As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 24, 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. 1
and
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
AMENDMENT NO. 1
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 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.
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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>
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.
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.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, RISKS AND POLICIES PAGES 5 AND 7
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 18
Republic acts as investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an
Investment Management Contract with the Portfolio Trust. For its services, the
Adviser receives from the Portfolio a fee at the annual rate of 0.20% of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets.
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 PAGE 23
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 24
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."
<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 during the Fund's initial fiscal period. 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* ........................................ 0.53%
Other Expenses .................................................. 0.50%
-- Administrative Services Fee ............................ 0.10%
-- Other Operating Expenses
(after expense reimbursement) ......................... 0.40%
Total Operating Expenses (after expense reimbursement) .............. 1.03%
====
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*Reflects an investment management fee payable to Republic equal on an annual
basis to 0.20% of the Fund's average daily net assets 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. See "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio
Trust".
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 ................................................. $
3 years ................................................. $
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."
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*Assuming average daily net assets of $50 million in the Fund and $75 million
in the Portfolio for the current fiscal year.
<PAGE>
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 (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 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 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; (For the
purposes of this 25% limitation, mortgage-backed securities shall not
be considered a single industry.)
(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 receives from the Portfolio a fee, payable monthly, at the annual rate
of 0.20% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets.
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 Manager
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
Sub-Adviser
Miller Anderson & Sherrerd
One Tower Bridge
West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Administrator, Distributor and Sponsor
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
Custodian and Transfer Agent
Investors Bank & Trust Company
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
Shareholder Servicing Agent
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
REPUBLIC
Fixed Income
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 Depository 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.
--------------------
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>
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.
<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.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE, RISKS AND POLICIES PAGES 5 AND 6
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 12
Republic acts as investment manager to the Portfolio pursuant to an
Investment Management Contract with the Portfolio Trust. For its services, the
Adviser receives from the Portfolio a fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the
Portfolio's average daily net assets.
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 PAGE 17
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 19
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 during the Fund's initial fiscal period. 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* .................................... 0.78%
Other Expenses .............................................. 0.68%
----
-- Administrative Services Fee ........................ 0.10%
-- Other Operating Expenses ........................... 0.58%
Total Operating Expenses ........................................ 1.46%
=====
- ----------
*Reflects an investment management fee payable to Republic equal on an annual
basis to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets 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. See "Management of the Trust and the Portfolio
Trust".
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 ........................................................ $ --
3 years ........................................................ $ --
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.
<PAGE>
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 Depository 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 (the "EAFE 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 receives from the Portfolio a fee, payable monthly, at the annual rate
of 0.25% of the Portfolio's average daily net assets.
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 MANAGER
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
SUB-ADVISER
Capital Guardian Trust Company
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
ADMINISTRATOR, DISTRIBUTOR AND SPONSOR
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, MA 02116
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
Investors Bank & Trust Company
89 South Street
Boston, MA 02111
SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT
Republic National Bank of New York
452 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018
REPUBLIC
INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
FUND
PROSPECTUS
_______ __, 1996
<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-
- 1 -
<PAGE>
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
- 2 -
<PAGE>
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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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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(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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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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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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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.
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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, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, B.W.I., 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 are hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Annual Report of the
Portfolio dated October 31, 1995 as filed with the SEC. A copy of 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
- 3 -
<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
- 4 -
<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
- 5 -
<PAGE>
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).
- 6 -
<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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<PAGE>
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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<PAGE>
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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<PAGE>
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, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands 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 are hereby incorporated herein by reference from the Annual Report of the
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Portfolio dated October 31, 1995 as filed with the SEC. A copy of such report
will be provided without charge to each person receiving this Statement of
Additional Information.
RF047B
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<PAGE>
PART C
Item 24. Financial Statements.
(a) Included in Part A of the Registration Statement:
Not Applicable.
(b) Incorporated by reference into Part B of the Registration Statement:
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) to October 31, 1995
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Financial Highlights
Notes to Financial Statements, October 31, 1995
Report of Ernst & Young
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) to October 31, 1995
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Financial Highlights
Notes to Financial Statements, October 31, 1995
Report of Ernst & Young
(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.2
16. Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations.2
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 Filed herewith.
Item 25. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with
Registrant.
Not applicable.
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
As of June 24, 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 on Form N-1A (File Nos.
333-2205 and 811-7583) (the "Registration Statement") to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized in the City of Boston, and
Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the 21st day of June, 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 June 21, 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
amendment to the registration statement on Form N-1A (File No. 333-2205)
("Registration Statement") 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 21st day of June, 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 June 21, 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.B1. Declaration of Trust; Establishment and designation of
series for Republic Fixed Income Fund, Republic
International Fund and Republic Small Cap Equity Fund.
EX-99.B6. Master Distribution Contract, with supplements regarding
Republic Fixed Income Fund, Republic International Equity
Fund and Republic Small Cap Equity Fund.
EX-99.B9(a). Master Administrative Services Contract, with supplements
regarding Republic Fixed Income Fund, Republic International
Equity Fund and Republic Small Cap Equity Fund.
EX-99.B10 Opinion of counsel.
EX-99.B11(a) and
EX-99.B11(b) Consents of Independent Auditors.
EX-99.B16. Schedule for Computation of Performance Quotations.
EX-99.B18. Powers of Attorney for Trustees and officers.
RF050A
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
--------------------
DECLARATION OF TRUST
Dated as of April 5, 1996
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
ARTICLE I--NAME AND DEFINITIONS 1
Section 1.1 Name 1
Section 1.2 Definitions 1
ARTICLE II--TRUSTEES 3
Section 2.1 Number of Trustees 3
Section 2.2 Term of Office of Trustees 3
Section 2.3 Resignation and Appointment of Trustees 3
Section 2.4 Vacancies 4
Section 2.5 Delegation of Power to Other Trustees 4
ARTICLE III--POWERS OF TRUSTEES 4
Section 3.1 General 4
Section 3.2 Investments 5
Section 3.3 Legal Title 6
Section 3.4 Issuance and Repurchase of Securities 6
Section 3.5 Borrowing Money; Lending Trust Property 6
Section 3.6 Delegation; Committees 6
Section 3.7 Collection and Payment 6
Section 3.8 Expenses 7
Section 3.9 Manner of Acting; By-Laws 7
Section 3.10 Miscellaneous Powers 7
Section 3.11 Principal Transactions 8
Section 3.12 Trustees and Officers as Shareholders 8
ARTICLE IV--INVESTMENT ADVISER, DISTRIBUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER
AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENTS 9
Section 4.1 Investment Adviser 9
Section 4.2 Distributor 9
Section 4.3 Administrator 9
Section 4.4 Transfer Agent and Shareholder Servicing Agents 9
Section 4.5 Parties to Contract 10
ARTICLE V--LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS, TRUSTEES AND OTHERS 10
Section 5.1 No Personal Liability of Shareholders,
Trustees, etc. 10
Section 5.2 Non-Liability of Trustees, etc 11
Section 5.3 Mandatory Indemnification; Insurance 11
Section 5.4 No Bond Required of Trustees 12
Section 5.5 No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust
Instruments, etc. 13
Section 5.6 Reliance on Experts, etc. 13
i
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VI--SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST 13
Section 6.1 Beneficial Interest 13
Section 6.2 Rights of Shareholders 13
Section 6.3 Trust Only 14
Section 6.4 Issuance of Shares 14
Section 6.5 Register of Shares 14
Section 6.6 Transfer of Shares 14
Section 6.7 Notices 15
Section 6.8 Voting Powers 15
Section 6.9 Series and Class Designation 16
ARTICLE VII--REDEMPTIONS 18
Section 7.1 Redemptions 18
Section 7.2 Suspension of Right of Redemption 18
Section 7.3 Redemption of Shares; Disclosure of Holding 19
Section 7.4 Redemptions of Accounts of Less than
Minimum Amount 19
ARTICLE VIII--DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, NET INCOME AND
DISTRIBUTIONS 20
ARTICLE IX--DURATION; TERMINATION OF TRUST; AMENDMENT; MERGERS, ETC 20
Section 9.1 Duration 20
Section 9.2 Termination of Trust 20
Section 9.3 Amendment Procedure 21
Section 9.4 Merger, Consolidation and Sale of Assets 22
Section 9.5 Incorporation, Reorganization 22
Section 9.6 Incorporation or Reorganization of Series 23
ARTICLE X--REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS 23
ARTICLE XI--MISCELLANEOUS 23
Section 11.1 Filing 23
Section 11.2 Governing Law 24
Section 11.3 Counterparts 24
Section 11.4 Reliance by Third Parties 24
Section 11.5 Provisions in Conflict with Law or Regulations 24
Section 11.6 Principal Office 25
ii
<PAGE>
RF050A
DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
--------------------
Dated as of April 5, 1996
--------------------
WHEREAS, the Trustees desire to establish a trust for the investment
and reinvestment of funds contributed thereto; and
WHEREAS, the Trustees desire that the beneficial interest in the trust
assets be divided into transferable shares of beneficial interest (par value
$0.01 per share) ("Shares") issued in one or more series, which series may be
divided into one or more classes, as hereinafter provided and
NOW THEREFORE, the Trustees hereby declare that all money and property
contributed to the trust established hereunder shall be held and managed in
trust for the benefit of holders, from time to time, of the Shares issued
hereunder and subject to the provisions hereof.
ARTICLE I
NAME AND DEFINITIONS
--------------------
SECTION 1.1. NAME. The name of the trust created hereby is "Republic
Advisor Funds Trust."
SECTION 1.2. DEFINITIONS. Wherever they are used herein, the following
terms have the following respective meanings:
(a) "ADMINISTRATOR" means a party furnishing services to the Trust
pursuant to any contract described in Section 4.3 hereof.
(b) "BY-LAWS" means the By-laws referred to in Section 3.9 hereof, as
from time to time amended.
(c) "COMMISSION" has the meaning given that term in the 1940 Act.
(d) "CUSTODIAN" means a party employed by the Trust to furnish services
as described in Article X of the By-Laws.
(e) "DECLARATION" means this Declaration of Trust as amended from time
to time. Reference in this Declaration of Trust to "DECLARATION", "HEREOF",
"HEREIN", and "HEREUNDER" shall be deemed to refer to this Declaration rather
than the article or section in which such words appear.
<PAGE>
2
(f) "DISTRIBUTOR" means a party furnishing services to the Trust
pursuant to any contract described in Section 4.2 hereof.
(g) "INTERESTED PERSON" has the meaning given that term in the 1940 Act.
(h) "INVESTMENT ADVISER" means a party furnishing services to the Trust
pursuant to any contract described in Section 4.1 hereof.
(i) "MAJORITY SHAREHOLDER VOTE" has the same meaning as the phrase "vote
of a majority of the outstanding voting securities" as defined in the 1940 Act,
except that such term may be used herein with respect to the Shares of the Trust
as a whole or the Shares of any particular series, or class of any series, as
the context may require.
(j) "1940 ACT" means the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules
and regulations thereunder, as amended from time to time.
(k) "PERSON" means and includes individuals, corporations, partnerships,
trusts, associations, joint ventures and other entities, whether or not legal
entities, and governments and agencies and political subdivisions thereof,
whether domestic or foreign.
(l) "SHAREHOLDER" means a record owner of outstanding Shares.
(m) "SHARES" means the shares of beneficial interest into which the
beneficial interest in the Trust shall be divided from time to time or, when
used in relation to any particular series or class of Shares established by the
Trustees pursuant to Section 6.9 hereof, equal proportionate transferable units
into which such series or class of Shares shall be divided from time to time.
The term "Shares" includes fractions of Shares as well as whole Shares.
(n) "SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENT" means a party furnishing services to
the Trust pursuant to any shareholder servicing contract described in Section
4.4 hereof.
(o) "TRANSFER AGENT" means a party furnishing services to the Trust
pursuant to any transfer agency contract described in Section 4.4 hereof.
(p) "TRUST" means the trust created hereby.
(q) "TRUST PROPERTY" means any and all property, real or personal,
tangible or intangible, which is owned or held by or for the account of the
Trust or the Trustees, including, without limitation, any and all property
allocated or belonging to any series of Shares pursuant to Section 6.9 hereof.
(r) "TRUSTEES" means the persons who have signed the Declaration, so
long as they shall continue in office in accordance with the terms hereof, and
all other persons who may from time to time be duly elected or appointed,
qualified and serving as Trustees in accordance with the provisions hereof, and
reference herein to a Trustee or the Trustees shall refer to such person or
persons in their capacity as trustees hereunder.
<PAGE>
3
ARTICLE II
TRUSTEES
--------
SECTION 2.1. NUMBER OF TRUSTEES. The number of Trustees shall be such
number as shall be fixed from time to time by a written instrument signed by a
majority of the Trustees, provided, however, that the number of Trustees shall
in no event be less than three nor more than 15.
SECTION 2.2. TERM OF OFFICE OF TRUSTEES. Subject to the provisions of
Section 16(a) of the 1940 Act, the Trustees shall hold office during the
lifetime of this Trust and until its termination as hereinafter provided; except
that (a) any Trustee may resign his trust (without need for prior or subsequent
accounting) by an instrument in writing signed by him and delivered to the other
Trustees, which shall take effect upon such delivery or upon such later date as
is specified therein; (b) any Trustee may be removed with cause, at any time by
written instrument signed by at least two-thirds of the remaining Trustees,
specifying the date when such removal shall become effective; (c) any Trustee
who has attained a mandatory retirement age established pursuant to any written
policy adopted from time to time by at least two thirds of the Trustees shall,
automatically and without action of such Trustee or the remaining Trustees, be
deemed to have retired in accordance with the terms of such policy, effective as
of the date determined in accordance with such policy; (d) any Trustee who has
become incapacitated by illness or injury as determined by a majority of the
other Trustees, may be retired by written instrument signed by a majority of the
other Trustees, specifying the date of his retirement; and (e) a Trustee may be
removed at any meeting of Shareholders by a vote of two thirds of the
outstanding Shares of each series. For purposes of the foregoing clause (b), the
term "cause" shall include, but not be limited to, failure to comply with such
written policies as may from time to time be adopted by at least two thirds of
the Trustees with respect to the conduct of Trustees and attendance at meetings.
Upon the resignation, retirement or removal of a Trustee, or his otherwise
ceasing to be a Trustee, he shall execute and deliver such documents as the
remaining Trustees shall require for the purpose of conveying to the Trust or
the remaining Trustees any Trust Property held in the name of the resigning,
retiring or removed Trustee. Upon the incapacity or death of any Trustee, his
legal representative shall execute and deliver on his behalf such documents as
the remaining Trustees shall require as provided in the preceding sentence.
SECTION 2.3. RESIGNATION AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES. In case of the
declination, death, resignation, retirement, removal or inability of any of the
Trustees, or in case a vacancy shall, by reason of an increase in number, or for
any other reason, exist, the remaining Trustees shall fill such vacancy by
appointing such other individual as they in their discretion shall see fit. Such
appointment shall be evidenced by a written instrument signed by a majority of
the Trustees in office. Any such appointment shall not become effective,
however, until the person named in the written instrument of appointment shall
have accepted in writing such appointment and agreed in writing to be bound by
the terms of the Declaration. Within twelve months of such appointment, the
Trustees shall cause notice of such appointment to be mailed to each Shareholder
at his address as recorded on the books of the Trustees. An appointment of a
Trustee may be made by the Trustees then in office and notice thereof mailed to
<PAGE>
4
Shareholders as aforesaid in anticipation of a vacancy to occur by
reason of retirement, resignation or increase in number of Trustees effective at
a later date, provided that said appointment shall become effective only at or
after the effective date of said retirement, resignation or increase in number
of Trustees. The power of appointment is subject to the provisions of Section 16
(a) of the 1940 Act.
SECTION 2.4. VACANCIES. The death, declination, resignation, retirement,
removal or incapacity of the Trustees, or any one of them, shall not operate to
annul the Trust or to revoke any existing agency created pursuant to the terms
of this Declaration. Whenever a vacancy in the number of Trustees shall occur,
until such vacancy is filled as provided in Section 2.3, the Trustees in office,
regardless of their number, shall have all the powers granted to the Trustees
and shall discharge all the duties imposed upon the Trustees by the Declaration.
A written instrument certifying the existence of such vacancy signed by a
majority of the Trustees shall be conclusive evidence of the existence of such
vacancy.
SECTION 2.5. DELEGATION OF POWER TO OTHER TRUSTEES. Any Trustee may, by
power of attorney, delegate his power for a period not exceeding six months at
any one time to any other Trustee or Trustees; provided that in no case shall
fewer than two Trustees personally exercise the powers granted to the Trustees
under the Declaration except as herein otherwise expressly provided.
ARTICLE III
POWERS OF TRUSTEES
------------------
SECTION 3.1. GENERAL. The Trustees shall have exclusive and absolute
control over the Trust Property and over the business of the Trust to the same
extent as if the Trustees were the sole owners of the Trust Property and
business in their own right, but with such powers of delegation as may be
permitted by the Declaration. The Trustees shall have power to conduct the
business of the Trust and carry on its operations in any and all of its branches
and maintain offices both within and without the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
in any and all states of the United States of America, in the District of
Columbia, and in any and all commonwealths, territories, dependencies, colonies,
possessions, agencies or instrumentalities of the United States of America and
of foreign governments, and to do all such other things and execute all such
instruments as the Trustees deem necessary, proper or desirable in order to
promote the interests of the Trust although such things are not herein
specifically mentioned. Any determination as to what is in the interests of the
Trust made by the Trustees in good faith shall be conclusive. In construing the
provisions of the Declaration, the presumption shall be in favor of a grant of
power to the Trustees.
The enumeration of any specific power herein shall not be construed as
limiting the aforesaid power. Such powers of the Trustees may be exercised
without order of or resort to any court.
SECTION 3.2. INVESTMENTS. (a) The Trustees shall have the power:
(i) to conduct, operate and carry on the business of an investment
company;
<PAGE>
5
(ii) to subscribe for, invest in, reinvest in, purchase or otherwise
acquire, own, hold, pledge, sell, assign, transfer, exchange, distribute, lend
or otherwise deal in or dispose of U.S. and foreign currencies, any form of gold
or other precious metal, commodity contracts, any form of option contract,
contracts for the future acquisition or delivery of fixed income or other
securities, shares of, or any other interest in, any investment company as
defined in the 1940 Act, and securities and related derivatives of every nature
and kind, including, without limitation, all types of bonds, debentures, stocks,
negotiable or non-negotiable instruments, obligations, evidences of
indebtedness, certificates of deposit or indebtedness, commercial paper,
repurchase agreements, bankers' acceptances, and other securities of any kind,
issued, created, guaranteed or sponsored by any and all Persons, including,
without limitation,
(A) states, territories and possessions of the United States and the
District of Columbia and any political subdivision, agency or instrumentality of
any such Person,
(B) the U.S. Government, any foreign government, any political
subdivision or any agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government, any foreign
government or any political subdivision of the U.S. Government or any foreign
government,
(C) any international or supranational instrumentality,
(D) any bank or savings institution, or
(E) any corporation, trust, partnership or other organization organized
under the laws of the United States or of any state, territory or possession
thereof, or under any foreign law; or in "when issued" contracts for any such
securities, to retain Trust assets in cash and from time to time to change the
securities or obligations in which the assets of the Trust are invested; and to
exercise any and all rights, powers and privileges of ownership or interest in
respect of any and all such investments of every kind and description,
including, without limitation, the right to consent and otherwise act with
respect thereto, with power to designate one or more Persons to exercise any of
said rights, powers and privileges in respect of any of said investments; and
(iii) to carry on any other business in connection with or incidental to
any of the foregoing powers, to do everything necessary, proper or desirable for
the accomplishment of any purpose or the attainment of any object or the
furtherance of any power hereinbefore set forth, and to do every other act or
thing incidental or appurtenant to or connected with the aforesaid purposes,
objects or powers.
(b) The Trustees shall not be limited to investing in securities or
obligations maturing before the possible termination of the Trust, nor shall the
Trustees be limited by any law limiting the investments which may be made by
fiduciaries.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration to the
contrary, the Trustees shall have the power in their discretion without any
6
<PAGE>
requirement of approval by shareholders to either invest all or a
portion of the Trust Property, or sell all or a portion of the Trust Property
and invest the proceeds of such sales, in another investment company that is
registered under the 1940 Act.
SECTION 3.3. LEGAL TITLE. Legal title to all Trust Property shall be
vested in the Trustees as joint tenants except that the Trustees shall have
power to cause legal title to any Trust Property to be held by or in the name of
one or more of the Trustees, or in the name of the Trust, or in the name of any
other Person or nominee, on such terms as the Trustees may determine. The right,
title and interest of the Trustees in the Trust Property shall vest
automatically in each Person who may hereafter become a Trustee. Upon the
resignation, removal or death of a Trustee, such Trustee shall automatically
cease to have any right, title or interest in any of the Trust Property, and the
right, title and interest of such Trustee in the Trust Property shall vest
automatically in the remaining Trustees. Such vesting and cessation of title
shall be effective whether or not conveyancing documents have been executed and
delivered.
SECTION 3.4. ISSUANCE AND REPURCHASE OF SECURITIES. The Trustees shall
have the power to issue, sell, repurchase, redeem, retire, cancel, acquire,
hold, resell, reissue, dispose of, transfer, and otherwise deal in Shares and,
subject to the provisions set forth in Articles VII, VIII and IX and Section 6.9
hereof, to apply to any such repurchase, redemption, retirement, cancellation or
acquisition of Shares any funds of the Trust or other Trust Property whether
capital or surplus or otherwise, to the full extent now or hereafter permitted
by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts governing business
corporations.
SECTION 3.5. BORROWING MONEY; LENDING TRUST PROPERTY. The Trustees shall
have power to borrow money or otherwise obtain credit and to secure the same by
mortgaging, pledging or otherwise subjecting as security the Trust Property, to
endorse, guarantee, or undertake the performance of any obligation, contract or
engagement of any other Person and to lend Trust Property.
SECTION 3.6. DELEGATION; COMMITTEES. The Trustees shall have power to
delegate from time to time to such of their number or to officers, employees or
agents of the Trust the doing of such things and the execution of such
instruments either in the name of the Trust or the names of the Trustees or
otherwise as the Trustees may deem expedient.
SECTION 3.7. COLLECTION AND PAYMENT. Subject to Section 6.9 hereof, the
Trustees shall have power to collect all property due to the Trust; to pay all
claims, including taxes, against the Trust Property; to prosecute, defend,
compromise or abandon any claims relating to the Trust Property; to foreclose
any security interest securing any obligations, by virtue of which any property
is owed to the Trust; and to enter into releases, agreements and other
instruments.
SECTION 3.8. EXPENSES. Subject to Section 6.9 hereof, the Trustees shall
have the power to incur and pay any expenses which in the opinion of the
Trustees are necessary or incidental to carry out any of the purposes of the
Declaration, and to pay reasonable compensation from the funds of the Trust to
themselves as Trustees. The Trustees shall fix the compensation of all officers,
employees and Trustees.
<PAGE>
7
SECTION 3.9. MANNER OF ACTING; BY-LAWS. Except as otherwise provided
herein or in the By-Laws, any action to be taken by the Trustees may be taken by
a majority of the Trustees present at a meeting of Trustees at which a quorum is
present, including any meeting held by means of a conference telephone circuit
or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating
in the meeting can hear each other, or by written consents of a majority of the
Trustees. The Trustees may adopt By-Laws not inconsistent with this Declaration
to provide for the conduct of the business of the Trust and may amend or repeal
such By-Laws to the extent such power is not reserved to the Shareholders.
SECTION 3.10. MISCELLANEOUS POWERS. The Trustees shall have the power
to: (a) employ or contract with such Persons as the Trustees may deem desirable
for the transaction of the business of the Trust; (b) enter into joint ventures,
partnerships and any other combinations or associations; (c) remove Trustees or
fill vacancies in or add to their number, elect and remove such officers and
appoint and terminate such agents or employees as they consider appropriate, and
appoint from their own number, and terminate, any one or more committees which
may exercise some or all of the power and authority of the Trustees as the
Trustees may determine; (d) purchase, and pay for out of Trust Property,
insurance policies insuring the Shareholders, the Administrator, Trustees,
officers, employees, agents, the Investment Adviser, the Distributor, selected
dealers or independent contractors of the Trust against all claims arising by
reason of holding any such position or by reason of any action taken or omitted
by any such Person in such capacity, whether or not constituting negligence, or
whether or not the Trust would have the power to indemnify such Person against
such liability; (e) establish pension, profit-sharing, Share purchase, and other
retirement, incentive and benefit plans for any Trustees, officers, employees or
agents of the Trust; (f) to the extent permitted by law, indemnify any person
with whom the Trust has dealings, including any Investment Adviser,
Administrator, Custodian, Distributor, Transfer Agent, Shareholder Servicing
Agent and any dealer, to such extent as the Trustees shall determine; (g)
guarantee indebtedness or contractual obligations of others; (h) determine and
change the fiscal year of the Trust and the method by which its accounts shall
be kept; and (i) adopt a seal for the Trust, provided, that the absence of such
seal shall not impair the validity of any instrument executed on behalf of the
Trust.
SECTION 3.11. PRINCIPAL TRANSACTIONS. Except in transactions permitted
by the 1940 Act, or any order of exemption issued by the Commission, the
Trustees shall not, on behalf of the Trust, buy any securities (other than
Shares) from or sell any securities (other than Shares) to, or lend any assets
of the Trust to, any Trustee or officer of the Trust or any firm of which any
such Trustee or officer is a member acting as principal, or have any such
dealings with any Investment Adviser, Administrator, Shareholder Servicing
Agent, Custodian, Distributor or Transfer Agent or with any Interested Person of
such Person; but the Trust may, upon customary terms, employ any such Person, or
firm or company in which such Person is an Interested Person, as broker, legal
counsel, registrar, transfer agent, dividend disbursing agent or custodian.
SECTION 3.12. TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS AS SHAREHOLDERS. Except as
hereinafter provided, no officer, Trustee or member of any advisory board of the
Trust, and no member, partner, officer, director or trustee of the Investment
<PAGE>
8
Adviser, Administrator or of the Distributor, and no Investment Adviser,
Administrator or Distributor of the Trust, shall take long or short positions in
the securities issued by the Trust. The foregoing provision shall not prevent:
(a) The Distributor from purchasing Shares from the Trust if such
purchases are limited (except for reasonable allowances for clerical errors,
delays and errors of transmission and cancellation of orders) to purchases for
the purpose of filling orders for Shares received by the Distributor and
provided that orders to purchase from the Trust are entered with the Trust or
the Custodian promptly upon receipt by the Distributor of purchase orders for
Shares, unless the Distributor is otherwise instructed by its customer;
(b) The Distributor from purchasing Shares as agent for the account of
the Trust;
(c) The purchase from the Trust or from the Distributor of Shares by any
officer, Trustee or member of any advisory board of the Trust or by any member,
partner, officer, director or trustee of the Investment Adviser or of the
Distributor at a price not lower than the net asset value of the Shares at the
moment of such purchase, provided that any such sales are only to be made
pursuant to a uniform offer described in the current prospectus or offering
memorandum or statement of additional information for the Shares being
purchased; or
(d) The Investment Adviser, the Distributor, the Administrator, or any
of their officers, partners, directors or trustees from purchasing Shares prior
to the effective date of the Trust's registration statement under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, relating to the Shares.
ARTICLE IV
INVESTMENT ADVISER, DISTRIBUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, TRANSFER AGENT
--------------------------------------------------------------
AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENTS
--------------------------------
SECTION 4.1. INVESTMENT ADVISER. Subject to a Majority Shareholder Vote
of the Shares of each series affected thereby, the Trustees may in their
discretion from time to time enter into one or more investment advisory or
management contracts whereby the other party to each such contract shall
undertake to furnish the Trust such management, investment advisory, statistical
and research facilities and services, promotional activities, and such other
facilities and services, if any, with respect to one or more series of Shares,
as the Trustees shall from time to time consider desirable and all upon such
terms and conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine.
Notwithstanding any provision of the Declaration, the Trustees may delegate to
the Investment Adviser authority (subject to such general or specific
instructions as the Trustees may from time to time adopt) to effect purchases,
sales, loans or exchanges of assets of the Trust on behalf of the Trustees or
may authorize any officer, employee or Trustee to effect such purchases, sales,
loans or exchanges pursuant to recommendations of the Investment Adviser (and
all without further action by the Trustees). Any of such purchases, sales, loans
or exchanges shall be deemed to have been authorized by all the Trustees. Such
services may be provided by one or more Persons.
<PAGE>
9
SECTION 4.2. DISTRIBUTOR. The Trustees may in their discretion from time
to time enter into one or more contracts providing for the sale of Shares
whereby the Trust may either agree to sell the Shares to the other party to any
such contract or appoint any such other party its sales agent for such Shares.
In either case, any such contract shall be on such terms and conditions as the
Trustees may in their discretion determine, provided that such terms and
conditions are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Declaration or the
By-Laws; and such contract may also provide for the repurchase or sale of Shares
by such other party as principal or as agent of the Trust and may provide that
such other party may enter into selected dealer and sales agreements with
registered securities dealers and depository institutions to further the purpose
of the distribution or repurchase of the Shares. Such services may be provided
by one or more Persons.
SECTION 4.3. ADMINISTRATOR. The Trustees may in their discretion from
time to time enter into one or more administrative services contracts whereby
the other party to each such contract shall undertake to furnish such
administrative services to the Trust as the Trustees shall from time to time
consider desirable and all upon such terms and conditions as the Trustees may in
their discretion determine, provided that such terms and conditions are not
inconsistent with the provisions of this Declaration or the By-Laws. Such
services may be provided by one or more Persons.
SECTION 4.4. TRANSFER AGENT AND SHAREHOLDER SERVICING AGENTS. The
Trustees may in their discretion from time to time enter into one or more
transfer agency and shareholder servicing contracts whereby the other party to
each such contract shall undertake to furnish such transfer agency and/or
shareholder services to the Trust or to shareholders of the Trust as the
Trustees shall from time to time consider desirable and all upon such terms and
conditions as the Trustees may in their discretion determine, provided that such
terms and conditions are not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Declaration or the By-Laws. Such services may be provided by one or more
Persons. Except as otherwise provided in the applicable shareholder servicing
contract, a Shareholder Servicing Agent shall be deemed to be the record owner
of outstanding Shares beneficially owned by customers of such Shareholder
Servicing Agent for whom it is acting pursuant to such shareholder servicing
contract.
SECTION 4.5. PARTIES TO CONTRACT. Any contract of the character
described in Section 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 or 4.4 of this Article IV or any Custodian
contract as described in Article X of the By-Laws may be entered into with any
Person, although one or more of the Trustees or officers of the Trust may be an
officer, partner, director, trustee, shareholder, or member of such other party
to the contract, and no such contract shall be invalidated or rendered voidable
by reason of the existence of any such relationship; nor shall any Person
holding such relationship be liable merely by reason of such relationship for
any loss or expense to the Trust under or by reason of any such contract or
accountable for any profit realized directly or indirectly therefrom, provided
that the contract when entered into was not inconsistent with the provisions of
this Article IV or the By-Laws. The same Person may be the other party to
contracts entered into pursuant to Sections 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 above or any
Custodian contract as described in Article X of the By-Laws, and any individual
<PAGE>
10
may be financially interested or otherwise affiliated with Persons who are
parties to any or all of the contracts mentioned in this Section 4.5.
ARTICLE V
LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS,
TRUSTEES AND OTHERS
-----------------------------------------
SECTION 5.1. NO PERSONAL LIABILITY OF SHAREHOLDERS, TRUSTEES, ETC. No
Shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person
in connection with Trust Property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the
Trust. No Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be subject to
any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than the Trust or its
Shareholders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust,
save only that arising from bad faith, wilful misfeasance, gross negligence or
reckless disregard for his duty to such Person; and all such Persons shall look
solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in
connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee, officer,
employee, or agent, as such, of the Trust, is made a party to any suit or
proceeding to enforce any such liability, he shall not, on account thereof, be
held to any personal liability. The Trust shall indemnify and hold each
Shareholder harmless from and against all claims and liabilities to which such
Shareholder may become subject by reason of his being or having been a
Shareholder, and shall reimburse such Shareholder for all legal and other
expenses reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such claim or
liability. The rights accruing to a Shareholder under this Section 5.1 shall not
exclude any other right to which such Shareholder may be lawfully entitled, nor
shall anything herein contained restrict the right of the Trust to indemnify or
reimburse a Shareholder in any appropriate situation even though not
specifically provided herein. Notwithstanding any other provision of this
Declaration to the contrary, no Trust Property shall be used to indemnify or
reimburse any Shareholder of any Shares of any series or class thereof other
than Trust Property allocated or belonging to that series, or allocable to the
class thereof.
SECTION 5.2. NON-LIABILITY OF TRUSTEES, ETC. No Trustee, officer,
employee or agent of the Trust shall be liable to the Trust or to any
Shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee, or agent thereof for any action or
failure to act (including without limitation the failure to compel in any way
any former or acting Trustee to redress any breach of trust) except for his own
bad faith, wilful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard of his
duties.
SECTION 5.3. MANDATORY INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE. (a) Subject to the
exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:
(i) every person who is or has been a Trustee or officer of the Trust
shall be indemnified by the Trust, to the fullest extent permitted by law
(including the 1940 Act) as currently in effect or as hereafter amended, against
all liability and against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in
connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which he becomes
involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his being or having been a Trustee
or officer and against amounts paid or incurred by him in the settlement
thereof;
<PAGE>
11
(ii) the words "claim", "action", "suit", or "proceeding" shall apply to
all claims, actions, suits or proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or
other, including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words "liability" and
"expenses" shall include, without limitation, attorneys' fees, costs, judgments,
amounts paid in settlement, fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a Trustee or
officer:
(i) against any liability to the Trust or the Shareholders by reason of
a final adjudication by the court or other body before which the proceeding was
brought that he engaged in wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office;
(ii) with respect to any matter as to which he shall have been finally
adjudicated not to have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his
action was in the best interest of the Trust; or
(iii) in the event of a settlement involving a payment by a Trustee or
officer or other disposition not involving a final adjudication as provided in
paragraph (b) (i) or (b) (ii) above resulting in a payment by a Trustee or
officer, unless there has been either a determination that such Trustee or
officer did not engage in wilful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office by the
court or other body approving the settlement or other disposition or by a
reasonable determination, based upon a review of readily available facts (as
opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) that he did not engage in such conduct:
(a) by vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the
matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office
act on the matter); or
(b) by written opinion of independent legal counsel.
(c) Subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act, the Trust may maintain
insurance for the protection of the Trust Property, its Shareholders, Trustees,
officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem
adequate to cover possible tort liability (whether or not the Trust would have
the power to indemnify such Persons against such liability), and such other
insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable.
(d) The rights of indemnification herein provided shall be severable,
shall not affect any other rights to which any Trustee or officer may now or
hereafter be entitled, shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be such a
Trustee or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such Person. Nothing contained herein shall affect any rights
to indemnification to which personnel other than Trustees and officers may be
entitled by contract or otherwise under law.
(e) Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense to any claim,
action, suit, or proceeding of the character described in paragraph (a) of this
Section 5.3 shall be advanced by the Trust prior to final disposition thereof
<PAGE>
12
upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the recipient to repay such
amount if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to
indemnification under this Section 5.3, provided that either:
(i) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or some other
appropriate security or the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of
any such advances; or
(ii) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting on the matter
(provided that a majority of the Disinterested Trustees then in office act on
the matter) or an independent legal counsel in a written opinion, shall
determine, based upon a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full
trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient
ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 5.3 a "Disinterested Trustee" is one (i) who is
not an "Interested Person" of the Trust (including anyone who has been exempted
from being an "Interested Person" by any rule, regulation or order of the
Commission), and (ii) against whom none of such actions, suits or other
proceedings or another action, suit or other proceeding on the same or similar
grounds is then or had been pending.
SECTION 5.4. NO BOND REQUIRED OF TRUSTEES. No Trustee shall be obligated
to give any bond or other security for the performance of any of his duties
hereunder.
SECTION 5.5. NO DUTY OF INVESTIGATION; NOTICE IN TRUST INSTRUMENTS, ETC.
No purchaser, lender, Shareholder Servicing Agent, Transfer Agent or other
Person dealing with the Trustees or any officer, employee or agent of the Trust
shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction
purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said officer, employee or agent or
be liable for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or delivered to
or on the order of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent. Every
obligation, contract, instrument, certificate, Share, other security of the
Trust or undertaking, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in
connection with the Trust shall be conclusively presumed to have been executed
or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under the
Declaration or in their capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust.
Every written obligation, contract, instrument, certificate, Share, other
security of the Trust or undertaking made or issued by the Trustees shall recite
that the same is executed or made by them not individually, but as Trustees
under the Declaration, and that the obligations of any such instrument are not
binding upon any of the Trustees or Shareholders individually, but bind only the
trust estate, and may contain any further recital which they or he may deem
appropriate, but the omission of such recital shall not operate to bind any of
the Trustees or Shareholders individually. The Trustees shall at all times
maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property, Shareholders,
Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall
deem adequate to cover possible tort liability, and such other insurance as the
Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable.
<PAGE>
13
SECTION 5.6. RELIANCE ON EXPERTS, ETC. Each Trustee and officer or
employee of the Trust shall, in the performance of his duties, be fully and
completely justified and protected with regard to any act or any failure to act
resulting from reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records
of the Trust, upon an opinion of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust by
any of its officers or employees or by the Investment Adviser, the Distributor,
Transfer Agent, any Shareholder Servicing Agent, selected dealers, accountants,
appraisers or other experts or consultants selected with reasonable care by the
Trustees, officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel
or expert may also be a Trustee.
ARTICLE VI
SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
-----------------------------
SECTION 6.1. BENEFICIAL INTEREST. The interest of the beneficiaries
hereunder may be divided into transferable Shares, which may be divided into one
or more series as provided in Section 6.9 hereof. Each such series shall have
such class or classes of Shares as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
The number of Shares authorized hereunder is unlimited. All Shares issued
hereunder including, without limitation, Shares issued in connection with a
dividend in Shares or a split of Shares, shall be fully paid and non-assessable.
SECTION 6.2. RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS. The ownership of the Trust Property
of every description and the right to conduct any business hereinbefore
described are vested exclusively in the Trustees, and the Shareholders shall
have no interest therein other than the beneficial interest conferred by their
Shares, and they shall have no right to call for any partition or division of
any property, profits, rights or interests of the Trust nor can they be called
upon to assume any losses of the Trust or suffer an assessment of any kind by
virtue of their ownership of Shares. The Shares shall be personal property
giving only the rights specifically set forth in the Declaration. The Shares
shall not entitle the holder to preference, preemptive, appraisal, conversion or
exchange rights, except as the Trustees may determine with respect to any series
or class of Shares.
SECTION 6.3. TRUST ONLY. It is the intention of the Trustees to create
only the relationship of trustee and beneficiary between the Trustees and the
Shareholders. It is not the intention of the Trustees to create a general
partnership, limited partnership, joint stock association, corporation, bailment
or any form of legal relationship other than a trust. Nothing in the Declaration
shall be construed to make the Shareholders, either by themselves or with the
Trustees, partners or members of a joint stock association.
SECTION 6.4. ISSUANCE OF SHARES. The Trustees, in their discretion may,
from time to time without vote of the Shareholders, issue Shares, in addition to
the then issued and outstanding Shares and Shares held in the treasury, to such
party or parties and for such amount and type of consideration, including cash
or property, and on such terms as the Trustees may deem best, and may in such
manner acquire other assets (including the acquisition of assets subject to, and
in connection, with the assumption of liabilities) and businesses. In connection
with any issuance of Shares, the Trustees may issue fractional Shares. The
<PAGE>
14
Trustees may from time to time divide or combine the Shares of any series into a
greater or lesser number without thereby changing their proportionate beneficial
interests in Trust Property allocated or belonging to such series. Contributions
to the Trust may be accepted for, and Shares shall be redeemed as, whole Shares
and/or fractions of a Share.
SECTION 6.5. REGISTER OF SHARES. A register or registers shall be kept
at the principal office of the Trust or at an office of the Transfer Agent
(and/or any sub-transfer agent which may be a Shareholder Servicing Agent) which
register or registers, taken together, shall contain the names and addresses of
the Shareholders and the number of Shares held by them respectively and a record
of all transfers thereof. Such register or registers shall be conclusive as to
who are the holders of the Shares and who shall be entitled to receive dividends
or distributions or otherwise to exercise or enjoy the rights of Shareholders.
No Shareholder shall be entitled to receive payment of any dividend or
distribution, nor to have notice given to him as herein or in the By-Laws
provided, until he has given his address to the Transfer Agent, a sub-transfer
agent, or such other officer or agent of the Trustees as shall keep the said
register for entry thereon. It is not contemplated that certificates will be
issued for the Shares; however, the Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize
the issuance of Share certificates and promulgate appropriate rules and
regulations as to their use.
SECTION 6.6. TRANSFER OF SHARES. Shares shall be transferable on the
records of the Trust only by the record holder thereof or by his agent thereunto
duly authorized in writing, upon delivery to the Trustees, the Transfer Agent or
a sub-transfer agent, of a duly executed instrument of transfer, together with
any certificate or certificates (if issued) for such Shares and such evidence of
the genuineness of each such execution and authorization and of other matters as
may reasonably be required. Upon such delivery the transfer shall be recorded on
the register of the Trust. Until such record is made, the Shareholder of record
shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes hereunder and
neither the Trustees nor any Transfer Agent, a sub-transfer agent or registrar
nor any officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice
of the proposed transfer.
Any person becoming entitled to any Shares in consequence of the death,
bankruptcy, or incompetence of any Shareholder, or otherwise by operation of
law, shall be recorded on the register of Shares as the holder of such Shares
upon production of the proper evidence thereof to the Trustees, the Transfer
Agent or a sub-transfer agent; but until such record is made, the Shareholder of
record shall be deemed to be the holder of such Shares for all purposes
hereunder and neither the Trustees nor any Transfer Agent, sub-transfer agent or
registrar nor any officer or agent of the Trust shall be affected by any notice
of such death, bankruptcy or incompetence, or other operation of law.
SECTION 6.7. NOTICES. Any and all notices to which any Shareholder may
be entitled and any and all communications shall be deemed duly served or given
if mailed, postage prepaid, addressed to any Shareholder of record at his last
known address as recorded on the register of the Trust.
<PAGE>
15
SECTION 6.8. VOTING POWERS. The Shareholders shall have power to vote
only (i) for the removal of Trustees as provided in Section 2.2 hereof, (ii)
with respect to any investment advisory or management contract as provided in
Section 4.1 hereof, (iii) with respect to termination of the Trust as provided
in Section 9.2 hereof, (iv) with respect to any amendment of this Declaration to
the extent and as provided in Section 9.3 hereof, (v) with respect to any
merger, consolidation or sale of assets as provided in Sections 9.4 and 9.6
hereof, (vi) with respect to incorporation of the Trust or any series to the
extent and as provided in Sections 9.5 and 9.6 hereof, (vii) to the same extent
as the stockholders of a Massachusetts business corporation as to whether or not
a court action, proceeding or claim should or should not be brought or
maintained derivatively or as a class action on behalf of the Trust or the
Shareholders, and (viii) with respect to such additional matters relating to the
Trust as may be required by the Declaration, the By-Laws or any registration of
the Trust with the Commission (or any successor agency) or any state, or as the
Trustees may consider necessary or desirable. Each whole Share shall be entitled
to one vote as to any matter on which it is entitled to vote and each fractional
Share shall be entitled to a proportionate fractional vote, except that Shares
held in the treasury of the Trust shall not be voted. Shares shall be voted by
individual series or class on any matter submitted to a vote of the Shareholders
of the Trust except as provided in Section 6.9(g) hereof. There shall be no
cumulative voting in the election of Trustees. Until Shares are issued, the
Trustees may exercise all rights of Shareholders and may take any action
required by law, the Declaration or the By-Laws to be taken by Shareholders. At
any meeting of Shareholders of the Trust or of any series or class of the Trust,
a Shareholder Servicing Agent may vote any shares as to which such Shareholder
Servicing Agent is the agent of record and which are not otherwise represented
in person or by proxy at the meeting, proportionately in accordance with the
votes cast by beneficial owners of all shares otherwise represented at the
meeting in person or by proxy as to which such Shareholder Servicing Agent is
the agent of record. Any shares so voted by a Shareholder Servicing Agent will
be deemed represented at the meeting for quorum purposes. The By-Laws may
include further provisions for Shareholder votes and meetings and related
matters.
SECTION 6.9. SERIES AND CLASS DESIGNATION. As set forth in Appendix I
hereto, the Trustees have authorized the division of Shares into series and
classes, as designated and established pursuant to the provisions of Appendix I
and this Section 6.9. The Trustees, in their discretion, may authorize the
division of Shares into one or more additional series, which may be divided into
one or more classes, and the different series and classes shall be established
and designated, and the variations in the relative rights, privileges and
preferences as between the different series and classes shall be fixed and
determined by the Trustees upon and subject to the following provisions:
(a) All Shares shall be identical except that there may be such
variations as shall be fixed and determined by the Trustees between different
series and different classes thereof as to purchase price, right of redemption
and the price, terms and manner of redemption, and special and relative rights
as to dividends and on liquidation.
(b) The number of authorized Shares and the number of Shares of each
series or classes that may be issued shall be unlimited. The Trustees may
<PAGE>
16
classify or reclassify any unissued Shares or any Shares previously issued and
reacquired of any series or classes into one or more series or classes that may
be established and designated from time to time. The Trustees may hold as
treasury shares (of the same or some other series or class), reissue for such
consideration and on such terms as they may determine, or cancel any Shares of
any series or class reacquired by the Trust at their discretion from time to
time.
(c) All consideration received by the Trust for the issuance or sale of
Shares of a particular series, together with all assets in which such
consideration is invested or reinvested, all income and earnings thereon,
profits therefrom, and proceeds thereof, including any proceeds derived from the
sale, exchange or liquidation of such assets, and any funds or payments derived
from any reinvestment of such proceeds in whatever form the same may be, shall
irrevocably belong to that series for all purposes, subject only to the rights
of creditors of such series, and shall be so recorded upon the books of account
of the Trust. In the event that there are any assets, income, earnings, profits,
proceeds, funds or payments which are not readily identifiable as belonging to
any particular series, the Trustees shall allocate them to and among any one or
more of the series established and designated from time to time in such manner
and on such basis as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and
equitable. Each such allocation by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding
upon the Shareholders of all series for all purposes. No Shareholder of any
particular series shall have any claim on or right to any assets allocated or
belonging to any other series of Shares.
(d) The assets belonging to each particular series shall be charged with
the liabilities of the Trust in respect of that series, and all expenses, costs,
charges and reserves attributable to that series, and any general liabilities,
expenses, costs, charges or reserves of the Trust which are not readily
identifiable as belonging to any particular series, shall be allocated and
charged by the Trustees to and among any one or more of the series and the
classes thereof established and designated from time to time in such manner and
on such basis as the Trustees, in their sole discretion, deem fair and
equitable. Each allocation of liabilities, expenses, costs, charges and reserves
by the Trustees shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders of all
series and classes for all purposes. The Trustees shall have full discretion, to
the extent not inconsistent with the 1940 Act, to determine which items shall be
treated as income and which items as capital; and each such determination and
allocation shall be conclusive and binding upon the Shareholders. Under no
circumstances shall the assets allocated or belonging to any particular series
be charged with liabilities, expenses, costs, charges or reserves attributable
to any other series. All Persons who have extended credit which has been
allocated to a particular series, or who have a claim or contract which has been
allocated to any particular series, shall look only to the assets of that
particular series for payment of such credit, claim or contract.
(e) The power of the Trustees to invest and reinvest the Trust Property
allocated or belonging to any particular series shall be governed by Section 3.2
hereof unless otherwise provided in the instrument of the Trustees establishing
such series which is hereinafter described.
<PAGE>
17
(f) Each Share of a series shall represent a beneficial interest in the
net assets allocated or belonging to such series only, and such interest shall
not extend to the assets of the Trust generally. Dividends and distributions on
Shares of a particular series or of any class thereof may be paid with such
frequency as the Trustees may determine, which may be monthly or otherwise,
pursuant to a standing vote or votes adopted only once or with such frequency as
the Trustees may determine, to the Shareholders of that series or class only,
from such of the income and capital gains, accrued or realized, from the assets
belonging to that series, or allocable to that class, as the Trustees may
determine, after providing for actual and accrued liabilities belonging to that
series or allocable to that class. All dividends and distributions on Shares of
a particular series or class thereof shall be distributed PRO RATA to the
Shareholders of that series in proportion to the number of Shares of that series
or class held by such Shareholders at the date and time of record established
for the payment of such dividends or distributions. Shares of any particular
series of the Trust may be redeemed solely out of Trust Property allocated or
belonging to that series. Upon liquidation or termination of a series of the
Trust, Shareholders of such series shall be entitled to receive a PRO RATA share
of the net assets of such series (or allocable to that series) only.
(g) Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the contrary, on any matter
submitted to a vote of the Shareholders of the Trust, all Shares then entitled
to vote shall be voted by individual series or class, except that (i) when
required by the 1940 Act to be voted in the aggregate, Shares shall not be voted
by individual series or classes, and (ii) subject to the foregoing clause (i),
when the Trustees have determined that the matter affects only the interests of
Shareholders of one or more series or classes, only Shareholders of such series
or classes shall be entitled to vote thereon.
(h) The establishment and designation of any series or class of Shares
shall be effective upon the execution by a majority of the Trustees of an
instrument setting forth such establishment and designation and the relative
rights and preferences of such series or class, or as otherwise provided in such
instrument, or upon a resolution adopted by a majority of the Trustees and the
execution by an officer of the Trust on behalf of the Trustees of an instrument
setting forth such establishment and designation and the relative rights and
preferences of such series or class, or as otherwise provided in such
instrument. At any time that there are no Shares outstanding of any particular
series or class previously established and designated, the Trustees may by an
instrument executed by a majority of their number abolish that series or class
and the establishment and designation thereof. Each instrument referred to in
this paragraph shall have the status of an amendment to this Declaration.
ARTICLE VII
REDEMPTIONS
-----------
SECTION 7.L REDEMPTIONS. In case any Shareholder at any time desires to
dispose of his Shares, he may deposit his certificate or certificates therefor,
duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by an instrument of transfer executed in
blank, or if the Shares are not represented by any certificate, a written
request or other such form of request as the Trustees may from time to time
<PAGE>
18
authorize, at the office of the Transfer Agent, or at the office of any bank or
trust company, either in or outside of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which
is a member of the Federal Reserve System and which the said Transfer Agent has
designated in writing for that purpose, together with an irrevocable offer in
writing in a form acceptable to the Trustees to sell the Shares represented
thereby to the Trust at the net asset value per Share thereof, next determined
after such deposit as provided in Section 8.1 hereof. Payment for said Shares
shall be made to the Shareholder within seven days after the date on which the
deposit is made, unless (i) the date of payment is postponed pursuant to Section
7.2 hereof, or (ii) the receipt, or verification of receipt, of the purchase
price for the Shares to be redeemed is delayed, in either of which events
payment may be delayed beyond seven days.
SECTION 7.2 SUSPENSION OF RIGHT OF REDEMPTION. The Trust may declare a
suspension of the right of redemption or postpone the date of payment of the
redemption proceeds for the whole or any part of any period (i) during which the
New York Stock Exchange is closed other than customary week-end and holiday
closings, (ii) during which trading on the New York Stock Exchange is
restricted, (iii) during which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal
by the Trust of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is
not reasonably practicable for the Trust fairly to determine the value of its
net assets, or (iv) during which the Commission for the protection of
Shareholders by order permits the suspension of the right of redemption or
postponement of the date of payment of the redemption proceeds; provided that
applicable rules and regulations of the Commission shall govern as to whether
the conditions prescribed in (ii), (iii) or (iv) exist. Such suspension shall
take effect at such time as the Trust shall specify but not later than the close
of business on the business day next following the declaration of suspension,
and thereafter there shall be no right of redemption or payment of the
redemption proceeds until the Trust shall declare the suspension at an end,
except that the suspension shall terminate in any event on the first day on
which said stock exchange shall have reopened or the period specified in (ii) or
(iii) shall have expired (as to which, in the absence of an official ruling by
the Commission, the determination of the Trust shall be conclusive). In the case
of a suspension of the right of redemption, a Shareholder may either withdraw
his request for redemption or receive payment based on the net asset value
existing after the termination of the suspension.
SECTION 7.3. REDEMPTION OF SHARES; DISCLOSURE OF HOLDING. If the
Trustees shall, at any time and in good faith, be of the opinion that direct or
indirect ownership of Shares has or may become concentrated in any Person to an
extent which would disqualify the Trust, or any series of the Trust, as a
regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), then the Trustees shall have the power by lot or other means
deemed equitable by them (i) to call for redemption by any such Person a number
of Shares of the Trust, or such series or class of the Trust, sufficient to
maintain or bring the direct or indirect ownership of Shares of the Trust, or
such series or class of the Trust, into conformity with the requirements for
such qualification, and (ii) to refuse to transfer or issue Shares of the Trust,
or such series or class of the Trust, to any Person whose acquisition of the
Shares of the Trust, or such series or class of the Trust, would result in such
<PAGE>
19
disqualification. The redemption shall be effected at the redemption price and
in the manner provided in Section 7.l hereof.
The Shareholders of the Trust shall upon demand disclose to the Trustees
in writing such information with respect to direct and indirect ownership of
Shares of the Trust as the Trustees deem necessary to comply with the provisions
of the Code, or to comply with the requirements of any other authority. Upon the
failure of a Shareholder to disclose such information and to comply with such
demand of the Trustees, the Trust shall have the power to redeem such Shares at
a redemption price determined in accordance with Section 7.1 hereof.
SECTION 7.4 REDEMPTIONS OF ACCOUNTS OF LESS THAN MINIMUM AMOUNT. The
Trustees shall have the power, and any Shareholder Servicing Agent with whom the
Trust has so agreed (or a subcontractor of such Shareholder Servicing Agent)
shall have the power, at any time to redeem Shares of any Shareholder at a
redemption price determined in accordance with Section 7.l hereof if at such
time the aggregate net asset value of the Shares owned by such Shareholder is
less than a minimum amount as determined from time to time and disclosed in a
prospectus or offering memorandum of the Trust or in the Shareholder Servicing
Agent's (or sub-contractor's) agreement with its customer. A Shareholder shall
be notified that the aggregate value of his Shares is less than such minimum
amount and allowed 60 days to make an additional investment before redemption is
processed.
ARTICLE VIII
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE,
NET INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS
----------------------------
The Trustees, in their absolute discretion, may prescribe and shall set
forth in the By-Laws or in a duly adopted vote or votes of the Trustees such
bases and times for determining the per Share net asset value of the Shares or
net income, or the declaration and payment of dividends and distributions, as
they may deem necessary or desirable.
ARTICLE IX
DURATION; TERMINATION OF TRUST;
AMENDMENT; MERGERS, ETC.
-------------------------------
SECTION 9.1. DURATION. The Trust shall continue without limitation of
time but subject to the provisions of this Article IX.
SECTION 9.2. TERMINATION OF TRUST. (a) The Trust may be terminated (i)
by a Majority Shareholder Vote of its Shareholders, or (ii) by the Trustees by
written notice to the Shareholders. Any series or class of the Trust may be
terminated (i) by a Majority Shareholder Vote of the Shareholders of that series
or class, or (ii) by the Trustees by written notice to the Shareholders of that
series or class.
(A) Upon the termination of the Trust or any series of the Trust:
<PAGE>
(i) The Trust or series of the Trust shall carry on no business except for the
purpose of winding up its affairs;
(ii) The Trustees shall proceed to wind up the affairs of the Trust or
series of the Trust and all the powers of the Trustees under this Declaration
shall continue until the affairs of the Trust or series of the Trust shall have
been wound up, including the power to fulfill or discharge the contracts of the
Trust, collect the assets of the Trust or series of the Trust, sell, convey,
assign, exchange, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the
remaining Trust Property of the Trust or series of the Trust to one or more
Persons at public or private sale for consideration which may consist in whole
or in part of cash, securities or other property of any kind, discharge or pay
the liabilities of the Trust or series of the Trust, and to do all other acts
appropriate to liquidate the business of the Trust or series of the Trust;
provided, that any sale, conveyance, assignment, exchange, transfer or other
disposition of all or substantially all of the Trust Property of the Trust or
series of the Trust as a whole to any Person proposing to carry on the business
of the Trust or such series shall require Shareholder approval in accordance
with Section 9.4 or 9.6 hereof, respectively; and
(iii) After paying or adequately providing for the payment of all
liabilities, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and refunding
agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may
distribute the remaining Trust Property of the Trust or series of the Trust, in
cash or in kind or partly in cash and partly in kind, among the Shareholders of
the Trust or series of the Trust (or of any class thereof) according to their
respective rights.
(B) Upon the termination of any class of Shares (unless such termination
is in conjunction with the termination of the Trust or of the applicable series
of the Trust, in which case the provisions of the foregoing clause (A) shall
apply), the Trust shall redeem the outstanding Shares of such class, in cash or
in kind or partly in cash and partly in kind, in accordance with Section 7.1 of
this Declaration and the applicable rights of shareholders of that class.
(b) After termination of the Trust or any series of the Trust and
distribution to the Shareholders of the Trust, series or class of the Trust as
herein provided, a majority of the Trustees shall execute and lodge among the
records of the Trust an instrument in writing setting forth the fact of such
termination, and the Trustees shall thereupon be discharged from all further
liabilities and duties hereunder with respect to the Trust, series or class of
the Trust, and the rights and interests of all Shareholders of the Trust, series
or class of the Trust shall thereupon cease.
SECTION 9.3. AMENDMENT PROCEDURE. (a) This Declaration may be amended by
a Majority Shareholder Vote of the Shareholders or by any instrument in writing,
without a meeting, signed by a majority of the Trustees and consented to by the
holders of not less than a majority of the Shares of the Trust. The Trustees may
also amend this Declaration without the vote or consent of Shareholders to
designate series in accordance with Section 6.9 hereof, to change the name of
the Trust, to supply any omission, to cure, correct or supplement any ambiguous,
defective or inconsistent provision hereof, or to conform this Declaration to
<PAGE>
21
the requirements of applicable federal laws or regulations or the requirements
of the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, or to (i) change the state or other jurisdiction designated
herein as the state or other jurisdiction whose laws shall be the governing law
hereof, (ii) effect such changes herein as the Trustees find to be necessary or
appropriate (A) to permit the filing of this Declaration under the laws of such
state or other jurisdiction applicable to trusts or voluntary associations, (B)
to permit the Trust to elect to be treated as a "regulated investment company"
under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or (C) to permit the transfer of shares (or to permit the transfer of
any other beneficial interests or shares in the Trust, however denominated), and
(iii) in conjunction with any amendment contemplated by the foregoing clause (i)
or the foregoing clause (ii) to make any and all such further changes or
modifications to this Declaration as the Trustees find to be necessary or
appropriate, any finding of the Trustees referred to in the foregoing clause
(ii) or clause (iii) to be conclusively evidenced by the execution of any such
amendment by a majority of the Trustees, but the Trustees shall not be liable
for failing so to do.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this Section 9.3, any amendment
which the Trustees have determined would affect the rights, privileges or
interests of holders of a particular series or class of Shares, but not the
rights, privileges or interests of holders of all series or classes of Shares
generally, and which would otherwise require a Majority Shareholder Vote under
paragraph (a) of this Section 9.3, may be made with the vote or consent by a
Majority Shareholder Vote of Shareholders of such series or class.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Declaration to the
contrary, the Trustees shall have the power in their discretion without any
requirement of approval by shareholders to either invest all or a portion of the
Trust Property, or sell all or a portion of the Trust Property and invest the
proceeds of such sales, in another investment company that is registered under
the 1940 Act.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, no amendment may be made
under this Section 9.3 which would change any rights with respect to the Shares,
or any series or class of Shares, by reducing the amount payable thereon upon
liquidation of the Trust or by diminishing or eliminating any voting rights
pertaining thereto, except with the Majority Shareholder Vote of the Shares or
that series or class of Shares. Nothing contained in this Declaration shall
permit the amendment of this Declaration to impair the exemption from personal
liability of the Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents of the
Trust or to permit assessments upon Shareholders.
(e) A certificate signed by a majority of the Trustees setting forth an
amendment and reciting that it was duly adopted by the Shareholders or by the
Trustees as aforesaid, and executed by a majority of the Trustees, shall be
conclusive evidence of such amendment when lodged among the records of the
Trust.
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision hereof, until such time as a
registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, covering
the first public offering of Shares of the Trust shall have become effective,
<PAGE>
22
this Declaration may be amended in any respect by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the Trustees or by an instrument signed by a majority of the
Trustees.
SECTION 9.4. MERGER, CONSOLIDATION AND SALE OF ASSETS. The Trust may
merge or consolidate with any other corporation, association, trust or other
organization or may sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of the
Trust Property (or all or substantially all of the Trust Property allocated or
belonging to a particular series of the Trust) including its good will, upon
such terms and conditions and for such consideration when and as authorized at
any meeting of Shareholders called for such purpose by the vote of the holders
of two-thirds of the outstanding Shares of all series of the Trust voting as a
single class, or of the affected series of the Trust, as the case may be, or by
an instrument or instruments in writing without a meeting, consented to by the
vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding Shares of all series of the
Trust voting as a single class, or of the affected series of the Trust, as the
case may be; provided, however, that if such merger, consolidation, sale, lease
or exchange is recommended by the Trustees, the vote or written consent by
Majority Shareholder Vote shall be sufficient authorization; and any such
merger, consolidation, sale, lease or exchange shall be deemed for all purposes
to have been accomplished under and pursuant to the statutes of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as requiring
approval of Shareholders for any sale of assets in the ordinary course of the
business of the Trust.
SECTION 9.5. INCORPORATION, REORGANIZATION. With the approval of the
holders of a majority of the Shares outstanding and entitled to vote, the
Trustees may cause to be organized or assist in organizing a corporation or
corporations under the laws of any jurisdiction, or any other trust, unit
investment trust, partnership, association or other organization to take over
all of the Trust Property or to carry on any business in which the Trust shall
directly or indirectly have any interest, and to sell, convey and transfer the
Trust Property to any such corporation, trust, partnership, association or
organization in exchange for the shares or securities thereof or otherwise, and
to lend money to, subscribe for the shares or securities of, and enter into any
contracts with any such corporation, trust, partnership, association or
organization in which the Trust holds or is about to acquire shares or any other
interest. Subject to Section 9.4 hereof, the Trustees may also cause a merger or
consolidation between the Trust or any successor thereto and any such
corporation, trust, partnership, association or other organization if and to the
extent permitted by law. Nothing contained in this Section 9.5 shall be
construed as requiring approval of Shareholders for the Trustees to organize or
assist in organizing one or more corporations, trusts, partnerships,
associations or other organizations and selling, conveying or transferring a
portion of the Trust Property to such organization or entities.
SECTION 9.6. INCORPORATION OR REORGANIZATION OF SERIES. With the
approval of a Majority Shareholder Vote of any series, the Trustees may sell,
lease or exchange all of the Trust Property allocated or belonging to that
series, or cause to be organized or assist in organizing a corporation or
corporations under the laws of any other jurisdiction, or any other trust, unit
investment trust, partnership, association or other organization, to take over
all of the Trust Property allocated or belonging to that series and to sell,
<PAGE>
23
convey and transfer such Trust Property to any such corporation, trust, unit
investment trust, partnership, association, or other organization in exchange
for the shares or securities thereof or otherwise.
ARTICLE X
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS AND SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS
------------------------------------------------------
The Trustees shall at least semi-annually submit to the Shareholders a
written financial report of the transactions of the Trust, including financial
statements which shall at least annually be certified by independent public
accountants.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
-------------
SECTION 11.1. FILING. This Declaration and any amendment hereto shall be
filed in the office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and in
such other place or places as may be required under the laws of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts and may also be filed or recorded in such other places as the
Trustees deem appropriate. Each amendment so filed shall state or be accompanied
by a certificate signed and acknowledged by a Trustee stating that such action
was duly taken in the manner provided herein, and unless such amendment or such
certificate sets forth some later time for the effectiveness of such amendment,
such amendment shall be effective upon its filing. A restated Declaration,
integrating into a single instrument all of the provisions of the Declaration
which are then in effect and operative, may be executed from time to time by a
majority of the Trustees and shall, upon filing with the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, be conclusive evidence of all amendments
contained therein and may thereafter be referred to in lieu of this original
Declaration and the various amendments thereto.
SECTION 11.2. GOVERNING LAW. This Declaration is executed by the
Trustees and delivered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and with reference
to the laws thereof, and the rights of all parties and the validity and
construction of every provision hereof shall be subject to and construed
according to the laws of said Commonwealth.
SECTION 11.3. COUNTERPARTS. This Declaration may be simultaneously
executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an
original, and such counterparts, together, shall constitute one and the same
instrument, which shall be sufficiently evidenced by any such original
counterpart.
SECTION 11.4. RELIANCE BY THIRD PARTIES. Any certificate executed by an
individual who, according to the records of the Trust, is a Trustee hereunder
certifying to: (i) the number or identity of Trustees or Shareholders, (ii) the
due authorization of the execution of any instrument or writing, (iii) the form
of any vote passed at a meeting of Trustees or Shareholders, (iv) the fact that
the number of Trustees or Shareholders present at any meeting or executing any
written instrument satisfies the requirements of this Declaration, (v) the form
<PAGE>
24
of any By-Laws adopted by or the identity of any officers elected by the
Trustees, or (vi) the existence of any fact or facts which in any manner relates
to the affairs of the Trust, shall be conclusive evidence as to the matters so
certified in favor of any Person dealing with the Trustees and their successors.
SECTION 11.5. PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT WITH LAW OR REGULATIONS. (a) The
provisions of this Declaration are severable, and if the Trustees shall
determine, with the advice of counsel, that any such provision is in conflict
with the 1940 Act, the regulated investment company provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or with other applicable laws and regulations,
the conflicting provision shall be deemed never to have constituted a part of
this Declaration; provided however, that such determination shall not affect any
of the remaining provisions of this Declaration or render invalid or improper
any action taken or omitted prior to such determination.
(b) If any provision of this Declaration shall be held invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall
attach only to such provision in such jurisdiction and shall not in any manner
affect such provision in any other jurisdiction or any other provision of the
Declaration in any jurisdiction.
SECTION 11.6. PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Trust is 6
St. James Avenue, 9th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02116.
<PAGE>
25
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this instrument as of
the 5th day of April, 1996.
/s/THOMAS M. LENZ
------------------------------
Thomas M. Lenz
as Trustee
and not individually
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
/s/SUZAN M. BARRON
------------------------------
Suzan M. Barron
as Trustee
and not individually
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
/s/ANDRES E. SALDANA
------------------------------
Andres E. Saldana
as Trustee
and not individually
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts
RF050A
<PAGE>
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
SUFFOLK, SS.
April 5, 1996
Then personally appeared the above-named Thomas M. Lenz, Suzan M. Barron
and Andres E. Saldana, who severally acknowledged the foregoing instrument to be
their free act and deed.
Before me,
/s/CHRISTINE A. DRAPEAU
------------------------------
Notary Public
My commission expires 12/01/00
<PAGE>
RF050A Appendix I
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
Establishment and
Designation of Series of Shares of
Beneficial Interest (par value $0.01 per share)
Pursuant to Section 6.9 of Declaration of Trust, dated as of April 5,
1996 (the "Declaration of Trust"), of Republic Advisor Funds Trust (the
"Trust"), the Trustees of the Trust hereby establish and designate three initial
series of Shares (as defined in the Declaration of Trust) (each a "Fund";
collectively, the "Funds") to have the following special and relative rights:
1. The Funds shall be designated as follows:
Republic Fixed Income Fund
Republic International Equity Fund
Republic Small Cap Equity Fund
2. The Funds shall be authorized to hold cash, invest in securities,
instruments and other properties and use investment techniques as from time to
time described in the Trust's registration statement under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as such registration statement
may be amended from time to time, to the extent pertaining to such Funds. Each
Share of a Fund shall be redeemable, shall be entitled to one vote (or fraction
thereof in respect of a fractional share) on matters on which Shares of a Fund
shall be entitled to vote, shall represent a PRO RATA beneficial interest in the
assets allocated or belonging to that Fund, and shall be entitled to receive its
PRO RATA share of the net assets of that Fund upon liquidation of such Fund, all
as provided in Section 6.9 of the Declaration of Trust. The proceeds of sales of
Shares of a Fund, together with any income and gain thereon, less any diminution
or expenses thereof, shall irrevocably belong to that Fund, unless otherwise
required by law.
3. Shareholders of either Fund shall vote separately as a class on any
matter to the extent required by, and any matter shall be deemed to have been
effectively acted upon with respect to the Fund as provided in, Rule 18f-2, as
from time to time in effect, under the 1940 Act, or any successor rule, and by
the Declaration of Trust.
4. The assets and liabilities of the Trust shall be allocated among the
Funds any any other series of shares of the Trust as set forth in Section 6.9 of
the Declaration of Trust.
5. Subject to the provisions of Section 6.9 and Article IX of the
Declaration of Trust, the Trustees (including any successor Trustees) shall have
the right at any time and from time to time to reallocate assets and expenses,
to change the designation of the Fund or any other series of shares of the
Trust, or otherwise to change the special and relative rights of the Fund or any
other series of shares of the Trust.
MASTER DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the "Trust") and
you (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end investment company organized as a
Massachusetts business trust, and consists of one or more separate investment
portfolios as may be established and designated by the Trustees from time to
time (the "Funds"). This Master Distribution Contract (this "Contract") shall
pertain to such Funds as shall be designated in supplements to this Contract
("Supplements"), as further agreed between the Trust and the Sponsor. A separate
series of shares of beneficial interest in the Trust (the "Shares") is offered
to investors with respect to each Fund. The Trust engages in the business of
investing and reinvesting the assets of each Fund in the manner and in
accordance with the investment objective and restrictions specified in the
currently effective Prospectus (the "Prospectus") relating to each Fund and the
Trust's Registration Statement, as amended from time to time (the "Registration
Statement"), filed by the Trust under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the
"1940 Act") and the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act"). Copies of the
documents referred to in the preceding sentence have been furnished to the
Sponsor. Any amendments to those documents shall be furnished to the Sponsor
promptly. The Trust has entered into a Master Investment Management Contract and
Supplements thereto (the "Management Contract") with Republic National Bank of
New York (the "Adviser") under which the Adviser will provide the Trust with
investment management services and a Master Administrative Services Contract and
Supplements thereto (the "Administrative Services Contract") with you.
2. The Sponsor shall be the Trust's distributor for the unsold portion of
the Shares which may from time to time be registered under the 1933 Act.
3. The Trust shall sell Shares to the Sponsor, as the Trust's distributor,
for resale to the eligible investors as described in the Prospectus. All orders
through the Sponsor shall be subject to acceptance and confirmation by the
Trust. The Trust shall have the right, at its election, to deliver either Shares
issued upon original issue or treasury Shares.
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
4. As the Trust's distributor, the Sponsor may sell and distribute Shares
in such manner not inconsistent with the provisions hereof and each Fund's
Prospectus as the Sponsor may determine from time to time. In this connection,
the Sponsor shall comply with all laws, rules and regulations applicable to it,
including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, all applicable
rules or regulations under the 1940 Act and of any securities association
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act").
5. The Trust reserves the right to sell Shares to purchasers to the extent
that it or the transfer agent for its Shares receives purchase requests
therefor.
6. All Shares offered for sale and sold by the Sponsor shall be offered
for sale and sold by the Sponsor to designated investors at the price per Share
specified and determined as provided in the Prospectus including any applicable
reductions or eliminations of sales charges described therein (the "offering
price"). The Trust shall determine and promptly furnish to the Sponsor a
statement of the offering price at least once on each day on which the New York
Stock Exchange is open for trading and on each additional day on which each
Fund's net asset value might be materially affected by changes in the value of
its portfolio securities. Each offering price shall become effective at the time
and shall remain in effect during the period specified in the statement. Each
such statement shall show the basis of its computation. The difference between
the offering price and net asset value (which amount shall not be in excess of
that set forth in the Prospectus) may be retained by the Sponsor, or all or any
part thereof may be paid to a purchaser's investment dealer, in accordance with
the Prospectus.
7. The Trust shall furnish the Sponsor from time to time, for use in
connection with the sale of Shares, such written information with respect to the
Trust as the Sponsor may reasonably request. In each case such written
information shall be signed by an authorized officer of the Trust. The Trust
represents and warrants that such information, when signed by one of its
officers, shall be true and correct. The Trust also shall furnish to the Sponsor
copies of its reports to its shareholders and such additional information
regarding the Trust's financial condition as the Sponsor may reasonably request
from time to time.
8. The Registration Statement and the Prospectus have been or will be, as
the case may be, prepared in conformity with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The
Trust represents and warrants to the Sponsor that the Registration Statement and
the Prospectus contain or will contain all statements required to be stated
therein in accordance with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, that all statements of fact contained or to be contained
therein are or will be true and correct at the
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 3
time indicated or the effective date, as the case may be, and that neither the
Registration Statement nor the Prospectus, when it shall become effective under
the 1933 Act or be authorized for use, shall include an untrue statement of a
material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements therein not misleading to a purchaser of
Shares. The Trust shall from time to time file such amendment or amendments to
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as, in the light of future
developments, shall, in the opinion of the Trust's counsel, be necessary in
order to have the Registration Statement and the Prospectus at all times contain
all material facts required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
settlements therein not misleading to a purchaser of Shares. If the Trust shall
not file such amendment or amendments within 15 days after receipt by the Trust
of a written request from the Sponsor to do so, the Sponsor may, at its option,
terminate this Contract immediately. The Trust shall not file any amendment to
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus without giving the Sponsor
reasonable notice thereof in advance, provided that nothing in this Contract
shall in any way limit the Trust's right to file at any time such amendments to
the Registration Statement or the Prospectus as the Trust may deem advisable.
The Trust represents and warrants to the Sponsor that any amendment to the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus filed hereafter by the Trust will, when
it becomes effective under the 1933 Act, contain all statements required to be
stated therein in accordance with the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, that all statements of fact contained therein will, when
the same shall become effective, be true and correct, and that no such
amendment, when it becomes effective, will include an untrue statement of a
material fact or will omit to state a material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading to a
purchaser of Shares.
9. The Trust shall prepare and furnish to the Sponsor from time to time
such number of copies of the most recent form of the Prospectus filed with the
SEC as the sponsor may reasonably request. The Trust authorizes the Sponsor to
use the Prospectus, in the form furnished to the Sponsor from time to time, in
connection with the sale of Shares. The Trust shall indemnify, defend and hold
harmless the Sponsor, its officers and Trustees and any person who controls the
Sponsor within the meaning of the 1933 Act, from and against any and all claims,
demands, liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or
defending such claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in
connection therewith) which the Sponsor, its officers and Trustees or any such
controlling person may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, the common law or
otherwise, arising out of or based upon any alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or
arising out of or based upon any alleged omission to state a material fact
required to be stated in either or necessary to make the statements in either
not misleading. This Contract shall not be construed to protect the Sponsor
against any liability to the Trust or its shareholders to which the Sponsor
would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 4
bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of its duties or by reason of
its reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Contract. This
indemnity agreement is expressly conditioned upon the Trust being notified of
any action brought against the Sponsor, its officers or Trustees or any such
controlling person, which notification shall be given by letter or by telegram
addressed to the Trust at its principal office and sent to the Trust by the
person against whom such action is brought within 10 days after the summons or
other first legal process shall have been served. The failure to notify the
Trust of any such action shall not relieve the Trust from any liability which it
may have to the person against whom such action is brought by reason of any such
alleged untrue statement or omission otherwise than on account of the indemnity
agreement contained in this paragraph. The Trust shall be entitled to assume the
defense of any suit brought to enforce any such claim, demand or liability, but,
in such case, the defense shall be conducted by counsel chosen by the Trust and
approved by the Sponsor. If the Trust elects to assume the defense of any such
suit and retain counsel approved by the Sponsor, the defendant or defendants in
such suit shall bear the fees and expenses of any additional counsel retained by
any of them, but in case the Trust does not elect to assume the defense of any
such suit, or in case the Sponsor does not approve of counsel chosen by the
Trust, the Trust will reimburse the Sponsor, its officers and Trustees or the
controlling person or persons named as defendant or defendants in such suit, for
the fees and expenses of any counsel retained by the Sponsor or them. In
addition, the Sponsor shall have the right to employ counsel to represent it,
its officers and Trustees and any such controlling person who may be subject to
liability arising out of any claim in respect of which indemnity may be sought
by the Sponsor against the Trust hereunder if in the reasonable judgment of the
Sponsor it is advisable for the Sponsor, its officers and Trustees or such
controlling person to be represented by separate counsel, in which event the
fees and expenses of such separate counsel shall be borne by the Trust. This
indemnity agreement and the Trust's representations and warranties in this
Contract shall remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of any
investigation made by or on behalf of the Sponsor, its officers and Trustees or
any such controlling person. This indemnity agreement shall inure exclusively to
the benefit of the Sponsor and its successors, the Sponsor's officers and
directors and their respective estates and any such controlling persons and
their successors and estates. The Trust shall promptly notify the Sponsor of the
commencement of any litigation or proceedings against it in connection with the
issue and sale of any Shares.
10. The Sponsor agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Trust,
its officers and Trustees and any person who controls the Trust within the
meaning of the 1933 Act, from and against any and all claims, demands,
liabilities and expenses (including the cost of investigating or defending such
claims, demands or liabilities and any counsel fees incurred in connection
therewith) which the Trust, its officers or Trustees or any such controlling
person, may incur under the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act, common law or
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 5
otherwise, but only to the extent that such liability or expense incurred by the
Trust, its officers or Trustees or such controlling person resulting from such
claims or demands shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in information furnished in writing by
the Sponsor to the Trust specifically for use in the Registration Statement or
the Prospectus or shall arise out of or be based upon any alleged omission to
state a material fact in connection with such information required to be stated
in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or necessary to make such
information not misleading. This indemnity agreement is expressly conditioned
upon the Sponsor being notified of any action brought against the Trust, its
officers or Trustees or any such controlling person, which notification shall be
given by letter or telegram addressed to the Sponsor at its principal office and
sent to the Sponsor by the person against whom such action is brought, within 10
days after the summons or other first legal process shall have been served. The
failure to notify the Sponsor of any such action shall not relieve the Sponsor
from any liability which it may have to the Trust, its officers or Trustees or
such controlling person by reason of any such alleged misstatement or omission
on the Sponsor's part otherwise than on account of the indemnity agreement
contained in this paragraph. The Sponsor shall have a right to control the
defense of such action with counsel of its own choosing and approved by the
Trust if such action is based solely upon such alleged misstatement or omission
on the Sponsor's part, and in any other event the Trust, its officers and
Trustees or such controlling person shall each have the right to participate in
the defense or preparation of the defense of any such action at their own
expense.
11. No Shares shall be sold to the Sponsor or by the Trust under this
Contract and no orders for the purchase of Shares shall be confirmed or accepted
by the Trust if and so long as the effectiveness of the Registration Statement
shall be suspended under any of the provisions of the 1933 Act. Nothing
contained in this paragraph 11 shall in any way restrict, limit or have any
application to or bearing upon the Trust's obligation to redeem Shares from any
shareholder in accordance with the provisions of its Declaration of Trust. The
Trust will use its best efforts at all times to have Shares effectively
registered under the 1933 Act.
12. The Trust agrees to advise the Sponsor immediately:
(a) of any request by the SEC for amendments to the Registration
Statement or the Prospectus or for additional information;
(b) in the event of the issuance by the SEC of any stop order
suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the
Prospectus under the 1933 Act or the initiation of any proceedings for
that purpose;
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 6
(c) of the happening of any material event which makes untrue any
statement made in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or which
requires the making of a change in either thereof in order to make the
statements therein not misleading; and
(d) of all action of the SEC with respect to any amendments to the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus which may from time to time be
filed with the SEC under the 1933 Act or the 1940 Act.
13. Insofar as they concern the Trust, the Trust shall comply with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations, including, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, all rules or regulations made or adopted pursuant
to the 1933 Act, the 1940 Act or by any securities association registered under
the 1934 Act.
14. The Sponsor may, if it desires and at its own cost and expense,
appoint or employ agents to assist it in carrying out its obligations under this
Contract, but no such appointment or employment shall relieve the Sponsor of any
of its responsibilities or obligations to the Trust under this Contract.
15. (a) The Sponsor shall from time to time employ or associate with it
such persons as it believes necessary to assist it in carrying out its
obligations under this Contract.
(b) The Sponsor shall pay all expenses incurred in connection with
its qualification as a dealer or broker under Federal or state law.
(c) The Trust shall pay all expenses incurred in connection with (i)
the preparation, printing and distribution to shareholders of the Prospectus and
reports and other communications to shareholders, (ii) future registrations of
Shares under the 1933 Act and the 1940 Act, (iii) amendments of the Registration
Statement subsequent to the initial public offering of Shares, (iv)
qualification of Shares for sale in jurisdictions designated by the Sponsor, (v)
qualification of the Trust as a dealer or broker under the laws of jurisdictions
designated by the Sponsor, (vi) qualification of the Trust as a foreign
corporation authorized to do business in any jurisdiction if the Sponsor
determines that such qualification is necessary or desirable for the purpose of
facilitating sales of Shares, (vii) maintaining facilities for the issue and
transfer of Shares and (viii) supplying information, prices and other data to be
furnished by the Trust under this Contract.
(d) The Trust shall pay any original issue taxes or transfer taxes
applicable to the sale or delivery of Shares or certificates therefor.
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 7
(e) The Trust shall execute all documents and furnish any information
which may be reasonably necessary in connection with the qualification of Shares
of the Trust for sale in jurisdictions designated by the Sponsor.
16. The Sponsor will render all services hereunder without compensation or
reimbursement, except that the Sponsor shall receive such reimbursement as is
expressly permitted under this Contract.
17. This Contract, and any Supplement, shall become effective with respect
to each Fund on the date specified in each Fund's Supplement, and shall continue
in effect until such time as there shall remain no unsold balance of Shares for
such Fund registered under the 1933 Act, PROVIDED that this Contract shall
continue in effect with respect to such Fund for a period of more than two years
from such date specified in such Fund's Supplement only so long as such
continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (a) the Trust's Board
of Trustees or by the vote of a majority of such Fund's outstanding voting
securities (as defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) the vote, cast in person at a
meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a majority of the
Trust's Trustees who are not parties to this Contract or "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party. This Contract, and all of its
Supplements, shall terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as
defined in the 1940 Act). This Contract, and/or any and all Supplements, may, in
any event, be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not parties to this Contract
or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of this Contract or by vote of a
majority of the appropriate Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in
the 1940 Act) upon 60 days' written notice to the Sponsor and by the Sponsor
upon 60 days' written notice to the Trust.
18. Except to the extent necessary to perform the Sponsor's obligations
under this Contract, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict the
right of the Sponsor, or any affiliate of the Sponsor, or any employee of the
Sponsor to engage in any other business or to devote time and attention to the
management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar or
dissimilar nature, or to render services of any kind to any other corporation,
firm, individual or association.
19. The Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, filed on April 5,
1996, a copy of which, together with all amendments thereto (the "Declaration"),
is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
provides that the name "Republic Advisor Funds Trust" refers to the Trustees
under the Declaration collectively as trustees and not as individuals or
personally, and that no shareholder, Trustee, officer,
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 8
employee or agent of the Trust shall be subject to claims against or obligations
of the Trust to any extent whatsoever, but that the Trust estate only shall be
liable.
20. This Contract shall be construed and its provisions interpreted,
in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement between the Trust and
the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust the
enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By:/s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT SUPPLEMENT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Re: REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the "Trust") and
you (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end management investment company organized as a
Massachusetts business trust and consists of such separate investment portfolios
as have been or may be established by the Trustees of the Trust from time to
time. A separate class of Shares of beneficial interest of the trust is offered
to investors with respect to each investment portfolio. Republic International
Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a separate investment portfolio of the Trust.
2. The Trust and the Sponsor have entered into a Master-Distribution
Contract (the "Contract") pursuant to which the Sponsor has agreed to be the
distributor of the Shares.
3. As provided in paragraph 1 of the Contract, the Trust hereby adopts the
Contract with respect to the Fund, and the Sponsor hereby acknowledges that the
Contract shall pertain to the Fund, the terms and conditions of such Contract
being hereby incorporated herein by reference. All terms defined in the Contract
and not defined in this Supplement shall have the same meaning herein as
therein.
4. The term "Fund" as used in the Contract shall, for purposes of this
Supplement, pertain to the Fund.
5. This Supplement and the Contract shall become effective with respect to
the Trust and the Fund on April 29, 1996, and shall continue in effect until
such time as there shall remain no unsold balance of Shares registered under the
1933 Act, PROVIDED that the Contract and this Supplement shall continue in
effect with respect to the Fund for a period of more than two years from the
effective date of this Supplement only so long as such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by (a) the Trust's Board of Trustees or
by the vote of a majority of the Funds's outstanding voting securities (as
defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) the vote, cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
majority of the Trust's trustees who are not parties to the Contract or
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party. The
Contract and this Supplement shall terminate automatically in the event of
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Contract and this Supplement may,
in any event, be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not parties to this Contract
or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of this Contract or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940
Act) upon 60 days' written notice to the Sponsor and by the Sponsor upon 60
days' written notice to the Trust.
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement between the Trust and
the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust the
enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
RF081
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT SUPPLEMENT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Re: REPUBLIC FIXED INCOME FUND
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the "Trust") and
you (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end management investment company organized as a
Massachusetts business trust and consists of such separate investment portfolios
as have been or may be established by the Trustees of the Trust from time to
time. A separate class of Shares of beneficial interest of the trust is offered
to investors with respect to each investment portfolio. Republic Fixed Income
Fund (the "Fund") is a separate investment portfolio of the Trust.
2. The Trust and the Sponsor have entered into a Master Distribution
Contract (the "Contract") pursuant to which the Sponsor has agreed to be the
distributor of the Shares.
3. As provided in paragraph 1 of the Contract, the Trust hereby adopts the
Contract with respect to the Fund, and the Sponsor hereby acknowledges that the
Contract shall pertain to the Fund, the terms and conditions of such Contract
being hereby incorporated herein by reference. All terms defined in the Contract
and not defined in this Supplement shall have the same meaning herein as herein.
4. The term "Fund" as used in the Contract shall, for purposes of this
Supplement, pertain to the Fund.
5. This Supplement and the Contract shall become effective with respect to
the Trust and the Fund on April 29, 1996, and shall continue in effect until
such time as there shall remain no unsold balance of Shares registered under the
1933 Act, PROVIDED that the Contract and this Supplement shall continue in
effect with respect to the Fund for a period of more than two years from the
effective date of this Supplement only so long as such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by (a) the Trust's Board of Trustees or
by the vote of a majority of the Funds's outstanding voting securities (as
defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) the vote, cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
majority of the Trust's trustees who are not parties to the Contract or
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party. The
Contract and this Supplement shall terminate automatically in the event of
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Contract and this Supplement may,
in any event, be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not parties to this Contract
or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of this Contract or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940
Act) upon 60 days' written notice to the Sponsor and by the Sponsor upon 60
days' written notice to the Trust.
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement between the Trust and
the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust the
enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
RF081
<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTION CONTRACT SUPPLEMENT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Re: REPUBLIC SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the "Trust") and
you (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end management investment company organized as a
Massachusetts business trust and consists of such separate investment portfolios
as have been or may be established by the Trustees of the Trust from time to
time. A separate class of Shares of beneficial interest of the trust is offered
to investors with respect to each investment portfolio. Republic Small Cap
Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a separate investment portfolio of the Trust.
2. The Trust and the Sponsor have entered into a Master Distribution
Contract (the "Contract") pursuant to which the Sponsor has agreed to be the
distributor of the Shares.
3. As provided in paragraph 1 of the Contract, the Trust hereby adopts the
Contract with respect to the Fund, and the Sponsor hereby acknowledges that the
Contract shall pertain to the Fund, the terms and conditions of such Contract
being hereby incorporated herein by reference. All terms defined in the Contract
and not defined in this Supplement shall have the same meaning herein as herein.
4. The term "Fund" as used in the Contract shall, for purposes of this
Supplement, pertain to the Fund.
5. This Supplement and the Contract shall become effective with respect to
the Trust and the Fund on April 29, 1996, and shall continue in effect until
such time as there shall remain no unsold balance of Shares registered under the
1933 Act, PROVIDED that the Contract and this Supplement shall continue in
effect with respect to the Fund for a period of more than two years from the
effective date of this Supplement only so long as such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by (a) the Trust's Board of Trustees or
by the vote of a majority of the Funds's outstanding voting securities (as
defined in the 1940 Act), and (b) the vote, cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval, of a
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
majority of the Trust's trustees who are not parties to the Contract or
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any such party. The
Contract and this Supplement shall terminate automatically in the event of
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act). The Contract and this Supplement may,
in any event, be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, by
vote of a majority of the Trust's Trustees who are not parties to this Contract
or "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of this Contract or by vote of a
majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities (as defined in the 1940
Act) upon 60 days' written notice to the Sponsor and by the Sponsor upon 60
days' written notice to the Trust.
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement between the Trust and
the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust the
enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
RF081
MASTER ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the "Trust")
and you (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end investment company organized as a
Massachusetts business trust and consists of one or more separate investment
portfolios as may be established and designated by the Trustees from time to
time (the "Funds"). This Master Administrative Services Contract (this
"Contract") shall pertain to such Funds as shall be designated in supplements to
this Contract ("Supplements"), as further agreed by the Trust and the Sponsor. A
separate series of shares of beneficial interest in the Trust is offered to
investors with respect to each Fund. The Trust engages in the business of
investing and reinvesting the assets of each Fund in the manner and in
accordance with the investment objective and restrictions specified in the
currently effective Prospectus (the "Prospectus") relating to the Trust and the
Fund included in the Trust's Registration Statement, as amended from time to
time (the "Registration Statement"), filed by the Trust under the Investment
Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933
Act"). Copies of the documents referred to in the preceding sentence have been
furnished to the Sponsor. Any amendments to those documents shall be furnished
to the Sponsor promptly. The Trust has entered into a Master Investment
Management Contract (and Supplements thereto) (the "Management Contract") with
Republic National Bank of New York (the "Adviser") providing for investment
management services and a Second Master Distribution Contract (and Supplements
thereto) (the "Distribution Contract") with you.
2. (a) The Sponsor shall provide all management and administrative
services reasonably necessary for the operation of the Trust and the Funds,
other than those investment management and administrative services which are to
be provided by the Adviser pursuant to the Management Contract or by any other
persons engaged to perform transfer agency, custodial or other services pursuant
to a written contract with the Trust. The Sponsor shall make periodic reports to
the Trust's Board of Trustees on the performance of its obligations under this
Contract.
(b) The Sponsor shall, at its expense, (i) provide the Trust with office
space and office facilities reasonably necessary for the operation of the
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
Trust and the Funds, (ii) employ or associate with itself such persons as it
believes appropriate to assist it in performing its obligations under this
Contract and (iii) provide the Trust with persons satisfactory to the Trust's
Board of Trustees to serve as officers of the Trust, including a president, a
secretary. and a treasurer (and one or more vice presidents if the business of
the Trust so requires). The Sponsor shall pay the entire compensation of all of
the Trust's officers and the entire compensation of the Trustees of the Trust
who are affiliated persons of the Sponsor and the compensation shall not be
deemed to be expenses of the Trust for purposes of paragraph 5 hereof.
(c) Except as provided in subparagraph (b) and in the
Management Contract, the Trust shall be responsible for all of its expenses and
liabilities, including compensation of its Trustees who are not affiliates with
the Sponsor or the Adviser or any of their affiliates; taxes and governmental
fees; interest charges; fees and expenses of the Trust's independent accountants
and legal counsel; trade association membership dues; fees and expenses of any
custodian (including maintenance of books and accounts and calculation of the
net asset value of shares of each Fund), transfer-agent, registrar and dividend
disbursing agent of the Trust; expenses of issuing, redeeming, registering and
qualifying for sale shares of beneficial interest in the Trust; expenses of
preparing and printing share certificates, prospectuses and reports to
shareholders, notices, proxy statements and reports to regulatory agencies; the
cost of office supplies, including stationery; travel expenses of all officers
and Trustees who are not affiliated with the Sponsor; insurance premiums;
brokerage and other expenses of executing portfolio transactions; expenses of
shareholders' meetings; organizational expenses; extraordinary expenses; and
reimbursements to the Sponsor in accordance with the Distribution Contract.
3. The Sponsor shall give the Trust the benefit of the Sponsor's best
judgment and efforts in rendering services under this Contract. As an inducement
to the Sponsor's undertaking to render these services, the Trust agrees that the
Sponsor shall not be liable under this Contract for any mistake in judgment or
in any other event whatsoever, provided that nothing in this Contract shall be
deemed to protect or purport to protect the Sponsor against any liability to the
Trust or its shareholders to which the Sponsor would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance
of the Sponsor's duties under this Contract or by reason of the Sponsor's
reckless disregard of its obligations and duties hereunder.
4. In consideration of the services to be rendered by the Sponsor under
this Contract, the Trust shall pay the Sponsor a monthly fee with respect to
each Fund on the last business day of each month, based upon the average daily
value of the net assets of that Fund during that month at annual rates set forth
in a Supplement with respect to that Fund. If the fees payable to the sponsor
pursuant to this paragraph 4 begin to accrue before the end of any month or if
this Contract terminates before the end of any month, the fees for the period
from that date to the end of that month or from the beginning of that month to
the date of termination, as the case may be, shall be prorated according to the
proportion that the period bears to the full month in which the effectiveness or
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 3
termination occurs. For purposes of calculating the monthly fees, the value of
the net assets of each Fund shall be computed in the manner specified in its
Prospectus for the computation of net asset value. For purposes of this
Contract, a "business day" is any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for
trading.
5. If the aggregate expenses of every character incurred by, or
allocated to, each Fund in any fiscal year, other than interest, taxes,
brokerage commissions and other portfolio transaction expenses, other
expenditures which are capitalized in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, payments under that Fund's Distribution Contract and any
extraordinary expense (including, without limitation, litigation and
indemnification expense), but including the fees provided for in paragraph 4 and
under the Management Contract ("includable expenses"), shall exceed the expense
limitations applicable to that Fund imposed by state securities law or
regulations thereunder, as these limitations may be raised or lowered from time
to time, the Sponsor shall pay that Fund an amount equal to 50% of that excess.
With respect to portions of a fiscal year in which this Contract shall be in
effect, the foregoing limitations shall be prorated according to the proportion
which that portion of the fiscal year bears to the full fiscal year. At the end
of each month of the Trust's fiscal year, the Sponsor will review the includable
expenses accrued during that fiscal year to the end of the period and shall
estimate the contemplated includable expenses for the balance of that fiscal
year. If, as a result of that review and estimation, it appears likely that the
includable expenses will exceed the limitations referred to in this paragraph 5
for a fiscal year, the monthly fees payable to the Sponsor under this Contract
for such month shall be reduced, subject to a later reimbursement during that
fiscal year to reflect actual expenses, by an amount equal to 50% of a pro rata
portion (prorated on the basis of the remaining months of the fiscal year,
including the month just ended) of the amount by which the includable expenses
for the fiscal year (less an amount equal to the aggregate of actual reductions
made pursuant to this provision with respect to prior months of the fiscal year)
are expected to exceed the limitations provided in this paragraph 5. For
purposes of the foregoing, the value of the net assets of each Fund shall be
computed in the manner specified in paragraph 4, and any payments required to be
made by the Sponsor shall be made once a year promptly after the end of the
Trust's fiscal year.
6. This Contract, and any Supplement, shall become effective with
respect to a Fund only when approved by vote of a majority of (i) the Board of
Trustees of the Trust, and (ii) the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in this Contract, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. This Contract and any Supplement shall
continue in effect with respect to a Fund until the last day of the calendar
year next following the date of effectiveness specified in a Supplement to the
contract, and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual
periods ending on the last day of each calendar year, provided such continuance
is specifically approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the
Trust's Board of Trustees and (ii) the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 4
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in this Contract, by vote cast in person at a meeting called
for the purpose of voting on such approval. This Contract and all of its
Supplements may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by a
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of each Fund (as defined
in the 1940 Act) or by a vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Trust who are
not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in this Contract on 60 days' written notice to the
Sponsor or by the Sponsor on 60 days' written notice to the Trust. This Contract
and all of its Supplements shall terminate automatically in the event of
assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
7. Except to the extent necessary to perform the Sponsor's obligations
under this Contract, nothing herein shall be deemed to limit or restrict the
right of the Sponsor, or any affiliate of the Sponsor, or any employee of the
Sponsor, to engage in any other business or to devote time and attention to the
management or other aspects of any other business, whether of a similar or
dissimilar nature, or to render services of any kind to any other corporation,
firm, individual or association.
8. The Declaration of Trust establishing the Trust, filed on April 5,
1996, a copy of which, together with all amendments thereto (the "Declaration"),
is on file in the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
provides that the name "Republic Advisor Funds Trust" refers to the Trustees
under the Declaration collectively as Trustees and not as individuals or
personally, and that no shareholder, Trustee, officer, employee or agent of the
Trust shall be subject to claims against or obligations of the Trust to any
extent whatsoever, but that the Trust estate only shall be liable.
9. This Contract shall be construed and its provisions interpreted in
accordance, with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
If the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement between the Trust
and the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust the
enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By:/s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
-------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
RF080
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT SUPPLEMENT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Re: REPUBLIC FIXED INCOME FUND
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the
"Trust") and Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end management investment company,
organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and consists of such separate
investment portfolios as have been or may be established.by the Trustees of the
Trust from time to time. A separate class of shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust is offered to investors with respect to each investment portfolio.
Republic Fixed Income Fund (the "Fund") is a separate investment portfolio of
the Trust.
2. The Trust and the Sponsor have entered into a Master
Administrative Services Contract ("the Contract") dated April 29, 1996, pursuant
to which the Sponsor has agreed to provide management and administrative
services
to the Trust as set forth in that Contract.
3. As provided for in paragraph 1 of the Contract, the Trust
hereby adopts the Contract with respect to the Fund and the Sponsor hereby
acknowledges that the Contract shall pertain to the Fund, the terms and
conditions of such Contract being hereby incorporated herein by reference. All
terms defined in the Contract and not defined in this Supplement shall have the
same meaning herein as therein.
4. The term "Fund" as used in the Contract shall, for purposes
of this Supplement, pertain to the Fund.
5. As provided in paragraph 4 of the Contract and subject to
further conditions as set forth therein, the Trust shall with respect to the
Fund pay the Sponsor a monthly fee on the last business day of each month based
upon the average daily value of the net assets of the Fund during that month at
an annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily value of net assets of the Fund up
to $100 million, and 0.00% of the average daily value of net assets of the Fund
over
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
$100 million; provided, however, that the minimum annual fee for each Fund shall
be $25,000 (payable ratably each month).
6. This Supplement and the Contract shall become effective
with respect to the Fund on April 29, 1996, and shall continue in effect with
respect to the Fund until the last day of the calendar year next following such
date, and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual periods
ending on the last day of each calendar year, provided such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the
Trust's Board of Trustees and (ii) the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the Contract or this Supplement, by vote cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Contract and
this Supplement may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time, without
payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), or by vote of a majority of
the Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the
1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Contract
or this Supplement on 60 days' written notice to the Sponsor, or by the Sponsor
on 60 days written notice to the Trust. The Contract and this Supplement shall
terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
If the foregoing currently set forth the agreement between the
Trust and the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust
the enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By:/s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President RF080
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT SUPPLEMENT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Re: REPUBLIC INTERNATIONAL EQUITY FUND
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the
"Trust") and Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end management investment company,
organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and consists of such separate
investment portfolios as have been or may be established by the Trustees of the
Trust from time to time. A separate class of shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust is offered to investors with respect to each investment portfolio.
Republic International Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a separate investment
portfolio of the Trust.
2. The Trust and the Sponsor have entered into a Master
Administrative services Contract ("the Contract") dated April 29, 1996, pursuant
to which the Sponsor has agreed to provide management and administrative
services to the Trust as set forth in that Contract.
3. As provided for in paragraph 1 of the Contract, the Trust
hereby adopts the Contract with respect to the Fund and the Sponsor hereby
acknowledges that the Contract shall pertain to the Fund, the terms and
conditions of such Contract being hereby incorporated herein by reference. All
terms defined in the Contract and not defined in this Supplement shall have the
same meaning herein as therein.
4. The term "Fund" as used in the Contract shall, for purposes
of this Supplement, pertain to the Fund.
5. As provided in paragraph 4 of the Contract and subject to
further conditions as set forth therein, the Trust shall with respect to the
Fund pay the Sponsor a monthly fee on the last business day of each month based
upon the average daily value of the net assets of the Fund during that month at
an annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily value of net assets of the Fund up
to $100 million, and 0.00% of the average daily value of net assets of the Fund
over $100 million; provided, however, that the minimum annual fee for each Fund
shall be $25,000 (payable ratably each month).
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
6. This Supplement and the Contract shall become effective
with respect to the Fund on April 29, 1996, and shall continue in effect with
respect to the Fund until the last day of the calendar year next following such
date, and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual periods
ending on the last day of each calendar year, provided such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the
Trust's Board of Trustees and (ii) the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the Contract or this Supplement, by vote cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Contract and
this Supplement may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time, without
payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), or by vote of a majority of
the Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the
1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Contract
or this Supplement on 60 days' written notice to the Sponsor, or by the Sponsor
on 60 days written notice to the Trust. The Contract and this Supplement shall
terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
If the foregoing currently set forth the agreement between the
Trust and the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust
the enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By:/s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By: /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President RF080
<PAGE>
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES CONTRACT SUPPLEMENT
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
April 29, 1996
Signature Broker-Dealer
Services, Inc.
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Re: REPUBLIC SMALL CAP EQUITY FUND
Dear Sirs:
This will confirm the agreement between the undersigned (the
"Trust") and Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc. (the "Sponsor") as follows:
1. The Trust is an open-end management investment company,
organized as a Massachusetts business trust, and consists of such separate
investment portfolios as have been or may be established by the Trustees of the
Trust from time to time. A separate class of shares of beneficial interest of
the Trust is offered to investors with respect to each investment portfolio.
Republic Small Cap Equity Fund (the "Fund") is a separate investment portfolio
of the Trust.
2. The Trust and the Sponsor have entered into a Master
Administrative Services Contract ("the Contract") dated April 29, 1996, pursuant
to which the Sponsor has agreed to provide management and administrative
services
to the Trust as set forth in that Contract.
3. As provided for in paragraph 1 of the Contract, the Trust
hereby adopts the Contract with respect to the Fund and the Sponsor hereby
acknowledges that the Contract shall pertain to the Fund, the terms and
conditions of such Contract being hereby incorporated herein by reference. All
terms defined in the Contract and not defined in this Supplement shall have the
same meaning herein as therein.
4. The term "Fund" as used in the Contract shall, for purposes
of this Supplement, pertain to the Fund.
5. As provided in paragraph 4 of the Contract and subject to
further conditions as set forth therein, the Trust shall with respect to the
Fund pay the Sponsor a monthly fee on the last business day of each month based
upon the average daily value of the net assets of the Fund during that month at
an annual rate of 0.05% of the average daily value of net assets of the Fund up
to $100 million, and 0.00% of the average daily value of net assets of the Fund
over $100 million; provided, however, that the minimum annual fee for each Fund
shall be $25,000 (payable ratably each month).
<PAGE>
Signature Broker-Dealer Services, Inc.
April 29, 1996
Page 2
6. This Supplement and the Contract shall become effective
with respect to the Fund on April 29, 1996, and shall continue in effect with
respect to the Fund until the last day of the calendar year next following such
date, and thereafter shall continue automatically for successive annual periods
ending on the last day of each calendar year, provided such continuance is
specifically approved at least annually by a vote of a majority of (i) the
Trust's Board of Trustees and (ii) the Trustees who are not "interested persons"
(as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the Contract or this Supplement, by vote cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The Contract and
this Supplement may be terminated with respect to the Fund at any time, without
payment of any penalty, by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act), or by vote of a majority of
the Trustees of the Trust who are not "interested persons" (as defined in the
1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Contract
or this Supplement on 60 days' written notice to the Sponsor, or by the Sponsor
on 60 days written notice to the Trust. The Contract and this Supplement shall
terminate automatically in the event of assignment (as defined in the 1940 Act).
If the foregoing currently set forth the agreement between the
Trust and the Sponsor, please so indicate by signing and returning to the Trust
the enclosed copy hereof.
Very truly yours,
REPUBLIC ADVISOR FUNDS TRUST
By:/s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President
ACCEPTED:
SIGNATURE BROKER-DEALER
SERVICES, INC.
By /s/ PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
President RF080
LAW OFFICES OF
DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS
1500 K STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, DC 20005-1208
TELEPHONE: (202) 626-3300
FAX: (202)626-3334
June 14, 1996
Republic Advisor Funds Trust
6 St. James Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
Dear Sirs:
In connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 of
an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest of Republic Advisor Funds
Trust (the "Trust"), a Massachusetts business trust presently comprising three
series, we have examined such matters as we have deemed necessary to give this
opinion.
On the basis of the foregoing, it is our opinion that the shares of the
Trust, and each of its series, have been duly authorized and, when paid for as
contemplated in the Trust's Registration Statement, will be validly issued,
fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.
We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Trust's Registration Statement and to all references to our firm therein.
Very truly yours,
/S/DECHERT PRICE & RHOADS
RF111
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. 1 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.
/S/ ERNST & YOUNG
ERNST & YOUNG
June 24, 1996
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
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
June 21, 1996
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Philip W. Coolidge, John
R. Elder, James E. Hoolahan, Susan Jakuboski, Thomas M. Lenz, Molly S. Mugler,
Linda T. Gibson, Andres E. Saldana, Barbara M. O'Dette, David G. Danielson and
Daniel E. Shea, and each of them, with full powers of substitution as his true
and lawful attorneys and agents to execute in his name and on his behalf in any
and all capacities the Registration Statements on Form N-1A, and any and all
amendments thereto, filed by Republic Funds or Republic Advisor Funds Trust
(each a "Trust"), or the Registration Statement(s), and any and all amendments
thereto, filed by any other investor in any subtrust or series of Republic
Portfolios, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
any and all instruments which such attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem
necessary or advisable to enable each Trust to comply with such Acts, the rules,
regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the
securities or Blue Sky laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and the
undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms as his own act and deed any and all
acts that such attorneys and agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. Any one of such attorneys and agents have, and may
exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 29th
day of April, 1996, in Tuckers Town, Bermuda.
/s/ALAN S. PARSOW
-------------------------------
Alan S. Parsow
RF085
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Philip W. Coolidge, John
R. Elder, James E. Hoolahan, Susan Jakuboski, Thomas M. Lenz, Molly S. Mugler,
Linda T. Gibson, Andres E. Saldana, Barbara M. O'Dette, David G. Danielson and
Daniel E. Shea, and each of them, with full powers of substitution as his true
and lawful attorneys and agents to execute in his name and on his behalf in any
and all capacities the Registration Statements on Form N-1A, and any and all
amendments thereto, filed by Republic Funds or Republic Advisor Funds Trust
(each a "Trust"), or the Registration Statement(s), and any and all amendments
thereto, filed by any other investor in any subtrust or series of Republic
Portfolios, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
any and all instruments which such attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem
necessary or advisable to enable each Trust to comply with such Acts, the rules,
regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the
securities or Blue Sky laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and the
undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms as his own act and deed any and all
acts that such attorneys and agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. Any one of such attorneys and agents have, and may
exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 29th
day of April, 1996, in Tuckers Town, Bermuda.
/S/ LARRY M. ROBBINS
------------------------------
Larry M. Robbins
RF085
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Philip W. Coolidge, John
R. Elder, James E. Hoolahan, Susan Jakuboski, Thomas M. Lenz, Molly S. Mugler,
Linda T. Gibson, Andres E. Saldana, Barbara M. O'Dette, David G. Danielson and
Daniel E. Shea, and each of them, with full powers of substitution as his true
and lawful attorneys and agents to execute in his name and on his behalf in any
and all capacities the Registration Statements on Form N-1A, and any and all
amendments thereto, filed by Republic Funds or Republic Advisor Funds Trust
(each a "Trust"), or the Registration Statement(s), and any and all amendments
thereto, filed by any other investor in any subtrust or series of Republic
Portfolios, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
any and all instruments which such attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem
necessary or advisable to enable each Trust to comply with such Acts, the rules,
regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the
securities or Blue Sky laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and the
undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms as his own act and deed any and all
acts that such attorneys and agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. Any one of such attorneys and agents have, and may
exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 29th
day of April, 1996, in Tuckers Town, Bermuda.
/s/MICHAEL SEELY
-------------------------------
Michael Seely
RF085
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Philip W. Coolidge, John
R. Elder, James E. Hoolahan, Susan Jakuboski, Thomas M. Lenz, Molly S. Mugler,
Linda T. Gibson, Andres E. Saldana, Barbara M. O'Dette, David G. Danielson and
Daniel E. Shea, and each of them, with full powers of substitution as his true
and lawful attorneys and agents to execute in his name and on his behalf in any
and all capacities the Registration Statements on Form N-1A, and any and all
amendments thereto, filed by Republic Funds or Republic Advisor Funds Trust
(each a "Trust"), or the Registration Statement(s), and any and all amendments
thereto, filed by any other investor in any subtrust or series of Republic
Portfolios, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
any and all instruments which such attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem
necessary or advisable to enable each Trust to comply with such Acts, the rules,
regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the
securities or Blue Sky laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and the
undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms as his own act and deed any and all
acts that such attorneys and agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof. Any one of such attorneys and agents have, and may
exercise, all of the powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 29th
day of April, 1996, in Tuckers Town, Bermuda.
/s/FREDERICK C. CHEN
--------------------------
Frederick C. Chen
RF085
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints John R. Elder, James E.
Hoolahan, Susan Jakuboski, Thomas M. Lenz, Molly S. Mugler, Linda T. Gibson,
Andres E. Saldana, Barbara M. O'Dette, David G. Danielson and Daniel E. Shea,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution as his true and lawful
attorneys and agents to execute in his name and on his behalf in any and all
capacities the Registration Statements on Form N-1A, and any and all amendments
thereto, filed by Republic Funds or Republic Advisor Funds Trust (each a
"Trust"), or the Registration Statement(s), and any and all amendments thereto,
filed by any other investor in any subtrust or series of Republic Portfolios,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all
instruments which such attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem necessary or
advisable to enable each Trust to comply with such Acts, the rules, regulations
and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the securities
or Blue Sky laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and the undersigned hereby
ratifies and confirms as his own act and deed any and all acts that such
attorneys and agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. Any one of such attorneys and agents have, and may exercise, all of the
powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 29th
day of April, 1996, in Southhampton, Bermuda.
/s/PHILIP W. COOLIDGE
--------------------------
Philip W. Coolidge
RF085
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Philip W. Coolidge,
James E. Hoolahan, Susan Jakuboski, Thomas M. Lenz, Molly S. Mugler, Linda T.
Gibson, Andres E. Saldana, Barbara M. O'Dette, David G. Danielson and Daniel E.
Shea, and each of them, with full powers of substitution as his true and lawful
attorneys and agents to execute in his name and on his behalf in any and all
capacities the Registration Statements on Form N-1A, and any and all amendments
thereto, filed by Republic Funds or Republic Advisor Funds Trust (each a
"Trust"), or the Registration Statement(s), and any and all amendments thereto,
filed by any other investor in any subtrust or series of Republic Portfolios,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any and all
instruments which such attorneys and agents, or any of them, deem necessary or
advisable to enable each Trust to comply with such Acts, the rules, regulations
and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the securities
or Blue Sky laws of any state or other jurisdiction, and the undersigned hereby
ratifies and confirms as his own act and deed any and all acts that such
attorneys and agents, or any of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof. Any one of such attorneys and agents have, and may exercise, all of the
powers hereby conferred.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 3rd
day of May, 1996, in Southampton, Bermuda.
/s/JOHN R. ELDER
----------------------------
John R. Elder
RF085
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE COMPUTATIONS
1. TOTAL RETURN
Quotations of average annual total return for a 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 (or fractional portion
thereof), calculated pursuant to the following formula:
n
P(1+T) =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.
2. 30-DAY YIELD
Quotations of yield for a Fund will be based on all investment income
per share 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 6
Yield = 2 [(--- + 1) - 1]
cd
where a = dividend and nterest 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.
RF098.EDG
