay the repurchase price. Therefore, the Portfolio may suffer time delays and
incur costs in connection with the disposition of the collateral. The Board of
Trustees of the Portfolio Trust believes that the collateral underlying
repurchase agreements may be more susceptible to claims of the seller's
creditors than would be the case with securities owned by the Portfolio. The
Portfolio will not invest in a repurchase agreement maturing in more than seven
days if any such investment together with illiquid securities held for the
Portfolio exceed 15% of the Portfolio's net assets.
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
Each of the Portfolio Trust (with respect to the Portfolio) and the
Trust (with respect to the Fund) has adopted the following investment
restrictions which may not be changed without approval by holders of a "majority
of the outstanding voting securities" of the Portfolio or Fund, which as used in
this Statement of Additional Information means the vote of the lesser of (i) 67%
or more of the outstanding "voting securities" of the Fund present at a meeting,
if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding "voting securities" are
present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding
"voting securities". The term "voting securities" as used in this paragraph has
the same meaning as in the 1940 Act.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Portfolio (Fund) will not
(except that none of the following investment restrictions shall prevent the
Trust from investing all of the Fund's Assets in a separate registered
investment company with substantially the same investment objectives):
(1) invest in physical commodities or contracts on physical
commodities:
(2) purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase and
sell securities of companies which deal in real estate, other
than real estate limited partnerships, and may purchase and
sell marketable securities which are secured by interests in
real estate;
(3) make loans except for the lending of portfolio securities
pursuant to guidelines established by the Board of Trustees
and except as otherwise in accordance with the Portfolio's
(Fund's) investment objective and policies;
(4) borrow money, except from a bank as a temporary measure to
satisfy redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency
purposes, provided that the Portfolio (Fund) maintains asset
coverage of at least 300% for all such borrowings;
(5) underwrite the securities of other issuers (except to the
extent that the Portfolio (Fund) may be deemed to be an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933
(the "1933 Act") in the disposition of restricted securities);
(6) acquire any securities of companies within one industry, if as
a result of such acquisition, more than 25% of the value of
the Portfolio's (Fund's) total assets would be invested in
securities of companies within such industry; provided,
however, that there shall be no limitation on the purchase of
obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, when the Portfolio (Fund)
adopts a temporary defensive position;
- 2 -
<PAGE>
(7) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940
Act;
(8) with respect to 75% of its assets, the Portfolio (Fund) will
not purchase securities of any issuer if, as a result, more
than 5% of the Portfolio's (Fund's) total assets taken at
market value would be invested in the securities of any single
issuer;
(9) with respect to 75% of its assets, the Portfolio (Fund) will
not purchase a security if, as a result, the Portfolio (Fund)
would hold more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities
of any issuer.
Each of the Portfolio and the Fund is also subject to the following
restrictions which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without shareholder
approval (except that none of the following investment policies shall prevent
the Trust from investing all of the Assets of the Fund in a separate registered
investment company with substantially the same investment objectives).
As a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Portfolio (Fund) will not:
(1) borrow money, except that the Portfolio (Fund) may borrow for
temporary or emergency purposes up to 10% of its net assets;
provided, however, that the Portfolio (Fund) may not purchase
any security while outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of net
assets;
(2) sell securities short, unless it owns or has the right to
obtain securities equivalent in kind and amount to the
securities sold short, and provided that transactions in
options and futures contracts are not deemed to constitute
short sales of securities;
(3) purchase warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, in
excess of 10% of the value of its net assets. Included within
that amount, but not to exceed 2% of the value of the
Portfolio's (Fund's) net assets, may be warrants that are not
listed on the New York or American Stock Exchanges or an
exchange with comparable listing requirements. Warrants
attached to securities are not subject to this limitation;
(4) purchase securities on margin, except for use of short-term
credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and
sales of securities, but it may make margin deposits in
connection with transactions in options, futures, and options
on futures;
(5) invest more than an aggregate of 15% of the net assets of the
Portfolio (Fund), determined at the time of investment, in
securities that are illiquid because their disposition is
restricted under the federal securities laws or securities for
which there is no readily available market; provided, however
that this policy does not limit the acquisition of (i)
securities that have legal or contractual restrictions on
resale but have a readily available market or (ii) securities
that are not registered under the 1933 Act, but which can be
sold to qualified institutional investors in accordance with
Rule 144A under the 1933 Act and which are deemed to be liquid
pursuant to guidelines adopted by the Board of Trustees
("Restricted Securities").
(6) invest more than 10% of the Portfolio's (Fund's) assets in
Restricted Securities (including Rule 144A securities);
(7) invest for the purpose of exercising control over management
of any company;
(8) invest its assets in securities of any investment company,
except by purchase in the open market involving only customary
brokers' commissions or in connection with mergers,
acquisitions of assets or consolidations and except as may
otherwise be permitted by the 1940 Act; provided, however,
that the Portfolio shall not invest in the shares of any
open-end investment company unless (1) the Portfolio's
Sub-Adviser waives any investment advisory
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<PAGE>
fees with respect to such assets and (2) the Portfolio pays
no sales charge in connection with the investment;
(9) invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of
issuers (other than securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. or
foreign government or political subdivisions thereof) which
have (with predecessors) a record of less than three years'
continuous operations;
(10) write or acquire options or interests in oil, gas or other
mineral explorations or development programs or leases;
(11) purchase or retain securities of an issuer if those officers
and Trustees of the Portfolio (Fund) or the Manager or
Sub-Adviser owning more than 1/2 of 1% of such securities
together own more than 5% of such securities.
PERCENTAGE AND RATING RESTRICTIONS
If a percentage restriction or a rating restriction on investment or
utilization of assets set forth above or referred to in the Prospectus is
adhered to at the time an investment is made or assets are so utilized, a later
change in percentage resulting from changes in the value of the securities held
by the Fund or a later change in the rating of a security held by the Fund is
not considered a violation of policy; however, the Sub- Adviser will consider
such change in its determination of whether to hold the security.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
The Sub-Adviser is primarily responsible for portfolio decisions and
the placing of portfolio transactions. In placing orders for the Portfolio, the
primary consideration is prompt execution of orders in an effective manner at
the most favorable price, although the Portfolio does not necessarily pay the
lowest spread or commission available. Other factors taken into consideration
are the dealer's general execution and operational facilities, the type of
transaction involved and other factors such as the dealer's risk in positioning
the securities. To the extent consistent with applicable legal requirements, the
Sub-Adviser may place orders for the purchase and sale of Portfolio investments
for the Portfolio with Republic New York Securities Corporation, an affiliate of
the Manager.
As permitted by Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(the "1934 Act"), the Sub- Adviser may cause the Portfolio to pay a
broker-dealer which provides "brokerage and research services" (as defined in
the 1934 Act) to the Sub-Adviser an amount of commission for effecting a
securities transaction for the Fund in excess of the commission which another
broker-dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction. For the period
January 9, 1995 (commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995, there were no
brokerage commissions paid from the Portfolio.
Consistent with the Rules of Fair Practice of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. and such other policies as the Trustees of the
Portfolio Trust may determine, and subject to seeking the most favorable price
and execution available, the Sub-Adviser may consider sales of shares of the
Fund as a factor in the selection of broker-dealers to execute portfolio
transactions for the Portfolio.
Investment decisions for the Portfolio and for the other investment
advisory clients of the Sub-Adviser are made with a view to achieving their
respective investment objectives. Investment decisions are the product of many
factors in addition to basic suitability for the particular client involved.
Thus, a particular security may be bought for certain clients even though it
could have been sold for other clients at the same time, and a particular
security may be sold for certain clients even though it could have been bought
for other clients at the same time. Likewise, a particular security may be
bought for one or more clients when one or more other clients are selling that
same security. In some instances, one client may sell a particular security to
another client. Two or more clients may simultaneously purchase or sell the same
security, in which event each day's transactions in that security are, insofar
as practicable, averaged as to price and allocated between such clients in a
manner which in the Sub-Adviser's opinion is equitable to each and in
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<PAGE>
accordance with the amount being purchased or sold by each. In addition, when
purchases or sales of the same security for the Fund and for other clients of
the Sub-Adviser occur contemporaneously, the purchase or sale orders may be
aggregated in order to obtain any price advantage available to large
denomination purchases or sales. There may be circumstances when purchases or
sales of portfolio securities for one or more clients will have an adverse
effect on other clients in terms of the price paid or received or of the size of
the position obtainable.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Trust may, from time to time, include the yield and total return
for the Fund, both computed in accordance with formulas prescribed by the
Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), in advertisements or reports to
shareholders or prospective investors.
Quotations of yield for the Fund will be based on all investment income
per share (as defined by the SEC during a particular 30-day (or one month)
period (including dividends and interest), less expenses accrued during the
period ("net investment income"), and are computed by dividing net investment
income by the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the period,
according to the following formula:
a-b
YIELD = 2[( --- + 1)6-1]
cd
where
a = dividends and interest earned during the period,
b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements),
c = the average daily number of shares outstanding during the
period that were entitled to receive dividends, and
d = the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the
period.
Quotations of average annual total return for the Fund will be
expressed in terms of the average annual compounded rate of return of a
hypothetical investment in the Fund over periods of 1, 5 and 10 years (up to the
life of the Fund), calculated pursuant to the following formula: P (1 + T)n =
ERV (where P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, T = the average annual
total return, n = the number of years, and ERV = the ending redeemable value of
a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the beginning of the period). All total
return figures reflect the deduction of a proportional share of Fund expenses on
an annual basis, and assume that all dividends and distributions are reinvested
when paid. The Fund also may, with respect to certain periods of less than one
year, provide total return information for that period that is unannualized. Any
such information would be accomplished by standardized total return information.
Historical performance information for any period or portion thereof
prior to the establishment of the Fund will be that of the Portfolio, adjusted
to assume that all charges, expenses and fees of the Fund and the Portfolio
which are presently in effect were deducted during such periods, as permitted by
applicable SEC staff interpretations. The table that follows sets forth
historical return information for the periods indicated:
Average Annual Total Return --- January 9, 1995 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1995: ____%.
Performance information for the Fund may also be compared to various
unmanaged indices, such as the Morgan Stanley Capital International EAFE
(Europe, Australasia and Far East) Index. Unmanaged indices (I.E., other than
Lipper) generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and management
costs and expenses. Comparative information may be compiled or provided by
independent ratings services or by news organizations. Any performance
information should be considered in light of the Fund's investment objectives
and policies, characteristics and quality of the Fund, and the market conditions
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during the given time period, and should not be considered to be representative
of what may be achieved in the future.
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST AND THE PORTFOLIO TRUST
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The principal occupations of the Trustees and executive officers of the
Trust for the past five years are listed below. Asterisks indicate that those
Trustees and officers are "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of
the Trust and the Portfolio Trust. The address of each, unless otherwise
indicated, is 6 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
FREDERICK C. CHEN, TRUSTEE
126 Butternut Hollow Road, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830 - Management
Consultant.
ALAN S. PARSOW*, TRUSTEE
2222 Skyline Drive, Elkhorn, Nebraska 68022 - General Partner of Parsow
Partnership, Ltd. (investments).
LARRY M. ROBBINS, TRUSTEE
Wharton Communication Program, University of Pennsylvania, 336
Steinberg Hall-Dietrich Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 -
Director of the Wharton Communication Program and Adjunct Professor of
Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
MICHAEL SEELY, TRUSTEE
405 Lexington Avenue, Suite 909, New York, New York 10174 - President
of Investor Access Corporation (investor relations consulting firm).
PHILIP W. COOLIDGE*, PRESIDENT
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Signature Financial
Group, Inc. ("SFG"); Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer,
SBDS (since April, 1989), Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, Signature (since May, 1993); Director, Chairman and President,
Signature (Cayman) (since March, 1992).
JOHN R. ELDER*, TREASURER
Vice President, SFG (since April, 1995); Treasurer, Phoenix Family of
Mutual Funds (prior to April, 1995).
LINDA T. GIBSON*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Legal Counsel and Assistant Secretary, SFG (since June, 1991);
Assistant Secretary, SBDS (since October, 1992); Assistant Secretary,
Signature (since March, 1993); law student, Boston University School of
Law (prior to May, 1992).
JAMES E. HOOLAHAN*, VICE PRESIDENT
Senior Vice President, SFG (since December, 1989).
SUSAN JAKUBOSKI*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND ASSISTANT TREASURER
P.O. Box 2494, Elizabethan Square, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman
Islands, B.W.I.; Manager and Senior Fund Administrator, SFG and
Signature (Cayman) (since August, 1994); Assistant Treasurer, SBDS
(since September, 1994); Fund Compliance Administrator, Concord
Financial Group, Inc. (from November, 1990 to August, 1994).
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<PAGE>
THOMAS M. LENZ*, SECRETARY
Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel, SFG (since
November, 1989); Assistant Secretary, SBDS (since February, 1991);
Assistant Secretary, Signature (since March, 1993).
MOLLY S. MUGLER*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Legal Counsel and Assistant Secretary, SFG; Assistant Secretary, SBDS
(since April, 1989); Assistant Secretary, Signature (since March,
1993).
BARBARA M. O'DETTE*, ASSISTANT TREASURER
Assistant Treasurer, SFG; Assistant Treasurer, SBDS (since April,
1989); Assistant Treasurer, Signature (since March, 1993).
ANDRES E. SALDANA*, ASSISTANT SECRETARY
Legal Counsel and Assistant Secretary, SFG (since November, 1992);
Assistant Secretary, SBDS (since September, 1993); Assistant Secretary,
Signature (since March, 1993); Attorney, Ropes & Gray (September, 1990
to November, 1992).
Messrs. Coolidge, Elder, Lenz and Saldana and Mss. Gibson, Jakuboski,
Mugler and O'Dette are also Trustees and/or officers of certain other investment
companies of which SBDS or an affiliate is the administrator.
COMPENSATION TABLE
Pension or
Retirement Total
Benefits Estimated Compensation
Aggregate Accrued as Annual From Fund
Name of Compensation Part of Fund Benefits Upon Complex** Paid
Trustee from Trust* Expenses Retirement to Trustees
- ------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
Frederick C. Chen $1,950 none none $8,600
Alan S. Parsow $1,950 none none $8,600
Larry M. Robbins $1,950 none none $8,600
Michael Seely $1,950 none none $8,600
*Estimated for fiscal year ending October 31, 1996. The Trustees who are not
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, Republic Funds
(another investor in the Portfolio Trust) and the Portfolio Trust will receive
an annual retainer of $3,600 and a fee of $1,000 for each meeting of the Board
of Trustees or committee thereof attended.
**The Fund Complex consists of the Trust, Republic Funds and the Portfolio
Trust. Total compensation reflects an estimate of the fees to be received by the
Trustees from the Trust, Republic Funds and the Portfolio Trust for the fiscal
year ending October 31, 1996.
As of June 19, 1996, the Trustees and officers of the Trust and the
Portfolio Trust, as a group, owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund. As of the same date, there were no outstanding shares of the Fund.
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The Trust's Declaration of Trust provides that it will indemnify its
Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection
with litigation in which they may be involved because of their offices with the
Trust, unless, as to liability to the Trust or its shareholders, it is finally
adjudicated that they engaged in wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence
or reckless disregard of the duties involved in their offices, or unless with
respect to any other matter it is finally adjudicated that they did not act in
good faith in the reasonable belief that their actions were in the best
interests of the Trust. In the case of settlement, such indemnification will not
be provided unless it has been determined by a court or other body approving the
settlement or other disposition, or by a reasonable determination, based upon a
review of readily available facts, by vote of a majority of disinterested
Trustees or in a written opinion of independent counsel, that such officers or
Trustees have not engaged in wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of their duties.
INVESTMENT MANAGER
Republic is the investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an
investment management agreement (the "Investment Management Contract") with the
Portfolio Trust. For its services, the Manager is paid a fee by the Portfolio,
computed daily, equal on an annual basis to 0.25% of the Portfolio's average
daily net assets.
The Investment Management Contract will continue in effect with respect
to the Portfolio, provided such continuance is approved at least annually (i) by
the holders of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Portfolio
or by the Portfolio Trust's Board of Trustees, and (ii) by a majority of the
Trustees of the Portfolio Trust who are not parties to the Investment Management
Contract or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party.
The Investment Management Contract may be terminated with respect to the
Portfolio without penalty by either party on 60 days' written notice and will
terminate automatically if assigned.
Republic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Republic New York Corporation,
a registered bank holding company. No securities or instruments issued by
Republic New York Corporation or Republic will be purchased for the Portfolio.
Republic complies with applicable laws and regulations, including the
regulations and rulings of the U.S. Comptroller of the Currency relating to
fiduciary powers of national banks. These regulations provide, in general, that
assets managed by a national bank as fiduciary shall not be invested in stock or
obligations of, or property acquired from, the bank, its affiliates or their
directors, officers or employees or other persons with substantial connections
with the bank. The regulations further provide that fiduciary assets shall not
be sold or transferred, by loan or otherwise, to the bank or persons connected
with the bank as described above. Republic, in accordance with federal banking
laws, may not purchase for its own account securities of any investment company
the investment adviser of which it controls, extend credit to any such
investment company, or accept the securities of any such investment company as
collateral for a loan to purchase such securities. Moreover, Republic, its
officers and employees do not express any opinion with respect to the
advisability of any purchase of such securities.
The investment advisory services of Republic to the Portfolio are not
exclusive under the terms of the Investment Management Contract. Republic is
free to and does render investment advisory services to others.
SUB-ADVISER
CGTC, as the Portfolio's Sub-Adviser, is responsible for the investment
management of the Portfolio's assets, including making investment decisions and
placing orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the Portfolio
directly with the issuers or with brokers or dealers selected by CGTC or
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Republic in its discretion. See "Portfolio Transactions." CGTC also furnishes to
the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio Trust, which has overall responsibility
for the business and affairs of the Portfolio Trust, periodic reports on the
investment performance of the Portfolio.
For its services, CGTC receives from the Portfolio a fee, computed
daily and based on the Portfolio's average daily net assets, at the annual rate
of 0.70% of net assets up to $25 million, 0.55% of net assets over $25 million
up to $50 million, 0.425% of net assets over $50 million up to $250 million, and
0.375% of net assets in excess of $250 million. For the period from January 9,
1995 (Portfolio commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995, sub-advisory
fees aggregated $131,059.
The investment advisory services of CGTC to the Portfolio are not
exclusive under the terms of the Sub-Advisory Agreement. CGTC is free to and
does render investment advisory services to others.
ADMINISTRATOR AND PORTFOLIO ADMINISTRATOR
Each Administrative Services Agreement is terminable with respect to
the Fund or the Portfolio, as the case may be, without penalty at any time by
vote of a majority of the respective Trustees, or by the respective
Administrator, upon not less than 60 days' written notice to the Fund or the
Portfolio, as the case may be. Each Agreement provides that neither the
respective Administrator nor its personnel shall be liable for any error of
judgment or mistake of law or for any act or omission in the administration of
the Fund or the Portfolio, as the case may be, except for willful misfeasance,
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its or their duties or by
reason of reckless disregard of its or their obligations and duties under the
respective Administrative Services Agreement. The minimum annual administrative
services fees paid by the Fund shall be $25,000. For the period from January 9,
1995 (Portfolio commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995, the Portfolio
accrued administrative services fees of $9,433.
FUND ACCOUNTING AGENT
Pursuant to respective fund accounting agreements, Signature serves as
fund accounting agent to each of the Fund and the Portfolio. For its services to
the Fund, Signature receives from the Fund fees payable monthly equal on an
annual basis to $12,000. For its services to the Portfolio, Signature receives
fees payable monthly equal on an annual basis to $50,000. For the period from
January 9, 1995 (Portfolio commencement of operations) to October 31, 1995,
Signature's fees for these services aggregated $40,548, of which $12,835 was
waived.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Investors Bank & Trust Company serves as custodian and transfer agent
for each of the Fund and the Portfolio pursuant to Custodian Agreements and
Transfer Agency Agreements, respectively. The Custodian may use the services of
sub-custodians with respect to the Portfolio.
EXPENSES AND EXPENSE LIMITS
Certain of the states in which Shares are expected to be qualified for
sale impose limitations on the expenses of the Fund. The effective limitation on
an annual basis with respect to the Fund is expected to be 2.5% on the first $30
million of the Fund's net assets, 2.0% on the next $70 million of such assets,
and 1.5% on any excess above $100 million. Trust expenses directly related to
the Fund are charged to the Fund; other expenses are allocated proportionally
among all of the portfolios of the Trust in relation to the net asset value of
the portfolios.
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DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of each of the Shares is determined on each day on
which the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") is open for trading. As of the date
of this Statement of Additional Information, the NYSE is open every weekday
except for the days on which the following holidays are observed: New Year's
Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
The Sub-Adviser typically completes its trading on behalf of the
Portfolio in various markets before 4:00 p.m., and the value of portfolio
securities is determined when the primary market for those securities closes for
the day. Foreign currency exchange rates are also determined prior to 4:00 p.m.
However, if extraordinary events occur that are expected to affect the value of
a portfolio security after the close of the primary exchange on which it is
traded, the security will be valued at fair value as determined in good faith
under the direction of the Board of Trustees of the Portfolio Trust.
Subject to the Trust's compliance with applicable regulations, the
Trust on behalf of the Fund and the Portfolio have reserved the right to pay the
redemption or repurchase price of shares of the Fund, either totally or
partially, by a distribution in kind of portfolio securities from the Portfolio
(instead of cash). The securities so distributed would be valued at the same
amount as that assigned to them in calculating the net asset value for the
shares being sold. If a shareholder received a distribution in kind, the
shareholder could incur brokerage or other charges in converting the securities
to cash. The Trust will redeem Fund shares in kind only if it has received a
redemption in kind from the Portfolio and therefore shareholders of the Fund
that receive redemptions in kind will receive securities of the Portfolio. The
Portfolio has advised the Trust that the Portfolio will not redeem in kind
except in circumstances in which the Fund is permitted to redeem in kind.
TAXATION
Each year, to qualify as a separate "regulated investment company"
under the Code, at least 90% of the Fund's investment company taxable income
(which includes, among other items, interest, dividends and the excess of net
short-term capital gains over net long-term capital losses) must be distributed
to Fund shareholders and the Fund must meet certain diversification of assets,
source of income, and other requirements. If the Fund does not so qualify, it
will be taxed as an ordinary corporation.
The Fund intends to apply to the Internal Revenue Service for rulings,
including, among others, rulings to the effect that (1) the Portfolio will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as a partnership and (2) for purposes of
determining whether the Fund satisfies the income and diversification
requirements to maintain its status as a RIC, the Fund, as an investor in its
corresponding Portfolio, will be deemed to own a proportionate share of the
Portfolio's income attributable to that share. While the IRS has issued
substantially similar rulings in the past, and SBDS anticipates that the Fund
will receive the rulings it seeks, the IRS has complete discretion in granting
rulings and complete assurance cannot be given that such rulings will be
obtained. The Portfolio has advised its corresponding Fund that it intends to
conduct its operations so as to enable its investors, including the Fund, to
satisfy those requirements.
Amounts not distributed by the Fund on a timely basis in accordance
with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4%
excise tax. To prevent imposition of the excise tax, for each calendar year an
amount must be distributed equal to the sum of (1) at least 98% of the Fund's
ordinary income (excluding any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year,
(2) at least 98% of the excess of the Fund's capital gain net income for the
12-month period ending, as a general rule, on October 31 of the calendar year,
and (3) all such ordinary income and capital gains for previous years that were
not distributed during such years.
Distributions by the Fund reduce the net asset value of the Fund
shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a shareholder's
cost basis, the distribution nevertheless would be
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taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described
above, even though, from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial
return of capital. In particular, investors should be careful to consider the
tax implication of buying shares just prior to a distribution by the Fund. The
price of shares purchased at that time includes the amount of the forthcoming
distribution, but the distribution will generally be taxable to them.
If the Portfolio is the holder of record of any stock on the record
date for any dividends payable with respect to such stock, such dividends are
included in the Portfolio's gross income not as of the date received but as of
the later of (a) the date such stock became ex-dividend with respect to such
dividends (I.E., the date on which a buyer of the stock would not be entitled to
receive the declared, but unpaid, dividends) or (b) the date the Portfolio
acquired such stock. Accordingly, in order to satisfy its income distribution
requirements, the Fund may be required to pay dividends based on anticipated
earnings, and shareholders may receive dividends in an earlier year than would
otherwise be the case.
Some of the debt securities that may be acquired by the Portfolio may
be treated as debt securities that are originally issued at a discount. Original
issue discount can generally be defined as the difference between the price at
which a security was issued and its stated redemption price at maturity.
Although no cash income is actually received by the Portfolio, original issue
discount on a taxable debt security earned in a given year generally is treated
for federal income tax purposes as interest and, therefore, such income would be
subject to the distribution requirements of the Code.
Some of the debt securities may be purchased by the Portfolio at a
discount which exceeds the original issue discount on such debt securities, if
any. This additional discount represents market discount for federal income tax
purposes. Generally, the gain realized on the disposition of any debt security
acquired by the Portfolio will be treated as ordinary income to the extent it
does not exceed the accrued market discount on such debt security.
OPTIONS, FUTURES AND FORWARD CONTRACTS
Some of the options, futures contracts and forward contracts entered
into by the Portfolio may be "Section 1256 contracts." Section 1256 contracts
held by the Portfolio at the end of its taxable year (and, for purposes of the
4% excise tax, on certain other dates as prescribed under the Code) are
"marked-to-market" with unrealized gains or losses being treated as though they
were realized. Any gains or losses, including "marked-to-market" gains or
losses, on Section 1256 contracts are generally 60% long-term and 40% short-term
capital gains or losses ("60/40") although all foreign currency gains and losses
from such contracts may be treated as ordinary in character absent a special
election.
Generally, hedging transactions and certain other transactions in
options, futures and forward contracts undertaken by the Portfolio may result in
"straddles" for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The straddle rules may affect
the character of gain or loss realized by the Portfolio. In addition, losses
realized by the Portfolio on positions that are part of a straddle may be
deferred under the straddle rules, rather than being taken into account in
calculating the taxable income for the taxable year in which such losses are
realized. Because only a few regulations implementing the straddle rules have
been promulgated, the tax consequences of transactions in options, futures and
forward contracts to the Portfolio are not entirely clear. The transactions may
increase the amount of short-term capital gain realized by the Portfolio.
Short-term gain is taxed as ordinary income when distributed to Fund
shareholders.
The Portfolio may make one or more of the elections available under the
Code which are applicable to straddles. If the Portfolio makes any of the
elections, the amount, character, and timing of the recognition of gains or
losses from the affected straddle positions will be determined under rules that
vary according to the elections made. The rules applicable under certain of the
elections operate to accelerate the recognition of gains or losses from the
affected straddle positions.
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Because application of the straddle rules may affect the character of
gains or losses, defer losses and/or accelerate the recognition of gains or
losses from the affected straddle positions, the amount which must be
distributed to Fund shareholders, and which will be taxed to Fund shareholders
as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased
substantially as compared to a fund that did not engage in such hedging
transactions.
The 30% limit on gains from the disposition of certain options, futures
and forward contracts held less than three months, and the qualifying income and
diversification requirements applicable to the Portfolio assets, may limit the
extent to which the Portfolio will be able to engage in these transactions.
SWAP AGREEMENTS
Rules governing the tax aspects of swap contracts are in a developing
stage and are not entirely clear in certain respects. Accordingly, while the
Fund intends to account for such transactions in a manner deemed to be
appropriate, the Internal Revenue Service might not necessarily accept such
treatment. If it does not, the status of the Fund as a regulated investment
company might be affected. The Fund intends to monitor developments in this
area. Certain requirements that must be met under the Code in order for the Fund
to qualify as a regulated investment company may limit the extent to which the
Fund will be able to engage in swap agreements.
INVESTMENT IN PASSIVE FOREIGN INVESTMENT COMPANIES
The Portfolio may invest in shares of foreign corporations (through
ADRs) which may be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment
companies ("PFICs"). In general, a foreign corporation is classified as a PFIC
if at least one-half of its assets constitute investment-type assets, or 75% or
more of its gross income is investment-type income. If the Portfolio receives a
so-called "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC stock, the Fund itself may
be subject to a tax on a portion of the excess distribution, whether or not the
corresponding income is distributed by the Fund to shareholders. In general,
under the PFIC rules, an excess distribution is treated as having been realized
ratably over the period during which the Portfolio held the PFIC shares. The
Fund itself will be subject to tax on the portion, if any, of an excess
distribution that is so allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest
factor will be added to the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior
taxable years. Certain distributions from a PFIC as well as gain from the sale
of PFIC shares are treated as excess distributions. Excess distributions are
characterized as ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC
rules, certain excess distributions might have been classified as capital gain.
The Fund may be eligible to elect alternative tax treatment with
respect to PFIC shares held by the Portfolio. Under an election that currently
is available in some circumstances, the Fund generally would be required to
include in its gross income its share of the earnings of a PFIC on a current
basis, regardless of whether distributions are received from the PFIC in a given
year. If this election were made, the special rules, discussed above, relating
to the taxation of excess distributions, would not apply. In addition, another
election may be available that would involve marking to market the Fund's PFIC
shares at the end of each taxable year (and on certain other dates prescribed in
the Code), with the result that unrealized gains are treated as though they were
realized. If this election were made, tax at the Fund level under the PFIC rules
would generally be eliminated, but the Fund could, in limited circumstances,
incur nondeductible interest charges. The Fund's intention to qualify annually
as a regulated investment company may limit its elections with respect to PFIC
shares.
Because the application of the PFIC rules may affect, among other
things, the character of gains, the amount of gain or loss and the timing of the
recognition of income with respect to PFIC shares, as well as subject the Fund
itself to tax on certain income from PFIC shares, the amount that must be
distributed to shareholders, and which will be taxed to shareholders as ordinary
income or long-term capital gain, may be increased or decreased substantially as
compared to a fund that did not invest in PFIC shares.
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Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates that occur between the time the Portfolio accrues income or other
receivables or accrues expenses or other liabilities denominated in a foreign
currency and the time the Portfolio actually collects such receivables or pays
such liabilities generally are treated as ordinary income or loss. Similarly, in
disposing of debt securities denominated in foreign currencies and certain other
foreign currency contracts, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the
value of a foreign currency between the date the security or contract is
acquired and the date it is disposed of are also usually treated as ordinary
income or loss. Under Section 988 of the Code, these gains or losses may
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income
to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income.
DISPOSITION OF SHARES
Upon the sale or exchange of shares of the Fund, a shareholder
generally will realize a taxable gain or loss depending upon his basis in the
shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as capital gain or loss if the shares
are capital assets in the shareholder's hands, and will be long-term if the
shareholder's holding period for the shares is more than one year and generally
otherwise will be short-term. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Fund
shares will be disallowed to the extent that the shares disposed of are replaced
(including replacement through reinvesting of dividends and capital gain
distributions in the Fund) within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before
and ending 30 days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the
basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
The information above is only a summary of some of the tax
considerations affecting the Fund and its shareholders. The Portfolio, the Fund,
and the Fund's distributions may also be subject to state, local, foreign or
other taxes not discussed above. A prospective investor may wish to consult a
tax advisor to determine the suitability of an investment in the Fund based on
the prospective investor's tax situation.
OTHER INFORMATION
CAPITALIZATION
The Trust is a Massachusetts business trust established under a
Declaration of Trust dated April 5, 1996.
The capitalization of the Trust consists solely of an unlimited number
of shares of beneficial interest with a par value of $0.001 each. The Board of
Trustees may establish additional series (with different investment objectives
and fundamental policies) at any time in the future. Establishment and offering
of additional series will not alter the rights of the Fund's shareholders. When
issued, shares are fully paid, nonassessable, redeemable and freely
transferable. Shares do not have preemptive rights or subscription rights. In
liquidation of the Fund, each shareholder is entitled to receive his pro rata
share of the net assets of the Fund.
VOTING RIGHTS
Under the Declaration of Trust, the Trust is not required to hold
annual meetings of Fund shareholders to elect Trustees or for other purposes. It
is not anticipated that the Trust will hold shareholders' meetings unless
required by law or the Declaration of Trust. In this regard, the Trust will be
required to hold a meeting to elect Trustees to fill any existing vacancies on
the Board if, at any time, fewer than a majority of the Trustees have been
elected by the shareholders of the Trust. In addition, the Declaration of Trust
provides that the holders of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares
of the Trust may remove persons serving as Trustee either by declaration in
writing or at a meeting called for such purpose. The Trustees are required to
call a meeting for the purpose of considering the removal of persons serving as
Trustee if requested in writing to do so by the holders of not less than 10% of
the outstanding shares of the Trust.
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The Trust's shares do not have cumulative voting rights, so that the
holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares may elect the entire Board of
Trustees, in which case the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to
elect any Trustees.
Interests in the Portfolio have no preference, preemptive, conversion
or similar rights, and are fully paid and non-assessable. The Portfolio Trust is
not required to hold annual meetings of investors, but will hold special
meetings of investors when, in the judgment of the Portfolio Trust's Trustees,
it is necessary or desirable to submit matters for an investor vote. Each
investor is entitled to a vote in proportion to the share of its investment in
the Portfolio.
Except as described below, whenever the Trust is requested to vote on a
matter pertaining to the Portfolio, the Trust will hold a meeting of the Fund's
shareholders and will cast all of its votes on each matter at a meeting of
investors in the Portfolio proportionately as instructed by the Fund's
shareholders. However, subject to applicable statutory and regulatory
requirements, the Trust would not request a vote of the Fund's shareholders with
respect to any proposal relating to the Portfolio which proposal, if made with
respect to the Fund, would not require the vote of the shareholders of the Fund.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, Ernst & Young, One Capital
Place, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, served as independent auditors
of the Portfolio.
The Board of Trustees has appointed KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as
independent accountants of the Trust and the Fund for the fiscal year ending
October 31, 1996. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP will audit the Trust's annual financial
statements, prepare the Trust's income tax returns, and assist in the
preparation of filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address
of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP is 99 High Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110. The
Portfolio Trust has appointed KPMG Peat Marwick as its independent accountants
to audit the Portfolio's financial statements for the fiscal year ending October
31, 1996.
COUNSEL
Dechert Price & Rhoads, 1500 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005,
passes upon certain legal matters in connection with the Shares offered by the
Trust, and also acts as counsel to the Trust.
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus do not
contain all the information included in the Trust's registration statement filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1933 Act with respect to
shares of the Fund, certain portions of which have been omitted pursuant to the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
registration statement, including the exhibits filed therewith, may be examined
at the office of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C.
Statements contained herein and in the Prospectus as to the contents of
any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in
each instance, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document
which was filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each such statement
being qualified in all respects by such reference.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Portfolio's current audited financial statements dated October 31,
1995 and unaudited semiannual financial statements dated April 30, 1996 are
hereby incorporated herein by reference from the annual and semiannual reports,
respectively, of the Portfolio as filed with the SEC. The audited financial
statements dated October 31, 1995 and the unaudited semiannual financial
statements dated April 30, 1996 for Republic Fixed Income Fund, a series of
Republic Funds (the "Predecessor Fund"), are hereby incorporated herein by
reference from the annual and semiannual reports, respectively, of the
Predecessor Fund as filed with the SEC. A copy of each such report will be
provided without charge to each person receiving this Statement of Additional
Information.
- 14 -
RF047B
<PAGE>
PART C
Item 24. Financial Statements.
(a) Included in Part A of the Registration Statement:
Republic Fixed Income Portfolio; Republic International Equity Portfolio.
(b) Incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration Statement:
For the Registrant:
REPUBLIC FIXED INCOME FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, October 31, 1995
Statement of Operations for the Period January 9, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through October 31, 1995
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Financial Highlights
Notes to Financial Statements, October 31, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Operations for the Period November 1, 1995 through
April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)
Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Notes to Financial Statements, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, October 31, 1995
Statement of Operations for the Period January 9, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through October 31, 1995
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Financial Highlights
Notes to Financial Statements, October 31, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Operations for the Period November 1, 1995 through
April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)
Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Notes to Financial Statements, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
For Republic Portfolios:
FIXED INCOME PORTFOLIO
Schedule of Investments, October 31, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, October 31, 1995
Statement of Operations for the Period January 9, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through October 31, 1995
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Financial Highlights
Notes to Financial Statements, October 31, 1995
Schedule of Investments, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Operations for the Period November 1, 1995 through
April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)
Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Notes to Financial Statements, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO
Schedule of Investments, October 31, 1995
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, October 31, 1995
Statement of Operations for the Period January 9, 1995 (commencement of
operations) through October 31, 1995
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Financial Highlights
Notes to Financial Statements, October 31, 1995
Schedule of Investments, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Assets and Liabilities, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Operations for the Period November 1, 1995 through
April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
Statement of Changes in Net Assets (unaudited)
Financial Highlights (unaudited)
Notes to Financial Statements, April 30, 1996 (unaudited)
(b) Exhibits
1. Declaration of Trust; Establishment and designation of series for
Republic Fixed Income Fund, Republic International Equity Fund, and
Republic Small Cap Equity Fund.2
2. By-Laws.1
6 Master Distribution Contract, with supplements regarding Republic Fixed
Income Fund, Republic International Equity Fund and Republic Small Cap
Equity Fund.2
6(b). Master Administrative Services Contract, with supplements regarding
Republic Fixed Income Fund, Republic International Equity Fund and
Republc Small Cap Equity Fund.2
10. Opinion of counsel.2
11. Consents of independent auditors.3
16. Schedule for computation of performance quotations.2
17. Financial data schedules.3
18. Powers of attorney for Trustees and officers.2
- -----------------
1 Incorporated herein by reference from the registration statement on Form
N-1A of the Registrant (File No. 333-2205) (the "Registration Statement")
as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on
April 3, 1996.
2 Incorporated herein by reference from pre-effective amendment no. 1 to the
Registration Statement as filed with the SEC on June 24, 1996.
3 Filed herewith.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Registrant.
Not applicable.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
As of July 1, 1996, the number of shareholders of each Fund was
as follows:
Republic Fixed Income Fund: none.
Republic International Equity Fund: none.
Republic Small Cap Equity Fund: none.
Item 27. Indemnification
Reference is hereby made to Article V of the Registrant's Declaration
of Trust. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees or officers of the
Registrant by the Registrant pursuant to the Declaration of Trust or otherwise,
the Registrant is aware that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and, therefore, is unenforceable.
If a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by trustees or officers
of the Registrant in connection with the successful defense of any act, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such trustees or officers in connection with the
shares being registered, the 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 Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issues.
Item 28. Business and Other Connections of Investment Advisers
Not Applicable.
ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
(a) Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. (the "Sponsor") and its
affiliates serve as distributor and administrator for other registered
investment companies.
(b) The information required by this Item 29 with respect to each
director or officer of the Sponsor is hereby incorporated herein by reference
from Schedule A of Form BD as filed by the Sponsor pursuant to the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (File No. 8-41134).
ITEM 30. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
The account books and other documents required to be maintained by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Rules thereunder will be maintained at the offices of: Republic National
Bank of New York, 452 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10018; Signature
Broker-Dealer Services, Inc., 6 St. James Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02116;
Signature Financial Services, Inc., 1 First Canadian Place, Suite 2800, P.O. Box
231, Toronto, Ontario, M5X1C8; and Investors Bank & Trust Company, N.A., 89
South Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02111.
ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 32. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) If the information called for by Item 5A of Form N-1A is contained
in the latest annual report to shareholders, the Registrant will furnish each
person to whom a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the Registrant's latest
annual report to shareholders upon request and without charge.
(b) The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment, using
financials which need not be certified, within four to six months following the
latter of the effective date of this registration statement or the date that
shares of Republic Fixed Income Fund, Republic International Equity Fund, and
Republic Small Cap Equity Fund are publicly offered. The financial statements
included in such amendment will be as of and for the time period ended on a date
reasonably close or as soon as practible to the date to the filing of the
amendment
(c) The Registrant undertakes to comply with Section 16(c) of the 1940
Act as though such provisions of the Act were applicable to the Registrant,
except that the request referred to in the third full paragraph thereof may only
be made by shareholders who hold in the aggregate at least 10% of the
outstanding shares of the Registrant, regardless of the net asset value or
values of shares held by such requesting shareholders.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, Republic Advisor Funds Trust has caused this
pre-effective amendment to its registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") on Form N-1A (File Nos. 333-02205 and 811-07583) to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized in the City of Boston,
and Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 31st day of July, 1996.
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By /s/ THOMAS M. LENZ
---------------------------
Thomas M. Lenz, Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
pre-effective amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities indicated on July 31, 1996.
/s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
- --------------------------
Philip W. Coolidge
President
/s/ JOHN R. ELDER
- --------------------------
John R. Elder
Treasurer and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer
ALAN S. PARSOW*
- --------------------------
Alan S. Parsow
Trustee
LARRY M. ROBBINS*
- --------------------------
Larry M. Robbins
Trustee
MICHAEL SEELY*
- --------------------------
Michael Seely
Trustee
FREDERICK C. CHEN*
- --------------------------
Frederick C. Chen
Trustee
*By /s/ THOMAS M. LENZ
--------------------------
Thomas M. Lenz,
as attorney-in-fact pursuant to a power of attorney filed herewith.
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Republic Portfolios (the "Portfolio Trust") has duly caused this
pre-effective amendment to the registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") on Form N-1A (File No. 333-02205) of Republic Advisor Funds Trust to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized in George
Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I. on the 31st day of July, 1996.
REPUBLIC PORTFOLIOS
By /S/ SUSAN JAKUBOSKI
--------------------------
Susan Jakuboski, Assistant Treasurer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
pre-effective amendment to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A of Republic
Advisor Funds Trust has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on July 31, 1996.
PHILIP W. COOLIDGE*
- --------------------------
Philip W. Coolidge
President of the Portfolio Trust
JOHN R. ELDER*
- --------------------------
John R. Elder
Treasurer and Principal Accounting and Financial Officer of the Portfolio Trust
ALAN S. PARSOW*
- --------------------------
Alan S. Parsow
Trustee of the Portfolio Trust
LARRY M. ROBBINS*
- --------------------------
Larry M. Robbins
Trustee of the Portfolio Trust
MICHAEL SEELY*
- --------------------------
Michael Seely
Trustee of the Portfolio Trust
FREDERICK C. CHEN*
- --------------------------
Frederick C. Chen
Trustee of the Portfolio Trust
*By /S/SUSAN JAKUBOSKI
--------------------------
Susan Jakuboski,
as attorney-in-fact pursuant to a power of attorney filed herewith.
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description of Exhibit
- ----------- ----------------------
EX-99.B11(i) -
EX-99.B11(ii) Consents of Independent Auditors.
EX-27.1 -
EX-27.2 Financial Data Schedules.
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the caption
"Independent Auditors" in the Statements of Additional Information
of Republic International Equity Fund and Republic Fixed Income
Fund in Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement
(Form N-1A, No. 333-2205) of Republic Advisor Funds Trust.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference therein of our
reports dated December 8, 1995 for Republic International Equity
and Republic Fixed Income Portfolios of Republic Portfolio Trust,
on the financial statements and financial highlights included in
their respective Annual Reports.
ERNST & YOUNG
July 31, 1996
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
<PAGE>
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the references to our firm under the caption
"Financial Highlights" in the Prospectuses of Republic
International Equity Fund and Republic Fixed Income Fund in Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form N-1A,
NO. 333-2205) of Republic Advisor Funds Trust.
We also consent to the incorporation by reference therein of our
reports dated December 8, 19955 for Republic International Equity
and Republic Fixed Income Funds of Republic Funds, on the financial
statements and financial highlights included in their respective
Annual Reports.
ERNST & YOUNG LLP
July 31, 1996
Boston, Massachusetts
The Trustees
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Independent
Auditors" in the statements of additional information.
/s/KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
July 31, 1996
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE SEMI ANNUAL
REPORT DATED APRIL 30, 1996 FOR REPUBLIC FIXED INCOME FUND, AND IS QUALIFIED
IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH SEMI ANNUAL REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0001010296
<NAME> REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 8
<NAME> REPUBLIC FIXED INCOME FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 39,857,116
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 39,348,221
<RECEIVABLES> 59,419
<ASSETS-OTHER> 42,280
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 39,449,920
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 147,155
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 147,155
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 39,625,691
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 3,778,428
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 2,384,633
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 37,525
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII> 0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS> 148,444
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> (508,895)
<NET-ASSETS> 39,302,765
<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 0
<INTEREST-INCOME> 997,356
<OTHER-INCOME> 0
<EXPENSES-NET> 22,806
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 866,476
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> 175,019
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (847,628)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 193,867
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 866,477
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 984,386
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 1,326,605
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 78,556
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 145,746
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 13,174,758
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR> 37,525
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR> 957,812
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<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<GROSS-EXPENSE> 204,512
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS> 31,759,117
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 10.96
<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.29
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC> (0.19)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND> 0.29
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS> 0.37
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<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING> 0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE> 0
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA EXTRACTED FROM THE SEMI ANNUAL
REPORT DATED APRIL 30, 1996 FOR REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH SEMI ANNUAL REPORT.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0001010296
<NAME> REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
<SERIES>
<NUMBER> 9
<NAME> REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> OCT-31-1996
<PERIOD-START> NOV-01-1995
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST> 73,710,901
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 80,513,933
<RECEIVABLES> 43,475
<ASSETS-OTHER> 42,869
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 80,600,277
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 36,809
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 36,809
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON> 73,203,495
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK> 6,789,373
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR> 3,171,731
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT> 65,437
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<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS> 0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC> 6,803,032
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<DIVIDEND-INCOME> 443,002
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<EXPENSES-NET> 113,497
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME> 253,503
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<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS> 6,253,187
<EQUALIZATION> 0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME> 552,556
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 31,193
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD> 3,688,325
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED> 120,204
<SHARES-REINVESTED> 49,521
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS> 46,319,439
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<GROSS-EXPENSE> 360,187
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<PER-SHARE-NII> 0.11
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