File Nos. 333-9079 and 811-7733
As Filed With The Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 1996
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 / X /
----
Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 / X /
Post-Effective Amendment No. / /
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 / X /
Amendment No. 1 / X /
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
(FORMERLY, PIONEER GLOBAL EQUITY FUND)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109
(Address of principal executive office) Zip Code
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 742-7825
Joseph P. Barri, Hale and Dorr, 60 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
(Name and address of agent for service)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the
effective of the registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933.
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 Securities and Exchange Commission, acting
pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.
The Registrant has registered an indefinite number of shares of Registrant and
any series thereof hereinafter created pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Registrant has not yet completed
its initial fiscal year and has therefore not filed a Rule 24f-2 Notice.
<PAGE>
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
Cross-Reference Sheet Showing Location in Prospectus and Statement
of Additional Information of Information Required by Items of
the Registration Form
Location in Prospectus
or Statement of
Form N-1A Item Number and Caption Additional Information
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
1. Cover Page.............................. Prospectus - Cover Page
2. Synopsis................................ Prospectus - Expense
Information
3. Condensed Financial Information......... Not Applicable
4. General Description of Registrant....... Prospectus - Investment
Objectives and Policies;
Management of the Fund;
Information About Fund
Shares
5. Management of the Fund.................. Prospectus - Management
of the Fund
6. Capital Stock and Other Securities...... Prospectus - Investment
Objectives and Policies;
Information About Fund
Shares
7. Purchase of Securities Being Offered.... Prospectus - Information
About Fund Shares;
Distribution Plan;
Shareholder Services
8. Redemption or Repurchase................ Prospectus - Information
About Fund Shares;
Shareholder Services
9. Pending Legal Proceedings............... Not Applicable
10. Cover Page.............................. Statement of Additional
Information - Cover Page
11. Table of Contents....................... Statement of Additional
Information - Cover Page
12. General Information and History......... Statement of Additional
Information - Cover Page;
Certain Liabilities;
Description of Shares
<PAGE>
Location in Prospectus
or Statement of
Form N-1A Item Number and Caption Additional Information
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
13. Investment Objectives and Policies...... Statement of Additional
Information - Investment
Policies and Restrictions
14. Management of the Fund.................. Statement of Additional
Information - Management
of the Fund; Investment
Adviser
15. Control Persons and Principle
Holders of Securities................. Statement of Additional
Information - Management
of the Fund
16. Investment Advisory and Other
Services.............................. Statement of Additional
Information - Management
of the Fund; Investment
Advisor; Shareholder
Servicing/Transfer Agent;
Custodian; Independent
Public Accountants
17. Brokerage Allocation and Other
Practices............................. Statement of Additional
Information - Portfolio
Transactions
18. Capital Stock and Other Securities...... Statement of Additional
Information - Methods of
Accounting for Profits or
Losses from the Sale of
Securities; Description
of Shares; Certain
Liabilities
19. Purchase Redemption and Pricing of
Securities Being Offered.............. Statement of Additional
Information -
Determination of Net
Asset Value; Letter
Intention; Systematic
Withdrawal Plan
20. Tax Status.............................. Statement of Additional
Information - Tax Status
21. Underwriters............................ Statement of Additional
Information - Principal
Underwriter; Distribution
Plan
<PAGE>
Location in Prospectus
or Statement of
Form N-1A Item Number and Caption Additional Information
- --------------------------------- ----------------------
22. Calculation of Performance Data......... Statement of Additional
Information - Investment
Results
23. Financial Statements.................... Statement of Additional
Information - Financial
Statements
<PAGE>
[PIONEER LOGO]
PIONEER
WORLD EQUITY
FUND
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
Prospectus
October 31, 1996
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND (the "Fund") seeks long-term growth of capital. The
Fund pursues this objective by investing in a diversified portfolio consisting
primarily of equity securities of issuers selected on a worldwide basis. Any
current income generated from these securities is incidental to the investment
objective of the Fund. The Fund is a diversified open-end investment company
designed for investors seeking to achieve capital growth and diversification
through worldwide investments. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve
its investment objective.
Investments in non-U.S. securities entail significant risks in addition to those
customarily associated with investing in U.S. securities. The Fund is intended
for investors who can accept the risks associated with its investments and may
not be suitable for all investors. See "Investment Objective and Policies" for a
discussion of these risks.
FUND RETURNS AND SHARE PRICES FLUCTUATE AND THE VALUE OF YOUR ACCOUNT UPON
REDEMPTION MAY BE MORE OR LESS THAN YOUR PURCHASE PRICE. SHARES IN THE FUND ARE
NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR OTHER
DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL
DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT
AGENCY.
This Prospectus provides information about the Fund that you should know before
investing. Please read and retain it for your future reference. More information
about the Fund is included in the Statement of Additional Information, also
dated October 31, 1996, which is incorporated into this Prospectus by reference.
A copy of the Statement of Additional Information may be obtained free of charge
by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292 or by written request to the
Fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Additional information
about the Fund has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") and is available upon request and without charge.
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. EXPENSE INFORMATION
II. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Risk Factors
III. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
IV. FUND SHARE ALTERNATIVES
V. SHARE PRICE
VI. HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
VII. HOW TO SELL FUND SHARES
VI. HOW TO EXCHANGE FUND SHARES
IX. DISTRIBUTION PLANS
X. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXATION
XI. SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
Account and Confirmation Statements
Additional Investments
Automatic Investment Plans
Financial Reports and Tax Information
Distribution Options
Directed Dividends
Direct Deposit
Voluntary Tax Withholding
Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities
FactFoneSM
Retirement Plan
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)
Systematic Withdrawal Plans
Reinstatement Privilege (Class A Shares Only)
XII. THE FUND
XIII. INVESTMENT RESULTS
APPENDIX
-------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR
ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
END OF COVER PAGE
<PAGE>
I. EXPENSE INFORMATION
This table is designed to help you understand the charges and expenses that you,
as a shareholder, will bear directly or indirectly when you invest in the Fund.
The table reflects shareholder transaction and annual operating expenses. "Other
Expenses" are based on estimates for the fiscal period ending March 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES: CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Initial Sales Charge on Purchases
(as a percentage of offering price) 5.75% 1 None None
Maximum Sales Charge on
Reinvestment of Dividends None None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge
(as a percentage of original purchase price
or redemption proceeds, as applicable) None 1 4.00% 1.00%
Redemption Fee2 None None None
Exchange Fee None None None
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES (as a percentage
of average net assets):
Management Fee
(after fee reduction)3 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
12b-1 Fees 0.25%4 1.00% 1.00%
Other Expenses (including accounting and
transfer agent fees, custodian fees and
printing expenses) (after expense reduction)3 1.50% 1.50% 1.50%
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
(after fee and expense reductions):3 1.75% 2.50% 2.50%
===== ==== ====
</TABLE>
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1 Purchases of $1 million or more and purchases by participants in certain
group plans are not subject to an initial sales charge but may be subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") as further described under "How
to Sell Fund Shares."
2 Separate fees (currently $10 and $20, respectively) apply to domestic and
international wire transfers of redemption proceeds.
3 Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC") has agreed not to impose all or a
portion of its management fee and to make other arrangements, if necessary,
to limit the operating expenses of the Class A shares of the Fund to 1.75% of
its average daily net assets; the portion of Fund-wide expenses attributable
to Class B and Class C shares will be reduced only to the extent they are
reduced for Class A shares. This agreement is voluntary and temporary and may
be revised or terminated at any time. The agreement is expected to remain in
effect for the current fiscal year. In the absence of this agreement, annual
operating expenses would be as follows:
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES ABSENT REDUCTIONS
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C
Management Fee 1.00% 1.00% 1.00%
Other Expenses (estimated) 1.63% 1.63% 1.63%
Total Operating Expenses 2.88% 3.63 3.63%
4 This is the maximum annual fee and assumes that the Plan of Distribution is
in effect for an entire year; actual expenses are expected to be lower.
-2-
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE:
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment, with or without
redemption at the end of each time period, assuming a 5% annual return,
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions and that the percentage amounts
listed under "Annual Operating Expenses" remain the same each year.
1 YEAR 3 YEARS
Class A Shares $74 $109
Class B Shares *
- --Assuming complete
redemption at end of
period $65 $108
- --Assuming no redemption $25 $78
Class C Shares **
- --Assuming complete
redemption at end of
period $35 $78
- --Assuming no redemption $25 $78
- ---------------------
* Class B shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase.
** Class shares redeemed during the first year after purchase are subject to
a 1% CDSC.
- ---------------------
THE EXAMPLE IS DESIGNED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY, AND SHOULD NOT BE
CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR FUTURE EXPENSES OR RETURN. ACTUAL FUND
EXPENSES AND RETURN VARY FROM YEAR TO YEAR AND MAY BE HIGHER OR LOWER THAN THOSE
SHOWN.
For further information regarding management fees, Rule 12b-1 fees and other
expenses of the Fund, see "Management of the Fund," "Distribution Plans" and
"How to Buy Fund Shares" in this Prospectus and "Management of the Fund" and
"Underwriting Agreement and Distribution Plans" in the Statement of Additional
Information. The Fund's payment of a Rule 12b-1 fee may result in long-term
shareholders paying more than the economic equivalent of the maximum initial
sales charge permitted under the Conduct Rules of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").
The maximum sales charge is reduced on purchases of specified amounts of Class A
shares and the value of shares owned in other Pioneer mutual funds is taken into
account in determining the applicable initial sales charge. See "How to Buy Fund
Shares." No sales charge is applied to exchanges of Fund shares for shares of
other publicly available Pioneer mutual funds. See "How to Exchange Fund
Shares."
II. INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term growth of capital. The Fund
pursues its objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of Equity
Securities (as defined below) of issuers selected on a worldwide basis. The
Fund's investment objective and certain investment restrictions designated as
fundamental in the Statement of Additional Information may be changed by the
Board of Trustees only with shareholder approval. Certain other investment
policies, strategies and restrictions on investment are noted throughout the
Prospectus and as set forth in the Statement of Additional Information. These
non-fundamental investment policies, strategies and restrictions may be changed
at any time by a vote of the Board of Trustees.
-3-
<PAGE>
Under normal circumstances, at least 80% of the Fund's total assets are invested
in equity securities consisting of common stock and securities with common stock
characteristics, such as preferred stock, warrants and debt securities
convertible into common stock and Depositary Receipts for such securities
("Equity Securities"). While maintaining the worldwide nature of the Fund's
portfolio, PMC currently intends to focus on securities of issuers located in
countries with established markets. Established markets generally include, but
are not limited to: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the
Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom
and the United States. These countries are currently included in the Morgan
Stanley World Index (the "MSCI World Index"). Under normal circumstances, the
Fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets in at least three countries
(which may include the U.S.). The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets
in countries with emerging markets. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its total
assets in Other Eligible Investments (as defined below), consisting of liquid
instruments and fixed-income securities. The Fund may employ active management
techniques, including t techniques used in an attempt to hedge currency and
other risks associated with the Fund's investments. See the Appendix to this
Prospectus for additional information.
In selecting securities for investment by the Fund, PMC assesses the general
attractiveness of specific countries based on an analysis of internal
conditions, including political stability, financial practices, market
practices, economic growth prospects, levels of interest rates and inflation,
general market valuations and potential changes in currency relationships. Based
on the relative return and risk among countries, a target weighting is set for
the allocation of the Fund's assets among countries. As a parallel process,
which involves many of the same factors as, and influences the outcome of,
country allocation, PMC performs a fundamental analysis of each company being
considered for inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. In performing this fundamental
analysis, PMC considers a variety of factors, including financial condition,
growth prospects, asset valuation, management expertise, existing or potential
dividend payments, stock liquidity and the market valuation of the company. The
specific size of the Fund's investment in any one company is determined by the
relationship of the relative return and risk among individual investments.
Because current income is not the Fund's investment objective, the Fund will not
restrict its investments to securities of issuers with a record of timely
dividend payments.
OTHER ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS
The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its total assets in debt securities of
corporate and governmental issuers that PMC believes offer opportunities for
long-term capital appreciation due to favorable credit quality, interest rate or
currency exchange rate changes. The Fund's Other Eligible Investments consist
of: (a) commercial paper and other short-term commercial obligations; (b)
obligations (including certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances) of
banks; (c) obligations issued or guaranteed by a governmental issuer, including
governmental agencies or instrumentalities; and (d) fixed-income securities of
corporate issuers. These securities may be denominated in any currency. Other
Eligible Investments in which the Fund invests will be rated, at the time of
investment, Prime-1, Baa or better by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's"), or A-1, BBB or better by Standard and Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P")
or determined by PMC to be of equivalent credit quality. In the event that the
credit quality of a security falls below such ratings criteria subsequent to
purchase, the Fund may nevertheless retain such securities as long as PMC
determines it is advisable to do so. The value of debt securities, particularly
those with longer maturities, can generally be expected to rise as interest
rates decline and to fall as interest rates rise. Movements in currency exchange
rates may offset or amplify such fluctuations, as measured in U.S. dollars.
For temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest up to 100% of its total
assets in Other Eligible Investments. The Fund will assume a temporary defensive
posture when political and economic factors affect securities markets to such an
extent that PMC believes there to be extraordinary risks in being substantially
invested in Equity Securities.
-4-
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
In pursuit of its objective, the Fund may employ certain active investment
management techniques including forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
options and futures contracts on currencies, securities, securities indices and
options on such futures contracts. These techniques may be employed in an
attempt to hedge foreign currency and other risks associated with the Fund's
portfolio securities and for certain other permissible non-hedging purposes. The
risks associated with the Fund's transactions in options and futures, which are
considered to be derivative securities, may include some or all of the
following: market risk, leverage and volatility risk, correlation risk, credit
risk and liquidity and valuation risk. The Fund may also enter into repurchase
agreements, invest in restricted and illiquid securities and lend portfolio
securities. See the Appendix to this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional
Information for a description of these investment practices and securities and
associated risks.
RISK FACTORS
Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves certain considerations
and risks which are not typically associated with investing in securities of
U.S. issuers. In many foreign countries, issuers generally are not subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Also in many
foreign countries, there is less government supervision and regulation of
foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies than exists in the
United States. Interest and dividends paid by foreign issuers may be subject to
withholding and other foreign taxes which will decrease the Fund's net
investment income and/or capital gains from its international investment
activities.
In addition, the value of securities denominated or quoted in international
currencies may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the relative rates
of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control
regulations. The Fund's investment performance may be significantly affected,
either positively or negatively, by currency exchange rates because the U.S.
dollar value of securities denominated or quoted in another currency will
increase or decrease in response to changes in the value of such currency in
relation to the U.S. dollar. There may also be less publicly available
information about foreign issuers compared to reports and ratings published
about U.S. issuers. Some foreign securities markets have substantially less
trading volume than U.S. markets and securities of some foreign issuers are less
liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. issuers.
Brokerage commissions in foreign countries are generally fixed, and other
transaction costs related to securities transactions are generally higher than
in the United States. Most of the Fund's foreign equity securities are held by
foreign subcustodians that satisfy certain eligibility requirements. However,
foreign subcustodian arrangements are significantly more expensive than U.S.
custody. In addition, foreign settlement of securities transactions is subject
to local law and custom that is not, generally, as well established or as
reliable as U.S. regulations and custom applicable to settlement of securities
transactions and, accordingly, there is generally perceived to be a greater risk
of loss in connection with securities transactions in many foreign countries.
Additionally, in some foreign countries, there is the possibility of
expropriation, nationalization or confiscation of assets and property,
limitations on the removal of securities, property or other assets of the Fund,
political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which could affect
U.S. investments in those countries. PMC will take these factors into
consideration in managing the Fund's investments.
INVESTMENT IN EMERGING MARKETS
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of issuers in
countries with emerging economies or securities markets. Emerging economies or
securities markets will generally include, but not be limited to:
-5-
<PAGE>
Argentina, Brazil, China, Chile, Columbia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel,
Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Morocco,
Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, Venezuela and
Zimbabwe. These countries are currently included in the MSCI Emerging Markets
Index. The Fund will generally focus on emerging markets that do not impose
unusual trading requirements which tend to restrict the flow of investments. In
addition, the Fund may invest in unquoted securities, including securities of
issuers located in such emerging markets. The Fund will not invest more than 10%
of its total assets in securities of issuers in any one emerging market.
Political and economic structures in many of such countries may be undergoing
significant evolution and rapid development, and such countries may lack the
social, political and economic stability characteristic of more developed
countries. Certain of such countries may have in the past failed to recognize
private property rights and have at times nationalized or expropriated the
assets of private companies. As a result, the risks of investing in such
countries, including the risks of nationalization or expropriation of assets,
may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments
may affect the value of the Fund's investments. The small size and inexperience
of the securities markets of certain countries and the limited trading volume in
such markets may make the Fund's investments in such countries less liquid and
more volatile than investments in more developed markets.
In addition, security settlement and clearance procedures in some emerging
countries may not fully protect the Fund against loss or theft of its assets in
situations that may arise that may not be foreseeable. By way of example and
without limitation, a fraudulent or otherwise deficient security settlement or a
conversion, theft or default by a broker, dealer or other intermediary could
result in losses to the Fund. Neither PMC nor the Fund's custodian is liable to
the Fund or its shareholders for such losses incurred by the Fund in the absence
of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in the performance of
their respective duties.
The Fund may invest in emerging market companies that are relatively small,
lesser-known companies. Although many such companies offer greater growth
potential than larger, more mature, better-known companies, investing in the
securities of such companies also involves greater risk and the possibility of
greater portfolio price volatility. Among the reasons for the greater price
volatility of these smaller companies are the lower degree of liquidity in the
markets for such stocks and the greater sensitivity of small companies to
changing economic conditions. These companies may have higher investment risk
than that associated with larger companies due to greater business risks of
small size and limited product lines, markets, distribution channels and
financial and managerial resources.
In addition to risks associated with investments in foreign private issuers,
investments in foreign governmental securities entail risk that the foreign
government will repudiate its underlying obligation or alter any favorable tax
treatment associated with the obligation. There may be difficulty in enforcing
outside the U.S. legal rights against foreign governments.
INVESTMENTS IN DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS
The Fund may hold securities of foreign issuers in the form of American
Depositary Receipts ("ADRs"), European Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"), Global
Depositary Receipts ("GDRs") and other similar instruments or other securities
convertible into securities of eligible issuers. Generally, ADRs in registered
form are designed for use in U.S. securities markets and EDRs and GDRs and other
similar global instruments in bearer form are designed for use in non-U.S.
securities markets.
ADRs are denominated in U.S. dollars and represent an interest in the right to
receive securities of foreign issuers deposited in a U.S. bank or correspondent
bank. ADRs do not eliminate all the risk inherent in investing in the securities
of non-U.S. issuers. However, by investing in ADRs rather than directly in
equity securities of non-U.S. issuers, the Fund will avoid currency risks during
the settlement period for either purchases or sales. EDRs and
-6-
<PAGE>
GDRs are not necessarily denominated in the same currency as the underlying
securities which they represent. For purposes of the Fund's investment policies,
investments in ADRs, EDRs, GDRs and similar instruments will be deemed to be
investments in the underlying equity securities of the foreign issuers. The Fund
may acquire depositary receipts from banks that do not have a contractual
relationship with the issuer of the security underlying the depositary receipt
to issue and secure such depositary receipt. To the extent the Fund invests in
such unsponsored depositary receipts there may be an increased possibility that
the Fund may not become aware of events affecting the underlying security and
thus the value of the related depositary receipt. In addition, certain benefits
(i.e., rights offerings) which may be associated with the security underlying
the depositary receipt may not inure to the benefit of the holder of such
depositary receipt.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
The Fund will be substantially fully invested at all times, except as described
above. However, the volatility of certain non-U.S. markets and the need for PMC
to allocate and reallocate the Fund's investments among several markets can be
expected to generate a portfolio turnover rate higher than that of funds
investing exclusively in equity securities of issuers in the U.S. or other
developed countries. Changes in the portfolio may be made promptly when
determined to be advisable by reason of developments not foreseen at the time of
the initial investment decision, and usually without reference to the length of
time a security has been held. Accordingly, portfolio turnover rates are not
considered a limiting factor in the execution of investment decisions. The
Fund's annual turnover rate is not expected to exceed 100%. A high rate of
portfolio turnover (100% or more) involves correspondingly greater transaction
costs which must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders and may, under
certain circumstances, make it more difficult for the Fund to qualify as a
regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"). See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxation."
III. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board of Trustees has overall responsibility for management and
supervision of the Fund. There are currently eight Trustees, six of whom are not
"interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). The Board meets at least quarterly. By virtue
of the functions performed by PMC as investment adviser, the Fund requires no
employees other than its executive officers, all of whom receive their
compensation from PMC or other sources. The Statement of Additional Information
contains the names and general business and professional background of each
Trustee and executive officer of the Fund.
Investment advisory services are provided to the Fund by PMC pursuant to a
management contract between PMC and the Fund. Under the contract PMC is
responsible for the overall management of the Fund's business affairs, subject
only to the authority of the Board of Trustees. PMC is a wholly owned subsidiary
of The Pioneer Group, Inc. ("PGI"), a Delaware corporation. Pioneer Funds
Distributor, Inc. ("PFD"), a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of PGI, is the
principal underwriter of shares of the Fund. John F. Cogan, Jr., Chairman and
President of the Fund, Chairman and a Director of the Manager, Chairman of PFD,
and President and a Director of PGI, beneficially owned approximately 14% of the
outstanding capital stock of PGI as of the date of this Prospectus.
Each international equity portfolio managed by PMC, including the Fund, is
overseen by an Equity Committee, which consists of PMC's most senior equity
professionals, and a Portfolio Management Committee, which consists of PMC's
international equity portfolio managers. Both committees are chaired by Mr.
David Tripple, PMC's President and Chief Investment Officer and Executive Vice
President of each of the Pioneer mutual funds. Mr. Tripple joined PMC in 1974
and has had general responsibility for PMC's investment operations and specific
portfolio assignments for over five years.
-7-
<PAGE>
Norman Kurland, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of PMC, is generally responsible
for the management of the international portfolios managed by PMC. Dr. Kurland
joined PMC in 1990. Day-to-day management of the Fund is the responsibility of
Mr. Patrick M. Smith, Vice President of PMC and Pioneer Europe Fund. Mr. Smith
joined PMC in 1992 and has been engaged in investment management since 1986..
Prior to joining PMC, Mr. Smith acted as a portfolio manager for Loomis, Sayles
Company, an investment manager, and as an investment analyst for The Putnam
Companies, an investment manager.
The Fund has an investment objective and policies similar to those of The
Pioneer Global Equity Fund, PLC ("Global Equity PLC") which was incorporated on
June 6, 1995 under the Companies Acts, 1963 to 1990, of Ireland as an investment
company with variable capital and which has qualified and is authorized as an
Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities ("UCITS") for
the purposes of the UCITS Regulations. Global Equity PLC is managed by Pioneer
Management (Ireland) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of PGI, and advised by
PMC. Global Equity PLC is not registered under either the Securities Act of 1933
or the Investment Company Act of 1940. Purchases of Global Equity PLC shares by
or on behalf of a U.S. citizen are restricted.
In addition to the Fund and Global Equity PLC, PMC also manages and serves as
the investment adviser for other mutual funds and is an investment adviser to
certain other institutional accounts. PMC's and PFD's executive offices are
located at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. In an effort to avoid
conflicts of interest with the Fund, the Fund and PMC have adopted a Code of
Ethics that is designed to maintain a high standard of personal conduct by
directing that all personnel defer to the interests of the Fund and its
shareholders in making personal securities transactions. Under the terms of its
contract with the Fund, PMC assists in the management of the Fund and is
authorized in its discretion to buy and sell securities for the account of the
Fund. PMC pays all the ordinary operating expenses, including executive salaries
and the rental of office space relating to its services for the Fund with the
exception of the following which are to be paid by the Fund: (i) charges and
expenses for fund accounting, pricing and appraisal services and related
overhead, including, to the extent such services are performed by personnel of
PMC, or its affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation,
training and benefits; (ii) the charges and expenses of auditors; (iii) the
charges and expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan agent, dividend
disbursing agent and registrar appointed by the Fund; (iv) issue and transfer
taxes, chargeable to the Fund in connection with securities transactions to
which the Fund is a party; (v) insurance premiums, interest charges, dues and
fees for membership in trade associations and all taxes and corporate fees
payable by the Fund to federal, state or other governmental agencies; (vi) fees
and expenses involved in registering and maintaining registrations of the Fund
and/or its shares with the regulatory agencies, state or blue sky securities
agencies and foreign countries, including the preparation of prospectuses and
statements of additional information for filing with regulatory agencies; (vii)
all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings and of preparing, printing
and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy statements and all reports to
shareholders and to governmental agencies; (viii) charges and expenses of legal
counsel to the Fund and the Trustees; (ix) distribution fees paid by the Fund in
accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the 1940 Act; (x)
compensation of those Trustees of the Fund who are not affiliated with or
interested persons of PMC, the Fund (other than as Trustees), PGI or PFD; (xi)
the cost of preparing and printing share certificates; and (xii) interest on
borrowed money, if any. In addition to the expenses described above, the Fund
pays all brokers' and underwriting commissions chargeable to the Fund in
connection with securities transactions to which the Fund is a party.
Orders for the Fund's portfolio securities transactions are placed by PMC, which
strives to obtain the best price and execution for each transaction. In
circumstances in which two or more broker-dealers are in a position to offer
comparable prices and execution, consideration may be given to whether the
broker-dealer provides investment research or brokerage services or sells shares
of any Pioneer mutual fund for which PGI or any affiliate or subsidiary serves
as investment adviser or manager. See the Statement of Additional Information
for a further description of PMC's brokerage allocation practices.
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As compensation for its management services and certain expenses which PMC
incurs, PMC is entitled to a management fee equal to 1.00% per annum of the
Fund's average daily net assets up to $300 million, 0.85% of the next $200
million and 0.75% of the excess over $500 million. The fee is normally computed
daily and paid monthly.
PMC has agreed not to impose all or a portion of its management fee and to make
other arrangements, if necessary, to limit other expenses of the Fund to the
extent required to reduce operating Class A expenses to 1.75% of the average
daily net assets attributable to the Class A shares; the portion of the
Fund-wide expenses attributable to Class B shares will be reduced only to the
extent such expenses are reduced for Class A shares. This agreement is voluntary
and temporary and may be revised or terminated by PMC at any time. The agreement
is expected to remain in effect for the current fiscal year. See the Statement
of Additional Information for more information.
IV. FUND SHARE ALTERNATIVES
The Fund continuously offers three Classes of shares designated as Class A,
Class B and Class C shares, as described more fully in "How to Buy Fund Shares."
If you do not specify in your instructions to the Fund which Class of shares you
wish to purchase, exchange or redeem, the Fund will assume that your
instructions apply to Class A shares.
CLASS A SHARES. If you invest less than $1 million in Class A shares, you will
pay an initial sales charge. Certain purchases may qualify for reduced initial
sales charges. If you invest $1 million or more in Class A shares, no sales
charge will be imposed at the time of purchase, however, shares redeemed within
12 months of purchase may be subject to a CDSC. Class A shares are subject to
distribution and service fees at a combined annual rate of up to 0.25% of the
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares.
CLASS B SHARES. If you plan to invest up to $250,000, Class B shares are
available to you. Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but
are subject to a CDSC of up to 4% if redeemed within six years. Class B shares
are subject to distribution and service fees at a combined annual rate of 1% of
the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. Your entire
investment in Class B shares is available to work for you from the time you make
your investment, but the higher distribution fee paid by Class B shares will
cause your Class B shares (until conversion) to have a higher expense ratio and
to pay lower dividends, to the extent dividends are paid, than Class A shares.
Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares, based on relative
net asset value, eight years after the initial purchase.
CLASS C SHARES. Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but are
subject to a 1% CDSC if they are redeemed within the first year after purchase.
Class C shares are subject to distribution and service fees at a combined annual
rate of up to 1% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C
shares. Your entire investment in Class C shares is available to work for you
from the time you make your investment, but the higher distribution fee paid by
Class C shares will cause your Class C shares to have a higher expense ratio and
to pay lower dividends, to the extent dividends are paid, than Class A shares.
Class C shares have no conversion feature.
SELECTING A CLASS OF SHARES. The decision as to which Class to purchase depends
on the amount you invest, the intended length of the investment and your
personal situation. If you are making an investment that qualifies for reduced
sales charges, you might consider Class A shares. If you prefer not to pay an
initial sales charge on an investment of $250,000 or less and you plan to hold
the investment for at least six years, you might consider Class B shares. If you
prefer not to pay an initial sales charge and you plan to hold your investment
for one to eight years, you may prefer Class C shares.
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Investment dealers or their representatives may receive different compensation
depending on which Class of shares they sell. Shares may be exchanged only for
shares of the same Class of another Pioneer mutual fund and shares acquired in
the exchange will continue to be subject to any CDSC applicable to the shares of
the Fund originally purchased. Shares sold outside the U.S. to persons who are
not U.S. citizens may be subject to different sales charges, CDSCs and dealer
compensation arrangements in accordance with local laws and business practices.
V. SHARE PRICE
Shares of the Fund are sold at the public offering price, which is the net asset
value per share, plus any applicable sales charge. The net asset value per share
of each Class of the Fund shares is determined by dividing the value of its
assets, less liabilities attributable to that Class, by the number of shares of
that Class outstanding. The net asset value is computed once daily, on each day
the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open, as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange.
Securities are valued at the last sale price on the principal exchange or market
where they are traded. Securities which have not traded on the date of valuation
or securities for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at
the mean between the current bid and asked prices. Securities quoted in foreign
currencies are converted to U.S. dollars utilizing foreign exchange rates
employed by the Fund's independent pricing services. Generally, trading in
foreign securities is substantially completed each day at various times prior to
the close of the Exchange. The values of such securities used in computing the
net asset value of the Fund's shares are determined as of such times. Foreign
currency exchange rates are also generally determined prior to the close of the
Exchange. Occasionally, events which affect the values of such securities and
such exchange rates may occur between the times at which they are determined and
the close of the Exchange and will therefore not be reflected in the computation
of the Fund's net asset value. If events materially affecting the value of such
securities occur during such period, then these securities are valued at their
fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees. All assets of the Fund
for which there is no other readily available valuation method are valued at
their fair value as determined in good faith by the Trustees.
VI. HOW TO BUY FUND SHARES
YOU MAY BUY FUND SHARES FROM ANY SECURITIES BROKER- DEALER WHICH HAS A SALES
AGREEMENT WITH PFD. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A SECURITIES BROKER-DEALER, PLEASE CALL
1-800-225-6292. SHARES WILL BE PURCHASED AT THE PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE, THAT IS,
THE NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE PLUS ANY APPLICABLE SALES CHARGE, NEXT COMPUTED
AFTER RECEIPT OF A PURCHASE ORDER, EXCEPT AS SET FORTH BELOW.
The minimum initial investment is $1,000 for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares, except as specified below. The minimum initial investment is $50 for
Class A accounts being established to utilize monthly bank drafts, government
allotments, payroll deduction and other similar automatic investment plans.
Separate minimum investment requirements apply to retirement plans and to
telephone and wire orders placed by broker-dealers; and no sales charge or
minimum investment requirements apply to the reinvestment of dividends or
capital gains distributions. The minimum subsequent investment is $50 for Class
A shares and $500 for Class B and Class C shares except that the subsequent
minimum investment amount for Class B and C share accounts may be as little as
$50 if an automatic investment plan is established (see "Automatic Investment
Plans").
TELEPHONE PURCHASES. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone purchase privilege unless you indicate otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to Pioneering Services Corporation ("PSC"). The
telephone purchase option may be used to purchase additional shares for an
existing fund account; it may not be used to establish a new account. Proper
account identification will be required for each telephone purchase. A maximum
of $25,000 per account may be purchased by telephone each day. The telephone
purchase privilege is
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available to Individual Retirement Account ("IRA") accounts but may not be
available to other types of retirement plan accounts. Call PSC for more
information.
YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO
REQUESTING A TELEPHONE PURCHASE. To purchase shares by telephone, you must
establish your bank account of record by completing the appropriate section of
your Account Application or an Account Options Form. PSC will electronically
debit the amount of each purchase from this predesignated bank account.
Telephone purchases may not be made for 30 days after the establishment of your
bank of record or any change to your bank information.
Telephone purchases will be priced at the net asset value plus any applicable
sales charge next determined after PSC's receipt of a telephone purchase
instruction and receipt of good funds (usually three days after the purchase
instruction). You may always elect to deliver purchases to PSC by mail. See
"Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities" for additional information.
CLASS A SHARES
You may buy Class A shares at the public offering price as follows:
SALES CHARGE AS A % OF
DEALER
ALLOWANCE
NET AS A % OF
OFFERING AMOUNT OFFERING
AMOUNT OF PURCHASE PRICE INVESTED PRICE
Less than $50,000 5.75% 6.10% 5.00%
$50,000 but less than
$100,000 4.50 4.71 4.00
$100,000 but less than
$250,000 3.50 3.63 3.00
$250,000 but less than
$500,000 2.50 2.56 2.00
$500,000 but less than
$1,000,000 2.00 2.04 1.75
$1 million or more -0- -0- See Below
The schedule of sales charges above is applicable to purchases of Class A shares
of the Fund by (i) an individual, (ii) an individual and his or her spouse and
children under the age of 21 and (iii) a trustee or other fiduciary of a trust
estate or fiduciary account or related trusts or accounts including pension,
profit-sharing and other employee benefit trusts qualified under Section 401 or
408 of the Code, although more than one beneficiary is involved. The sales
charges applicable to a current purchase of Class A shares of the Fund by a
person listed above is determined by adding the value of shares to be purchased
to the aggregate value (at the then current offering price) of shares of any of
the other Pioneer mutual funds previously purchased and then owned, provided PFD
is notified by such person or his or her broker-dealer each time a purchase is
made which would qualify. Pioneer mutual funds include all mutual funds for
which PFD serves as principal underwriter.
See the "Letter of Intention" section of the Account Application.
No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase on investments of $1 million
or more, or on purchases by certain group plans (described below), but for such
investments a CDSC of 1% is imposed in the event of a redemption of Class A
shares within 12 months of purchase. See "How to Sell Fund Shares" below. PFD
may, in its discretion, pay
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a commission to broker-dealers who initiate and are responsible for such
purchases as follows: 1% on the first $1 million invested; 0.50% on the next $45
million invested; and 0.25% on the excess over $50 million invested. These
commissions shall not be payable if the purchaser is affiliated with the
broker-dealer or if the purchase represents the reinvestment of a redemption
made during the previous 12 calendar months. Broker-dealers who receive a
commission in connection with Class A share purchases at net asset value by
401(a) or 401(k) retirement plans with 1,000 or more eligible participants or
with at least $10 million in plan assets will be required to return any
commissions paid or a pro rata portion thereof if the retirement plan redeems
its shares within 12 months of purchase. See also "How to Sell Fund Shares." In
connection with PGI's acquisition of Mutual of Omaha Fund Management Company and
contingent upon the achievement of certain sales objectives, PFD may pay to
Mutual of Omaha Investor Services, Inc. 50% of PFD's retention of any sales
commission on sales of the Fund's shares through such dealer. From time to time,
PFD may elect to reallow the entire initial sales charge to participating
dealers for all Class A sales with respect to which orders are placed during a
particular period. Dealers to whom substantially the entire sales charge is
reallowed may be deemed to be underwriters under the federal securities laws.
QUALIFYING FOR A REDUCED SALES CHARGE. Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at
a reduced or eliminated sales charge to certain group plans ("Group Plans")
under which a sponsoring organization makes recommendations to, permits group
solicitation of, or otherwise facilitates purchases by, its employees, members
or participants. Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at net asset value
without a sales charge to 401(k) retirement plans with 100 or more participants
or at least $500,000 in plan assets. Information about such arrangements is
available from PFD.
Class A shares of the Fund may also be sold at net asset value per share without
a sales charge to: (a) current or former Trustees and officers of the Fund and
partners and employees of its legal counsel; (b) current or former directors,
officers, employees or sales representatives of PGI, its subsidiaries; (c)
current or former directors, officers, employees or sales representatives of any
subadviser or predecessor investment adviser to any investment company for which
PMC serves as an investment adviser, and the subsidiaries or affiliates of such
persons; (d) current or former officers, partners, employees or registered
representatives of broker- dealers which have entered into sales agreements with
PFD; (e) members of the immediate families of any of the persons above; (f) any
trust, custodian, pension, profit-sharing or other benefit plan of the foregoing
persons; (g) insurance company separate accounts; (h) certain "wrap accounts"
for the benefit of clients of financial planners adhering to standards
established by PFD; (i) other funds and accounts for which PMC or any of its
affiliates serves as investment adviser or manager; and (j) certain unit
investment trusts. Shares so purchased are purchased for investment purposes and
may not be resold except through redemption or repurchase by or on behalf of the
Fund. The availability of this privilege is conditioned on the receipt by PFD of
written notification of eligibility. Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at
net asset value per share without a sales charge to state-sponsored Optional
Retirement Program (the "Program") participants if (i) the employer has
authorized a limited number of investment company providers for the Program,
(ii) all authorized investment company providers offer their shares to Program
participants at net asset value, (iii) the employer has agreed in writing to
actively promote the authorized investment providers to Program participants and
(iv) the Program provides for a matching contribution for each participant
contribution. Class A shares of the Fund may also be sold at net asset value
without a sales charge in connection with certain reorganization, liquidation or
acquisition transactions involving other investment companies or personal
holding companies.
Reduced sales charges for Class A shares are available through an agreement to
purchase a specified quantity of Fund shares over a designated 13-month period
by completing the "Letter of Intention" section of the Account Application.
Information about the "Letter of Intention" procedure, including its terms, is
contained in the Statement of Additional Information. Investors who are clients
of a broker-dealer with a current sales agreement with PFD may purchase Class A
shares of the Fund at net asset value, without a sales charge, to the extent
that the purchase price is paid out of proceeds from one or more redemptions by
the investor of shares of certain other mutual funds. In order for a purchase to
qualify for this privilege, the investor must document to the broker-dealer that
the
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redemption occurred within 60 days immediately preceding the purchase of Class A
shares; that the client paid a sales charge on the original purchase of the
shares redeemed; and that the mutual fund whose shares were redeemed also offers
net asset value purchases to redeeming shareholders of any of the Pioneer mutual
funds. Further details may be obtained from PFD.
CLASS B SHARES
You may buy Class B shares at net asset value without the imposition of an
initial sales charge; however, Class B shares redeemed within six years of
purchase will be subject to a CDSC at the rates shown in the table below. The
charge will be assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current market
value or the original purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will
be imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase price,
including shares derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions.
The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years from
the time of purchase until the time of redemption of Class B shares. For the
purpose of determining the number of years from the time of any purchase, all
payments during a quarter will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the
first day of that quarter. In processing redemptions of Class B shares, the Fund
will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC, and then shares held longest
during the six-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest possible CDSC.
The CDSC for Class B shares subject to a CDSC upon redemption will be determined
as follows:
YEAR SINCE CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE OF DOLLAR
PURCHASE AMOUNT SUBJECT TO CDSC
First 4.0%
Second 4.0%
Third 3.0%
Fourth 3.0%
Fifth 2.0%
Sixth 1.0%
Seventh and thereafter none
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to
defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the
Fund in connection with the sale of Class B shares, including the payment of
compensation to broker-dealers.
Class B shares will automatically convert into Class A shares at the end of the
calendar quarter that is eight years after the purchase date, except as noted
below. Class B shares acquired by exchange from Class B shares of another
Pioneer fund will convert into Class A shares based on the date of the initial
purchase and the applicable CDSC. Class B shares acquired through reinvestment
of distributions will convert into Class A shares based on the date of the
initial purchase to which such shares relate. For this purpose, Class B shares
acquired through reinvestment of distributions will be attributed to particular
purchases of Class B shares in accordance with such procedures as the Trustees
may determine from time to time. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares is subject to the continuing availability of a ruling from the Internal
Revenue Service ("IRS"), for which the Fund is applying, or an opinion of
counsel that such conversions will not constitute taxable events for federal tax
purposes. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares will not occur if
such ruling is not available and, therefore, Class B shares would continue to be
subject to higher expenses than Class A shares for an indeterminate period.
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CLASS C SHARES
You may buy Class C shares at net asset value without the imposition of an
initial sales charge; however, Class C shares redeemed within one year of
purchase will be subject to a CDSC of 1%. The charge will be assessed on the
amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original purchase
cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in
account value above the initial purchase price, including shares derived from
the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. Class C shares do
not convert to any other Class of Fund shares.
For the purpose of determining the time of any purchase, all payments during a
quarter will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the first day of that
quarter. In processing redemptions of Class C shares, the Fund will first redeem
shares not subject to any CDSC, and then shares held for the shortest period of
time during the one-year period. As a result, you will pay the lowest possible
CDSC.
Proceeds from the CDSC are paid to PFD and are used in whole or in part to
defray PFD's expenses related to providing distribution-related services to the
Fund in connection with the sale of Class C shares, including the payment of
compensation to broker-dealers.
ALL CLASSES OF SHARES
WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE. The CDSC on Class B
shares may be waived or reduced for non-retirement accounts if: (a) the
redemption results from the death of all registered owners of an account (in the
case of UGMAs, UTMAs and trust accounts, waiver applies upon the death of all
beneficial owners) or a total and permanent disability (as defined in Section 72
of the Code) of all registered owners occurring after the purchase of the shares
being redeemed or (b) the redemption is made in connection with limited
automatic redemptions as set forth in "Systematic Withdrawal Plans" (limited in
any year to 10% of the value of the account in the Fund at the time the
withdrawal plan is established).
The CDSC on Class B shares may be waived or reduced for retirement plan accounts
if: (a) the redemption results from the death or a total and permanent
disability (as defined in Section 72 of the Code) occurring after the purchase
of the shares being redeemed of a shareholder or participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan; (b) the distribution is to a participant in
an IRA, 403(b) or employer-sponsored retirement plan, is part of a series of
substantially equal payments made over the life expectancy of the participant or
the joint life expectancy of the participant and his or her beneficiary or as
scheduled periodic payments to a participant (limited in any year to 10% of the
value of the participant's account at the time the distribution amount is
established; a required minimum distribution due to the participant's attainment
of age 70-1/2 may exceed the 10% limit only if the distribution amount is based
on plan assets held by Pioneer); (c) the distribution is from a 401(a) or 401(k)
retirement plan and is a return of excess employee deferrals or employee
contributions or a qualifying hardship distribution as defined by the Code or
results from a termination of employment (limited with respect to a termination
to 10% per year of the value of the plan's assets in the Fund as of the later of
the prior December 31 or the date the account was established unless the plan's
assets are being rolled over to or reinvested in the same class of shares of a
Pioneer mutual fund subject to the CDSC of the shares originally held); (d) the
distribution is from an IRA, 403(b) or employer-sponsored retirement plan and is
to be rolled over to or reinvested in the same class of shares in a Pioneer
mutual fund and which will be subject to the applicable CDSC upon redemption;
(e) the distribution is in the form of a loan to a participant in a plan which
permits loans (each repayment of the loan will constitute a new sale which will
be subject to the applicable CDSC upon redemption); or (f) the distribution is
from a qualified defined contribution plan and represents a participant's
directed transfer (provided that this privilege has been pre-authorized through
a prior agreement with PFD regarding participant directed transfers).
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The CDSC on Class C shares and on any Class A shares subject to a CDSC may be
waived or reduced as follows: (a) for automatic redemptions as described in
"Systematic Withdrawal Plans" (limited to 10% of the value of the account at the
time the SWP is implemented); (b) if the redemption results from the death or a
total and permanent disability (as defined in Section 72 of the Code) occurring
after the purchase of the shares being redeemed of a shareholder or participant
in an employer-sponsored retirement plan; (c) if the distribution is part of a
series of substantially equal payments made over the life expectancy of the
participant or the joint life expectancy of the participant and his or her
beneficiary; or (d) if the distribution is to a participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan and is (i) a return of excess employee
deferrals or contributions, (ii) a qualifying hardship distribution as defined
by the Code, (iii) from a termination of employment, (iv) in the form of a loan
to a participant in a plan which permits loans, or (v) from a qualified defined
contribution plan and represents a participant's directed transfer (provided
that this privilege has been preauthorized through a prior agreement with PFD
regarding participant directed transfers).
The CDSC on Class B and Class C shares and on any Class A shares subject to a
CDSC may be waived or reduced for either non-retirement or retirement plan
accounts if: (a) the redemption is made by any state, county, or city, or any
instrumentality, department, authority, or agency thereof, which is prohibited
by applicable laws from paying a CDSC in connection with the acquisition of
shares of any registered investment management company; or (b) the redemption is
made pursuant to the Fund's right to liquidate or involuntarily redeem shares in
a shareholder's account.
BROKER-DEALERS. An order for any Class of Fund shares received by PFD from a
broker-dealer prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange is confirmed
at the price appropriate for that Class as determined at the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on the day the order is received, provided the order is
received by PFD prior to PFD's close of business (usually, 5:30 p.m. Eastern
Time). It is the responsibility of broker-dealers to transmit orders so that
they will be received by PFD prior to its close of business. PFD or its
affiliates may provide additional compensation to certain dealers or such
dealers' affiliates based on certain objective criteria established from time to
time by PFD. All such payments are made out of PFD's or the affiliate's own
assets. These payments will not change the price an investor pays for such
shares or the amount that the Fund receives from such sale.
GENERAL. The Fund reserves the right in its sole discretion to withdraw all or
any part of the offering of shares when, in the judgment of the Fund's
management, such withdrawal is in the best interest of the Fund. An order to
purchase shares is not binding on, and may be rejected by, PFD until it has been
confirmed in writing by PFD and payment has been received.
VII. HOW TO SELL FUND SHARES
YOU CAN ARRANGE TO SELL (REDEEM) FUND SHARES ON ANY DAY THE EXCHANGE IS OPEN BY
SELLING EITHER SOME OR ALL OF YOUR SHARES TO THE FUND.
You may sell your shares either through your broker-dealer or directly to the
Fund. Please note the following:
o If you are selling shares from a retirement account, you must make your
request in writing (except for exchanges to other Pioneer mutual funds
which can be requested by phone or in writing). Call 1-800-622- 0176 for
more information.
o If you are selling shares from a non-retirement account, you may use any
of the methods described below.
Your shares will be sold at the share price next calculated after your order is
received in good order less any applicable CDSC. Sale proceeds generally will be
sent to you in cash, normally within seven days after your order is
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received in good order. The Fund reserves the right to withhold payment of the
sale proceeds until checks received by the Fund in payment for the shares being
sold have cleared, which may take up to 15 calendar days from the purchase date.
IN WRITING. You may sell your shares by delivering a written request, signed by
all registered owners, in good order to PSC, however, you must use a written
request, including a signature guarantee, to sell your shares if any of the
following applies:
o you wish to sell over $50,000 worth of shares,
o your account registration or address has changed within the last 30 days,
o the check is not being mailed to the address on your account (address of
record),
o the check is not being made out to the account owners, or
o the sale proceeds are being transferred to a Pioneer mutual fund account
with a different registration.
Your request should include your name, the Fund's name, your Fund account
number, the Class of shares to be redeemed, the dollar amount or number of
shares to be redeemed, and any other applicable requirements as described below.
Unless instructed otherwise, PSC will send the proceeds of the sale to the
address of record. Fiduciaries and corporations are required to submit
additional documents. For more information, contact PSC at 1- 800-225-6292.
Written requests will not be processed until they are received in good order and
accepted by PSC. Good order means that there are no outstanding claims or
requests to hold redemptions on the account, any certificates are endorsed by
the record owner(s) exactly as the shares are registered and the signature(s)
are guaranteed by eligible guarantor. You should be able to obtain a signature
guarantee from a bank, broker, dealer, credit union (if authorized under state
law), securities exchange or association, clearing agency or savings
association. A notary public cannot provide a signature guarantee. Signature
guarantees are not accepted by facsimile ("fax"). For additional information
about the necessary documentation for redemption by mail, please contact PSC at
1- 800-225-6292.
BY TELEPHONE OR FAX. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone redemption privilege unless you indicate otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to PSC. Proper account identification will be required
for each telephone redemption. A maximum of $50,000 per account per day may be
redeemed by telephone or fax and the proceeds may be received by check or by
bank wire or electronic funds transfer. To receive the proceeds by check: the
check must be made payable exactly as the account is registered and the check
must be sent to the address of record which must not have changed in the last 30
days. To receive the proceeds by bank wire or electronic funds transfer: the
proceeds must be sent to the bank wire address of record which must have been
properly predesignated either on your Account Application or on an Account
Options Form and which must not have changed in the last 30 days. To redeem by
fax, send your redemption request to 1-800-225-4240. You may always elect to
deliver redemption instructions to PSC by mail. See "Telephone Transactions and
Related Liabilities" below. Telephone and fax redemptions will be priced as
described above. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR FINANCIAL
REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO REQUESTING A TELEPHONE REDEMPTION.
SELLING SHARES THROUGH YOUR BROKER-DEALER. The Fund has authorized PFD to act as
its agent in the repurchase of shares of the Fund from qualified broker-dealers
and reserves the right to terminate this procedure at any time. Your
broker-dealer must receive your request before the close of business on the
Exchange and transmit it to PFD
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before PFD's close of business to receive that day's redemption price. Your
broker-dealer is responsible for providing all necessary documentation to PFD
and may charge you for its services.
SMALL ACCOUNTS. The minimum account value is $500. If you hold shares of the
Fund in an account with a net asset value of less than the minimum required
amount due to redemptions or exchanges, the Fund may redeem the shares held in
this account at net asset value if you have not increased the net asset value of
the account to at least the minimum required amount within six months of notice
by the Fund to you of the Fund's intention to redeem the shares.
CDSC ON CLASS A SHARES. Purchases of Class A shares of $1 million or more, or by
participants in a Group Plan which were not subject to an initial sales charge,
may be subject to a CDSC upon redemption. A CDSC is payable to PFD on these
investments in the event of a share redemption within 12 months following the
share purchase, at the rate of 1% of the lesser of the value of the shares
redeemed (exclusive of reinvested dividend and capital gain distributions) or
the total cost of such shares. Shares subject to the CDSC which are exchanged
into another Pioneer mutual fund will continue to be subject to the CDSC until
the original 12-month period expires. However, no CDSC is payable upon
redemption with respect to Class A shares purchased by 401(a) or 401(k)
retirement plans with 1,000 or more eligible participants or with at least $10
million in plan assets.
GENERAL. Redemptions may be suspended or payment postponed during any period in
which any of the following conditions exist: the Exchange is closed or trading
on the Exchange is restricted; an emergency exists as a result of which disposal
by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund to fairly determine the value of the net
assets of its portfolio; or the SEC, by order, so permits.
Redemptions and repurchases are taxable transactions to shareholders. The net
asset value per share received upon redemption or repurchase may be more or less
than the cost of shares to an investor, depending on the market value of the
portfolio at the time of redemption or repurchase.
VIII. HOW TO EXCHANGE FUND SHARES
WRITTEN EXCHANGES. You may exchange your shares by sending a letter of
instruction to PSC. Your letter should include your name, the name of the Fund
out of which you wish to exchange and the name of the Pioneer mutual fund into
which you wish to exchange, your fund account number(s), the Class of shares to
be exchanged and the dollar amount or number of shares to be exchanged. Written
exchange requests must be signed by all record owner(s) exactly as the shares
are registered.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGES. Your account is automatically authorized to have the
telephone exchange privilege unless you indicate otherwise on your Account
Application or by writing to PSC. Proper account identification will be required
for each telephone exchange. Telephone exchanges may not exceed $500,000 per
account per day. Each telephone exchange request, whether by voice or
FactFoneSM, will be recorded. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR
FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO REQUESTING A TELEPHONE EXCHANGE. See
"Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities" below.
AUTOMATIC EXCHANGES. You may automatically exchange shares from one Pioneer
mutual fund account for shares of the same Class in another Pioneer mutual fund
account on a monthly or quarterly basis. The accounts must have identical
registrations and the originating account must have a minimum balance of $5,000.
The exchange will be effective on the day of the month designated on your
Account Application or Account Options Form.
GENERAL. Exchanges must be at least $1,000. You may exchange your investment
from one Class of Fund shares at net asset value, without a sales charge, for
shares of the same Class of any other Pioneer mutual fund. Not all
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Pioneer mutual funds offer more than one Class of shares. A new Pioneer account
opened through an exchange must have a registration identical to that on the
original account.
Shares which would normally be subject to a CDSC upon redemption will not be
charged the applicable CDSC at the time of an exchange. Shares acquired in an
exchange will be subject to the CDSC of the shares originally held. For purposes
of determining the amount of any applicable CDSC, the length of time you have
owned shares acquired by exchange will be measured from the date you acquired
the original shares and will not be affected by any subsequent exchange.
Exchange requests received by PSC before 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be
effective on that day if the requirements above have been met, otherwise, they
will be effective on the next business day. PSC will process exchanges only
after receiving an exchange request in good order. There are currently no fees
or sales charges imposed at the time of an exchange. An exchange of shares may
be made only in states where legally permitted. For federal and (generally)
state income tax purposes, an exchange is considered to be a sale of the shares
of the Fund exchanged and a purchase of shares in another Pioneer mutual fund.
Therefore, an exchange could result in a gain or loss on the shares sold,
depending on the tax basis of these shares and the timing of the transaction,
and special tax rules may apply.
You should consider the differences in objectives and policies of the Pioneer
mutual funds, as described in each fund's current prospectus, before making any
exchange. For the protection of the Fund's performance and shareholders, the
Fund and PFD reserve the right to refuse any exchange request or restrict, at
any time without notice, the number and/or frequency of exchanges to prevent
abuses of the exchange privilege. Such abuses may arise from frequent trading in
response to short-term market fluctuations, a pattern of trading by an
individual or group that appears to be an attempt to "time the market," or any
other exchange request which, in the view of management, will have a detrimental
effect on the Fund's portfolio management strategy or its operations. In
addition, the Fund and PFD reserve the right to charge a fee for exchanges or to
modify, limit, suspend or discontinue the exchange privilege with notice to
shareholders as required by law.
IX. DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution for each Class of shares (the "Class
A Plan," "Class B Plan," and "Class C Plan") in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under
the 1940 Act pursuant to which certain distribution fees are paid. Expenditures
of the Fund for continuing service fees to broker-dealers pursuant to the Class
A Plan will be accrued daily beginning July 1, 1997; other expenses pursuant to
the Class A Plan will be paid as accrued.
Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund reimburses PFD for its actual
expenditures to finance any activity primarily intended to result in the sale of
Class A shares or to provide services to holders of Class A shares, provided the
categories of expenses for which reimbursement is made are approved by the
Fund's Board of Trustees. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Board of
Trustees has approved the following categories of expenses for Class A shares of
the Fund: (i) a service fee to be paid to qualified broker-dealers in an amount
not to exceed 0.25% per annum of the Fund's daily net assets attributable to
Class A shares; (ii) reimbursement to PFD for its expenditures for broker-dealer
commissions and employee compensation on certain sales of the Fund's Class A
shares with no initial sales charge (See "How to Buy Fund Shares"); and (iii)
reimbursement to PFD for expenses incurred in providing services to Class A
shareholders and supporting broker-dealers and other organizations (such as
banks and trust companies) in their efforts to provide such services. Banks are
currently prohibited under the Glass- Steagall Act from providing certain
underwriting or distribution services. If a bank was prohibited from acting in
any capacity or providing any of the described services, management would
consider what action, if any, would be appropriate.
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Expenditures of the Fund pursuant to the Class A Plan are accrued daily and may
not exceed 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares. Distribution expenses of PFD are expected to substantially exceed the
distribution fees paid by the Fund in a given year. The Class A Plan may not be
amended to increase materially the annual percentage limitation of average net
assets which may be spent for the services described therein without approval of
the shareholders of the Fund.
Both the Class B Plan and the Class C Plan provide that the Fund will compensate
PFD by paying a distribution fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of the Fund's
average daily net assets attributable to the applicable Class of shares and a
service fee at the annual rate of 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to that Class of shares. The distribution fee is intended to
compensate PFD for its Class B and Class C distribution services to the Fund.
The service fee is intended to be additional compensation for personal services
and/or account maintenance services with respect to Class B or Class C shares.
PFD also receives the proceeds of any CDSC imposed on the redemption of Class B
or Class C shares.
Commissions of 4% of the amount invested in Class B shares, equal to 3.75% of
the amount invested and a first year's service fee equal to 0.25% of the amount
invested, are paid to broker-dealers who have selling agreements with PFD. PFD
may advance to dealers the first year service fee at a rate up to 0.25% of the
purchase price of such shares and, as compensation therefore, PFD may retain the
service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares for the first year
after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following the purchase of Class B
shares, dealers will become eligible for additional annual service fees of up to
0.25% of the net asset value of such shares.
Commissions of up to 1% of the amount invested in Class C shares, consisting of
0.75% of the amount invested and a first year's service fee of 0.25% of the
amount invested, are paid to broker-dealers who have selling agreements with
PFD. PFD may advance to dealers the first year service fee at a rate up to 0.25%
of the purchase price of such shares and, as compensation therefore, PFD may
retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares for the
first year after purchase. Commencing in the 13th month following the purchase
of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional annual
distribution fees and services fees of up to 0.75% and 0.25%, respectively, of
the net asset value of such shares.
Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain criteria in order to
receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain all service
fees payable under the Class B Plan or the Class C Plan for which there is no
dealer of record or for which qualification standards have not been met as
partial consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services
performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
X. DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXATION
The Fund will elect to be treated and intends to qualify each year as a
"regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Code, so that it will
not pay federal income taxes on income and capital gains distributed to
shareholders at least annually.
Under the Code, the Fund will be subject to a nondeductible 4% federal excise
tax on a portion of its undistributed ordinary income and capital gains if it
fails to meet certain distribution requirements with respect to each calendar
year. The Fund intends to make distributions in a timely manner and accordingly
does not expect to be subject to the excise tax.
The Fund's policy is to pay to shareholders dividends from net investment
income, if any, annually during the month of December and to make distributions
from net long-term capital gains, if any, in December. Distributions from net
short-term capital gains, if any, may be paid with such dividends; distributions
of dividends from income and/or capital gains may also be made at such other
times as may be necessary to avoid federal income or excise
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tax. Dividends from the Fund's net investment income, net short-term capital
gains, and certain net foreign exchange gains are taxable as ordinary income,
and dividends from the Fund's net long-term capital gains are taxable as
long-term capital gains.
UNLESS SHAREHOLDERS SPECIFY OTHERWISE, ALL DISTRIBUTIONS WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY
REINVESTED IN ADDITIONAL FULL AND FRACTIONAL SHARES OF THE FUND. FOR FEDERAL
INCOME TAX PURPOSES, ALL DIVIDENDS ARE TAXABLE AS DESCRIBED ABOVE WHETHER A
SHAREHOLDER TAKES THEM IN CASH OR REINVESTS THEM IN ADDITIONAL SHARES OF THE
FUND. Information as to the federal tax status of dividends and distributions
will be provided annually to shareholders. For further information on the
distribution options available to shareholders, see "Distribution Options" and
"Directed Dividends" below.
Distributions by the Fund of the dividend income it receives from U.S. domestic
corporations, if any, may qualify for the corporate dividends-received deduction
for corporate shareholders, subject to minimum holding- period requirements and
debt-financing restrictions under the Code.
In any year in which the Fund qualifies, it may make an election that will
permit certain of its shareholders to take a credit (or, if more advantageous, a
deduction) for foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. Each shareholder would
then treat as an additional dividend his or her appropriate share of the amount
of foreign taxes paid by the Fund. If this election is made, the Fund will
notify its shareholders annually as to their share of the amount of foreign
taxes paid and the foreign source income of the Fund.
Dividends and other distributions and the proceeds of redemptions, exchanges or
repurchases of Fund shares paid to individuals and other non-exempt payees will
be subject to 31% backup withholding of federal income tax if the Fund is not
provided with the shareholder 's correct taxpayer identification number and
certification that the number is correct and the shareholder is not subject to
backup withholding or if the Fund receives notice from the IRS or a broker that
such withholding applies. Please refer to the Account Application for additional
information.
The description above relates only to U.S. federal income tax consequences for
shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens or residents or U.S.
corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates and who are subject to U.S.
federal income tax. Non-U.S. shareholders and tax-exempt shareholders are
subject to different tax treatment that is not described above. Shareholders
should consult their own tax advisers regarding state, local and other
applicable tax laws.
XI. SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
PSC is the shareholder services and transfer agent for shares of the Fund. PSC,
a Massachusetts corporation, is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGI. PSC's offices
are located at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, and inquiries to
PSC should be mailed to Pioneering Services Corporation, P.O. Box 9014, Boston,
Massachusetts 02205-9014. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the "Custodian") serves
as the custodian of the Fund's portfolio securities and other assets. The
principal business address of the Mutual Fund Division of the Custodian is 40
Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
ACCOUNT AND CONFIRMATION STATEMENTS
PSC maintains an account for each shareholder and all transactions of the
shareholder are recorded in this account. Confirmation statements showing the
details of transactions are sent to shareholders quarterly for dividend
reinvestment and Investomatic transactions and more frequently for other types
of transactions. The Pioneer Combined Account Statement, mailed quarterly, is
available to all shareholders who have more than one Pioneer mutual fund
account.
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Shareholders whose shares are held in the name of an investment broker-dealer or
other party will not normally have an account with the Fund and might not be
able to utilize some of the services available to shareholders of record.
Examples of services that might not be available are purchases, exchanges and
redemptions of shares by mail or telephone, automatic reinvestment of dividends
and capital gains distributions, systematic withdrawal plan, Letters of
Intention or Rights of Accumulation and newsletters.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENTS
You may add to your account by sending a check (minimum of $50 for Class A
shares and $500 for Class B and Class C shares) to PSC (account number and Class
of shares should be clearly indicated). The bottom portion of a confirmation
statement may be used as a remittance slip to make additional investments.
Additions to your account, whether by check or through a Pioneer Investomatic
Plan, are invested in full and fractional shares of the Fund at the applicable
offering price in effect as of the close of regular trading on the Exchange on
the day of receipt.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLANS
You may arrange for regular automatic investments of $50 or more through
government/military allotments, payroll deduction or through a Pioneer
Investomatic Plan. A Pioneer Investomatic Plan provides for monthly or quarterly
investments by means of a preauthorized electronic funds transfer or draft drawn
on a checking account. Pioneer Investomatic Plan investments are voluntary, and
you may discontinue the Plan without penalty upon 30 days' written notice to
PSC. PSC acts as agent for the purchasers, the broker-dealer and PFD in
maintaining Pioneer Investomatic Plans.
FINANCIAL REPORTS AND TAX INFORMATION
As a shareholder , you will receive financial reports at least semiannually. In
January of each year the Fund will mail to you information about the tax status
of dividends and distributions.
DISTRIBUTION OPTIONS
Dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, will automatically be
invested in additional shares of the Fund, at the applicable net asset value per
share, unless you indicate another option on the Account Application.
Two other options available are (a) dividends in cash and capital gains
distributions in additional shares; and (b) all dividends and distributions in
cash. These two options are not available, however, for retirement plans or for
an account with a net asset value of less than $500. Changes in the distribution
option may be made by written request to PSC.
DIRECTED DIVIDENDS
You may elect (in writing) to have the dividends paid by one Pioneer mutual fund
account invested in a second Pioneer mutual fund account. The value of this
second account must be at least $1,000 ($500 for Pioneer Fund or Pioneer II).
Invested dividends may be in any amount. There are no fees or charges for this
service. Retirement plan shareholders may only direct dividends to accounts with
identical registrations; e.g., PGI IRA Cust for John Smith may only go into
another account registered PGI IRA Cust for John Smith.
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DIRECT DEPOSIT
If you have elected to take distributions, whether dividends or dividends and
capital gains, in cash, or have established a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, you
may choose to have those cash payments deposited directly into your savings,
checking, or NOW bank account. You may establish this service by completing the
appropriate section on the Account Application when opening a new account or the
Account Options Form for an existing account.
VOLUNTARY TAX WITHHOLDING
You may request (in writing) that PSC withhold 28% of the dividends and capital
gains distributions paid from your account (before any reinvestment) and forward
the amount withheld to the IRS as a credit against your federal income taxes.
This option is not available for retirement plan accounts or for accounts
subject to backup withholding.
TELEPHONE TRANSACTIONS AND RELATED LIABILITIES
Your account is automatically authorized to have telephone transaction
privileges unless you indicate otherwise on your Account Application or by
writing to PSC. You may purchase, sell or exchange your Fund shares by telephone
by calling 1-800- 225-6292 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Eastern
Time on weekdays. Computer-assisted transactions may be available to
shareholders who have pre-recorded certain bank information (see "FactFoneSM").
YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH YOUR FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO
REQUESTING ANY TELEPHONE TRANSACTION. See "How to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Sell
Fund Shares" and "How to Exchange Fund Shares" for more information.
To confirm that each transaction instruction received by telephone is genuine,
PSC will record each telephone transaction, require the caller to provide the
personal identification number ("PIN") for the account and send you a written
confirmation of each telephone transaction. Different procedures may apply to
accounts that are registered to non-U.S. citizens or that are held in the name
of an institution or in the name of an investment broker-dealer or other
third-party. If reasonable procedures, such as those described above, are not
followed, the Fund may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent
instructions. In all other cases, neither the Fund, PSC nor PFD will be
responsible for the authenticity of instructions received by telephone,
therefore, you bear the risk of loss for unauthorized or fraudulent telephone
transactions. The Fund may implement other procedures from time to time.
During times of economic turmoil or market volatility or as a result of severe
weather or a natural disaster, it may be difficult to contact the Fund by
telephone to institute a redemption or exchange. You should communicate with the
Fund in writing if you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone.
FACTFONESM
FactFoneSM is an automated inquiry and telephone transaction system available to
Pioneer mutual fund shareholders by dialing 1-800-225-4321. FactFoneSM allows
you to obtain current information on your Pioneer mutual fund accounts and to
inquire about the prices and yields of all publicly available Pioneer mutual
funds. In addition, you may use FactFoneSM to make computer-assisted telephone
purchases, exchanges and redemptions from your Pioneer mutual fund accounts if
you have activated your PIN. Telephone purchases and redemptions require the
establishment of a bank account of record. YOU ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT
WITH YOUR FINANCIAL REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO REQUESTING ANY TELEPHONE
TRANSACTION. Shareholders whose accounts are registered in the name of a
broker-dealer or other third party may not be able to use FactFoneSM. See "How
to Buy Fund Shares," "How to Sell Fund Shares," "How to Exchange Fund Shares"
and "Telephone Transactions and Related Liabilities." Call PSC for assistance.
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RETIREMENT PLANS
Please contact the Retirement Plans Department of PSC at 1-800-622-0176 for
information relating to retirement plans for business, age-weighted profit
sharing plans, Simplified Employee Pension Plans, Individual Retirement Accounts
(IRAs), Section 401(k) salary reduction plans and Section 403(b) retirement
plans for employees of certain non-profit organizations and public school
systems, all of which are available in conjunction with investments in the Fund.
The Pioneer Mutual Fund Account Application accompanying this Prospectus should
not be used to establish such plans. Separate applications are required.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF (TDD)
If you have a hearing disability and access to TDD keyboard equipment, you can
call our TDD number toll-free at 1-800- 225-1997, week days from 8:30 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, to contact our telephone representatives with questions
about your account.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLANS
If your account has a total value of at least $10,000, you may establish a
Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP") providing for fixed payments at regular
intervals. Withdrawals from Class B and Class C share accounts will be limited
to 10% of the value of the account at the time the SWP is implemented. See
"Waiver or Reduction of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" for more information.
Periodic checks of $50 or more will be sent to you, or any person designated by
you, monthly or quarterly, and your periodic redemptions of shares may be
taxable to you. Payments can be made either by check or by electronic funds
transfer to a bank account designated by you. If you direct that withdrawal
checks be paid to another person after you have opened your account, a signature
guarantee must accompany your instructions. Purchases of Class A shares of the
Fund at a time when you have a SWP in effect may result in the payment of
unnecessary sales charges and may therefore be disadvantageous.
You may obtain additional information by calling PSC at 1-800-225-6292 or by
referring to the Statement of Additional Information.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE (CLASS A SHARES ONLY)
If you redeem all or part of your Class A shares of the Fund, you may reinvest
all or part of the redemption proceeds without a sales charge in Class A shares
of the Fund if you send a written request to PSC not more than 90 days after
your shares were redeemed. Your redemption proceeds will be reinvested at the
next determined net asset value of the Class A shares of the Fund in effect
immediately after receipt of the written request for reinstatement. You may
realize a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the
redemption, and special tax rules may apply if a reinstatement occurs. In
addition, if a redemption resulted in a loss and an investment is made in shares
of the Fund within 30 days before or after the redemption, you may not be able
to recognize the loss for the federal income tax purposes. You may also reinvest
in the Class A shares of certain other Pioneer mutual funds; in this case you
must meet the minimum investment requirement for each fund you enter. See "How
to Exchange Fund Shares."
The 90-day reinstatement period may be extended by PFD for periods of up to one
year for shareholders living in areas that have experienced a natural disaster,
such as a flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake.
THE OPTIONS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS, INCLUDING THE TERMS OF THE
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE AND THE PIONEER INVESTOMATIC PLAN, MAY BE REVISED, SUSPENDED,
OR TERMINATED AT ANY TIME BY PFD OR BY THE FUND.
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YOU MAY ESTABLISH THE SERVICES DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR
ACCOUNT. YOU MAY ALSO ESTABLISH OR REVISE MANY OF THEM ON AN EXISTING ACCOUNT BY
COMPLETING AN ACCOUNT OPTIONS FORM, WHICH YOU MAY OBTAIN BY CALLING 1-800-
225-6292.
XII. THE FUND
The Fund, a diversified open-end management investment company (commonly
referred to as a mutual fund) was established as a Delaware business trust on
July 26, 1996. The Fund has authorized an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest. As an open-end investment company, the Fund continuously
offers its shares to the public and under normal conditions must redeem its
shares upon the demand of any shareholder at the then current net asset value
per share, less any applicable CDSC. See "How to Sell Fund Shares." The Fund is
not required, and does not intend, to hold annual shareholder meetings although
special meetings may be called for the purpose of electing or removing Trustees,
changing fundamental investment restrictions or approving a management contract.
The Fund reserves the right to create and issue additional series of shares. The
Trustees have the authority, without further shareholder approval, to classify
and reclassify the shares of the Fund, or any additional series of the Fund,
into one or more classes. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Trustees have
authorized the issuance of three classes of shares, designated Class A, Class B
and Class C. The shares of each class represent an interest in the same
portfolio of investments of the Fund. Each class has equal rights as to voting,
redemption, dividends and liquidation, except that each class bears different
distribution and transfer agent fees and may bear other expenses properly
attributable to the particular class. Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders
have exclusive voting rights with respect to the Rule 12b-1 distribution plans
adopted by holders of those shares in connection with the distribution of
shares.
In addition to the requirements under Delaware law, the Declaration of Trust
provides that a shareholder of the Fund may bring a derivative action on behalf
of the Fund only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders eligible
to bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least 10% of the
outstanding shares of the Fund, or 10% of the outstanding shares of the series
or class to which such action relates, shall join in the request for the
Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the Trustees must be afforded a
reasonable amount of time to consider such shareholder request and investigate
the basis of such claim. The Trustees shall be entitled to retain counsel or
other advisers in considering the merits of the request and shall require an
undertaking by the shareholders making such request to reimburse the Fund for
the expense of any such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to
bring such action.
When issued and paid for in accordance with the terms of the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information, shares of the Fund are fully-paid and
non-assessable. Shares will remain on deposit with the Fund's transfer agent and
certificates will not normally be issued. The Fund reserves the right to charge
a fee for the issuance of Class A shares certificates; certificates will not be
issued for Class B or Class C shares. In order to supply the fund with capital,
expects beneficially to own 100% of the Fund's issued and outstanding shares
immediately prior to the effectiveness of the Fund's registration statement. The
Fund expects to attract significant assets relative to PFD's initial investment
soon after effectiveness at which time PFD may no longer control the Fund.
XIII. INVESTMENT RESULTS
The average annual total return (for a designated period of time) on an
investment in the Fund may be included in advertisements, and furnished to
existing or prospective shareholders. The average annual total return for each
Class is computed in accordance with the SEC's standardized formula. The
calculation for all Classes assumes the reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions at net asset value and does not reflect the impact of federal or
state income taxes. In addition, for Class A shares the calculation assumes the
deduction of the maximum sales charge of
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5.75%; for Class B and Class C shares the calculation reflects the deduction of
any applicable CDSC. The periods illustrated would normally include one, five
and ten years (or since the commencement of the public offering of the shares of
a Class, if shorter) through the most recent calendar quarter.
One or more additional measures and assumptions, including but not limited to
historical total returns; distribution returns; results of actual or
hypothetical investments; changes in dividends, distributions or share values;
or any graphic illustration of such data may also be used. These data may cover
any period of the Fund's existence and may or may not include the impact of
sales charges, taxes or other factors.
Other investments or savings vehicles and/or unmanaged market indexes,
indicators of economic activity or averages of mutual fund results may be cited
or compared with the investment results of the Fund. Rankings or listings by
magazines, newspapers or independent statistical or rating services, such as
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., may also be referenced. The Fund may also
include securities industry, real estate industry or comparative performance
information in advertising or materials marketing the Fund's shares. Such
performance information may include rankings or listings by magazines,
newspapers, or independent statistical or ratings services, such as Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc. or Ibbotson Associates.
The Fund's investment results will vary from time to time depending on market
conditions, the composition of the Fund's portfolio and operating expenses of
the Fund. All quoted investment results are historical and should not be
considered representative of what an investment in the Fund may earn in any
future period. For further information about the calculation methods and uses of
the Fund's investment results, see the Statement of Additional Information.
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX - CERTAIN INVESTMENT PRACTICES
This Appendix provides a brief description of certain securities in which the
Fund may invest and certain transactions it may make. For a more complete
discussion of these and other securities and practices, see "Investment
Objective and Policies" in this Prospectus and "Investment Policies and
Restrictions" in the Statement of Additional Information.
OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES
The Fund may purchase put and call options on securities in which it may invest
and on securities indices that are composed of securities in which it may invest
to manage cash flow. In addition, to enhance return the Fund may write (sell)
"covered" put and call options on securities in which it may invest and write
(sell) put and call options on securities indices that are composed of
securities in which it may invest. Call options are "covered" by the Fund when
it owns the underlying securities, or owns securities convertible into or
carrying rights to acquire such securities without payment of additional
consideration, which the option holder has the right to purchase, and put
options are "covered" by the Fund when it has established a segregated account
of cash or liquid, high-grade debt obligations sufficient to satisfy the Fund's
obligation to purchase the underlying securities. The Fund receives a premium
from writing a put or call option, which increases the Fund's gross income in
the event the option expires unexercised or is closed out at a profit. By
writing a call option, the Fund limits its opportunity to profit from any
increase in the market value of the underlying security above the exercise price
of the option. By writing a put option, the Fund assumes the risk that it may be
required to purchase the underlying security for an exercise price higher than
its then current market value, resulting in a capital loss unless the security
subsequently appreciates in value.
The Fund will write and purchase options to manage its exposure to foreign and
domestic stocks and stock markets instead of, or in addition to, buying and
selling stock. The Fund may also write or purchase options in an attempt to
hedge market-wide price fluctuations. Distributions to shareholders of any gains
from options transactions will be taxable. Options on securities that are
written or purchased by the Fund will be entered into on U.S. exchanges or the
exchanges of other established markets and in related over-the-counter markets.
Over-the-counter transactions involve certain risks which may not be present in
a transaction on an exchange. The staff of the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "SEC") has taken the position that over-the-counter options and
assets used to cover over-the-counter options are illiquid and, therefore,
together with other illiquid securities, cannot exceed 15% of the Fund's net
assets.
The risks associated with the use of options are more fully described below. The
Fund pays brokerage commissions or spreads in connection with its options
transactions. The writing of options could significantly increase the Fund's
portfolio turnover rate.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
To hedge against changes in securities prices, currency exchange rates or
interest rates, the Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures
contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures
contracts. The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions
with respect to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be
based on various stock and other securities indices, foreign currencies and
other financial instruments and indices. The Fund may engage in futures and
related options transactions for hedging and other non-speculative purposes
permitted by regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. These
transactions involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case
of contracts and options obligating the Fund to purchase currencies, require the
Fund to segregate assets to cover such contracts and options.
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<PAGE>
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The Fund has the ability to hold a portion of its assets in foreign currencies
and to enter into forward foreign currency contracts to facilitate settlement of
foreign securities transactions or to protect against changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. The Fund might sell a foreign currency on either a spot
or forward basis to seek to hedge against an anticipated decline in the dollar
value of securities in its portfolio or securities it intends or has contracted
to sell or to preserve the U.S. dollar value of dividends, interest or other
amounts it expects to receive. Although this strategy could minimize the risk of
loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged foreign currency, it could also
limit any potential gain which might result from an increase in the value of the
currency. Alternatively, the Fund might purchase a foreign currency or enter
into a forward purchase contract for the currency to preserve the U.S. dollar
price of securities it is authorized to purchase or has contracted to purchase.
The Fund may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one
currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in
a different currency, if PMC determines that there is a pattern of correlation
between the two currencies. Cross-hedging may also include entering into a
forward transaction involving two foreign currencies, using one currency as a
proxy for the U.S. dollar to hedge against variations in the other foreign
currency, if PMC determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the
proxy currency and the U.S. dollar.
If the Fund enters into a forward contract to buy foreign currency for any
purpose, the Fund will be required to place cash or liquid, high grade debt
securities in a segregated account of the Fund maintained by the Fund's
custodian in an amount equal to the value of the Fund's total assets committed
to the consummation of the forward contract.
The Fund may purchase futures contacts on foreign currencies, put and call
options on such futures contracts and 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. The purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute an
effective hedge against exchange rate fluctuations.
RISKS AND LIMITATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH TRANSACTIONS IN OPTIONS, FUTURES
CONTRACTS AND FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
The Fund may employ certain active investment management techniques including
options on securities, options on securities indices, options on currency,
futures contracts and options on futures, forward foreign currency exchange
contracts and currency swaps. Each of these active management techniques
involves (1) liquidity risk that contractual positions cannot be easily closed
out in the event of market changes or generally in the absence of a liquid
secondary market, (2) correlation risk that changes in the value of hedging
positions may not match the securities market and foreign currency fluctuations
intended to be hedged, and (3) market risk that an incorrect prediction of
securities prices or exchange rates by PMC may cause the Fund to perform less
favorably than if such positions had not been entered. The ability to terminate
over-the- counter options is more limited than with exchange traded options.
Options, futures and forward foreign currency exchange contracts may involve the
risk that the counter-party to the transaction will not fulfill its obligations.
The use of options, futures and forward foreign currency exchange contracts are
highly specialized activities which involve investment techniques and risks that
are different from those associated with ordinary portfolio transactions. The
Fund may not enter into futures contracts and options on futures contracts for
speculative purposes. There is no limit on the percentage of the Fund's assets
that may be subject to futures contracts and options on such contracts entered
into for bona fide hedging purposes or forward foreign currency exchange
contracts. The loss that may be incurred by the Fund in entering into futures
contracts and written options thereon and forward foreign currency exchange
contracts is
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<PAGE>
potentially unlimited. The Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets
in purchased options other than protective put options.
The Fund's transactions in options, forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts may be limited by the
requirements for qualification of the Fund as a regulated investment company for
tax purposes. See "Tax Status" in the Statement of Additional Information.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements not exceeding seven days in
duration. In a repurchase agreement, an investor (e.g., the Fund) purchases a
debt security from a seller which undertakes to repurchase the security at a
specified resale price on an agreed future date (ordinarily a week or less). The
resale price generally exceeds the purchase price by an amount which reflects an
agreed-upon market interest rate for the term of the repurchase agreement.
Repurchase agreements entered into by the Fund will be fully collateralized with
U.S. Treasury and/or U.S. Government agency obligations with a market value of
not less than 100% of the obligation, valued daily. Collateral will be held in a
segregated, safekeeping account for the benefit of the Fund. In the event that a
repurchase agreement is not fulfilled, the Fund could suffer a loss to the
extent that the value of the collateral falls below the repurchase price or if
the Fund is prevented from realizing the value of the collateral by reason of an
order of a court with jurisdiction over an insolvency proceeding with respect to
the other party to the repurchase agreement.
RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES
The Fund may invest in restricted securities (i.e., securities that would be
required to be registered prior to distribution to the public), including
restricted securities eligible for resale to certain institutional investors
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. The Fund may invest up
to 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities, excluding restricted securities
determined to be liquid pursuant to Rule 144A.
The Board of Trustees of the Fund has adopted guidelines and delegated to PMC
the daily function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of restricted
securities. The Board, however, retains sufficient oversight and is ultimately
responsible for the determinations. Since it is not possible to predict with
assurance exactly how the market for restricted securities sold and offered
under Rule 144A will develop, the Board carefully monitors the Fund's
investments in these securities, focusing on such important factors, among
others, as valuation, liquidity and availability of information. This investment
practice could have the effect of increasing the level of illiquidity in the
Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become for a time
uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities. Securities of non-U.S.
issuers that the Fund acquires in Rule 144A transactions, but which the Fund may
resell publicly in a non-U.S. securities market, are not considered restricted
securities.
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<PAGE>
[PIONEER LOGO]
PIONEER WORLD
EQUITY FUND
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
OFFICERS
JOHN F. COGAN, JR., Chairman and President
David D. Tripple, Executive Vice President
Patrick M. Smith, Vice President
William H. Keough, Treasurer
Joseph P. Barri, Secretary
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
CUSTODIAN
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP
LEGAL COUNSEL
HALE AND DORR
INVESTMENT ADVISER
PIONEERING MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES AND TRANSFER AGENT
PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
Telephone: 1-800-225-6292
SERVICE INFORMATION
If you would like information on the following, please call:
Existing and new accounts, prospectuses,
applications and service forms
and telephone transactions 1-800-225-6292
FactFone SM
Automated fund yields, automated prices
and account information 1-800-225-4321
Retirement plans 1-800-622-0176
Toll-free fax 1-800-225-4240
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) 1-800-225-1997
1096-xxxx
(C) Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
-29-
<PAGE>
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
60 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
October 31, 1996
This Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus, but
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus (the "Prospectus") dated
October 31, 1996, as supplemented and/or amended from time to time, of Pioneer
World Equity Fund (the "Fund"). A copy of the Prospectus can be obtained free of
charge by calling Shareholder Services at 1-800-225-6292 or by written request
to the Fund at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Investment Policies and Restrictions............................. 2
2. Management of the Fund........................................... 8
3. Investment Adviser............................................... 12
4. Principal Underwriter............................................ 12
5. Distribution Plans............................................... 13
6. Shareholder Servicing/Transfer Agent............................. 15
7. Custodian........................................................ 15
8. Independent Public Accountants................................... 16
9. Portfolio Transactions........................................... 16
10. Tax Status....................................................... 17
11. Description of Shares............................................ 19
12. Certain Liabilities.............................................. 19
13. Determination of Net Asset Value................................. 20
14. Systematic Withdrawal Plan....................................... 20
15. Letter of Intention.............................................. 21
16. Investment Results............................................... 21
APPENDIX A -- Comparative Performance Index Descriptions......... 26
APPENDIX B -- Other Pioneer Information.......................... 40
THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT A
PROSPECTUS AND IS AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ONLY IF PRECEDED OR
ACCOMPANIED BY AN EFFECTIVE PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
1. INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS
The Prospectus identifies the investment objective and the principal
investment policies of the Fund. Other investment policies of the Fund are set
forth below. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein have the meaning
given to them in the Prospectus.
The following policies and restrictions supplement those discussed in
the Prospectus. Whenever an investment policy or restriction states a maximum
percentage of the Fund's assets that may be invested in any security or presents
a policy regarding quality standards, this standard or other restriction shall
be determined immediately after and as a result of the Fund's investment.
Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting from a change in values,
net assets or other circumstances will not be considered in determining whether
the investment complies with the Fund's investment objectives and policies.
Lending of Portfolio Securities
The Fund may lend portfolio securities to member firms of the New York
Stock Exchange, under agreements which would require that the loans be secured
continuously by collateral in cash, cash equivalents or United States ("U.S.")
Treasury Bills maintained on a current basis at an amount at least equal to the
market value of the securities loaned. The Fund would continue to receive the
equivalent of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities
loaned as well as the benefit of an increase in the market value of the
securities loaned and would also receive compensation based on investment of the
collateral. The Fund would not, however, have the right to vote any securities
having voting rights during the existence of the loan, but would call the loan
in anticipation of an important vote to be taken among holders of the securities
or of the giving or withholding of consent on a material matter affecting the
investment.
As with other extensions of credit there are risks of delay in recovery
or even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities
fail financially. The Fund will lend portfolio securities only to firms which
have been approved in advance by the Board of Trustees, which will monitor the
creditworthiness of any such firms. At no time would the value of the securities
loaned exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
Options on Securities
The Fund may write (sell) covered call options on certain portfolio
securities, but options may not be written on more than 25% of the aggregate
market value of any single portfolio security (determined each time a call is
sold as of the date of such sale). The Fund does not intend to write covered
call options on portfolio securities with an aggregate market value exceeding 5%
of the Fund's total assets in the coming year. As the writer of a call option,
the Fund receives a premium less commission, and, in exchange, foregoes the
opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security
covering the call above the sum of the premium and the exercise price of the
option during the life of the option. The purchaser of such a call written by
the Fund has the option of purchasing the security from the Fund at the option
price during the life of the option. Portfolio securities on which options may
be written are purchased solely on the basis of investment considerations
consistent with the Fund's investment objectives. All call options written by
the Fund are covered; the Fund may cover a call option by owning the securities
subject to the option so long as the option is outstanding or using the other
methods described below. In addition, a written call option may be covered by
purchasing an offsetting option or any other option which, by virtue of its
exercise price or otherwise, covers the Fund's net exposure on its written
option position. The Fund does not consider a security covered by a call option
to be "pledged" as that term is used in the Fund's policy which limits the
pledging or mortgaging of its assets.
The Fund may purchase call options on securities for entering into a
"closing purchase transaction," i.e., a purchase of a call option on the same
security with the same exercise price and expiration date as a "covered" call
already written by the Fund. These closing sale transactions enable the Fund to
immediately realize gains or minimize losses on its options
-2-
<PAGE>
positions. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to effect such
closing purchase transactions at a favorable price. If the Fund cannot enter
into such a transaction it may be required to hold a security that it might
otherwise have sold. The Fund's portfolio turnover may increase through the
exercise of options if the market price of the underlying securities goes up and
the Fund has not entered into a closing purchase transaction. The commission on
purchase or sale of a call option is higher in relation to the premium than the
commission in relation to the price on purchase or sale of the underlying
security.
Securities Index Options
The Fund may purchase call and put options on securities indices for
the purpose of hedging against the risk of unfavorable price movements adversely
affecting the value of the Fund's securities or securities the Fund intends to
buy. Securities index options will not be used for speculative purposes.
Currently, options on stock indices are traded only on national
securities exchanges and over-the-counter, both in the United States and in
foreign countries. A securities index fluctuates with changes in the market
values of the securities included in the index. For example, some stock index
options are based on a broad market index such as the S&P 500 or the Value Line
Composite Index in the U.S., the Nikkei in Japan or the FTSE 100 in the United
Kingdom. Index options may also be based on a narrower market index such as the
S&P 100 or on an industry or market segment such as the AMEX Oil and Gas Index
or the Computer and Business Equipment Index.
The Fund may purchase put options in an attempt to hedge against an
anticipated decline in securities prices that might adversely affect the value
of the Fund's portfolio securities. If the Fund purchases a put option on a
securities index, the amount of the payment it would receive upon exercising the
option would depend on the extent of any decline in the level of the securities
index below the exercise price. Such payments would tend to offset a decline in
the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. However, if the level of the
securities index increases and remains above the exercise price while the put
option is outstanding, the Fund will not be able to profitably exercise the
option and will lose the amount of the premium and any transaction costs. Such
loss may be partially offset by an increase in the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities.
The Fund may purchase call options on securities indices in order to
remain fully invested in a particular foreign stock market or to lock in a
favorable price on securities that it intends to buy in the future. If the Fund
purchases a call option on a securities index, the amount of the payment it
receives upon exercising the option depends on the extent of an increase in the
level of other securities indices above the exercise price. Such payments would
in effect allow the Fund to benefit from securities market appreciation even
though it may not have had sufficient cash to purchase the underlying
securities. Such payments may also offset increases in the price of securities
that the Fund intends to purchase. If, however, the level of the securities
index declines and remains below the exercise price while the call option is
outstanding, the Fund will not be able to exercise the option profitably and
will lose the amount of the premium and transaction costs. Such loss may be
partially offset by a reduction in the price the Fund pays to buy additional
securities for its portfolio.
The Fund may sell the securities index option it has purchased or write
a similar offsetting securities index option in order to close out a position in
a securities index option which it has purchased. These closing sale
transactions enable the Fund to immediately realize gains or minimize losses on
its options positions. However, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary
market on an options exchange will exist for any particular option, or at any
particular time, and for some options no secondary market may exist. In
addition, securities index prices may be distorted by interruptions in the
trading of securities of certain companies or of issuers in certain industries,
or by restrictions that may be imposed by an exchange on opening or closing
transactions, or both, which would disrupt trading in options on such indices
and preclude the Fund from closing out its options positions. If the Fund is
unable to effect a closing sale transaction with respect to options that it has
purchased, it would have to exercise the options in order to realize any profit.
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<PAGE>
The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during
which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options
markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant
price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that can not
be reflected in the options markets. The purchase of options is a highly
specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. Personnel
of the Fund's investment adviser, Pioneering Management Corporation ("PMC"),
have considerable experience in options transactions.
In addition to the risks of imperfect correlation between the Fund's
portfolio and the index underlying the option, the purchase of securities index
options involves the risk that the premium and transaction costs paid by the
Fund in purchasing an option will be lost. This could occur as a result of
unanticipated movements in prices of the securities comprising the securities
index on which the option is based.
Forward Foreign Currency Transactions
The foreign currency transactions of the Fund may be conducted on a
spot, i.e. cash basis at the spot rate for purchasing or selling currency
prevailing in the foreign exchange market. The Fund also has authority to deal
in forward foreign currency exchange contracts involving currencies of the
different countries in which it will invest as a hedge against possible
variations in the foreign exchange rate between these currencies and the U.S.
dollar. This is accomplished through contractual agreements to purchase or sell
a specified currency at a specified future date and price set at the time of the
contract. The Fund's dealings in forward foreign currency contracts will be
limited to hedging either specific transactions or portfolio positions.
Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of forward foreign currency
contracts with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Fund accruing
in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities denominated
in foreign currencies. Portfolio hedging is the use of forward foreign currency
contracts to offset portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in such
foreign currencies. There is no guarantee that the Fund will be engaged in
hedging activities when adverse exchange rate movements occur. The Fund may not
necessarily attempt to hedge all of its foreign portfolio positions and will
enter into such transactions only to the extent, if any, deemed appropriate by
PMC. The Fund will not enter into speculative forward foreign currency
contracts.
If the Fund enters into a forward contract to purchase foreign
currency, its custodian bank will segregate cash or liquid, high grade debt
securities in a separate account of the Fund in an amount equal to the value of
the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of such forward contract.
Those assets will be valued at market daily and if the value of the assets in
the separate account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in
the accounts so that the value of the account will equal the amount of the
Fund's commitment with respect to such contracts.
Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also limit the opportunity
for gain if the value of the hedged currency should rise. Moreover, it may not
be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation that is so generally
anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell the currency at a
price above the devaluation level it anticipates.
The cost to the Fund of engaging in foreign currency transactions
varies with such factors as the currency involved, the size of the contract, the
length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Since
transactions in foreign currency and forward contracts are usually conducted on
a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The Fund may close out a
forward position in a currency by selling the forward contract or entering into
an offsetting forward contract.
-4-
<PAGE>
Options on Foreign Currencies
The Fund may purchase options on foreign currencies for hedging
purposes in a manner similar to that of transactions in forward contracts. For
example, a decline in the dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio
securities are denominated will reduce the dollar value of such securities, even
if their value in the foreign currency remains constant. In an attempt to
protect against such decreases in the value of portfolio securities, the Fund
may purchase put options on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency
declines, the Fund will have the right to sell such currency for a fixed amount
of dollars which exceeds the market value of such currency. This would result in
a gain that may offset, in whole or in part, the negative effect of currency
depreciation on the value of the Fund's securities denominated in that currency.
Conversely, if a rise in the dollar value of a currency is projected
for those securities to be acquired, thereby increasing the cost of such
securities, the Fund may purchase call options on such currency. If the value of
such currency increased, the purchase of such call options would enable the Fund
to purchase currency for a fixed amount of dollars which is less than the market
value of such currency. Such a purchase would result in a gain that may offset,
at least partially, the effect of any currency related increase in the price of
securities the Fund intends to acquire. As in the case of other types of options
transactions, however, the benefit the Fund derives from purchasing foreign
currency options will be reduced by the amount of the premium and related
transaction costs. In addition, if currency exchange rates do not move in the
direction or to the extent anticipated, the Fund could sustain losses on
transactions in foreign currency options which would deprive it of a portion or
all of the benefits of advantageous changes in such rates.
The Fund may close out its position in a currency option by either
selling the option it has purchased or entering into an offsetting option.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
To hedge against changes in securities prices or currency exchange
rates, the Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and
purchase and write (sell) call and put options on any of such futures contracts.
The Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect
to any of such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on
various securities (such as U.S. Government securities), securities indices,
foreign currencies and other financial instruments and indices. The Fund will
engage in futures and related options transactions for bona fide hedging and
non-hedging purposes as described below. All futures contracts entered into by
the Fund are traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and
regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (the "CFTC") or on foreign
exchanges.
Futures Contracts. A futures contract may generally be described as an
agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments
for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the final cash
settlement price, in the case of a contract relating to an index or otherwise
not calling for physical delivery at the end of trading in the contract).
When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, the
Fund can seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio
securities through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are
falling or securities prices are rising, the Fund, through the purchase of
futures contracts, can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later
be available in the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Similarly, the
Fund can sell futures contracts on a specified currency to seek to protect
against a decline in the value of such currency and a decline in the value of
its portfolio securities which are denominated in such currency. The Fund can
purchase futures contracts on foreign currency to establish the price in U.S.
dollars of a security denominated in such currency that the Fund has acquired or
expects to acquire.
-5-
<PAGE>
Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to
maturity but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may
result in a profit or a loss. While futures contracts on securities or currency
will usually be liquidated in this manner, the Fund may instead make, or take,
delivery of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears
economically advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with the
exchange on which futures on securities or currency are traded guarantees that,
if still open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.
Hedging Strategies. Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to
establish with more certainty the effective price, rate of return and currency
exchange rate on portfolio securities and securities that the Fund owns or
proposes to acquire. The Fund may, for example, take a "short" position in the
futures market by selling futures contracts in an attempt to hedge against an
anticipated rise in interest rates or a decline in market prices or foreign
currency rates that would adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio
securities. Such futures contracts may include contracts for the future delivery
of securities held by the Fund or securities with characteristics similar to
those of the Fund's portfolio securities. Similarly, the Fund may sell futures
contracts in currency in which its portfolio securities are denominated or in
one currency to hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities
denominated in a different currency if there is an established historical
pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If, in the opinion of PMC,
there is a sufficient degree of correlation between price trends for the Fund's
portfolio securities and futures contracts based on other financial instruments,
securities indices or other indices, the Fund may also enter into such futures
contracts as part of its hedging strategy. Although under some circumstances
prices of securities in the Fund's portfolio may be more or less volatile than
prices of such futures contracts, PMC will attempt to estimate the extent of
this volatility difference based on historical patterns and compensate for any
such differential by having the Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of
futures contracts or by attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price
changes affecting the Fund's securities portfolio. When hedging of this
character is successful, any depreciation in the value of portfolio securities
will be substantially offset by appreciation in the value of the futures
position. On the other hand, any unanticipated appreciation in the value of the
Fund's portfolio securities would be substantially offset by a decline in the
value of the futures position.
On other occasions, the Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing
futures contracts. This would be done, for example, when the Fund anticipates
the subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash,
but expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the
applicable market to be less favorable than prices or rates that are currently
available.
Options on Futures Contracts. The acquisition of put and call options
on futures contracts will give the Fund the right (but not the obligation) for a
specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures
contract at any time during the option period. As the purchaser of an option on
a futures contract, the Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if
prices move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of
an unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium
which may partially offset a decline in the value of the Fund's assets. By
writing a call option, the Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium,
to sell a futures contract, which may have a value higher than the exercise
price. Conversely, the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a
premium which may partially offset an increase in the price of securities that
the Fund intends to purchase. However, the Fund becomes obligated to purchase a
futures contract which may have a value lower than the exercise price. Thus, the
loss incurred by the Fund in writing options on futures and in entering into
futures transactions is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the
premium received. The Fund will incur transaction costs in connection with the
writing of options on futures.
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The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate
its position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same series.
There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected. The Fund's
ability to establish and close out positions on such options will be subject to
the development and maintenance of a liquid market.
The Fund may use options on futures contracts for bona fide hedging or
non-hedging purposes as discussed below.
Other Considerations. The Fund will engage in futures and related
options transactions only for bona fide hedging or non-hedging purposes in
accordance with CFTC regulations which permit principals of an investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act") to engage in such transactions without registering as commodity pool
operators. The Fund is not permitted to engage in speculative futures trading.
The Fund will determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and
options on futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price
fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or which it expects to purchase.
Except as stated below, the Fund's futures transactions will be entered into for
traditional hedging purposes -- i.e., futures contracts will be sold to seek to
protect against a decline in the price of securities (or the currency in which
they are denominated) that the Fund owns, or futures contracts will be purchased
to seek to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of securities (or
the currency in which they are denominated) it intends to purchase. As evidence
of this hedging intent, the Fund expects that on 75% or more of the occasions on
which it takes a long futures or option position (involving the purchase of
futures contracts), the Fund will have purchased, or will be in the process of
purchasing, equivalent amounts of related securities or assets denominated in
the related currency in the cash market at the time when the futures or option
position is closed out. However, in particular cases, when it is economically
advantageous for the Fund to do so, a long futures position may be terminated or
an option may expire without the corresponding purchase of securities or other
assets.
As an alternative to literal compliance with the bona fide hedging
definition, a CFTC regulation permits the Fund to elect to comply with a
different test, under which the sum of the amounts of initial margin deposits on
the Fund's existing non-hedging futures contracts and premiums paid for
non-hedging options on futures (net of the amount the positions are "in the
money") would exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's total assets. The Fund
will engage in transactions in futures contracts and related options only to the
extent such transactions are consistent with the requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), for maintaining its qualification
as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes.
Transaction costs associated with futures contracts and related options
involve brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts
and options obligating the Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require
the Fund to segregate assets to cover such contracts and options.
While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may
reduce certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks.
Thus, while the Fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures,
unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or currency exchange
rates may result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not
entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event of an
imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position which
is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained and the
Fund may be exposed to risk of loss.
Perfect correlation between the Fund's futures positions and portfolio
positions will be difficult to achieve because no futures contracts based on
foreign corporate equity securities are currently available. The only futures
contracts available to hedge
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the Fund's portfolio are various futures on U.S. Government securities and
foreign currencies, futures on a municipal securities index and stock index
futures. In addition, it is not possible to hedge fully or perfectly against the
effect of currency fluctuations on the value of foreign securities because
currency movements impact the value of different securities in differing
degrees.
Repurchase Agreements
The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with "primary dealers" in
U.S. Government securities and member banks of the Federal Reserve System which
furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of
their repurchase obligation. The Fund may also enter into repurchase agreements
involving certain foreign government securities. In a repurchase agreement, an
investor (e.g., the Fund) purchases a debt security from a seller which
undertakes to repurchase the security at a specified resale price on an agreed
future date (ordinarily a week or less). The resale price generally exceeds the
purchase price by an amount which reflects an agreed-upon market interest rate
for the term of the repurchase agreement. The primary risk is that, if the
seller defaults, the Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds
from the sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund
in connection with the related repurchase agreement are less than the repurchase
price. Another risk is that, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller, the Fund
could be delayed or prohibited from disposing of the underlying securities and
other collateral held by the Fund in connection with the related repurchase
agreement pending court proceedings. In evaluating whether to enter a repurchase
agreement, PMC will carefully consider the creditworthiness of the seller
pursuant to procedures reviewed and approved by the Trustees.
Investment Restrictions
Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The Fund has adopted certain additional
investment restrictions which may not be changed without the affirmative vote of
the holders of a "majority" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund's
outstanding voting securities. The Fund may not:
(1)Issue senior securities, except as permitted by the Fund's
borrowing, lending and commodity restrictions, and for purposes of this
restriction, the issuance of shares of beneficial interest in multiple classes
or series, the purchase or sale of options, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts, forward commitments, forward foreign exchange contracts,
repurchase agreements, fully covered reverse repurchase agreements, dollar
rolls, swaps and any other financial transaction entered into pursuant to the
Fund's investment policies as described in the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information and in accordance with applicable SEC pronouncements, as
well as the pledge, mortgage or hypothecation of the Fund's assets within the
meaning of fundamental investment restriction regarding pledging, are not deemed
to be senior securities.
(2)Borrow money, except from banks as a temporary measure to facilitate
the meeting of redemption requests or for extraordinary or emergency purposes
and except pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls and then
only in amounts not exceeding 331/3 of the Fund's total assets (including the
amount borrowed) taken at market value. The Fund will not use leverage to
attempt to increase income. The Fund will not purchase securities while
outstanding borrowings exceed 10% of the Fund's total assets.
(3)Guarantee the securities of any other company, or mortgage, pledge,
hypothecate or assign or otherwise encumber as security for indebtedness its
securities or receivables in an amount exceeding the amount of the borrowing
secured thereby.
(4)Act as an underwriter, except as it may deemed to be an underwriter
in a sale of restricted securities held in its portfolio.
(5)Invest in real estate, commodities or commodity contracts, except
that the Fund may invest financial futures contracts and related options and in
any other financial instruments which may be deemed to be
-8-
<PAGE>
commodities or commodity contracts in which the Fund is not prohibited from
investing by the Commodity Exchange Act and the rules and regulations
thereunder.
(6)Make loans, except by the purchase of debt obligations in which the
Fund may invest consistent with its investment policies, by entering into
repurchase agreements or through the lending of portfolio securities, in each
case only to the extent permitted by the Prospectus and this Statement of
Additional Information.
(7)With respect to 75% of its total assets, purchase securities of an
issuer (other than the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities), if:
(a) such purchase would cause more than 5% of the Fund's total
assets taken at market value to be invested in the securities of such
issuer, or
(b) such purchase would at the time result in more than 10% of
the outstanding voting securities of such issuer being held by the
Fund.
It is the fundamental policy of the Fund not to concentrate its
investments in securities of companies in any particular industry. Following the
current opinion of the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"), the Fund's investments are concentrated in a particular industry
if such investments aggregate 25% or more of the Fund's total assets. The Fund's
policy does not apply to investments in U.S. Government Securities.
The Fund does not intend to enter into any reverse repurchase
agreements or dollar rolls, lend portfolio securities or invest in securities
index put and call warrants, as described in fundamental investment restrictions
(1), (2) and (6) above, during the coming year. In addition, in compliance with
an informal position taken by the staff of the Commission regarding leverage,
the Fund will not purchase securities during the coming year at any time that
outstanding borrowings exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets.
Non-Fundamental Investment Restrictions. The following restrictions have been
designated as non-fundamental and may be changed by a vote of the Fund's Board
of Trustees without approval of shareholders.
The Fund may not:
(1) purchase securities for the purpose of controlling management of
other companies;
(2) purchase or retain the securities of any issuer if the officers and
Trustees of the Fund or its adviser or principal underwriter, individually
owning more than one-half of 1% of the securities of such issuer, together own
more than 5% of the securities of such issuer; or
(3) invest in any security which is illiquid, including (a) securities
which at the time of investment are not readily marketable, (b) securities the
disposition of which is restricted under federal securities laws (excluding
restricted securities that have been determined by the Trustees of the Fund or
the person designated by them to make such determinations) to be readily
marketable) and (c) repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven days, if,
as a result, more than 15% of the Fund's net assets would be invested in
securities described in (a), (b), and (c) above.
In order to register its shares in certain jurisdictions, the Fund has
agreed to adopt certain additional investment restrictions, which are
non-fundamental and which may be changed by a vote of the Fund's Board of
Trustees. Pursuant to these additional investment restrictions, the Fund may not
(i) invest more than 2% of its assets in warrants, valued at the
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lower of cost or market, provided that it may invest up to 5% of its total
assets, as so valued, in warrants listed on a nationally recognized U.S. or
foreign stock exchange, (ii) invest in interests in oil, gas or other mineral
exploration or development leases or programs, (iii) real estate limited
partnerships or (iv) invest more than 10% of its assets net assets in restricted
securities, except for restricted securities that have been determined to be
readily marketable pursuant to Rule 144 A.
2. MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
The Fund's Board of Trustees provides broad supervision over the
affairs of the Fund. The officers of the Fund are responsible for the Fund's
operations. The Trustees and executive officers of the Fund are listed below,
together with their principal occupations during the past five years. An
asterisk indicates those Trustees who are interested persons of the Fund within
the meaning of the 1940 Act.
JOHN F. COGAN, JR.*, Chairman of the Board, President and Trustee, DOB: June
1926
President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of The Pioneer Group,
Inc. ("PGI"); Chairman and a Director of PMC and Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
("PFD"); Director of Pioneering Services Corporation ("PSC"), Pioneer Capital
Corporation ("PCC") and Forest-Starma (a Russian corporation); President and
Director of Pioneer Plans Corporation ("PPC"), Pioneer Investment Corp. ("PIC"),
Pioneer Metals and Technology, Inc. ("PMT"), Pioneer International Corp.
("PIntl"), Pioneer First Russia, Inc. ("First Russia") and Pioneer Omega, Inc.
("Omega"); Chairman of the Board and Director of Pioneer Goldfields Limited
("PGL") and Teberebie Goldfields Limited; Chairman of the Supervisory Board of
Pioneer Fonds Marketing, GmbH ("Pioneer GmbH"); Member of the Supervisory Board
of Pioneer First Polish Trust Fund Joint Stock Company ("PFPT"); Chairman,
President and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds and Partner, Hale and
Dorr (counsel to the Fund).
RICHARD H. EGDAHL, M.D., Trustee, DOB: December 1926
Boston University Health Policy Institute, 53 Bay State Rd., Boston, MA 02115
Professor of Management, Boston University School of Management;
Professor of Public Health, Boston University School of Public Health; Professor
of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine; Director, Boston University
Health Policy Institute and Boston University Medical Center; Executive Vice
President and Vice Chairman of the Board, University Hospital; Academic Vice
President for Health Affairs, Boston University; Director, Essex Investment
Management Company, Inc. (investment adviser), Health Payment Review, Inc.
(health care containment software firm), Mediplex Group, Inc. (nursing care
facilities firm), Peer Review Analysis, Inc. (health care facilities firm) and
Springer-Verlag New York, Inc. (publisher); Honorary Trustee, Franciscan
Children's Hospital and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
MARGARET B.W. GRAHAM, Trustee, DOB: May 1947
The Keep, P.O. Box 110. Little Deer Isle, ME 04650
Founding Director, Winthrop Group, Inc. (consulting firm) since 1982;
Manager of Research Operations, Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, from 1991 to
1994; Professor of Operations Management and Management of Technology, Boston
University School of Management ("BUSM"), from 1989 to 1993 and Trustee of all
of the Pioneer mutual funds, except Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust.
JOHN W. KENDRICK, Trustee, DOB: July 1917
6363 Waterway Drive, Falls Church, VA 22044
Professor Emeritus and Adjunct Scholar, George Washington University;
Economic Consultant and Director, American Productivity and Quality Center;
American Enterprise Institute and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds,
except Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust.
MARGUERITE A. PIRET, Trustee, DOB: May 1948
One Boston Place, Suite 2635, Boston, MA 02108
President, Newbury, Piret & Company, Inc. (merchant banking firm) and
Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
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DAVID D. TRIPPLE*, Trustee and Executive Vice President, DOB: February 1944
Executive Vice President and a Director of PGI; President, Chief
Investment Officer and a Director of PMC; Director of PFD, PCC, PIC, PIntl ,
First Russia, Omega and Pioneer SBIC Corporation, Executive Vice President and
Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
STEPHEN K. WEST, Trustee, DOB: September 1928
125 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell (law firm); Trustee, The Winthrop Focus
Funds (mutual funds) and Trustee of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
JOHN WINTHROP, Trustee, DOB: June 1936
One North Adgers Wharf, Charleston, SC 29401
President, John Winthrop & Co., Inc. (private investment firm);
Director of NUI Corp.; Trustee of Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance Government
Reserves and Alliance Tax Exempt Reserves and Trustee of all of the Pioneer
mutual funds, except Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust.
WILLIAM H. KEOUGH, Treasurer, DOB: April 1937
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of PGI;
Treasurer of PFD, PMC, PSC, PCC, PIC, PIntl, PMT, PGL, First Russia, Omega and
Pioneer SBIC Corporation; Treasurer and Director of PPC and Treasurer of all of
the Pioneer mutual funds.
JOSEPH P. BARRI, Secretary, DOB: August 1946
Secretary of PGI, PMC, PPC, PIC, PIntl, PMT, First Russia, Omega and
PCC; Clerk of PFD and PSC; Partner, Hale and Dorr (counsel to the Fund) and
Secretary of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
ERIC W. RECKARD, Assistant Treasurer, DOB: June 1956
Manager of Fund Accounting of PMC since May 1994, Manager of Auditing,
Compliance and Business Analysis for PGI prior to May 1994 and Assistant
Treasurer of all of the Pioneer mutual funds.
ROBERT P. NAULT, Assistant Secretary, DOB: March 1964
General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of PGI since 1995; Assistant
Secretary of PMC, PIntl, PGL, First Russia, Omega and all of the Pioneer mutual
funds; Assistant Clerk of PFD and PSC: and formerly of Hale and Dorr (counsel to
the Fund) where he most recently served as junior partner.
PATRICK M. SMITH, Vice President, DOB: March 1962
Vice President of PMC and Pioneer Europe Fund.
The Fund's Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust (the "Declaration
of Trust") provides that the holders of two-thirds of its outstanding shares may
vote to remove a Trustee of the Fund at any meeting of shareholders. See
"Description of Shares" below. The business address of all officers is 60 State
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109.
All of the outstanding capital stock of PFD, PMC and PSC is owned,
directly or indirectly, by PGI, a publicly-owned Delaware corporation. PMC, the
Fund's investment adviser, serves as the investment adviser for the Pioneer
mutual funds listed below and manages the investments of certain institutional
accounts.
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<PAGE>
The table below lists all the Pioneer U.S. mutual funds currently
offered to the public and the investment adviser and principal underwriter for
each fund.
Investment Principal
Fund Name Adviser Underwriter
Pioneer International Growth Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Europe Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer World Equity Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer India Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Growth Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Small Company Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Gold Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer II PMC PFD
Pioneer Real Estate Shares PMC PFD
Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust PMC PFD
Pioneer America Income Trust PMC PFD
Pioneer Bond Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Income Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund PMC PFD
Pioneer Interest Shares, Inc. PMC Note 1
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust PMC Note 2
Note 1 This fund is a closed-end fund.
Note 2 This is a series of eight separate portfolios designed to serve as
investment vehicles for the variable annuity and variable life
insurance contracts of various insurance companies or for certain
qualified pension or retirement plans.
To the knowledge of the Fund, no officer or Trustee of the Fund owned
5% or more of the issued and outstanding shares of PGI as of the date of this
Statement of Additional Information, except Mr. Cogan who then owned
approximately 14% of such shares.
The Fund pays no salaries or compensation to any of its officers. The
Fund pays an annual trustees' fee to each Trustee who is not affiliated with
PGI, PMC, PFD or PSC consisting of two components: (a) a base fee of $500 and
(b) a variable fee, calculated on the basis of average net assets of the Fund.
In addition, the Fund pays a per meeting fee of $120 to each Trustee who is not
affiliated with PGI, PMC, PFD or PSC. The Fund also pays an annual committee
participation fee to Trustees who serve as members of committees established to
act on behalf of one or more of the Pioneer mutual funds. Committee fees are
allocated to the Fund on the basis of the Fund's average net assets. Each
Trustee who is a member of the Audit Committee for the Pioneer mutual funds will
receive an annual fee equal to 10% of the aggregate annual trustees' fee, except
the Committee Chairperson who receives an annual fee equal to 20% of the
aggregate annual trustees' fee. The 1996 fees for Audit Committee members and
the Audit Committee Chairperson paid by all the Pioneer mutual funds are
expected to be approximately $6,000 and $12,000, respectively. Members of the
Pricing Committee for the Pioneer mutual funds, as well as any other committee
which renders material functional services to the Board of Trustees for the
Pioneer mutual funds, receive an annual fee equal to 5% of the annual fee,
except the Committee Chairperson who receives an annual trustees' fee equal to
10% of the annual trustees' fee. The 1996 fees for Pricing Committee members and
the
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Pricing Committee Chairperson paid by all the Pioneer mutual funds are expected
to be approximately $3,000 and $6,000, respectively. Any such fees paid to
affiliates or interested persons of PGI, PMC, PFD or PSC are reimbursed to the
Fund under its management contract.
Pension or Total Compensa-
Retirement tion from the
Aggregate Benefits Accrued Fund and all
Compensation as Part of the other Pioneer
Trustee From the Fund * Fund's Expenses Mutual Funds**
John F. Cogan, Jr. $0 $0 $ 11,500
Richard H. Egdahl, M.D. 0 0 62,000
Margaret B.W. Graham 0 0 60,000
John W. Kendrick 0 0 60,000
Marguerite A. Piret 0 0 74,000
David D. Tripple 0 0 11,500
Stephen K. West 0 0 68,000
John Winthrop 0 0 66,000
Totals $0 $0 $413,000
===================================================
* For the fiscal year ended March 31, 1997.
** For the calendar year ended December 31, 1995.
Any such fees and expenses paid to affiliates or interested persons of
PGI, PMC, PFD or PSC are reimbursed to the Fund under its Management Contract.
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Trustees and
officers of the Fund owned beneficially in the aggregate less than 1% of the
outstanding shares of the Fund. As of October 1, 1996, PFD, 60 State Street,
Boston, MA 02109 owned 100% (xx,xxx.xxx) of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
3. INVESTMENT ADVISER
As stated in the Prospectus, PMC, 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, serves as the Fund's investment adviser. The management contract
expires initially on May 31, 1998, but it is renewable annually after such date
by the vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees of the Fund (including a
majority of the Board of Trustees who are not parties to the contract or
interested persons of any such parties) cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such renewal. This contract terminates if assigned and
may be terminated without penalty by either party by vote of its Board of
Directors or Trustees or a majority of its outstanding voting securities and the
giving of sixty days' written notice.
As compensation for its management services and expenses incurred, PMC
is entitled to a management fee at the rate of 1.00% per annum of the Fund's
average daily net assets up to $300 million, 0.85% of the next $200 million and
0.75% of the excess over $500 million. The fee is normally computed daily and
paid monthly. PMC has agreed not to impose all or a portion of its management
fee and to make other arrangements, if necessary, to
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limit certain other expenses of the Fund to limit the operating expenses of the
Class A shares of the Fund to 1.75% of the average daily net assets attributable
to the Class A shares; the portion o f Fund-wide expenses attributable to the
Class B and Class C shares will be reduced only to the extent that they are
reduced for Class A shares. This agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be
revised or terminated at any time. The agreement is expected to remain in effect
for the fiscal period ending September 30, 1997.
PMC has agreed that if in any fiscal year the aggregate expenses of the
Fund exceed the expense limitation established by any state having jurisdiction
over the Fund, PMC will reduce its management fee to the extent required by
state law. The most restrictive state expense limit currently applicable to the
Fund provides that the Fund's expenses in any fiscal year may not exceed 2.5% of
the first $30 million of average daily net assets, 2.0% of the next $70 million
of such assets and 1.5% of such assets in excess of $100 million. In the past,
the relevant state has granted relief for international funds, such as the Fund,
because of their higher operations costs, and the Fund expects to seek such
relief to the extent it becomes necessary to do so.
4. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
PFD serves as the principal underwriter in connection with the
continuous offering of the shares of the Fund pursuant to an Underwriting
Agreement, dated October ___, 1996. The Trustees who were not interested persons
of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act, approved the Underwriting Agreement,
which will continue in effect from year to year, if annually approved by the
Trustees, in conjunction with the continuance of the Plans of Distribution. See
"Distribution Plans" below. The Underwriting Agreement provides that PFD will
bear certain distribution expenses not borne by the Fund.
PFD bears all expenses it incurs in providing services under the
Underwriting Agreement. Such expenses include compensation to its employees and
representatives and to securities dealers for distribution related services. PFD
also pays certain expenses in connection with the distribution of the Fund's
shares, including the cost of preparing, printing and distributing advertising
or promotional materials, and the cost of printing and distributing prospectuses
and supplements to prospective shareholders. The Fund bears the cost of
registering its shares under federal, state and foreign securities law. See
"Distribution Plans" below.
The Fund and PFD have agreed to indemnify each other against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Under the Underwriting Agreement, PFD will use its best efforts in rendering
services to the Fund.
The Fund will not generally issue Fund shares for consideration other
than cash. At the Fund's sole discretion, however, it may issue Fund shares for
consideration other than cash in connection with a bona fide reorganization,
statutory merger or other acquisition of portfolio securities (other than
municipal debt securities issued by state political subdivisions or their
agencies or instrumentalities) provided (i) the securities meet the investment
objectives and policies of the Fund; (ii) the securities are acquired by the
Fund for investment and not for immediate resale; (iii) the securities are not
restricted as to transfer either by law or liquidity of market; and (iv) the
securities have a value which is readily ascertainable (and not established only
by evaluation procedures) as evidenced by a listing on the American Stock
Exchange or the New York Stock Exchange or by quotation under the NASD National
Market. An exchange of securities for Fund shares will generally be a taxable
transaction to the shareholder.
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<PAGE>
5. DISTRIBUTION PLANS
The Fund has adopted plans of distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1
promulgated by the Commission under the 1940 Act with respect to its Class A,
Class B and Class C shares (the "Class A Plan", the "Class B Plan" and the
"Class C Plan") (together, the "Plans").
Class A Plan
Pursuant to the Class A Plan the Fund reimburses PFD for its
expenditures in financing certain activities primarily intended to result in the
sale of the Class A Plan shares. Certain categories of such expenditures have
been approved by the Board of Trustees and are set forth in the Prospectus. See
"Distribution Plans" in the Prospectus. The expenses of the Fund pursuant to the
Class A Plan are accrued daily at a rate which may not exceed the annual rate of
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares.
Class B Plan
The Class B Plan provides that the Fund shall pay PFD, as the Fund's
distributor for its Class B shares, a distribution fee equal on an annual basis
to 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares
and will pay PFD a service fee equal to 0.25% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class B shares (which PFD will in turn pay to securities
dealers which enter into a sales agreement with PFD at a rate of up to 0.25% of
the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares owned by
investors for whom that securities dealer is the holder or dealer of record).
This service fee is intended to be consideration for personal services and/or
account maintenance services rendered by the dealer with respect to Class B
shares. PFD will advance to dealers the first year's service fee at a rate equal
to 0.25% of the amount invested. As compensation therefor, PFD may retain the
service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares for the first year
after purchase. Dealers will become eligible for additional service fees with
respect to such shares commencing in the thirteenth month following purchase.
Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other criteria in
order to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain all
service fees payable under the Class B Plan for which there is no dealer of
record or for which qualification standards have not been met as partial
consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services
performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
The purpose of distribution payments to PFD under the Class B Plan is
to compensate PFD for its distribution services to the Fund. PFD pays
commissions to dealers as well as expenses of printing prospectuses and reports
used for sales purposes, expenses with respect to the preparation and printing
of sales literature and other distribution-related services, including, without
limitation, the cost necessary to provide distribution-related services or
personnel, travel, office expenses and equipment. The Class B Plan also provides
that PFD will receive all contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs")
attributable to Class B shares. (See "Distribution Plans" in the Prospectus.)
Class C Plan
The Class C Plan provides that the Fund will pay PFD, as the Fund's
distributor for its Class C shares, a distribution fee, accrued daily and paid
quarterly, equal on an annual basis to 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class C shares and will pay PFD a service fee equal to
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C shares. PFD
will in turn pay to securities dealers which enter into a sales agreement with
PFD a distribution fee and a service fee at rates of up to 0.75% and 0.25%,
respectively, of the Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class C
shares owned by investors for whom that securities dealer is the holder or
dealer of record. The service fee is intended to be in consideration of personal
services and/or account maintenance services rendered by the dealer with respect
to Class C shares. PFD will advance to dealers the first year's service fee at a
rate equal to 0.25% of the then-current value of the amount invested. As
compensation therefor, PFD may
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retain the service fee paid by the Fund with respect to such shares for the
first year after purchase. Commencing in the thirteenth month following a
purchase of Class C shares, dealers will become eligible for additional service
fees at a rate of up to 0.25% of the net asset value of the amount invested and
additional compensation at a rate of up to 0.75% of net asset value of such
shares. Dealers may from time to time be required to meet certain other criteria
in order to receive service fees. PFD or its affiliates are entitled to retain
all service fees payable under the Class C Plan for which there is no dealer of
record or for which qualification standards have not been met as partial
consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance services
performed by PFD or its affiliates for shareholder accounts.
The purpose of distribution payments to PFD under the Class C Plan is
to compensate PFD for its distribution services with respect to the Class C
shares of the Fund. PFD pays commissions to dealers as well as expenses of
printing prospectuses and reports used for sales purposes, expenses with respect
to the preparation and printing of sales literature and other
distribution-related expenses, including, without limitation, the cost necessary
to provide distribution-related services, or personnel, travel office expenses
and equipment. The Class C Plan also provides that PFD will receive all CDSCs
attributable to Class C shares. (See "Distributions Plans" in the Prospectus.)
General
In accordance with the terms of the Plans, PFD provides to the Fund for
review by the Trustees a quarterly written report of the amounts expended under
the respective Plan and the purpose for which such expenditures were made. In
the Trustees' quarterly review of the Plans, they will consider the continued
appropriateness and the level of reimbursement or compensation the Plans
provide.
No interested person of the Fund, nor any Trustee of the Fund who is
not an interested person of the Fund, has any direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Plans except to the extent that PFD and certain
of its employees may be deemed to have such an interest as a result of receiving
a portion of the amounts expended under the Plans by the Fund and except to the
extent certain officers may have an interest in PFD's ultimate parent, PGI.
The Plans were adopted by a majority vote of the Board of Trustees,
including all of the Trustees who are not, and were not at the time they voted,
interested persons of the Fund, as defined in the 1940 Act (none of whom has or
have any direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans)
(the "Qualified Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on the Plans. In approving the Plans, the Trustees identified and
considered a number of potential benefits which the Plans may provide. The Board
of Trustees believes that there is a reasonable likelihood that the Plans will
benefit the Fund and its current and future shareholders. Under their terms, the
Plans remain in effect from year to year provided such continuance is approved
annually by vote of the Trustees in the manner described above. The Plans may
not be amended to increase materially the annual percentage limitation of
average net assets which may be spent for the services described therein without
approval of the shareholders of the Class or Classes affected thereby, and
material amendments of the Plans must also be approved by the Trustees in the
manner described above. A Plan may be terminated at any time, without payment of
any penalty, by vote of the majority of the Trustees who are not interested
persons of the Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operations of the Plan, or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting
securities of the respective Class of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act). A
Plan will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment (as defined in
the 1940 Act). In the Trustees' quarterly review of the Plans, they will
consider the Plans' continued appropriateness and the level of compensation they
provide.
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6. SHAREHOLDER SERVICING/TRANSFER AGENT
The Fund has contracted with PSC, 60 State Street, Boston,
Massachusetts, to act as shareholder servicing agent and transfer agent for the
Fund. This contract terminates if assigned and may be terminated without penalty
by either party by vote of its Board of Directors or Trustees, as the case may
be, or a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities and the giving of
ninety days' written notice.
Under the terms of its contract with the Fund, PSC will service
shareholder accounts, and its duties will include: (i) processing sales,
redemptions and exchanges of shares of the Fund; (ii) distributing dividends and
capital gains associated with Fund portfolio accounts; and (iii) maintaining
account records and responding to routine shareholder inquiries.
PSC receives an annual fee of $22.00 per Class A, Class B and Class C
shareholder account from the Fund as compensation for the services described
above. This fee is set at an amount determined by vote of a majority of the
Trustees (including a majority of the Trustees who are not parties to the
contract with PSC or interested persons of any such parties) to be comparable to
fees for such services being paid by other investment companies. The Fund may
compensate entities which have contracted to be an agent for specific
transaction processing and services. Any such payments by the Fund are in lieu
of the per account fee which would otherwise be paid by the Fund to PSC.
7. CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the "Custodian") is the custodian of the
Fund's assets. The Custodian's responsibilities include safekeeping and
controlling the Fund's cash and securities in the United States as well as in
foreign countries, handling the receipt and delivery of securities, and
collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments. The Custodian
fulfills its function in foreign countries through a network of subcustodian
banks located in the foreign countries (the "Subcustodians"). The Custodian also
provides fund accounting, bookkeeping and pricing assistance to the Fund and
assistance in arranging for forward currency exchange contracts as described
above under "Investment Policies and Restrictions."
The Custodian does not determine the investment policies of the Fund or
decide which securities it will buy or sell. The Fund may invest in securities
issued by the Custodian or any of the Subcustodians, deposit cash in the
Custodian or any Subcustodian and deal with the Custodian or any of the
Subcustodians as a principal in securities transactions. Portfolio securities
may be deposited into the Federal Reserve-Treasury Department Book Entry System
or the Depository Trust Company in the United States or in recognized central
depositories in Foreign Countries. In selecting Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. as
the Custodian for Foreign Countries Securities, the Board of Trustees made
certain determinations required by Rule 17f- 5 promulgated under the 1940 Act.
The Trustees will annually review and approve the continuations of its
international subcustodian arrangements.
8. INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP is the Fund's independent public accountant,
providing audit services, tax return review, and assistance and consultation
with respect to the preparation of filings with the Commission.
9. PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
All orders for the purchase or sale of portfolio securities are placed
on behalf of the Fund by PMC pursuant to authority contained in the Management
Contract. In selecting brokers or dealers, PMC considers other factors relating
to best execution, including, but not limited to, the size and type of the
transaction; the nature and character of the markets of the security to be
purchased or sold; the execution efficiency, settlement capability, and
financial condition of the dealer; the dealer's execution services rendered on a
continuing basis; and the reasonableness of any dealer spreads. Most
transactions in foreign equity securities are executed by broker-dealers in
foreign countries in
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which commission rates are fixed and, therefore, are not negotiable (as such
rates are in the United States) and are generally higher than in the United
States.
PMC may select broker-dealers which provide brokerage and/or research
services to the Fund and/or other investment companies or accounts managed by
PMC. Such services may include advice concerning the value of securities; the
advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities; the availability
of securities or the purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses
and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities, economic factors and
trends, portfolio strategy and performance of accounts; and effecting securities
transactions and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and
settlement). PMC maintains a listing of broker-dealers who provide such services
on a regular basis. However, because many transactions on behalf of the Fund and
other investment companies or accounts managed by PMC are placed with
broker-dealers (including broker-dealers on the listing) without regard to the
furnishing of such services, it is not possible to estimate the proportion of
such transactions directed to such dealers solely because such services were
provided. Management believes that no exact dollar value can be calculated for
such services.
The research received from broker-dealers may be useful to PMC in
rendering investment management services to the Fund as well as to other
investment companies or accounts managed by PMC, although not all of such
research may be useful to the Fund. Conversely, such information provided by
brokers or dealers who have executed transaction orders on behalf of such other
accounts may be useful to PMC in carrying out its obligations to the Fund. The
receipt of such research has not reduced PMC's normal independent research
activities; however, it enables PMC to avoid the additional expenses which might
otherwise be incurred if it was to attempt to develop comparable information
through its own staff.
In circumstances where two or more broker-dealers offer comparable
prices and executions, preference may be given to a broker-dealer which has sold
shares of the Fund as well as shares of other investment companies or accounts
managed by PMC. This policy does not imply a commitment to execute all portfolio
transactions through all broker-dealers that sell shares of the Fund. In
addition, if PMC determines in good faith that the amount of commissions charged
by a broker is reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided by such broker, the Fund may pay commissions to such broker in
an amount greater than the amount another firm may charge.
The Trustees periodically review PMC's performance of its
responsibilities in connection with the placement of portfolio transactions on
behalf of the Fund.
In addition to the Fund, PMC acts as investment adviser to the other
Pioneer mutual funds and certain private accounts with investment objectives
similar to those of the Fund. As such, securities may meet investment objectives
of the Fund, such other funds and such private accounts. In such cases, the
decision to recommend to purchase for one fund or account rather than another is
based on a number of factors. The determining factors in most cases are the
amount of securities of the issuer then outstanding, the value of those
securities and the market for them. Other factors considered in the investment
recommendations include other investments which each company presently has in a
particular industry or country and the availability of investment funds in each
mutual fund or account.
It is possible that, at times, identical securities will be held by
more than one mutual fund and/or account. However, the position of any mutual
fund or account in the same issue may vary and the length of time that any
mutual fund or account may choose to hold its investment in the same issue may
likewise vary. To the extent that the Fund, another Pioneer mutual fund or a
private account managed by PMC seeks to acquire the same security at about the
same time, the Fund may not be able to acquire as large a position in such
security as it desires or it may have to pay a higher price for the security.
Similarly, the Fund may not be able to obtain as large an execution of an
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order to sell or as high a price for any particular portfolio security if PMC
decides to sell on behalf of another account the same portfolio security at the
same time. On the other hand, if the same securities are bought or sold at the
same time by more than one account, the resulting participation in volume
transactions could produce better executions for the Fund or other account. In
the event that more than one account purchases or sells the same security on a
given date, the purchases and sales will normally be made as nearly as
practicable on a pro rata basis in proportion to the amounts desired to be
purchased or sold by each.
The Trustees periodically review PMC's performance of its
responsibilities in connection with portfolio transactions on behalf of the
Fund.
10. TAX STATUS
It is the Fund's policy to meet the requirements of Subchapter M of the
Code for qualification as a regulated investment company. If the Fund meets all
such requirements and distributes to its shareholders at least annually all
investment company taxable income and net capital gain, if any, which it earns,
the Fund will be relieved of the necessity of paying federal income tax.
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company under Subchapter
M, the Fund must, among other things, derive at least 90% of its annual gross
income from dividends, interest, gains from the sale or other disposition of
stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including gains from
options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of
investing in such stock, securities or currencies (the "90% income test"), limit
its gains from the sale of stock, securities and certain other investments held
for less than three months to less than 30% of its annual gross income (the "30%
test") and satisfy certain annual distribution and quarterly diversification
requirements.
Dividends from net investment income, net short-term capital gains, and
certain net foreign exchange gains are taxable as ordinary income, whether
received in cash or in additional shares. Dividends from net long-term capital
gains, if any, whether received in cash or additional shares, are taxable to the
Fund's shareholders as long-term capital gains for federal income tax purposes
without regard to the length of time shares of the Fund have been held. The
federal income tax status of all distributions will be reported to shareholders
annually.
Any dividend declared by the Fund in October, November or December as
of a record date in such a month and paid during the following January will be
treated for federal income tax purposes as received by shareholders on December
31 of the calendar year in which it is declared.
Foreign exchange gains and losses realized by the Fund in connection
with certain transactions involving foreign currency- denominated debt
securities, certain options and futures contracts relating to foreign currency,
forward foreign currency contracts, foreign currencies, or payables or
receivables denominated in a foreign currency are subject to Section 988 of the
Code, which generally causes such gains and losses to be treated as ordinary
income and losses and may affect the amount, timing and character of
distributions to shareholders. Any such transactions that are not directly
related to the Fund's investment in stock or securities may increase the amount
of gain it is deemed to recognize from the sale of certain investments held for
less than 3 months for purposes of the 30% test and may under future Treasury
regulations produce income not among the types of "qualifying income" for
purposes of the 90% income test. If the net foreign exchange loss for a year
were to exceed the Fund's investment company taxable income (computed without
regard to such loss) the resulting overall ordinary loss for such year would not
be deductible by the Fund or its shareholders in future years.
If the Fund acquires the stock of certain non-U.S. corporations that
receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as
sources that produce interest, dividend, rental, royalty or capital gain
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income) or hold at least 50% of their assets in such passive sources ("passive
foreign investment companies"), the Fund could be subject to federal income tax
and additional interest charges on "excess distributions" received from such
companies or gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income
or gain actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders.
The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders any credit or
deduction for such a tax. In certain cases, an election may be available that
would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences. The Fund may limit its
investments in passive foreign investment companies and will undertake
appropriate actions, including consideration of any available elections, to
limit its tax liability, if any, or take other defensive actions with respect to
such investments.
Since, at the time of an investor's purchase of Fund shares, a portion
of the per share net asset value by which the purchase price is determined may
be represented by realized or unrealized appreciation in the Fund's portfolio or
undistributed taxable income of the Fund, subsequent distributions (or portions
thereof) on such shares may be taxable to such investor even if the net asset
value of his shares is, as a result of the distributions, reduced below his cost
for such shares and the distributions (or portions thereof) in reality represent
a return of a portion of his investment.
Any loss realized by a shareholder upon the redemption of shares with a
tax holding period at the time of redemption of six months or less will be
treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any amounts treated as
distributions of long-term capital gain with respect to such shares.
In addition, as described in the Prospectus, the tax treatment of gains
or losses on the redemption or exchange of certain Class A shares within 90 days
after their purchase may be affected by subsequent investments in the same Fund
or another fund pursuant to a reinvestment or exchange privilege, and losses on
certain redemptions may be disallowed under "wash sale" rules in the event of
other investments in the Fund within 30 days before or after a redemption or
other sale of shares.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund is permitted to carry forward
a net realized capital loss in any year to offset realized capital gains, if
any, during the eight years following the year of the loss. To the extent
subsequent net realized capital gains are offset by such losses, they would not
result in federal income tax liability to the Fund and are not expected to be
distributed as such to shareholders.
The Fund's dividends normally will not qualify for the 70%
dividends-received deduction available to corporations, because the Fund does
not expect to receive dividends from U.S. domestic corporations.
The Fund may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by
foreign countries with respect to its investments in those countries. Tax
conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may reduce or eliminate such
taxes. If more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable
year consists of stock or securities of foreign corporations, the Fund may elect
to pass through to shareholders their pro rata shares of qualified foreign taxes
paid by the Fund, with the result that shareholders would be required to include
such taxes in their gross incomes (in addition to dividends actually received)
and would treat such taxes as foreign taxes paid by them, for which they may be
entitled to a tax deduction or credit on their own tax returns, subject to
certain limitations under the Code.
Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess
contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement
distributions, and certain prohibited transactions, is accorded to accounts
maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax
advisers for more information.
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The Fund is not subject to Massachusetts corporate excise or franchise
taxes and, provided that the Fund qualifies as a regulated investment company
under the Code, it will not be required to pay any Massachusetts income tax.
Options written or purchased and futures contracts entered into by the
Fund on certain securities, securities indices and foreign currencies, as well
as certain foreign currency forward contracts, may cause the Fund to recognize
gains or losses from marking-to-market at the end of its taxable year even
though such options may not have lapsed, been closed out, or exercised or such
futures or forward contracts may not have been closed out or disposed of and may
affect the characterization as long-term or short-term of some capital gains and
losses realized by the Fund. Certain options, futures and forward contracts on
foreign currency may be subject to Section 988, described above, and accordingly
produce ordinary income or loss. Losses on certain options, futures or forward
contracts and/or offsetting positions (portfolio securities or other positions
with respect to which the Fund's risk of loss is substantially diminished by one
or more options, futures or forward contracts) may also be deferred under the
tax straddle rules of the Code, which may also affect the characterization of
capital gains or losses from straddle positions and certain successor positions
as long-term or short-term. The tax rules applicable to options, futures,
forward contracts and straddles may affect the amount, timing and character of
the Fund's income and loss and hence of distributions to shareholders.
Federal law requires that the Fund withhold (as "backup withholding")
31% of reportable payments, including dividends, capital gain dividends, and the
proceeds of redemptions (including exchanges) and repurchases, to shareholders
who have not complied with Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") regulations. In
order to avoid this withholding requirement, shareholders must certify on their
Account Applications, or on separate W-9 Forms, that their Social Security
Number or other Taxpayer Identification Number is correct and that they are not
currently subject to backup withholding, or that they are exempt from backup
withholding. The Fund may nevertheless be required to withhold if it receives
notice from the IRS or a broker that the number provided is incorrect or backup
withholding is applicable as a result of previous underreporting of interest or
dividend income.
The description above relates only to U.S. federal income tax
consequences for shareholders who are U.S. persons, i.e., U.S. citizens or
residents and U.S. domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts or estates, and
who are subject to U.S. federal income tax. The description does not address
special tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt
entities, insurance companies, and financial institutions. Shareholders should
consult their own tax advisers on these matters and on state, local and other
applicable tax laws. Investors other than U.S. persons may be subject to
different U.S. tax treatment, including a possible 30% U.S. non-resident alien
withholding tax (or a lower treaty rate) on dividends treated as ordinary
income.
11. DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
The Fund's Declaration of Trust permits the Board of Trustees to authorize the
issuance of an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of beneficial
interest which may be divided into such separate series as the Trustees may
establish. Currently, the Fund consists of only one series. The Trustees may,
however, establish additional series of shares in the future, and may divide or
combine the shares into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby
changing the proportionate beneficial interests in the Fund. The Declaration of
Trust further authorizes the Trustees to classify or reclassify any series of
the shares into one or more classes. Pursuant thereto, the Trustees have
authorized the issuance of three classes of shares of the Fund, designated as
Class A shares, Class B and Class C shares. Each share of a class of the Fund
represents an equal proportionate interest in the assets of the Fund allocable
to that class. Upon liquidation of the Fund, shareholders of each class of the
Fund are entitled to share pro rata in the Fund's net assets allocable to such
class available for distribution to shareholders. The Fund reserves the right to
create and issue additional series or classes of shares, in which case the
shares of each class of a series would participate equally in the earnings,
dividends and assets allocable to that class of the particular series.
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Shareholders are entitled to one vote for each share held and may vote in the
election of Trustees and on other matters submitted to a meeting of
shareholders. Although Trustees are not elected annually by the shareholders,
shareholders have, under certain circumstances, the right to remove one or more
Trustees.
The shares of the Fund are entitled to vote separately to approve investment
advisory agreements or changes in investment restrictions, but shareholders of
all series vote together in the election and selection of Trustees and
accountants. Shares of all series of the Fund vote together as a class on
matters that affect all series of the Fund in substantially the same manner. As
to matters affecting a single series or class, shares of such series or class
will vote separately. No amendment adversely affecting the rights of
shareholders may be made to the Fund's Declaration of Trust without the
affirmative vote of a majority of its shares. Shares have no preemptive or
conversion rights. Shares are fully paid and non-assessable by the Fund, except
as stated below.
12. CERTAIN LIABILITIES
As a Delaware business trust, the Fund's operations are governed by its
Declaration of Trust dated July 26, 1996. A copy of the fund's Certificate of
Trust, also dated July 26, 1996, is on file with the office of the Secretary of
State of Delaware. Generally, Delaware business trust shareholders are not
personally liable for obligations of the Delaware business trust under Delaware
law. The Delaware Business Trust Act (the "Delaware Act") provides that a
shareholder of a Delaware business trust shall be entitled to the same
limitation of liability extended to shareholders of private for-profit
corporations. The Fund's Declaration of Trust expressly provides that the Fund
is organized under the Delaware Act and that the Declaration of Trust is to be
governed by Delaware law. It is nevertheless possible that a Delaware business
trust, such as the fund, might become a party to an action in another state
whose courts refused to apply Delaware law, in which case the trust's
shareholders could become subject to personal liability.
To guard against this risk, the Declaration of Trust (i) contains an express
disclaimer of shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund and
provides that notice of such disclaimer may be given in each agreement,
obligation or instrument entered into or executed by the Fund or its Trustees,
(ii) provides for the indemnification out of Fund property of any shareholders
held personally liable for any obligations of the Fund or any series of the Fund
and (iii) provides that the Fund shall, upon request, assume the defense of any
claim made against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the Fund and
satisfy any judgment thereon. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring
financial loss beyond his or her investment because of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which all of the following factors are present: (1)
a court refused to apply Delaware law; (2) the liability arose under tort law
or, if not, no contractual limitation of liability was in effect; and (3) the
Fund itself would be unable to meet its obligations. In light of Delaware law,
the nature of the Fund's business and the nature of its assets, the risk of
personal liability to a Fund shareholder is remote.
The Declaration of Trust further provides that the Fund shall indemnify each of
its Trustees and officers against liabilities and expenses reasonably incurred
by them, in connection with, or arising out of, any action, suit or proceeding,
threatened against or otherwise involving such Trustee or officer, directly or
indirectly, by reason of being or having been a Trustee or officer of the Fund.
The Declaration of Trust does not authorize the Fund to indemnify any Trustee or
officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be subject by
reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of such person's duties.
13. DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per share of each class of the Fund is determined
as of the close of regular trading (currently 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time) on each
day on which the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") is open for trading.
As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the Exchange is open
for trading every weekday except for the following holidays: New Year's Day,
Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
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Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The net asset
value per share of each class of the Fund is also determined on any other day in
which the level of trading in its portfolio securities is sufficiently high so
that the current net asset value per share might be materially affected by
changes in the value of its portfolio securities. The Fund is not required to
determine its net asset value per share on any day in which no purchase orders
for the shares of the Fund become effective and no shares are tendered for
redemption.
The net asset value per share of each class of the Fund is computed by
taking the value of all of the Fund's assets attributable to class, less the
Fund's liabilities attributable to that class, and dividing it by the number of
outstanding shares of that class. For purposes of determining net asset value,
expenses of the classes of the Fund are accrued daily.
Securities which have not traded on the date of valuation or securities
for which sales prices are not generally reported are valued at the mean between
the last bid and asked prices. Securities for which no market quotations are
readily available (including those the trading of which has been suspended) will
be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Trustees,
although the actual computations may be made by persons acting pursuant to the
direction of the Board. The maximum offering price per Class A share is the net
asset value per Class A share, plus the maximum sales charge. Class B and Class
C shares are offered at net asset value without the imposition of an initial
sales charge.
14. SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
The Systematic Withdrawal Plan ("SWP") is designed to provide a
convenient method of receiving fixed payments at regular intervals from shares
of the Fund deposited by the applicant under this SWP. The applicant must
deposit or purchase for deposit with PSC shares of the Fund having a total value
of not less than $10,000. Periodic checks of $50 or more will be sent to the
applicant, or any person designated by him, monthly or quarterly. A designation
of a third party to receive checks requires an acceptable signature guarantee.
Withdrawals from Class B and Class C share accounts are limited to 10% of the
value of the account at the time the SWP is implemented.
Any income dividends or capital gains distributions on shares under the
SWP will be credited to the SWP account on the payment date in full and
fractional shares at the net asset value per share in effect on the record date.
SWP payments are made from the proceeds of the redemption of shares
deposited under the SWP in a SWP account. To the extent that such redemptions
for periodic withdrawals exceed dividend income reinvested in the SWP account,
such redemptions will reduce and may ultimately exhaust the number of shares
deposited in the SWP account. Redemptions are taxable transactions to
shareholders. In addition, the amounts received by a shareholder cannot be
considered as an actual yield or income on his or her investment because part of
such payments may be a return of his or her investment.
The SWP may be terminated at any time (1) by written notice to PSC or
from PSC to the shareholder; (2) upon receipt by PSC of appropriate evidence of
the shareholder's death; or (3) when all shares under the SWP been redeemed.
15. LETTER OF INTENTION
Purchases in the Fund of $50,000 or more of Class A shares (excluding
any reinvestments of dividends and capital gains distributions) made within a
13-month period pursuant to a Letter of Intention provided by PFD will qualify
for a reduced sales charge. Such reduced sales charge will be the charge that
would be applicable to the purchase of all Class A shares purchased during such
13-month period pursuant to a Letter of Intention had such shares been purchased
all at once. See "How to Buy Fund Shares" in the Prospectus. For example, a
person who
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signs a Letter of Intention providing for a total investment in Fund Class A
shares of $50,000 over a 13-month period would be charged at the 4.50% sales
charge rate with respect to all purchases during that period. Should the amount
actually purchased during the 13-month period be more or less than that
indicated in the Letter, an adjustment in the sales charge will be made. A
purchase not made pursuant to a Letter of Intention may be included thereafter
if the Letter is filed within 90 days of such purchase. Any shareholder may also
obtain the reduced sales charge by including the value (at current offering
price) of all his Class A shares in the Fund and all other Pioneer mutual funds
held of record as of the date of his Letter of Intention as a credit toward
determining the applicable scale of sales charge for the Class A shares to be
purchased under the Letter of Intention.
The Letter of Intention authorizes PSC to escrow shares having a
purchase price equal to 5% of the stated investment in the Letter of Intention.
A Letter of Intention is not a binding obligation upon the investor to purchase,
or the Fund to sell, the full amount indicated and the investor should read the
provisions of the Letter of Intention contained in the Account Application
carefully before signing.
16. INVESTMENT RESULTS
One of the primary methods used to measure the performance of a class
of the Fund is "total return." "Total return" will normally represent the
percentage change in value of an account, or of a hypothetical investment in a
class of the Fund, over any period up to the lifetime of that class of the Fund.
Total return calculations will usually assume the reinvestment of all dividends
and capital gains distributions and will be expressed as a percentage increase
or decrease from an initial value, for the entire period or for one or more
specified periods within the entire period. Total return percentages for periods
of less than one year will usually be annualized; total return percentages for
periods longer than one year will usually be accompanied by total return
percentages for each year within the period and/or by the average annual
compounded total return for the period. The income and capital components of a
given return may be separated and portrayed in a variety of ways in order to
illustrate their relative significance. Performance may also be portrayed in
terms of cash or investment values, without percentages. Past performance cannot
guarantee any particular future result.
The Fund's average annual total return quotations for each class of its
shares as that information may appear in the Prospectus, this Statement of
Additional Information or in advertising are calculated by standard methods
prescribed by the Commission.
Standardized Average Annual Total Return Quotations
Average annual total return quotations for Class A, Class B and Class C
shares are computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return
that would cause a hypothetical investment in that class made on the first day
of a designated period (assuming all dividends and distributions are reinvested)
to equal the ending redeemable value of such hypothetical investment on the last
day of the designated period in accordance with the following formula:
P(1+T)n = ERV
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000, less
the maximum sales load of $57.50 for Class A
shares or the deduction of any CDSC for Class B
or Class C shares at the end of the period.
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
-24-
<PAGE>
ERV = ending redeemable value of the hypothetical
$1,000 initial payment made at the beginning of
the designated period (or fractional portion
thereof)
For purposes of the above computation, it is assumed that the maximum sales
charge of 5.75% was deducted from the initial investment and that all dividends
and distributions made by the Fund are reinvested at net asset value during the
designated period. The average annual total return quotation is determined to
the nearest 1/100 of 1%.
In determining the average annual total return (calculated as provided
above), recurring fees, if any, that are charged to all shareholder accounts of
a particular class are taken into consideration. For any account fees that vary
with the size of the account, the account fee used for purposes of the above
computation is assumed to be the fee that would be charged to the class' mean
account size.
Other Quotations, Comparisons, and General Information
From time to time, in advertisements, in sales literature, or in
reports to shareholders, the past performance of the Fund may be illustrated
and/or compared with that of other mutual funds with similar investment
objectives, and to stock or other relevant indices. For example, total return of
the Fund's classes may be compared to averages or rankings prepared by Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc., a widely recognized independent service which
monitors mutual fund performance; the Europe Australia Far East Index ("EAFE"),
an unmanaged index of international stock markets, Morgan Stanley Capital
International USA Index, an unmanaged index of U.S. domestic stock markets, or
other appropriate indices of Morgan Stanley Capital International ("MSCI"); the
Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index ("S&P 500"), an unmanaged index of common
stocks; or the Dow Jones Industrial Average, a recognized unmanaged index of
common stocks of 30 industrial companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
In addition, the performance of the classes of the Fund may be compared
to alternative investment or savings vehicles and/or to indexes or indicators of
economic activity, e.g., inflation or interest rates. Performance rankings and
listings reported in newspapers or national business and financial publications,
such as BARRON'S, BUSINESS WEEK, CONSUMER'S DIGEST, CONSUMER REPORTS, FINANCIAL
WORLD, FORBES, FORTUNE, INVESTORS BUSINESS DAILY, KIPLINGER'S PERSONAL FINANCE
MAGAZINE, MONEY MAGAZINE, THE NEW YORK TIMES, SMART MONEY, USA TODAY, U.S. NEWS
AND WORLD REPORT, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL and WORTH may also be cited (if the
Fund is listed in any such publication) or used for comparison, as well as
performance listings and rankings from various other sources including Bloomberg
Financial Systems, CDA/Wiesenberger Investment Companies Service, Donoghue's
Mutual Fund Almanac, Investment Company Data, Inc., Johnson's Charts, Kanon
Bloch Carre & Co., Micropal, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., Schabacker Investment
Management and Towers Data Systems.
In addition, from time to time, quotations from articles from financial
publications, such as those listed above, may be used in advertisements, in
sales literature or in reports to shareholders of the Fund.
The Fund may also present, from time to time, historical information
depicting the value of a hypothetical account in one or more classes of the Fund
since the Fund's inception.
In presenting investment results, the Fund may also include references
to certain financial planning concepts, including (a) an investor's need to
evaluate his financial assets and obligations to determine how much to invest;
(b) his need to analyze the objectives of various investments to determine where
to invest; and (c) his need to analyze his time frame for future capital needs
to determine how long to invest. The investor controls these three factors, all
of which affect the use of investments in building assets.
-25-
<PAGE>
Automated Information Line
FactFoneSM, Pioneer's 24-hour automated information line, allows
shareholders to dial toll-free 1-800-225-4321 and hear recorded fund
information, including:
o net asset value prices for all Pioneer mutual funds;
o annualized 30-day yields on Pioneer's fixed income funds;
o annualized 7-day yields and 7-day effective (compound) yields
for Pioneer's market funds; and
o dividends and capital gains distributions on all Pioneer
mutual funds.
Yields are calculated in accordance with standard formulas mandated by the
Commission.
In addition, by using a personal identification number ("PIN"),
shareholders may enter purchases, exchanges and redemptions, access their
account balance and last three transactions and may order a duplicate statement.
See
"FactFoneSM" in the Prospectus for more information.
All performance numbers communicated through FactFoneSM represent past
performance; figures for all quoted bond funds include the maximum applicable
sales charge. A shareholder's actual yield and total return will vary with
changing market conditions. The value of Class A, Class B and Class C shares
(except for Pioneer money market funds, which seek a stable $1.00 share price)
will also vary and may be worth more or less at redemption than their original
cost.
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<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
The following securities indices are well-known, unmanaged measures of market
performance. Advertisements and sales literature for the Fund may refer to these
indices or may present comparisons between the performance of the Fund and one
or more of the indices. Other indices may be used, if appropriate. The indices
are not available for direct investment. The data presented is not meant to be
indicative of the performance of the Fund, reflects past performance and does
not guarantee future results.
S&P 500
This index is a readily available, carefully constructed, market value weighted
benchmark of common stock performance. Currently, the S&P Composite Index
includes 500 of the largest stocks (in terms of stock market value) in the
United States; prior to March 1957 it consisted of 90 of the largest stocks.
DOW JONES INDUSTRIAL AVERAGE
This is a total return index based on the performance of 30 blue chip stocks.
U.S. SMALL STOCK INDEX
This index is a market value weighted index of the ninth and tenth deciles of
the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), plus stocks listed on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX) and over-the-counter (OTC) with the same or less capitalization
as the upper bound of the NYSE ninth decile.
U.S. INFLATION
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), not seasonally
adjusted, is used to measure inflation, which is the rate of change of consumer
goods prices. Unfortunately, the inflation rate as derived by the CPI is not
measured over the same period as the other asset returns. All of the security
returns are measured from one month-end to the next month-end. CPI commodity
prices are collected during the month. Thus, measured inflation rates lag the
other series by about one-half month. Prior to January 1978, the CPI (as
compared with CPI-U) was used. Both inflation measures are constructed by the
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, DC.
S&P/BARRA INDEXES
The S&P/BARRA Growth and Value Indexes are constructed by dividing the stocks in
the S&P 500 Index according to price-to-book ratios. The Growth Index contains
stocks with higher price-to-book ratios, and the Value Index contains stocks
with lower price-to-book ratios. Both indexes are market capitalization
weighted.
LONG-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS
The total returns on long-term government bonds from 1977 to 1991 are
constructed with data from The Wall Street Journal. Over 1926-1976, data are
obtained from the Government bond file at the Center for Research in Security
Prices (CRSP), Graduate School of Business, University of Chicago. Each year, a
one-bond portfolio with a term of approximately 20 years and a reasonably
current coupon was used, and whose returns did not reflect potential tax
benefits, impaired negotiability, or special redemption or call privileges.
Where callable bonds had to be used, the term of the bond was assumed to be a
simple average of the maturity and first call dates minus the current date. The
bond was "held" for the calendar year and returns were computed. Total returns
for 1977-1991 are calculated as the change in the flat price or and-interest
price.
-27-
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
INTERMEDIATE-TERM U.S. GOVERNMENT BONDS
Total returns of the intermediate-term government bonds for 1977-1991 are
calculated from The Wall Street Journal prices, using the change in flat price.
Returns from 1934-1986 are obtained from the CRSP Government Bond File.
Each year, one-bond portfolios are formed, the bond chosen is the shortest
noncallable bond with a maturity not less than 5 years, and this bond is "held"
for the calendar year. Monthly returns are computed. (Bonds with impaired
negotiability or special redemption privileges are omitted, as are partially or
fully tax-exempt bonds starting with 1943.) From 1934-1942, almost all bonds
with maturities near 5 years were partially or full tax-exempt and were selected
using the rules described above. Personal tax rates were generally low in that
period, so that yields on tax-exempt bonds were similar to yields on taxable
bonds. From 1926-1933, there are few bonds suitable for construction of a series
with a 5-year maturity. For this period, five year bond yield estimates are
used.
MSCI
Morgan Stanley Capital International Indices, developed by the Capital
International S.A., are based on share prices of some 1470 companies listed on
the stock exchanges around the world.
Countries in the MSCI EAFE Portfolio are:
Australia; Austria; Belgium; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Hong Kong;
Italy; Japan; Netherlands; N. Zealand; Norway; Singapore/Malaysia; Spain;
Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom.
6 MONTH CDs
Data sources include the Federal Reserve Bulletin and The Wall Street Journal.
LONG-TERM U.S. CORPORATE BONDS
For 1969-1991, corporate bond total returns are represented by the Salomon
Brothers Long-Term High-Grade Corporate Bond Index. Since most large corporate
bond transactions take place over the counter, a major dealer is the natural
source of these data. The index includes nearly all Aaa- and Aa-rated bonds. If
a bond is downgraded during a particular month, its return for the month is
included in the index before removing the bond from future portfolios.
Over 1926-1968 the total returns were calculated by summing the capital
appreciation returns and the income returns. For the period 1946-1968, Ibbotson
and Sinquefield backdated the Salomon Brothers' index, using Salomon Brothers'
monthly yield data with a methodology similar to that used by Salomon for
1969-1991. Capital appreciation returns were calculated from yields assuming (at
the beginning of each monthly holding period) a 20-year maturity, a bond price
equal to par, and a coupon equal to the beginning-of-period yield. For the
period 1926-1945, the Standard and Poor's monthly High-Grade Corporate Composite
yield data were used, assuming a 4 percent coupon and a 20-year maturity. The
conventional present-value formula for bond price for the beginning and
end-of-month prices was used. (This formula is presented in Ross, Stephen A.,
and Randolph W. Westerfield, Corporate Finance, Times Mirror/Mosby, St. Louis,
1990, p. 97 ["Level-Coupon Bonds"].) The monthly income return was assumed to be
one-twelfth the coupon.
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<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE INDEX DESCRIPTIONS
U.S. (30 DAY) TREASURY BILLS
For the U.S. Treasury bill index, data from The Wall Street Journal are used for
1977-1991; the CRSP U.S. Government Bond File is the source until 1976. Each
month a one-bill portfolio containing the shortest-term bill having not less
than one month to maturity is constructed. (The bill's original term to maturity
is not relevant.) To measure holding period returns for the one-bill portfolio,
the bill is priced as of the last trading day of the previous month-end and as
of the last trading day of the current month.
NAREIT-EQUITY INDEX
All of the data is based upon the last closing price of the month for all
tax-qualified REITs listed on the NYSE, AMSE and the NASDAQ. The data is
market-value-weighted. Prior to 1987 REITs were added to the index the January
following their listing. Since 1987 Newly formed or listed REITs are added to
the total shares outstanding figure in the month that the shares are issued.
Only common shares issued by the REIT are included in the index. The total
return calculation is based upon the weighing at the beginning of the period.
Only those REITs listed for the entire period are used in the total return
calculation. Dividends are included in the month based upon their payment date.
There is no smoothing of income. Liquidating dividends, whether full or partial,
are treated as income.
RUSSELL 2000 SMALL STOCK INDEX
Index of the 2,000 smallest stocks in the Russell 3000 Index (TM); the smallest
company has a market capitalization of approximately $13 million. The Russell
3000 is comprised of the 3,000 largest US companies as determined by market
capitalization representing approximately 98% of the US equity market. The
largest company in the index has a market capitalization of $67 billion. The
Russell Indexes (TM) are reconstituted annually as of June 1st, based on May 31
market capitalization rankings.
WILSHIRE REAL ESTATE SECURITIES INDEX
The Wilshire Real Estate Securities Index is a market capitalization-weighted
index which measures the performance of more than 85 securities.
The index contains performance data on five major categories of property;
office, retail, industrial, apartment and miscellaneous. Additionally, the Index
has real estate portfolio encumbered by 16% third party mortgages. The companies
in the WRESEC are 79% equity and hybrid REIT's and 21% real estate operating
companies. The capitalization is 47% NYSE, 33% AMEX and 20% OTC."
STANDARD & POOR'S MIDCAP 400 INDEX
The Standard and Poor's MidCap 400 Index is a market-value-weighted index. The
performance data for the MidCap 400 Index were calculated by taking the stocks
presently in the MidCap 400 Index and tracking them backwards in time as long as
there were prices reported. No attempt was made to determine what stocks "might
have been" in the MidCap 400 Index five or ten years ago had it existed.
Dividends are reinvested on a monthly basis prior to June 30, 1991, and are
reinvested daily thereafter.
The S&P MidCap 400 Index and the S&P 500 together represent approximately 85% of
the total market capitalization of stocks traded in the United States.
BANK SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Data sources include the U.S. League of Savings Institutions Sourcebook; average
annual yield on savings deposits in FSLIC [FDIC] insured savings institutions
for the years 1963-1987 and The Wall Street Journal for the years 1988-1994.
Source: Ibbotson Associates
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<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
S&P 500 Dow U.S. Small S&P/ S&P/
Jones Stock U.S. BARRA BARRA
Industrials Index Inflation Growth Value
Dec 1928 43.61 55.38 39.69 -0.97 N/A N/A
Dec 1929 -8.42 -13.64 -51.36 0.20 N/A N/A
Dec 1930 -24.90 -30.22 -38.15 -6.03 N/A N/A
Dec 1931 -43.34 -49.03 -49.75 -9.52 N/A N/A
Dec 1932 -8.19 -16.88 -5.39 -10.30 N/A N/A
Dec 1933 53.99 73.71 142.87 0.51 N/A N/A
Dec 1934 -1.44 8.07 24.22 2.03 N/A N/A
Dec 1935 47.67 43.77 40.19 2.99 N/A N/A
Dec 1936 33.92 30.23 64.80 1.21 N/A N/A
Dec 1937 -35.03 -28.88 -58.01 3.10 N/A N/A
Dec 1938 31.12 33.16 32.80 -2.78 N/A N/A
Dec 1939 -0.41 1.31 0.35 -0.48 N/A N/A
Dec 1940 -9.78 -7.96 -5.16 0.96 N/A N/A
Dec 1941 -11.59 -9.88 -9.00 9.72 N/A N/A
Dec 1942 20.34 14.12 44.51 9.29 N/A N/A
Dec 1943 25.90 19.06 88.37 3.16 N/A N/A
Dec 1944 19.75 17.19 53.72 2.11 N/A N/A
Dec 1945 36.44 31.60 73.61 2.25 N/A N/A
Dec 1946 -8.07 -4.40 -11.63 18.16 N/A N/A
Dec 1947 5.71 7.61 0.92 9.01 N/A N/A
Dec 1948 5.50 4.27 -2.11 2.71 N/A N/A
Dec 1949 18.79 20.92 19.75 -1.80 N/A N/A
Dec 1950 31.71 26.40 38.75 5.79 N/A N/A
Dec 1951 24.02 21.77 7.80 5.87 N/A N/A
Dec 1952 18.37 14.58 3.03 0.88 N/A N/A
Dec 1953 -0.99 2.02 -6.49 0.62 N/A N/A
Dec 1954 52.62 51.25 60.58 -0.50 N/A N/A
Dec 1955 31.56 26.58 20.44 0.37 N/A N/A
Dec 1956 6.56 7.10 4.28 2.86 N/A N/A
Dec 1957 -10.78 -8.63 -14.57 3.02 N/A N/A
Dec 1958 43.36 39.31 64.89 1.76 N/A N/A
Dec 1959 11.96 20.21 16.40 1.50 N/A N/A
Dec 1960 0.47 -6.14 -3.29 1.48 N/A N/A
Dec 1961 26.89 22.60 32.09 0.67 N/A N/A
Dec 1962 -8.73 -7.43 -11.90 1.22 N/A N/A
Dec 1963 22.80 20.83 23.57 1.65 N/A N/A
Dec 1964 16.48 18.85 23.52 1.19 N/A N/A
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<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
S&P 500 Dow U.S. Small S&P/ S&P/
Jones Stock U.S. BARRA BARRA
Industrials Index Inflation Growth Value
Dec 1965 12.45 14.39 41.75 1.92 N/A N/A
Dec 1966 -10.06 -15.78 -7.01 3.35 N/A N/A
Dec 1967 23.98 19.16 83.57 3.04 N/A N/A
Dec 1968 11.06 7.93 35.97 4.72 N/A N/A
Dec 1969 -8.50 -11.78 -25.05 6.11 N/A N/A
Dec 1970 4.01 9.21 -17.43 5.49 N/A N/A
Dec 1971 14.31 9.83 16.50 3.36 N/A N/A
Dec 1972 18.98 18.48 4.43 3.41 N/A N/A
Dec 1973 -14.66 -13.28 -30.90 8.80 N/A N/A
Dec 1974 -26.47 -23.58 -19.95 12.20 N/A N/A
Dec 1975 37.20 44.75 52.82 7.01 31.72 43.38
Dec 1976 23.84 22.82 57.38 4.81 13.84 34.93
Dec 1977 -7.18 -12.84 25.38 6.77 -11.82 -2.57
Dec 1978 6.56 2.79 23.46 9.03 6.78 6.16
Dec 1979 18.44 10.55 43.46 13.31 15.72 21.16
Dec 1980 32.42 22.17 39.88 12.40 39.40 23.59
Dec 1981 -4.91 -3.57 13.88 8.94 -9.81 0.02
Dec 1982 21.41 27.11 28.01 3.87 22.03 21.04
Dec 1983 22.51 25.97 39.67 3.80 16.24 28.89
Dec 1984 6.27 1.31 -6.67 3.95 2.33 10.52
Dec 1985 32.16 33.55 24.66 3.77 33.31 29.68
Dec 1986 18.47 27.10 6.85 1.13 14.50 21.67
Dec 1987 5.23 5.48 -9.30 4.41 6.50 3.68
Dec 1988 16.81 16.14 22.87 4.42 11.95 21.67
Dec 1989 31.49 32.19 10.18 4.65 36.40 26.13
Dec 1990 -3.17 -0.56 -21.56 6.11 0.20 -6.85
Dec 1991 30.55 24.19 44.63 3.06 38.37 22.56
Dec 1992 7.67 7.41 23.35 2.90 5.07 10.53
Dec 1993 9.99 16.94 20.98 2.75 1.68 18.60
Dec 1994 1.31 5.06 3.11 2.78 3.13 -0.64
Dec 1995 37.43 36.84 34.46 2.74 38.13 36.99
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<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
Intermediate MSCI Long-
Long-Term -Term U.S. EAFE 6 Term U.S. U.S.
U.S. Gov't Government - Net of MONTH Corporate (30 Day)
Bonds Bonds Taxes CDs Bonds T- Bill
Dec 1925 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1926 7.77 5.38 N/A N/A 7.37 3.27
Dec 1927 8.93 4.52 N/A N/A 7.44 3.12
Dec 1928 0.1 0.92 N/A N/A 2.84 3.56
Dec 1929 3.42 6.01 N/A N/A 3.27 4.75
Dec 1930 4.66 6.72 N/A N/A 7.98 2.41
Dec 1931 -5.31 -2.32 N/A N/A -1.85 1.07
Dec 1932 16.84 8.81 N/A N/A 10.82 0.96
Dec 1933 -0.07 1.83 N/A N/A 10.38 0.30
Dec 1934 10.03 9.00 N/A N/A 13.84 0.16
Dec 1935 4.98 7.01 N/A N/A 9.61 0.17
Dec 1936 7.52 3.06 N/A N/A 6.74 0.18
Dec 1937 0.23 1.56 N/A N/A 2.75 0.31
Dec 1938 5.53 6.23 N/A N/A 6.13 -0.02
Dec 1939 5.94 4.52 N/A N/A 3.97 0.02
Dec 1940 6.09 2.96 N/A N/A 3.39 0.00
Dec 1941 0.93 0.50 N/A N/A 2.73 0.06
Dec 1942 3.22 1.94 N/A N/A 2.60 0.27
Dec 1943 2.08 2.81 N/A N/A 2.83 0.35
Dec 1944 2.81 1.80 N/A N/A 4.73 0.33
Dec 1945 10.73 2.22 N/A N/A 4.08 0.33
Dec 1946 -0.10 1.00 N/A N/A 1.72 0.35
Dec 1947 -2.62 0.91 N/A N/A -2.34 0.50
Dec 1948 3.40 1.85 N/A N/A 4.14 0.81
Dec 1949 6.45 2.32 N/A N/A 3.31 1.10
Dec 1950 0.06 0.70 N/A N/A 2.12 1.20
Dec 1951 -3.93 0.36 N/A N/A -2.69 1.49
Dec 1952 1.16 1.63 N/A N/A 3.52 1.66
Dec 1953 3.64 3.23 N/A N/A 3.41 1.82
Dec 1954 7.19 2.68 N/A N/A 5.39 0.86
Dec 1955 -1.29 -0.65 N/A N/A 0.48 1.57
Dec 1956 -5.59 -0.42 N/A N/A -6.81 2.46
Dec 1957 7.46 7.84 N/A N/A 8.71 3.14
Dec 1958 -6.09 -1.29 N/A N/A -2.22 1.54
Dec 1959 -2.26 -0.39 N/A N/A -0.97 2.95
Dec 1960 13.78 11.76 N/A N/A 9.07 2.66
Dec 1961 0.97 1.85 N/A N/A 4.82 2.13
Dec 1962 6.89 5.56 N/A N/A 7.95 2.73
Dec 1963 1.21 1.64 N/A N/A 2.19 3.12
Dec 1964 3.51 4.04 N/A 4.18 4.77 3.54
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<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
Intermediate MSCI Long-
Long-Term -Term U.S. EAFE 6 Term U.S. U.S.
U.S. Gov't Government - Net of MONTH Corporate (30 Day)
Bonds Bonds Taxes CDs Bonds T- Bill
Dec 1965 0.71 1.02 N/A 4.68 -0.46 3.93
Dec 1966 3.65 4.69 N/A 5.75 0.20 4.76
Dec 1967 -9.18 1.01 N/A 5.48 -4.95 4.21
Dec 1968 -0.26 4.54 N/A 6.44 2.57 5.21
Dec 1969 -5.07 -0.74 N/A 8.71 -8.09 6.58
Dec 1970 12.11 16.86 -11.66 7.06 18.37 6.52
Dec 1971 13.23 8.72 29.59 5.36 11.01 4.39
Dec 1972 5.69 5.16 36.35 5.38 7.26 3.84
Dec 1973 -1.11 4.61 -14.92 8.60 1.14 6.93
Dec 1974 4.35 5.69 -23.16 10.20 -3.06 8.00
Dec 1975 9.20 7.83 35.39 6.51 14.64 5.80
Dec 1976 16.75 12.87 2.54 5.22 18.65 5.08
Dec 1977 -0.69 1.41 18.06 6.12 1.71 5.12
Dec 1978 -1.18 3.49 32.62 10.21 -0.07 7.18
Dec 1979 -1.23 4.09 4.75 11.90 -4.18 10.38
Dec 1980 -3.95 3.91 22.58 12.33 -2.76 11.24
Dec 1981 1.86 9.45 -2.28 15.50 -1.24 14.71
Dec 1982 40.36 29.1 -1.86 12.18 42.56 10.54
Dec 1983 0.65 7.41 23.69 9.65 6.26 8.80
Dec 1984 15.48 14.02 7.38 10.65 16.86 9.85
Dec 1985 30.97 20.33 56.16 7.82 30.09 7.72
Dec 1986 24.53 15.14 69.44 6.30 19.85 6.16
Dec 1987 -2.71 2.90 24.63 6.58 -0.27 5.47
Dec 1988 9.67 6.10 28.27 8.15 10.70 6.35
Dec 1989 18.11 13.29 10.54 8.27 16.23 8.37
Dec 1990 6.18 9.73 -23.45 7.85 6.78 7.81
Dec 1991 19.3 15.46 12.13 4.95 19.89 5.60
Dec 1992 8.05 7.19 -12.17 3.27 9.39 3.51
Dec 1993 18.24 11.24 32.56 2.88 13.19 2.90
Dec 1994 -7.77 -5.14 7.78 5.40 -5.76 3.90
Dec 1995 31.67 16.8 11.21 5.21 26.39 5.60
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<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
S & P Bank
NAREIT - Russell Wilshire Midcap Savings
Equity 2000 Real Estate 400 Account
Dec 1925 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1926 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1927 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1928 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1929 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Dec 1930 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.30
Dec 1931 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.10
Dec 1932 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.10
Dec 1933 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.40
Dec 1934 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.50
Dec 1935 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.10
Dec 1936 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.20
Dec 1937 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.50
Dec 1938 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.50
Dec 1939 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.40
Dec 1940 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.30
Dec 1941 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.10
Dec 1942 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.00
Dec 1943 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.90
Dec 1944 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.80
Dec 1945 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.50
Dec 1946 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.20
Dec 1947 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.30
Dec 1948 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.30
Dec 1949 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.40
Dec 1950 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.50
Dec 1951 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.60
Dec 1952 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.70
Dec 1953 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.80
Dec 1954 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.90
Dec 1955 N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.90
Dec 1956 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.00
Dec 1957 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.30
Dec 1958 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.38
Dec 1959 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.53
Dec 1960 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.86
Dec 1961 N/A N/A N/A N/A 3.90
Dec 1962 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.08
Dec 1963 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.17
-34-
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE STATISTICS - TOTAL RETURN PERCENT
S & P Bank
NAREIT - Russell Wilshire Midcap Savings
Equity 2000 Real Estate 400 Account
Bank Savings Account
Dec 1964 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.19
Dec 1965 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.23
Dec 1966 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.45
Dec 1967 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.67
Dec 1968 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.68
Dec 1969 N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.80
Dec 1970 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.14
Dec 1971 N/A N/A N/A N/A 5.30
Dec 1972 8.01 N/A N/A N/A 5.37
Dec 1973 -15.52 N/A N/A N/A 5.51
Dec 1974 -21.40 N/A N/A N/A 5.96
Dec 1975 19.30 N/A N/A N/A 6.21
Dec 1976 47.59 N/A N/A N/A 6.23
Dec 1977 22.42 N/A N/A N/A 6.39
Dec 1978 10.34 N/A 13.04 N/A 6.56
Dec 1979 35.86 43.09 70.81 N/A 7.29
Dec 1980 24.37 38.58 22.08 N/A 8.78
Dec 1981 6.00 2.03 7.18 N/A 10.71
Dec 1982 21.60 24.95 24.47 22.68 11.19
Dec 1983 30.64 29.13 27.61 26.10 9.71
Dec 1984 20.93 -7.30 20.64 1.18 9.92
Dec 1985 19.10 31.05 22.20 35.58 9.02
Dec 1986 19.16 5.68 20.30 16.21 7.84
Dec 1987 -3.64 -8.77 -7.86 -2.03 6.92
Dec 1988 13.49 24.89 24.18 20.87 7.20
Dec 1989 8.84 16.24 2.37 35.54 7.91
Dec 1990 -15.35 -19.51 -33.46 -5.12 7.80
Dec 1991 35.7 46.05 20.03 50.1 4.61
Dec 1992 14.59 18.41 7.36 11.91 2.89
Dec 1993 19.65 18.91 15.24 13.96 2.73
Dec 1994 3.17 -1.82 1.64 -3.57 4.96
Dec 1995 15.27 28.44 13.65 30.94 5.24
Source: Ibbotson Associates
-35-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
Other Pioneer Information
The Pioneer group of mutual funds was established in 1928 with the
creation of Pioneer Fund. Pioneer is one of the oldest and most experienced
money managers in the United States.
As of December 31, 1995, PMC employed a professional investment staff
of 44, with a combined average of 15 years' experience in the financial services
industry.
Total assets of all Pioneer mutual funds at December 31, 1995, were
approximately $12 billion representing 982,369 shareholder accounts - 637,060
non-retirement accounts and 345,309 retirement accounts.
-36-
<PAGE>
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
BALANCE SHEET
OCTOBER 1, 1996
ASSETS:
Cash $ 300,000
---------------
Total assets $ 300,000
---------------
LIABILITIES: $ -
---------------
NET ASSETS:
Total net assets
(consisting of paid-in capital for 20,000 shares outstanding) $ 300,000
===============
NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:
(Unlimited number of shares authorized with no par value)
Class A (based on $100,000/6,667 shares) $ 15.00
===============
Class B (based on $100,000/6,667 shares) $ 15.00
===============
Class C (based on $100,000/6,666 shares) $ 15.00
===============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this balance sheet.
<PAGE>
Pioneer World Equity Fund
Notes to Balance Sheet
October 1, 1996
1. Pioneer World Equity Fund (the Fund), organized as a Delaware business trust
on July 26, 1996, is being registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the 1940 Act) as a
diversified, open-end management investment company. Since July 26, 1996, the
Fund's activities have been limited to organizational matters with no operating
activities. The Fund intends to qualify under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. All of the initial Fund shares outstanding at
October 1, 1996 are owned by Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD). PFD also has
absorbed all costs associated with the organization of the original Fund. The
investment objective of the Fund is to seek long-term growth of capital.
2. The Board of Trustees has authorized the issuance of three classes of shares,
designated as Class A, Class B and Class C shares. The shares of each class
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund and have
equal rights as to voting, redemptions, dividends and liquidation, except that
each class of shares can bear different transfer agent and distribution fees and
have exclusive voting rights with respect to the distribution plans that have
been adopted by the Fund on behalf of each Class (see Note 5).
The Fund will record sales and repurchases of its Fund shares on trade
date. Net losses, if any, as a result of cancellations will be absorbed by PFD,
the principal underwriter for the Fund and an indirect subsidiary of The Pioneer
Group, Inc. (PGI).
3. Pioneering Management Corporation (PMC), the Fund's investment adviser, will
manage the Fund's portfolio and is a wholly owned subsidiary of PGI. Management
fees will be calculated daily at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund's average
daily net assets up to $300 million; 0.85% of the next $200 million; and 0.75%
of the excess over $500 million. Under the management agreement, the cost of
certain usual and customary expenses, including accounting, regulatory reporting
and insurance premiums, will be paid by the Fund.
PMC has agreed not to impose all or a portion of its management fee and
to assume other operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to limit
Class A expenses to 1.75% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class
A shares; the portion of the Fund-wide expenses attributable to Class B and
Class C shares will be reduced only to the extent that such expenses are reduced
for Class A shares. PMC's agreement is voluntary and temporary and may be
revised or terminated at any time.
<PAGE>
4. Pioneering Services Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of PGI, will
provide substantially all transfer agent and shareholder services to the Fund at
negotiated rates.
5. The Fund adopted a Plan of Distribution for each class of shares (Class A
Plan, Class B Plan and Class C Plan) in accordance with Rule 12b-1 of the 1940
Act. Pursuant to the Class A Plan, the Fund will pay PFD a service fee of up to
0.25% of the Fund's average daily net assets in reimbursement of its actual
expenditures to finance activities primarily intended to result in the sale of
Class A shares. Pursuant to the Class B Plan and the Class C Plan, the Fund will
pay PFD 1.00% of the average daily net assets attributable to each class of
shares. The fee consists of a 0.25% service fee and a 0.75% distribution fee
paid as compensation for personal services and/or account maintenance services
or distribution services with regard to Class B and Class C shares.
In addition, redemptions of each class of shares may be subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge (CDSC). A CDSC of 1.00% may be imposed on redemptions of
certain net asset value purchases of Class A shares within one year of purchase.
Class B shares that are redeemed within six years of purchase will be subject to
a CDSC at declining rates beginning at 4.0%, based on the lower of cost or
market value of shares being redeemed. Redemptions of Class C shares within one
year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC of 1.00%. Proceeds from the CDSC will
be paid to PFD.
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Trustees of
Pioneer World Equity Fund:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Pioneer World Equity Fund (a
Delaware business trust), as of October 1, 1996. This balance sheet is the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on this balance sheet based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards.
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the balance sheet referred to above presents fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Pioneer World Equity Fund as of
October 1, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Boston, Massachusetts
October 7, 1996
<PAGE>
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 24. Financial Statements and Exhibits
(a) Financial Statements:
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Report of Independent Accountants
(b) Exhibits:
1.1 Agreement and Declaration of Trust*
1.2 Certificate of Trust*
1.3. Amendment No. 1 to Declaration of Trust
1.4. Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of
Trust
2. By-Laws*
3. None
4.1 Specimen Class A Share Certificate
4.2 Specimen Class B Share Certificate
4.3 Specimen Class C Share Certificate
5. Form of Management Contract
6.1. Form of Underwriting Agreement
6.2. Form of Dealer Sales Agreement
7. None
8. Form of Custodian Agreement
with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
9. Form of Investment Company Service Agreement
10. Opinion of Counsel**
11. Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
12. None
13. Form of Share Purchase Agreement
<PAGE>
14. None
15.1 Class A Distribution Plan
15.2 Class B Distribution Plan
15.3 Class C Distribution Plan
16. Not Applicable
17. Not Applicable
18. Multiclass Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
19. Powers of Attorney
* Filed with the initial Registration Statement on July 29, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference. To be filed by amendment.
** To be filed with Registrant's initial Rule 24f-2 notification on Form
24f-2.
Item 25. Persons Controlled By or Under Common Control with Registrant.
Percent State/Country
of of
Company Owned By Shares Incorporation
Pioneering Management Corp. (PMC) PGI 100% DE
Pioneering Services Corp. (PSC) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Capital Corp. (PCC) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Fonds Marketing GmbH (GmbH) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer SBIC Corp. (SBIC) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Associates, Inc. (PAI) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer International Corp. (PInt) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Plans Corp. (PPC) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Goldfields Ltd (PGL) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Investments Corp. (PIC) PGI 100% MA
Pioneer Metals and Technology,
Inc. (PMT) PGI 100% DE
Pioneer First Polish Trust Fund
Joint Stock Co. (First Polish) PGI 100% Poland
Teberebie Goldfields Ltd. (TGL) PGI 90% Ghana
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
(PFD) PMC 100% MA
SBIC's outstanding capital stock PCC 100% MA
C-2
<PAGE>
THE FUNDS: All are parties to management contracts with PMC.
BUSINESS
FUND TRUST
Pioneer International Growth Fund MA
Pioneer Europe Fund MA
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund DE
Pioneer India Fund DE
Pioneer Growth Trust MA
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund DE
Pioneer Growth Shares DE
Pioneer Small Company Fund DE
Pioneer II DE
Pioneer Real Estate Shares DE
Pioneer Short-Term Income Fund MA
Pioneer America Income Trust MA
Pioneer Bond Fund MA
Pioneer Income Fund DE
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund MA
Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund DE
Pioneer Money Market Trust DE
Pioneer Variable Contracts Trust DE
Pioneer Interest Shares, Inc. DE
OTHER:
. SBIC is the sole general partner of Pioneer Ventures Limited Partnership, a
Massachusetts limited partnership.
. ITI Pioneer AMC Ltd. (ITI Pioneer) (Indian Corp.), is a joint venture
between PMC and Investment Trust of India Ltd. (ITI) (Indian Corp.)
. ITI and PMC own approximately 54% and 45%, respectively, of the total
equity capital of ITI Pioneer.
JOHN F. COGAN, JR.
Owns approximately 14% of the outstanding shares of PGI.
TRUSTEE/
ENTITY CHAIRMAN PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OTHER
Pioneer Family of
Mutual Funds X X X
PGL X X X
PGI X X X
PPC X X
C-3
<PAGE>
PIC X X
Pintl X X
PMT X X
PCC X
PSC X
PMC X X
PFD X X
TGL X X
First Polish X Member of
Supervisory Board
Hale and Dorr Partner
GmbH Chairman of
Supervisory
Board
Item 26. Number of Holders of Securities
Immediately prior to the effect date of this Registration
Statement, it is expected that there will be one record holder of Registrant's
shares of beneficial interest.
Item 27. Indemnification
Except for the Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated July
26, 1996, establishing the Registrant as a trust under Delaware law, there is no
contract, arrangement or statute under which any director, officer, underwriter
or affiliated person of the Registrant is insured or indemnified. The
Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee or officer will be indemnified
against any liability of which the Registrant would otherwise be subject by
reason of or for willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of such person's duties.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), may be available to directors,
officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing
provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of
the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event
that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment of the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
C-4
<PAGE>
in connection with the securities 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 issue.
Item 28. Business and other Connections of Investment Adviser
All of the information required by this item is set forth in
the Form ADV, as amended, of Pioneering Management Corporation. The following
sections of such Form ADV are incorporated herein by reference:
(a) Items 1 and 2 of Part 2;
(b) Section 6, Business Background, of
each Schedule D.
Item 29. Principal Underwriter
(a) See Item 25 above.
(b) Directors and Officers of PFD:
Positions and Offices Positions and Offices
Name with Underwriter with Registrant
- ---- ---------------- ---------------
John F. Cogan, Jr. Director and Chairman Chairman of the Board,
President and Trustee
Robert L. Butler Director and President None
David D. Tripple Director Executive Vice
President and Trustee
Steven M. Graziano Senior Vice President None
Stephen W. Long Senior Vice President None
John C. Drachman Vice President None
C-5
<PAGE>
Barry C. Knight Vice President None
William A. Misata Vice President None
Anne W. Patenaude Vice President None
Elizabeth B. Rice Vice President None
Gail A. Smyth Vice President None
Constance S. Spiros Vice President None
Marcy Supovitz Vice President None
Steven R. Berke Assistant Vice None
President
Mary Sue Hoban Assistant Vice None
President
William H. Keough Treasurer Treasurer
Roy P. Rossi Assistant Treasurer None
Joseph P. Barri Clerk Secretary
Robert P. Nault Assistant Clerk Assistant Secretary
(c) Not applicable.
Item 30. Location of Accounts and Records
The accounts and records are maintained at the Registrant's
office at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts; contact the Treasurer.
Item 31. Management Services
The Registrant is not a party to any management-related
service contract, except as described in the Prospectus and the Statement of
Additional Information.
Item 32. Undertakings
(a) Not Applicable.
(b) The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective
amendment, using financial statements which need not be certified, within four
to six months from the later of the effective date of this Registration
Statement or the commencement of operations.
(c) The Registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be
delivered with the Prospectus, to each person to whom the Prospectus is sent or
given, a copy of the Registrant's report to shareholders furnished pursuant to
and meeting the requirements of Rule 30d-1 from which the specified information
C-6
<PAGE>
is incorporated by reference, unless such person currently holds securities of
the Registrant and otherwise has received a copy of such report, in which case
the Registrant shall state in the Prospectus that it will furnish, without
charge, a copy of such report on request, and the name, address and telephone
number of the person to whom such a request should be directed.
C-7
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this this Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City
of Boston and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 10th day of October,
1996.
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
By:
/s/Joseph P. Barri
------------------
Joseph P. Barri
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Pre-
Effective Amendment No. 1 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date
indicated:
Signature Title
/s/John F. Cogan, Jr.* Chairman of the Board )
- --------------------------- )
John F. Cogan, Jr. and President (Principal )
Executive Officer)
)
)
)
)
)
)
/s/Eric W. Reckard* Principal Financial )
- --------------------------- )
Eric W. Reckard and Accounting Officer )
)
Trustees:
/s/John F. Cogan, Jr.* )
John F. Cogan, Jr. Trustee )
)
/s/Margaret B.W. Graham* )
Margaret B.W. Graham Trustee )
)
/s/John W. Kendrick* )
John W. Kendrick Trustee )
/s/Marguerite A. Piret* )
Marguerite A. Piret Trustee )
)
/s/David D. Tripple* )
David D. Tripple Trustee )
)
/s/Stephen K. West* )
Stephen K. West Trustee )
)
/s/John Winthrop* )
John Winthrop Trustee )
*By /s/ Joseph P. Barri Dated: October 10, 1996
-------------------
Joseph P. Barri
Attorney-in-Fact
<PAGE>
Exhibit Index
Exhibit Page
Number Document Title Number
1.3. Amendment No. 1 to Declaration of Trust
1.4. Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Trust.
4.1. Form of Class A Share Certificate.
4.2. Form of Class B Share Certificate.
4.3. Form of Class C Share Certificate.
5. Form of Management Contract.
6.1. Form of Underwriting Agreement between the
Registrant and Pioneer Funds Distrbutor, Inc.
6.2. Form of Dealer Sales Agreement.
8. Form of Custodian Agreement
with Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
9. Form of Investment Company Service Agreement between the
Registrant and Pioneering Services Corporation.
11. Consent of Independent Public Accountants.
13. Form of Share Purchase Agreement.
15.1. Form of Class A Shares Distribution Plan.
15.2. Form of Class B Shares Distribution Plan.
15.3. Form of Class C Shares Distribution Plan.
18. Form of 18f-3 Plan.
19. Powers of Attorney.
AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT AND DECLARATION OF TRUST
OF
PIONEER GLOBAL EQUITY FUND
The undersigned, being at least a majority of the Trustees of Pioneer
Global Equity Fund, a Delaware business trust, acting pursuant to Article IX,
Section 8 of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust dated July 26, 1996 (the
"Declaration"), do hereby amend the Declaration as follows, such amendment to
become effective October 8, 1996:
Section 1.1 of the Declaration is hereby deleted and replaced with the
following:
Section 1.1 Name. The name of the Trust created hereby is "Pioneer
World Equity Fund" (the "Trust").
The second sentence of Section 5.1 is hereby deleted and replaced with
the following:
Without limiting the authority of the Trustees to establish and
designate any further Series, the Trustees hereby establish a single Series
which shall be designated Pioneer World Equity Fund.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being all the Trustees of the Trust
have executed this instrument as of the date first above-written.
/S/JOHN F. COGAN, JR.
John F. Cogan, Jr.
As Trustee and not individually
/S/MARGARET B. W. GRAHAM
Margaret B. W. Graham
As Trustee and not individually
/S/JOHN W. KENDRICK
John W. Kendrick
As Trustee and not individually
/S/MARGUERITE A. PIRET
Marguerite A. Piret
As Trustee and not individually
/S/DAVID D. TRIPPLE
David D. Tripple
As Trustee and not individually
/S/STEPHEN K. WEST
Stephen K. West
As Trustee and not individually
/S/JOHN WINTHROP
John Winthrop
As Trustee and not individually
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT
TO
CERTIFICATE OF TRUST
OF
PIONEER GLOBAL EQUITY FUND
THIS Certificate of Amendment, dated October 9, 1996, to the
Certificate of Trust dated July 26, 1996, of Pioneer Global Equity Fund (the
"Trust") is being duly executed and filed by the persons named below as
Trustees, to amend the Certificate of Trust filed by the Trust on July 29, 1996
with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.
1. AMENDMENT. Effective as of October 9, 1996, the name of the Trust is
changed from "Pioneer Global Equity Fund" to "Pioneer World Equity Fund."
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being a Trustee of the Trust has
executed this Certificate of Amendment as of the date first above-written.
/S/JOHN F. COGAN, JR.
---------------------
John F. Cogan, Jr.
As Trustee and not individually
/S/MARGARET B. W. GRAHAM
------------------------
Margaret B. W. Graham
As Trustee and not individually
/S/JOHN W. KENDRICK
-------------------
John W. Kendrick
As Trustee and not individually
/S/MARGUERITE A. PIRET
----------------------
Marguerite A. Piret
As Trustee and not individually
/S/DAVID D. TRIPPLE
-------------------
David D. Tripple
As Trustee and not individually
/S/STEPHEN K. WEST
------------------
Stephen K. West
As Trustee and not individually
/S/JOHN WINTHROP
----------------
John Winthrop
As Trustee and not individually
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
CLASS A SHARES
ORGANIZED AS A BUSINESS TRUST UNDER THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
This is to certify that
is the owner of
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST, WITHOUT PAR
VALUE, OF THE TRUST OR SERIES OF THE TRUST IDENTIFIED ABOVE.
transferable only on the books of the Trust, by the holder hereof, in person or
by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly
endorsed. The aforesaid holder is entitled to require the Trust to purchase all
or any part of the Shares represented by this Certificate at net asset value, as
more fully set forth on the reverse of this Certificate. This Certificate is not
valid until countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Trust has caused this Certificate to be
signed by its duly authorized officers and its seal to be hereunto affixed.
Dated:
Countersigned:
PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
Transfer Agent
Authorized Officer
Treasurer President
<PAGE>
REVERSE
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE IS ENTITLED TO ALL THE
RIGHTS, INTEREST AND PRIVILEGES OF A SHAREHOLDER AS PROVIDED BY THE ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS OF THE FUND, AS AMENDED, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN. IN PARTICULAR, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE
TRANSFERABLE BY THE HOLDER, IN PERSON OR BY HIS DULY AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY, BUT
ONLY ON SURRENDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE PROPERLY ENDORSED AND WHEN THE TRANSFER IS
MADE ON THE BOOKS OF THE FUND.
THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE, AS PROVIDED IN SAID ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS, AS AMENDED, SHALL NOT IN ANY WISE BE PERSONALLY
LIABLE FOR ANY DEBT, OBLIGATION OR ACT OF THE FUND.
ANY SHAREHOLDER DESIRING TO DISPOSE OF HIS SHARES MAY DEPOSIT HIS
CERTIFICATE, DULY ENDORSED IN BLANK OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
EXECUTED IN BLANK, AT THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION OR ANY
SUCCESSOR TRANSFER AGENT OF THE FUND, TOGETHER WITH AN IRREVOCABLE OFFER IN
WRITING TO SELL THE SHARES REPRESENTED THEREBY AT THE NET ASSET VALUE THEREOF
AND THE FUND WILL THEREAFTER PURCHASE SAID SHARES FOR CASH AT NET ASSET VALUE.
THE COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, THE LIMITATIONS UPON THE DATE OF PAYMENT AND
PROVISIONS DEALING WITH SUSPENSION OF THIS RIGHT IN CERTAIN EMERGENCIES ARE
FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS, AS AMENDED.
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME
AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
SIGNATURES MUST BE GUARANTEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THEN CURRENT
PROSPECTUS OF THE FUND.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM -- as tenants in common
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN -- as joint tenants with rights of survivorship UGMA/"state abbreviation"
- -- Uniform Gifts to Minors UTMA/"state abbreviation/age" -- Uniform Transfer to
Minors
Additional abbreviations that do not appear in the above list may also be used.
<PAGE>
For Value Received, ______________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer
unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR
OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
| |
| |
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF
ASSIGNEE)
Shares represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint
Attorney to transfer the said shares on the books of the within named Fund with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated,
Owner
Signature of Co-Owner, if any
IMPORTANT: BEFORE SIGNING, READ AND COMPLY CAREFULLY WITH
NOTICE PRINTED ABOVE.
Signature(s) guaranteed by:
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
CLASS B SHARES
ORGANIZED AS A BUSINESS TRUST UNDER THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
This is to certify that
is the owner of
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST, WITHOUT PAR
VALUE, OF THE TRUST OR SERIES OF THE TRUST IDENTIFIED ABOVE.
transferable only on the books of the Trust, by the holder hereof, in person or
by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly
endorsed. The aforesaid holder is entitled to require the Trust to purchase all
or any part of the Shares represented by this Certificate at net asset value, as
more fully set forth on the reverse of this Certificate. This Certificate is not
valid until countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Trust has caused this Certificate to be
signed by its duly authorized officers and its seal to be hereunto affixed.
Dated:
Countersigned:
PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
Transfer Agent
Authorized Officer
Treasurer President
<PAGE>
REVERSE
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE IS ENTITLED TO ALL THE
RIGHTS, INTEREST AND PRIVILEGES OF A SHAREHOLDER AS PROVIDED BY THE ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS OF THE FUND, AS AMENDED, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN. IN PARTICULAR, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE
TRANSFERABLE BY THE HOLDER, IN PERSON OR BY HIS DULY AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY, BUT
ONLY ON SURRENDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE PROPERLY ENDORSED AND WHEN THE TRANSFER IS
MADE ON THE BOOKS OF THE FUND.
THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE, AS PROVIDED IN SAID ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS, AS AMENDED, SHALL NOT IN ANY WISE BE PERSONALLY
LIABLE FOR ANY DEBT, OBLIGATION OR ACT OF THE FUND.
ANY SHAREHOLDER DESIRING TO DISPOSE OF HIS SHARES MAY DEPOSIT HIS
CERTIFICATE, DULY ENDORSED IN BLANK OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
EXECUTED IN BLANK, AT THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION OR ANY
SUCCESSOR TRANSFER AGENT OF THE FUND, TOGETHER WITH AN IRREVOCABLE OFFER IN
WRITING TO SELL THE SHARES REPRESENTED THEREBY AT THE NET ASSET VALUE THEREOF
AND THE FUND WILL THEREAFTER PURCHASE SAID SHARES FOR CASH AT NET ASSET VALUE.
THE COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, THE LIMITATIONS UPON THE DATE OF PAYMENT AND
PROVISIONS DEALING WITH SUSPENSION OF THIS RIGHT IN CERTAIN EMERGENCIES ARE
FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS, AS AMENDED.
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME
AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
SIGNATURES MUST BE GUARANTEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THEN CURRENT
PROSPECTUS OF THE FUND.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM -- as tenants in common
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN -- as joint tenants with rights of survivorship UGMA/"state abbreviation"
- -- Uniform Gifts to Minors UTMA/"state abbreviation/age" -- Uniform Transfer to
Minors
Additional abbreviations that do not appear in the above list may also be used.
<PAGE>
For Value Received, ______________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer
unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR
OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
| |
| |
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF
ASSIGNEE)
Shares represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint
Attorney to transfer the said shares on the books of the within named Fund with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated,
Owner
Signature of Co-Owner, if any
IMPORTANT: BEFORE SIGNING, READ AND COMPLY CAREFULLY WITH
NOTICE PRINTED ABOVE.
Signature(s) guaranteed by:
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
CLASS C SHARES
ORGANIZED AS A BUSINESS TRUST UNDER THE
LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE
SEE REVERSE SIDE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
This is to certify that
is the owner of
FULLY PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST, WITHOUT PAR
VALUE, OF THE TRUST OR SERIES OF THE TRUST IDENTIFIED ABOVE.
transferable only on the books of the Trust, by the holder hereof, in person or
by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly
endorsed. The aforesaid holder is entitled to require the Trust to purchase all
or any part of the Shares represented by this Certificate at net asset value, as
more fully set forth on the reverse of this Certificate. This Certificate is not
valid until countersigned by the Transfer Agent.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Trust has caused this Certificate to be
signed by its duly authorized officers and its seal to be hereunto affixed.
Dated:
Countersigned:
PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
Transfer Agent
Authorized Officer
Treasurer President
<PAGE>
REVERSE
THE REGISTERED HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE IS ENTITLED TO ALL THE
RIGHTS, INTEREST AND PRIVILEGES OF A SHAREHOLDER AS PROVIDED BY THE ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS OF THE FUND, AS AMENDED, WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE HEREIN. IN PARTICULAR, THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE
TRANSFERABLE BY THE HOLDER, IN PERSON OR BY HIS DULY AUTHORIZED ATTORNEY, BUT
ONLY ON SURRENDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE PROPERLY ENDORSED AND WHEN THE TRANSFER IS
MADE ON THE BOOKS OF THE FUND.
THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE, AS PROVIDED IN SAID ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS, AS AMENDED, SHALL NOT IN ANY WISE BE PERSONALLY
LIABLE FOR ANY DEBT, OBLIGATION OR ACT OF THE FUND.
ANY SHAREHOLDER DESIRING TO DISPOSE OF HIS SHARES MAY DEPOSIT HIS
CERTIFICATE, DULY ENDORSED IN BLANK OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN INSTRUMENT OF TRANSFER
EXECUTED IN BLANK, AT THE OFFICE OF PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION OR ANY
SUCCESSOR TRANSFER AGENT OF THE FUND, TOGETHER WITH AN IRREVOCABLE OFFER IN
WRITING TO SELL THE SHARES REPRESENTED THEREBY AT THE NET ASSET VALUE THEREOF
AND THE FUND WILL THEREAFTER PURCHASE SAID SHARES FOR CASH AT NET ASSET VALUE.
THE COMPUTATION OF NET ASSET VALUE, THE LIMITATIONS UPON THE DATE OF PAYMENT AND
PROVISIONS DEALING WITH SUSPENSION OF THIS RIGHT IN CERTAIN EMERGENCIES ARE
FULLY DESCRIBED IN SAID ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS, AS AMENDED.
NOTICE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME
AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT
ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT OR ANY CHANGE WHATEVER.
SIGNATURES MUST BE GUARANTEED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE THEN CURRENT
PROSPECTUS OF THE FUND.
The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face
of this certificate, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations:
TEN COM -- as tenants in common
TEN ENT -- as tenants by the entireties
JT TEN -- as joint tenants with rights of survivorship UGMA/"state abbreviation"
- -- Uniform Gifts to Minors UTMA/"state abbreviation/age" -- Uniform Transfer to
Minors
Additional abbreviations that do not appear in the above list may also be used.
<PAGE>
For Value Received, ______________________ hereby sell, assign and transfer
unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR
OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE
| |
| |
(PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, OF
ASSIGNEE)
Shares represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably
constitute and appoint
Attorney to transfer the said shares on the books of the within named Fund with
full power of substitution in the premises.
Dated,
Owner
Signature of Co-Owner, if any
IMPORTANT: BEFORE SIGNING, READ AND COMPLY CAREFULLY WITH
NOTICE PRINTED ABOVE.
Signature(s) guaranteed by:
MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
THIS AGREEMENT dated this _____ day of October, 1996 between Pioneer
World Equity Fund, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"), and Pioneering
Management Corporation, a Delaware corporation, (the "Manager").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, the Trust is registered as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), and has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") a registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") for the purpose of registering its shares for public offering under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"),
WHEREAS, the parties hereto deem it mutually advantageous that the
Manager should be engaged, subject to the supervision of the Trust's Board of
Trustees and officers, to manage the Trust,
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits
set forth herein, the Trust and the Manager do hereby agree as follows:
1. (a) The Manager will regularly provide the Trust with investment
research, advice and supervision and will furnish continuously an investment
program for the Trust consistent with the investment objectives and policies of
the Trust. The Manager will determine from time to time what securities shall be
purchased for the Trust, what securities shall be held or sold by the Trust and
what portion of the Trust's assets shall be held uninvested as cash, subject
always to the provisions of the Trust's Certificate of Trust, Agreement and
Declaration of Trust, By-Laws and its registration statements under the 1940 Act
and under the 1933 Act covering the Trust's shares, as filed with the
Commission, and to the investment objectives, policies and restrictions of the
Trust, as each of the same shall be from time to time in effect, and subject,
further, to such policies and instructions as the Board of Trustees of the Trust
may from time to time establish. To carry out such determinations, the Manager
will exercise full discretion and act for the Trust in the same manner and with
the same force and effect as the Trust itself might or could do with respect to
purchases, sales or other transactions, as well as with respect to all other
things necessary or incidental to the furtherance or conduct of such purchases,
sales or other transactions.
(b) The Manager will, to the extent reasonably required in the
conduct of the business of the Trust and upon the Trust's request, furnish to
the Trust research, statistical and advisory reports upon the industries,
businesses, corporations or securities as to which such requests shall be made,
whether or not the Trust shall at the time have any investment in such
industries, businesses, corporations or securities. The Manager will use its
best efforts in the preparation of such reports and will endeavor to consult the
persons and sources believed by it to have information available with respect to
such industries, businesses, corporations or entities.
<PAGE>
(c) The Manager will maintain all books and records with respect to
the Trust's securities transactions required by sub-paragraphs(b)(5),(6),(9) and
(10) and paragraph (f) of Rule 31a-1 under the 1940 Act (other than those
records being maintained by the custodian or transfer agent appointed by the
Trust) and preserve such records for the periods prescribed therefor by Rule
31a-2 of the 1940 Act. The Manager will also provide to the Board of Trustees
such periodic and special reports as the Board may reasonably request.
2. (a) Except as otherwise provided herein, the Manager, at its own
expense, shall furnish to the Trust office space in the offices of the Manager
or in such other place as may be agreed upon from time to time, and all
necessary office facilities, equipment and personnel for managing the Trust's
affairs and investments, and shall arrange, if desired by the Trust, for members
of the Manager's organization to serve as officers or agents of the Trust.
(b) The Manager shall pay directly or reimburse the Trust for: (i)
the compensation (if any) of the Trustees who are affiliated with, or
"interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of, the Manager and all
officers of the Trust as such; and (ii) all expenses not hereinafter
specifically assumed by the Trust where such expenses are incurred by the
Manager or by the Trust in connection with the management of the affairs of, and
the investment and reinvestment of the assets of, the Trust.
(c) The Trust shall assume and shall pay: (i) charges and expenses
for fund accounting, pricing and appraisal services and related overhead,
including, to the extent such services are performed by personnel of the Manager
or its affiliates, office space and facilities and personnel compensation,
training and benefits; (ii) the charges and expenses of auditors; (iii) the
charges and expenses of any custodian, transfer agent, plan agent, dividend
disbursing agent and registrar appointed by the Trust with respect to the Trust;
(iv) issue and transfer taxes, chargeable to the Trust in connection with
securities transactions to which the Trust is a party; (v) insurance premiums,
interest charges, dues and fees for membership in trade associations and all
taxes and corporate fees payable by the Trust to federal, state or other
governmental agencies; (vi) fees and expenses involved in registering and
maintaining registrations of the Trust and/or its shares with the Commission,
state or blue sky securities agencies and foreign countries, including the
preparation of Prospectuses and Statements of Additional Information for filing
with the Commission; (vii) all expenses of shareholders' and Trustees' meetings
and of preparing, printing and distributing prospectuses, notices, proxy
statements and all reports to shareholders and to governmental agencies; (viii)
charges and expenses of legal counsel to the Trust and the Trustees; (ix)
distribution fees paid by the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by
the Commission pursuant to the 1940 Act; (x) compensation of those Trustees of
the Trust who are not affiliated with or interested persons of the Manager, the
Trust (other than as Trustees), The Pioneer Group, Inc. or Pioneer Funds
Distributor, Inc.; (xi) the cost of preparing and printing share certificates;
and (xii) interest on borrowed money, if any.
(d) In addition to the expenses described in Section 2(c) above, the
Trust shall pay all brokers' and underwriting commissions chargeable to the
Trust in connection with securities transactions to which the Trust is a party.
3. (a) The Trust shall pay to the Manager, as compensation for the
Manager's services and expenses assumed hereunder, a fee at the rate of 1.00% of
the Trust's average daily net assets up to $300 million, 0.85% of the next $200
million and 0.75% of the excess over $500 million. The management fee payable
hereunder shall be computed daily and paid monthly
-2-
<PAGE>
in arrears. In the event of termination of this Agreement, the fee provided in
this Section shall be computed on the basis of the period ending on the last
business day on which this Agreement is in effect subject to a pro rata
adjustment based on the number of days elapsed in the current month as a
percentage of the total number of days in such month.
(b) If the operating expenses of the Trust in any year exceed the
limits set by state securities laws or regulations in states in which shares of
the Trust are sold, the amount payable to the Manager under subsection (a) above
will be reduced (but not below $0), and the Manager shall make other
arrangements concerning expenses but, in each instance, only as and to the
extent required by such laws or regulations. If amounts have already been
advanced to the Manager under this Agreement, the Manager will return such
amounts to the Trust to the extent required by the preceding sentence.
(c) In addition to the foregoing, the Manager may from time to time
agree not to impose all or a portion of its fee otherwise payable hereunder (in
advance of the time such fee or a portion thereof would otherwise accrue) and/or
undertake to pay or reimburse the Trust for all or a portion of its expenses not
otherwise required to be borne or reimbursed by the Manager. Any such fee
reduction or undertaking may be discontinued or modified by the Manager at any
time.
4. It is understood that the Manager may employ one or more
sub-investment advisers (each a "Subadviser") to provide investment advisory
services to the Trust by entering into a written agreement with each such
Subadviser; PROVIDED, that any such agreement first shall be approved by the
vote of a majority of the Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are
not "interested persons" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust, the Manager
or any such Subadviser, at a meeting of Trustees called for the purpose of
voting on such approval and by the affirmative vote of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust. The
authority given to the Manager in Sections 1 through 6 hereof may be delegated
by it under any such agreement; PROVIDED, that any Subadviser shall be subject
to the same restrictions and limitations on investments and brokerage discretion
as the Manager. The Trust agrees that the Manager shall not be accountable to
the Trust or the Trust or the Trust's shareholders for any loss or other
liability relating to specific investments directed by any Subadviser, even
though the Manager retains the right to reverse any such investment, because, in
the event a Subadviser is retained, the Trust and the Manager will rely almost
exclusively on the expertise of such Subadviser for the selection and monitoring
of specific investments.
5. The Manager will not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake
of law or for any loss sustained by reason of the adoption of any investment
policy or the purchase, sale, or retention of any security on the recommendation
of the Manager, whether or not such recommendation shall have been based upon
its own investigation and research or upon investigation and research made by
any other individual, firm or corporation, but nothing contained herein will be
construed to protect the Manager against any liability to the Trust or its
shareholders by reason of willful misfeasance, 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 Agreement.
6. (a) Nothing in this Agreement will in any way limit or restrict the
Manager or any of its officers, directors, or employees from buying, selling or
trading in any securities for its or their own accounts or other accounts. The
Manager may act as an investment advisor to any other person, firm or
corporation, and may perform management and any other services for any other
person, association, corporation, firm or other entity pursuant to any contract
or otherwise,
-3-
<PAGE>
and take any action or do any thing in connection therewith or related thereto;
and no such performance of management or other services or taking of any such
action or doing of any such thing shall be in any manner restricted or otherwise
affected by any aspect of any relationship of the Manager to or with the Trust
or deemed to violate or give rise to any duty or obligation of the Manager to
the Trust except as otherwise imposed by law. The Trust recognizes that Manager,
in effecting transactions for its various accounts, may not always be able to
take or liquidate investment positions in the same security at the same time and
at the same price.
(b) In connection with purchases or sales of securities for the
account of the Trust, neither the Manager nor any of its Trustees, officers or
employees will act as a principal or agent or receive any commission except as
permitted by the 1940 Act. The Manager shall arrange for the placing of all
orders for the purchase and sale of securities for the Trust's account with
brokers or dealers selected by the Manager. In the selection of such brokers or
dealers and the placing of such orders, the Manager is directed at all times to
seek for the Trust the most favorable execution and net price available except
as described herein. It is also understood that it is desirable for the Trust
that the Manager have access to supplemental investment and market research and
security and economic analyses provided by brokers who may execute brokerage
transactions at a higher cost to the Trust than may result when allocating
brokerage to other brokers on the basis of seeking the most favorable price and
efficient execution. Therefore, the Manager is authorized to place orders for
the purchase and sale of securities for the Trust with such brokers, subject to
review by the Trust's Trustees from time to time with respect to the extent and
continuation of this practice. It is understood that the services provided by
such brokers may be useful to the Manager in connection with its or its
affiliates services to other clients.
(c) On occasions when the Manager deems the purchase or sale of a
security to be in the best interest of the Trust as well as other clients, the
Manager, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations, may
aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased in order to obtain the best
execution and lower brokerage commissions, if any. In such event, allocation of
the securities so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the
transaction, will be made by the Manager in the manner it considers to be the
most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the Trust and to
such clients.
7. This Agreement shall become effective on the date hereof and shall
remain in force until October 9, 1998 and from year to year thereafter, but only
so long as its continuance is approved annually by a vote of the Trustees of the
Trust voting in person, including a majority of its Trustees who are not parties
to this Agreement or interested persons (as the term "interested persons" is
defined in the 1940 Act) of any such parties, at a meeting of Trustees called
for the purpose of voting on such approval or by a vote of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Trust,
subject to the right of the Trust and the Manager to terminate this contract as
provided in Section 8 hereof.
8. Either party hereto may, without penalty, terminate this Agreement
by vote of its Board of Trustees or Directors, as the case may be, or by vote of
a "majority of its outstanding voting securities" (as defined in the 1940 Act)
and the giving of 60 days' written notice to the other party.
9. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "assignment" shall have the
meaning given it by Section 2(a)(4) of the 1940 Act.
-4-
<PAGE>
10. The Trust agrees that in the event that neither the Manager nor any
of its affiliates acts as an investment adviser to the Trust, the name of the
Trust will be changed to one that does not contain the name "Pioneer" or
otherwise suggest an affiliation with the Manager.
11. The Manager is an independent contractor and not an employee of the
Trust for any purpose. If any occasion should arise in which the Manager gives
any advice to its clients concerning the shares of the Trust, the Manager will
act solely as investment counsel for such clients and not in any way on behalf
of the Trust or any series thereof.
12. This Agreement states the entire agreement of the parties hereto,
and is intended to be the complete and exclusive statement of the terms hereof.
It may not be added to or changed orally, and may not be modified or rescinded
except by a writing signed by the parties hereto and in accordance with the 1940
Act, when applicable.
13. This Agreement and all performance hereunder shall be governed by
and construed in accordance with the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
14. Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid
or unenforceable the remaining terms or provisions of this Agreement or
affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of
this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.
15. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their duly authorized officers and their seal to be hereto affixed
as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
/s/ JOSEPH P. BARRI /s/ JOHN F. COGAN, JR.
Joseph P. Barri John F. Cogan, Jr
Secretary Chairman and President
ATTEST: PIONEERING MANAGEMENT
CORPORATION
/s/ JOSEPH P. BARRI /s/ DAVID D. TRIPPLE
Joseph P. Barri David D. Tripple
Secretary President
UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT
THIS UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT, dated this 9th day of October 6, 1996, by
and between Pioneer World Equity Fund, a Delaware business trust ("Pioneer"),
and Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the
"Underwriter").
W I T N E S S E T H
WHEREAS, Pioneer is registered as an open-end, diversified, management
investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the
"1940 Act"), and has filed a registration statement (the "Registration
Statement") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") for
the purpose of registering shares of beneficial interest for public offering
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended;
WHEREAS, the Underwriter engages in the purchase and sale of securities
both as a broker and a dealer and is registered as a broker-dealer with the
Commission and is a member in good standing of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD");
WHEREAS, the parties hereto deem it mutually advantageous that the
Underwriter should act as Principal Underwriter, as defined in the 1940 Act, for
the sale to the public of the shares of beneficial interest of the securities
portfolio of each series of Pioneer which the Trustees may establish from time
to time (individually, a "Portfolio" and collectively, the "Portfolios"); and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and benefits
set forth herein, Pioneer and the Underwriter do hereby agree as follows:
1. Pioneer does hereby grant to the Underwriter the right and option to
purchase shares of beneficial interest of each class of each Portfolio of
Pioneer (the "Shares") for sale to investors either directly or indirectly
through other broker-dealers. The Underwriter is not required to purchase any
specified number of Shares, but will purchase from Pioneer only a sufficient
number of Shares as may be necessary to fill unconditional orders received from
time to time by the Underwriter from investors and dealers.
2. The Underwriter shall offer Shares to the public at an offering
price based upon the net asset value of the Shares, to be calculated for each
<PAGE>
class of shares as described in the Registration Statement, including the
Prospectus, filed with the Commission and in effect at the time of the offering,
plus sales charges as approved by the Underwriter and the Trustees of Pioneer
and as further outlined in Pioneer's Prospectus. The offering price shall be
subject to any provisions set forth in the Prospectus from time to time with
respect thereto, including, without limitation, rights of accumulation, letters
of intention, exchangeability of shares, reinstatement privileges, net asset
value purchases by certain persons and reinvestments of dividends and capital
gain distributions.
3. In the case of all Shares sold to investors through other
broker-dealers, a portion of applicable sales charges will be reallowed to such
broker-dealers who are members of the NASD or, in the case of certain sales by
banks or certain sales to foreign nationals, to brokers or dealers exempt from
registration with the Commission. The concession reallowed to broker-dealers
shall be set forth in a written sales agreement and shall be generally the same
for broker-dealers providing comparable levels of sales and service.
4. This Agreement shall terminate on any anniversary hereof if its
terms and renewal have not been approved by a majority vote of the Trustees of
Pioneer voting in person, including a majority of its Trustees who are not
"interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Underwriting Agreement (the "Qualified
Trustees"), at a meeting of Trustees called for the purpose of voting on such
approval. This Agreement may also be terminated at any time, without payment of
any penalty, by Pioneer on 60 days' written notice to the Underwriter, or by the
Underwriter upon similar notice to Pioneer. This Agreement may also be
terminated by a party upon five (5) days' written notice to the other party in
the event that the Commission has issued an order or obtained an injunction or
other court order suspending effectiveness of the Registration Statement
covering these Shares of Pioneer. Finally, this Agreement may also be terminated
by Pioneer upon five (5) days' written notice to the Underwriter provided either
of the following events has occurred: (i) the NASD has expelled the Underwriter
or suspended its membership in that organization; or (ii) the qualification,
registration, license or right of the Underwriter to sell Shares in a particular
state has been suspended or cancelled in a state in which sales of the Shares of
Pioneer during the most recent 12 month period exceeded 10% of all Shares of
Pioneer sold by the Underwriter during such period.
5. The compensation for the services of the Underwriter as a principal
underwriter under this Agreement shall be (i) that part of the sales charge
which is retained by the Underwriter after allowance of discounts to dealers as
-2-
<PAGE>
set forth in the Registration Statement, including the Prospectus, filed with
the Commission and in effect at the time of the offering, as amended, and (ii)
those amounts payable to the Underwriter as reimbursement of expenses pursuant
to any distribution plan for Pioneer which may be in effect. Nothing contained
herein shall relieve Pioneer of any obligation under its management contract or
any other contract with any affiliate of the Underwriter.
6. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and agree that all
liabilities arising hereunder, whether direct or indirect, of any nature
whatsoever, including without limitation, liabilities arising in connection with
any agreement of Pioneer or its Trustees as set forth herein to indemnify any
party to this Agreement or any other person, if any, shall be satisfied out of
the assets of Pioneer and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of
beneficial interest of Pioneer shall be personally liable for any of the
foregoing liabilities. Pioneer's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, as amended
from time to time, is on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware. The Declaration of Trust describes in detail the respective
responsibilities and limitations on liability of the Trustees, officers, and
holders of Shares of beneficial interest.
7. This Agreement shall automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act).
8. In the event of any dispute between the parties, this Agreement
shall be construed according to the laws of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this instrument to
be executed by their duly authorized officers and their seal to be hereto
affixed as of the day and year first above written.
ATTEST: PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
/s/Joseph P. Barri /s/John F. Cogan, Jr.
- ------------------ ---------------------
Joseph P. Barri John F. Cogan, Jr.
Secretary President
ATTEST: PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
/s/Joseph P. Barri /s/Robert L. Butler
- ------------------ -------------------
Joseph P. Barri Robert L. Butler
Clerk President
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-7825
SALES AGREEMENT
Gentlemen:
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. (PFD), acts as principal underwriter, as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, for the registered investment
companies (the "Funds") listed on Appendix A attached (as amended from time to
time by PFD.) Acting as a principal, PFD offers to sell shares of the Funds
subject to the conditions set forth in this agreement and subsequent amendments
thereto.
1. Shares purchased from PFD for sale to the public shall be offered and
sold at the price or prices, and on the terms and conditions, set forth in the
currently effective prospectus of the Funds, as amended or supplemented from
time to time (the "Prospectus" or "Prospectuses"). In the sale of such shares to
the public you shall act as dealer for your own account or as agent for your
customer and in no transaction shall you have any authority to act or hold
yourself out as agent for PFD, any of the Funds, the Funds' Custodians, the
Funds' Transfer agent, or any other party, and nothing in this agreement shall
constitute you a partner, employee or agent of ours or give you any authority to
act for PFD. Neither PFD nor the funds shall be liable for any of your acts or
obligations as a broker-dealer under this agreement. Nothing herein shall be
construed to prohibit your acting as agent for one or both customers in the sale
of shares by one customer to another and charging such customer(s) a reasonable
commission.
2. Shares purchased from PFD for sale to the public shall be purchased
only to cover orders previously received by you from your customers. Shares
purchased for your own bona fide investment shall not be reoffered or sold
except to the applicable Fund or to PFD. PFD also agrees to purchase shares only
for investment or to cover orders received.
3. If you purchase shares from your customers, you agree to pay such
customers not less than the redemption price in effect on the date of purchase,
as defined in the prospectus of the applicable Fund. Sales of shares at prices
reflecting a discount, concession, commission or other reallowance shall be made
only to registered broker-dealers which are members of the National Association
of Securities Dealers Inc. (NASD) and who also have entered into sales
agreements with PFD.
4. Only unconditional orders for a designated number of shares or dollar
amount of investment shall be accepted. Procedures relating to handling orders
shall be conveyed to you from time to time. All orders are subject to acceptance
or rejection by PFD in our sole discretion.
5. If any shares sold to or through you under the terms of this agreement
are repurchased by PFD or by the issuer or are tendered for redemption within
seven business days after the date of our confirmation of the original purchase
by you, we both agree to pay to the Fund all commissions on such shares.
6. Sales by you to the public shall earn a commission computed as a
percentage of the applicable offering price and which varies with the size and
nature of each such purchase. The terms and conditions affecting the applicable
offering prices on shares sold with a front-end sales charge , including
features such as combined purchase, rights of accumulation, Letters of Intention
and net asset value purchases, are described in the prospectuses. The schedules
of commissions generally payable with respect to sales of the Funds are outlined
on Appendix A to this agreement. Commission checks for less than $1 will not be
issued.
PFD may, from time to time, offer additional commissions or bonuses on
sales by you or your representatives without otherwise revising this agreement.
Any such additional commissions or bonuses shall take effect in accordance with
the terms and conditions contained in written notification to you.
7. Remittance of the net amount due for shares purchased from PFD shall
be made payable to Pioneering Services Corporation (PSC) Agent for the
Underwriter, in New York or Boston funds, within three days of our confirmation
of sale to you, or within such shorter time as specified by the rules of the
NASD or of a registered clearing agent through which the transaction is settled.
Payments made to PSC should be sent to Post Office Box 9014, Boston, MA 02205
(or wired to an account designated by PSC), along with your transfer
instructions on the appropriate copy of our confirmation of sale to you. If such
payment is not received by PSC, we reserve the right to liquidate the shares
purchased for your account and risk. Promptly upon receipt of payment, shares
sold to you shall be deposited by PSC to an account on the books of the Fund(s)
in accordance with your instructions. Certificates will not be issued unless
specifically requested and we reserve the right to levy a charge for issuance of
certificates.
8. You represent that you are and, at the time of purchasing any shares
of the Funds, will be registered as a broker-dealer with the US. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) or are exempt from such registration; if required to
be registered as a broker-dealer you are a member in good standing of the NASD;
you are qualified to act as a broker-dealer in the states or jurisdictions in
which you intend to offer shares of the Funds; you will abide by all applicable
federal and state statutes and the rules of the NASD; and when making sales to
citizens or residents of foreign countries, that you will abide by all
applicable laws and regulations of that country. Expulsion or suspension from
the NASD or revocation or suspension of SEC registration shall act as an
immediate cancellation of this agreement.
9. No person is authorized to make any representations concerning shares
of any of the Funds except those contained in the then current Prospectus or
Statement of Additional Information for such Fund. In purchasing shares from PFD
you shall rely solely on the representations contained in such Prospectuses and
Statements of Additional Information.
10. Additional copies of the current prospectuses, Statements of
Additional Information (SAI), and other literature will be supplied in
reasonable quantities upon request.
<PAGE>
11. We reserve the right in our discretion to suspend sales or withdraw
the offering of shares of any Fund entirely. Either party hereto has the right
to cancel this agreement upon five days' written notice to the other party. We
reserve the right to amend this agreement at any time and you agree that an
order to purchase shares of any one of the Funds placed by you after notice of
such amendment has been sent to you shall constitute your agreement to any such
amendment.
12. All written communications to PFD should be sent to the above address.
All written communications to you will be sent to your address listed below.
13. This agreement shall become effective upon receipt by us of your
acceptance hereof and supersedes any prior agreement between us with respect to
the sales of Shares of any of the Funds.
14. This agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
Massachusetts. The parties hereby agree that all disputes between us of whatever
subject matter, whether existing on the date hereof or arising hereafter, shall
be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the then current Code of
Arbitration Procedure of the NASD, the Uniform Arbitration Act or similar rules.
Arbitration shall take place in the city of Boston, Massachusetts. Any decision
that shall be made in such arbitration shall be final and binding and shall have
the same force and effect as a judgment made in a court of competent
jurisdiction.
15. You appoint the transfer agent for each Fund as your agent to execute
the purchase transactions of Shares of such Fund in accordance with the terms
and provisions of any account, program, plan or service established or used by
your customers and to confirm each purchase to your customers on your behalf,
except as modified in writing by the transfer agent, and you guarantee to us and
the Fund the legal capacity of your customers so purchasing such Shares and any
other person in whose name the Shares are to be registered.
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
Date: ,
By:__________________________________
William A. Misata
Vice President
The undersigned hereby accepts the offer set forth in above letter.
By:__________________________________________________
Title:________________________________________________
RETAIN ONE COPY AND RETURN THE OTHER
<PAGE>
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 742-7825
SUPPLEMENTAL SALES AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
You have entered into a Sales Agreement with Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc.
("PFD") with respect to the Pioneer mutual funds for which PFD serves as
principal underwriter ("the Funds").
This agreement incorporates and supplements that agreement. In consideration of
your sales of shares of the Funds, for providing services to shareholders of the
Funds and of the Pioneer money market funds and assisting PFD and its affiliates
in providing such services, we are authorized to pay you certain service fees as
specified herein. Receipt by you of any such service fees is subject to the
terms and conditions contained in the Funds' prospectuses and/or specified
below, as may be amended from time to time.
1. You agree to cooperate as requested with programs that the Funds, PFD or
their affiliates provide to enhance shareholder service.
2. You agree to take an active role in providing such shareholder services as
processing purchase and redemption transactions and, where applicable, exchanges
and account transfers; establishing and maintaining shareholder accounts;
providing certain information and assistance with respect to the Funds;
responding to shareholder inquiries or advising us of such inquiries where
appropriate.
3., You agree to assign an active registered representative to each shareholder
account on your and our records and to reassign accounts when registered
representatives leave your firm. You also agree, with respect to accounts which
are held in nominee or "street" name, to provide such documentation and
verification that active representatives are assigned to all such accounts as
PFD may require from time to time.
4. You agree to pay to the registered representatives assigned to shareholder
accounts a share of any service fees paid to you pursuant to this agreement. You
also agree to instruct your representatives to regularly contact shareholders
whose accounts are assigned to them.
5. You acknowledge that service fee payments are subject to terms and conditions
set forth herein and in the Funds' prospectuses, Statements of Additional
Information and Plans of Distribution and that this agreement may be terminated
by either party at any time by written notice to the other. Any order to
purchase or sell shares received by PFD from you subsequent to the date of our
notification to you of an amendment of the Agreement shall be deemed to be your
acceptance of such an amendment.
6. You acknowledge that your continued participation in this agreement is
subject to your providing a level of support to PFD's marketing and shareholder
retention efforts that is deemed acceptable by PFD. Factors which may be
considered by PFD in this respect include, but are not limited to, the level of
shareholder redemptions, the level of assistance in disseminating shareholder
communications, reasonable access to your offices and/or representatives by PFD
wholesalers or other employees and whether your compensation system or
"preferential list" unduly discriminates against the sale of shares of the
Funds.
7. Service fees will generally be paid quarterly, at the rates and under the
conditions specified on schedule A hereto.
8. All communications to PFD should be sent to the above address. Any notice to
you shall be duly given if mailed or telegraphed to the address specified by you
below. This agreement, in conjunction with the Sales Agreement, describes the
complete understanding of the parties.
This agreement shall be construed under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
Accepted: Execute this Agreement in duplicate
and return one ofthe duplicate originals to us.
By:___________________________
By:_________________________________________
Title:________________________ William A. Misata
Vice President
RETAIN ONE COPY AND RETURN THE OTHER
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTAL SALES AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
WITH PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
SCHEDULE A
1. Except as specified in Section 4 below, service fees on the aggregate
net asset value of each account assigned to you in Pioneer Fund, Pioneer II, and
Pioneer Mid-Cap Fund** will be paid at the rate of:
a. 0.15% annually on shares acquired prior to August 19, 1991.
b. 0.25% annually on shares acquired on or after August 19, 1991.
2. Except as specified in Section 4 below, service fees on the aggregate
net asset value of each account assigned to you in:
Pioneer Fund Pioneer II
Pioneer America Income Trust Pioneer International Growth Fund
Pioneer Bond Fund Pioneer Growth Shares
Pioneer Intermediate Tax-Free Fund Pioneer Real Estate Shares
Pioneer Europe Fund Pioneer Income Fund
Pioneer Capital Growth Fund Pioneer Tax-Free Income Fund
Pioneer Equity-Income Fund Pioneer Short-Term Income Trust
Pioneer Gold Shares Pioneer India Fund
Pioneer Emerging Markets Fund Pioneer Small Company Fund*
will be paid at the rate of:
a. 0.15% annually if the shares are acquired on or after August 19, 1991,
as a result of an exchange from Pioneer Fund, Pioneer II, or Pioneer Mid-Cap
Fund** of shares owned prior to August 19, 1991.
b. 0.25% annually on all other shares.
3. Except as specified in Section 4 below, service fees will be paid at an
annual rate of 0.15% of the aggregate net asset value of each account assigned
to you in:
Pioneer Cash Reserves Fund
4. Exceptions -- Service fees will not be paid on accounts representing:
a. Purchases by you or your affiliates, employees or
representatives.
b Shares which were purchased at net asset value, except for sales
of the money market funds or sales on which you are paid a
commission and which are subject to the contingent deferred sales
charge described in the funds' prospectuses.
c. "House" accounts or any other accounts not assigned to an active
registered representative(s).
d. Accounts established in Pioneer Bond Fund prior to January 1,
1986.
e. Service fees of less than $50 per calendar quarter will not be
paid.
f. Pioneer reserves the right to reduce the service fee paid on
individual accounts of more than $10 million.
g. First year services fees on shares subject to a CDSC are at the
rate of 0.25% and are prepaid as part of the initial sales
commission.
5. Service fees on shares sold with a front-end sales charge normally
begin to be earned as soon as the transaction settles, unless specified
otherwise in the fund prospectus. Since the commission on shares sold with a
CDSC includes a prepaid one year service fee , periodic service fees on such
shares are paid beginning one year following the transaction.
6. Service Fees of 1% on class C shares will begin after first year.
* Service fees begin accruing January 1, 1996
** Formerly Pioneer Three Fund
AGREEMENT BETWEEN
BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
AND
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
l. Employment of Custodian 1
2. Powers and Duties of the Custodian
with respect to Property of the Fund
held by the Custodian in the United States 1
A. Safekeeping 2
B. Manner of Holding Securities 2
C. Registered Name; Nominee 2
D. Purchases 2
E. Exchanges 4
F. Sales of Securities 4
G. Depositary Receipts 5
H. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers 6
I. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. 6
J. Options 6
K. Borrowings 7
L. Demand Deposit Bank Accounts 7
M. Interest Bearing Call or Time Deposits 8
N. Foreign Exchange Transactions
and Futures Contracts 9
O. Stock Loans 10
P. Collections 10
Q. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions 11
R. Proxies, Notices, Etc. 12
S. Nondiscretionary Details 13
T. Bills 13
U. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems 13
V. Other Transfers 15
W. Investment Limitations 16
X. Proper Instructions 16
Y. Segregated Account 18
3. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with
Respect to the Appointment of Subcustodians
Outside the United States 19
4. Assistance by the Custodian as to Certain Matters 24
5. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with
Respect to its Role as Financial Agent 24
A. Records 24
B. Accounts 24
C. Access to Records 24
D. Calculation of Net Asset Value 25
E. Disbursements 30
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<PAGE>
6. Standard of Care and Related Matters 30
A. Liability of the Custodian with
Respect to Proper Instructions;
Evidence of Authority; Etc. 30
B. Liability of the Custodian with
Respect to Use of Securities System 31
C. Liability of the Custodian with
respect to Subcustodians 32
D. Standard of Care; Liability;
Indemnification 32
E. Reimbursement of Advances 34
F. Security for Obligations to Custodian 34
G. Appointment of Agents 35
H. Powers of Attorney 35
7. Compensation of the Custodian 36
8. Termination; Successor Custodian 36
9. Amendment 37
10. Governing Law 37
ll. Notices 37
12. Binding Effect 38
13. Counterparts 38
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<PAGE>
CUSTODIAN AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT made this __day of __, 1996, between PIONEER WORLD EQUITY
FUND (the "Fund") and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (the "Custodian");
WITNESSETH: That in consideration of the mutual covenants and
agreements herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Employment of Custodian: The Fund hereby employs and appoints the
Custodian as a custodian for the term and subject to the provisions of this
Agreement. The Custodian shall not be under any duty or obligation to require
the Fund to deliver to it any securities or funds owned by the Fund and shall
have no responsibility or liability for or on account of securities or funds not
so delivered. The Fund will deposit with the Custodian copies of the Declaration
of Trust or Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws (or comparable documents)
of the Fund and all amendments thereto, and copies of such votes and other
proceedings of the Fund as may be necessary for or convenient to the Custodian
in the performance of its duties.
2. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with respect to Property of the
Fund held by the Custodian in the United States: Except for securities and funds
held by any Subcustodians appointed pursuant to the provisions of Section 3
hereof, the Custodian shall have and perform the following powers and duties:
-4-
<PAGE>
A. Safekeeping - To keep safely the securities and other assets of the
Fund that have been delivered to the Custodian and, on behalf of the Fund, from
time to time to receive delivery of securities for safekeeping.
B. Manner of Holding Securities - To hold securities of the Fund (1) by
physical possession of the share certificates or other instruments representing
such securities in registered or bearer form, or (2) in book-entry form by a
Securities System (as said term is defined in Section 2U).
C. Registered Name; Nominee - To hold registered securities of the Fund
(1) in the name or any nominee name of the Custodian or the Fund, or in the name
or any nominee name of any Agent appointed pursuant to Section 6F, or (2) in
street certificate form, so-called, and in any case with or without any
indication of fiduciary capacity, provided that securities are held in an
account of the Custodian containing only assets of the Fund or only assets held
as fiduciary or custodian for customers.
D. Purchases - Upon receipt of Proper Instructions, as defined in
Section X on Page 16, insofar as funds are available for the purpose, to pay for
and receive securities purchased for the account of the Fund, payment being made
only upon receipt of the securities (1) by the Custodian, or (2) by a clearing
corporation of a national securities exchange of which the Custodian is a
member, or (3) by a Securities System. However, (i) in the case of repurchase
agreements entered into by the Fund, the Custodian (as well as an Agent) may
-5-
<PAGE>
release funds to a Securities System or to a Subcustodian prior to the receipt
of advice from the Securities System or Subcustodian that the securities
underlying such repurchase agreement have been transferred by book entry into
the Account (as defined in Section 2U) of the Custodian (or such Agent)
maintained with such Securities System or Subcustodian, so long as such payment
instructions to the Securities System or Subcustodian include a requirement that
delivery is only against payment for securities, (ii) in the case of foreign
exchange contracts options, time deposits, call account deposits, currency
deposits, and other deposits, contracts or options pursuant to Sections 2J, 2L,
2M and 2N, the Custodian may make payment therefor without receiving an
instrument evidencing said deposit, contract or option so long as such payment
instructions detail specific securities to be acquired, and (iii) in the case of
securities in which payment for the security and receipt of the instrument
evidencing the security are under generally accepted trade practice or the terms
of the instrument representing the security expected to take place in different
locations or through separate parties, such as commercial paper which is indexed
to foreign currency exchange rates, derivatives and similar securities the
Custodian may make payment for such securities prior to delivery thereof in
accordance with such generally accepted trade practice or the terms of the
instrument representing such security.
-6-
<PAGE>
E. Exchanges - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to exchange
securities held by it for the account of the Fund for other securities in
connection with any reorganization, recapitalization, split-up of shares, change
of par value, conversion or other event, relating to the securities or the
issuer of such securities, and to deposit any such securities in accordance with
the terms of any reorganization or protective plan. Without proper instructions,
the Custodian may surrender securities in temporary form for definitive
securities, may surrender securities for transfer into a name or nominee name as
permitted in Section 2C, and may surrender securities for a different number of
certificates or instruments representing the same number of shares or same
principal amount of indebtedness, provided the securities to be issued are to be
delivered to the Custodian and further provided the Custodian shall at the time
of surrendering securities or instruments receive a receipt or other evidence of
ownership thereof.
F. Sales of Securities - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to make
delivery of securities which have been sold for the account of the Fund, but
only against payment therefor (1) in cash, by a certified check, bank cashier's
check, bank credit, or bank wire transfer or (2) by credit to the account of the
Custodian with a clearing corporation of a national securities exchange of which
the Custodian is a member, or (3) by credit to the account of the Custodian or
an Agent of the Custodian with a Securities System; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that (i)
in the case of delivery of physical
-7-
<PAGE>
certificates or instruments representing securities, the Custodian may make
delivery to the broker buying the securities, against receipt therefor, for
examination in accordance with "street delivery" custom, provided that the
payment therefor is to be made to the Custodian (which payment may be made by a
broker's check) or that such securities are to be returned to the Custodian, and
(ii) in the case of securities referred to in clause (iii) of the last sentence
of Section 2D, the Custodian may make settlement, including with respect to the
form of payment, in accordance with generally accepted trade practice relating
to such securities or the terms of the instrument representing said security.
G. Depositary Receipts - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to
instruct a Subcustodian or an Agent to surrender securities to the depositary
used by an issuer of American Depositary Receipts or International Depositary
Receipts (hereinafter collectively referred to as "ADRs") for such securities
against a written receipt therefor adequately describing such securities and
written evidence satisfactory to the Subcustodian or Agent that the depositary
has acknowledged receipt of instructions to issue with respect to such
securities ADRs in the name of the Custodian, or a nominee of the Custodian, for
delivery to the Custodian in Boston, Massachusetts, or at such other place as
the Custodian may from time to time designate.
-8-
<PAGE>
Upon receipt of proper instructions, to surrender ADRs to the issuer
thereof against a written receipt therefor adequately describing the ADRs
surrendered and written evidence satisfactory to the Custodian that the issuer
of the ADRs has acknowledged receipt of instructions to cause its depositary to
deliver the securities underlying such ADRs to a Subcustodian or an Agent.
H. Exercise of Rights; Tender Offers - Upon timely receipt of proper
instructions, to deliver to the issuer or trustee thereof, or to the agent of
either, warrants, puts, calls, rights or similar securities for the purpose of
being exercised or sold, provided that the new securities and cash, if any,
acquired by such action are to be delivered to the Custodian, and, upon receipt
of proper instructions, to deposit securities upon invitations for tenders of
securities, provided that the consideration is to be paid or delivered or the
tendered securities are to be returned to the Custodian.
I. Stock Dividends, Rights, Etc. - To receive and collect all stock
dividends, rights and other items of like nature; and to deal with the same
pursuant to proper instructions relative thereto.
J. Options - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to receive and retain
confirmations or other documents evidencing the purchase or writing of an option
on a security or securities index by the Fund; to deposit and maintain in a
segregated account, either physically or by book-entry in a Securities System,
securities subject to a covered call option written by the Fund; and to release
and/or transfer such securities or other assets only in accordance with the
provisions of
-9-
<PAGE>
any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer relating to such
securities or other assets a notice or other communication evidencing the
expiration, termination or exercise of such covered option furnished by The
Options Clearing Corporation, the securities or options exchange on which such
covered option is traded or such other organization as may be responsible for
handling such options transactions.
K. Borrowings - Upon receipt of proper instructions to deliver
securities of the Fund to lenders or their agents as collateral for borrowings
effected by the Fund, provided that such borrowed money is payable to or upon
the Custodian's order as Custodian for the Fund.
L. Demand Deposit Bank Accounts - To open and operate an account or
accounts in the name of the Fund on the Custodian's books subject only to draft
or order by the Custodian. All funds received by the Custodian from or for the
account of the Fund shall be deposited in said account(s). The responsibilities
of the Custodian to the Fund for deposits accepted on the Custodian's books
shall be that of a U. S. bank for a similar deposit.
If and when authorized by proper instructions, the Custodian may open
and operate an additional account(s) in such other banks or trust companies as
may be designated by the Fund in such instructions (any such bank or trust
company so designated by the Fund being referred to hereafter as a "Banking
Institution"), provided that such account(s) (hereinafter collectively referred
to as "demand deposit bank accounts") shall be in the name of the Custodian for
account of the
-10-
<PAGE>
Fund and subject only to the Custodian's draft or order. Such demand deposit
accounts may be opened with Banking Institutions in the United States and in
other countries and may be denominated in either U. S. Dollars or other
currencies as the Fund may determine. All such deposits shall be deemed to be
portfolio securities of the Fund and accordingly the responsibility of the
Custodian therefore shall be the same as and no greater than the Custodian's
responsibility in respect of other portfolio securities of the Fund.
M. Interest Bearing Call or Time Deposits - To place interest bearing
fixed term and call deposits with such banks and in such amounts as the Fund may
authorize pursuant to proper instructions. Such deposits may be placed with the
Custodian or with Subcustodians or other Banking Institutions as the Fund may
determine. Deposits may be denominated in U. S. Dollars or other currencies and
need not be evidenced by the issuance or delivery of a certificate to the
Custodian, provided that the Custodian shall include in its records with respect
to the assets of the Fund appropriate notation as to the amount and currency of
each such deposit, the accepting Banking Institution and other appropriate
details, and shall retain such forms of advice or receipt evidencing the
deposit, if any, as may be forwarded to the Custodian by the Banking
Institution. Such deposits, other than those placed with the Custodian, shall be
deemed portfolio securities of the Fund and the responsibilities of the
Custodian therefor shall be the same as those for demand deposit bank accounts
placed with other banks, as described in Section L of this Agreement.
-11-
<PAGE>
The responsibility of the Custodian for such deposits accepted on the
Custodian's books shall be that of a U.S. bank for a similar deposit.
N. Foreign Exchange Transactions and Futures Contracts - Pursuant to
proper instructions, to enter into foreign exchange contracts or options to
purchase and sell foreign currencies for spot and future delivery on behalf and
for the account of the Fund. Such transactions may be undertaken by the
Custodian with such Banking Institutions, including the Custodian and
Subcustodian(s) as principals, as approved and authorized by the Fund. Foreign
exchange contracts and options other than those executed with the Custodian,
shall be deemed to be portfolio securities of the Fund and the responsibilities
of the Custodian therefor shall be the same as those for demand deposit bank
accounts placed with other banks as described in Section 2-L of this agreement.
Upon receipt of proper instructions, to receive and retain confirmations
evidencing the purchase or sale of a futures contract or an option on a futures
contract by the Fund; to deposit and maintain in a segregated account, for the
benefit of any futures commission merchant or to pay to such futures commission
merchant, assets designated by the fund as initial, maintenance or variation
"margin" deposits intended to secure the Fund's performance of its obligations
under any futures contracts purchased or sold or any options on futures
contracts written by the Fund, in accordance with the provisions of any
agreement or agreements among any of the Fund, the Custodian and such futures
commission merchant, designated to comply with the rules of the Commodity
Futures
-12-
<PAGE>
Trading Commission and/or any contract market, or any similar organization or
organizations, regarding such margin deposits; and to release and/or transfer
assets in such margin accounts only in accordance with any such agreements or
rules.
O. Stock Loans - Upon receipt of proper instructions to deliver
securities of the Fund, in connection with loans of securities by the Fund, to
the borrower thereof prior to receipt of the collateral, if any, for such
borrowing, provided that for stock loans secured by cash collateral the
Custodian's instructions to the Securities System require that the Securities
System may deliver the securities to the borrower thereof only upon receipt of
the collateral for such borrowing.
P. Collections - To collect, receive and deposit in said account or
accounts all income, payments of principal and other payments with respect to
the securities held hereunder, and in connection therewith to deliver the
certificates or other instruments representing the securities to the issuer
thereof or its agent when securities are called, redeemed, retired or otherwise
become payable; provided, that the payment is to be made in such form and manner
and at such time, which may be after delivery by the Custodian of the instrument
representing the security, as is in accordance with the terms of the instrument
representing the security, or such proper instructions as the Custodian may
receive, or governmental regulations, the rules of Securities Systems or other
U.S. securities depositories and clearing agencies or, with respect to
securities referred to in clause (iii) of
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<PAGE>
the last sentence of Section 2D, in accordance with generally accepted trade
practice; (ii) to execute ownership and other certificates and affidavits for
all federal and state tax purposes in connection with receipt of income or other
payments with respect to securities of the Fund or in connection with transfer
of securities, and (iii) pursuant to proper instructions to take such other
actions with respect to collection or receipt of funds or transfer of securities
which involve an investment decision.
Q. Dividends, Distributions and Redemptions - Upon receipt of proper
instructions from the Fund, or upon receipt of instructions from the Fund's
shareholder servicing agent or agent with comparable duties (the "Shareholder
Servicing Agent") (given by such person or persons and in such manner on behalf
of the Shareholder Servicing Agent as the Fund shall have authorized), the
Custodian shall release funds or securities to the Shareholder Servicing Agent
or otherwise apply funds or securities, insofar as available, for the payment of
dividends or other distributions to Fund shareholders. Upon receipt of proper
instructions from the Fund, or upon receipt of instructions from the Shareholder
Servicing Agent (given by such person or persons and in such manner on behalf of
the Shareholder Servicing Agent as the Fund shall have authorized), the
Custodian shall release funds or securities, insofar as available, to the
Shareholder Servicing Agent or as such Agent shall otherwise instruct for
payment to Fund shareholders who have delivered to such Agent a request for
repurchase or redemption of their shares of capital stock of the Fund.
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R. Proxies, Notices, Etc. - Promptly to deliver or mail to the Fund all
forms of proxies and all notices of meetings and any other notices or
announcements affecting or relating to securities owned by the Fund that are
received by the Custodian, and upon receipt of proper instructions, to execute
and deliver or cause its nominee to execute and deliver such proxies or other
authorizations as may be required. Neither the Custodian nor its nominee shall
vote upon any of such securities or execute any proxy to vote thereon or give
any consent or take any other action with respect thereto (except as otherwise
herein provided) unless ordered to do so by proper instructions.
S. Nondiscretionary Details - Without the necessity of express
authorization from the Fund, to attend to all nondiscretionary details in
connection with the sale, exchange, substitution, purchase, transfer or other
dealings with securities, funds or other property of the Portfolio held by the
Custodian except as otherwise directed from time to time by the Directors or
Trustees of the Fund.
T. Bills - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to pay or cause to be
paid, insofar as funds are available for the purpose bills, statements, or other
obligations of the Fund.
U. Deposit of Fund Assets in Securities Systems - The Custodian may
deposit and/or maintain securities owned by the Fund in (i) The Depository Trust
Company, (ii) any book-entry system as provided in Subpart O of Treasury
Circular No. 300, 31 CFR 306, Subpart B of 31 CFR Part 350, or the book-entry
regulations of federal agenci
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s substantially in the form of Subpart O, or (iii) any other domestic clearing
agency registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 17A
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which acts as a securities depository and
whose use the Fund has previously approved in writing (each of the foregoing
being referred to in this Agreement as a "Securities System"). Utilization of a
Securities System shall be in accordance with applicable Federal Reserve Board
and Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, if any, and
subject to the following provisions:
1) The Custodian may deposit and/or maintain Fund securities, either
directly or through one or more Agents appointed by the Custodian (provided that
any such agent shall be qualified to act as a custodian of the Fund pursuant to
the Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder), in
a Securities System provided that such securities are represented in an account
("Account") of the Custodian or such Agent in the Securities System which shall
not include any assets of the Custodian or Agent other than assets held as a
fiduciary, custodian, or otherwise for customers;
2) The records of the Custodian with respect to securities of the Fund
which are maintained in a Securities System shall identify by book-entry those
securities belonging to the Fund;
3) The Custodian shall pay for securities purchased for the account of
the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the Securities System that such
securities have been transferred to the Account, and
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(ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to reflect such
payment and transfer for the account of the Fund. The Custodian shall transfer
securities sold for the account of the Fund upon (i) receipt of advice from the
Securities System that payment for such securities has been transferred to the
Account, and (ii) the making of an entry on the records of the Custodian to
reflect such transfer and payment for the account of the Fund. Copies of all
advices from the Securities System of transfers of securities for the account of
the Fund shall identify the Fund, be maintained for the Fund by the Custodian or
an Agent as referred to above, and be provided to the Fund at its request. The
Custodian shall furnish the Fund confirmation of each transfer to or from the
account of the Fund in the form of a written advice or notice and shall furnish
to the Fund copies of daily transaction sheets reflecting each day's
transactions in the Securities System for the account of the Fund on the next
business day;
4) The Custodian shall provide the Fund with any report obtained by the
Custodian or any Agent as referred to above on the Securities System's
accounting system, internal accounting control and procedures for safeguarding
securities deposited in the Securities System; and the Custodian and such Agents
shall send to the Fund such reports on their own systems of internal accounting
control as the Fund may reasonably request from time to time.
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5) At the written request of the Fund, the Custodian will terminate the
use of any such Securities System on behalf of the Fund as promptly as
practicable.
V. Other Transfers - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to deliver
securities, funds and other property of the Fund to a Subcustodian or another
custodian of the Fund; and, upon receipt of proper instructions, to make such
other disposition of securities, funds or other property of the Fund in a manner
other than or for purposes other than as enumerated elsewhere in this Agreement,
provided that the instuctions relating to such disposition shall include a
statement of the purpose for which the delivery is to be made, the amount of
securities to be delivered and the name of the person or persons to whom
delivery is to be made.
W. Investment Limitations - In performing its duties generally, and
more particularly in connection with the purchase, sale and exchange of
securities made by or for the Fund, the Custodian may assume unless and until
notified in writing to the contrary that proper instructions received by it are
not in conflict with or in any way contrary to any provisions of the Fund's
Declaration of Trust or Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws (or comparable
documents) or votes or proceedings of the shareholders or Directors of the Fund.
The Custodian shall in no event be liable to the Fund and shall be indemnified
by the Fund for any violation which occurs in the course of carrying out
instructions given by the Fund of any investment limitations to which the Fund
is subject or other limitations with
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respect to the Fund's powers to make expenditures, encumber securities, borrow
or take similar actions affecting the Fund.
X. Proper Instructions - Proper instructions shall mean a tested telex
from the Fund or a written request, direction, instruction or certification
signed or initialled on behalf of the Fund by one or more person or persons as
the Board of Trustees or Directors of the Fund shall have from time to time
authorized, provided, however, that no such instructions directing the delivery
of securities or the payment of funds to an authorized signatory of the Fund
shall be signed by such person. Those persons authorized to give proper
instructions may be identified by the Board of Trustees or Directors by name,
title or position and will include at least one officer empowered by the Board
to name other individuals who are authorized to give proper instructions on
behalf of the Fund. Telephonic or other oral instructions given by any one of
the above persons will be considered proper instructions if the Custodian
reasonably believes them to have been given by a person authorized to give such
instructions with respect to the transaction involved. Oral instructions will be
confirmed by tested telex or in writing in the manner set forth above but the
lack of such confirmation shall in no way affect any action taken by the
Custodian in reliance upon such oral instructions. The Fund authorizes the
Custodian to tape record any and all telephonic or other oral instructions given
to the Custodian by or on behalf of the Fund (including any of its officers,
Trustees, Directors, employees or agents) and will deliver to the
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Custodian a similar authorization from any investment manager or adviser or
person or entity with similar reponsibilities which is authorized to give proper
instructions on behalf of the Fund to the Custodian. Proper instructions may
relate to specific transactions or to types or classes of transactions, and may
be in the form of standing instructions.
Proper instructions may include communications effected directly between
electro-mechanical or electronic devices or systems, in addition to tested
telex, provided that the Fund and the Custodian agree to the use of such device
or system.
Y. Segregated Account - The Custodian shall upon receipt of proper
instructions establish and maintain on its books a segregated account or
accounts for and on behalf of the Fund, into which account or accounts may be
transferred cash and/or securities of the Fund, including securities maintained
by the Custodian pursuant to Section 2U hereof, (i) in accordance with the
provisions of any agreement among the Fund, the Custodian and a broker-dealer
registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a member of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (or any futures commission
merchant registered under the Commodity Exchange Act) relating to compliance
with the rules of the Options Clearing Corporation and of any registered
national securities exchange (or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or any
registered contract market), or any similar organization or organizations,
regarding escrow or other arrangements in connection with transactions by the
Fund, (ii) for purposes of
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segregating cash or securities in connection with options purchased, sold or
written by the Fund or commodity futures contracts or options thereon purchased
or sold by the Fund, (iii) for the purposes of compliance by the Fund with the
procedures required by Investment Company Act Release No. 10666, or any
subsequent release or releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission
relating to the maintenance of segregated accounts by registered investment
companies, and (iv) as mutually agreed from time to time between the Fund and
the Custodian.
3. POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CUSTODIAN WITH RESPECT TO THE APPOINTMENT
OF SUBCUSTODIANS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: Securities, funds and other property
of the Fund may be held by subcustodians appointed pursuant to the provisions of
this Section 3 (a "Subcustodian"). The Custodian may, at any time and from time
to time, appoint any bank or trust company (meeting the requirements of a
custodian or an "eligible foreign custodian" under the Investment Company Act of
1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder) to act as a Subcustodian for the
Fund, and the Custodian may also utilize directly and any Subcustodian may
utilize such securities depositories located outside the United States (as shall
be approved in writing by Fund) and as meet the requirements of an "eligible
foreign custodian" as aforesaid, provided that the Fund shall have approved in
writing (1) any such bank or trust company and the subcustodian agreement to be
entered into between such bank or trust company and the Custodian, and (2) if
the Subcustodian is a bank organized under the laws of a country other than the
United States, the country or countries in
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which the Subcustodian is authorized to hold securities, cash and other property
of the Fund, and (3) the securities depositories, if any, through which the
Subcustodian or the Custodian is authorized to hold securities, cash and other
property of the Fund. Upon such approval by the Fund, the Custodian is
authorized on behalf of the Fund to notify each Subcustodian of its appointment
as such. The Custodian may, at any time in its discretion, remove any bank or
trust company that has been appointed as a Subcustodian but will promptly notify
the Fund of any such action.
Those Subcustodians, and the countries where and the securities
depositories through which they or the Custodian may hold securities, cash and
other property of the Fund which the Fund has approved to date are set forth on
Appendix A hereto. Such Appendix shall be amended from time to time as
Subcustodians, and/or countries and/or securities depositories are changed,
added or deleted. The Fund shall be responsible for informing the Custodian
sufficiently in advance of a proposed investment which is to be held in a
country not listed on Appendix A, in order that there shall be sufficient time
for the Fund to give the approval required by the preceding paragraph and for
the Custodian to put the appropriate arrangements in place with such
Subcustodian, including negotiation of a subcustodian agreement and submission
of such subcustodian agreement to the Fund for approval.
If the Fund shall have invested in a security to be held in a country
before the foregoing procedures have been completed, such
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security shall be held by such agent as the Custodian may appoint. In any event,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for the actions of such agent if and
only to the extent the Custodian shall have recovered from such agent for any
damages caused the Fund by such agent. At the request of the Fund, Custodian
agrees to remove any securities held on behalf of the Fund by such agent, if
practical, to an approved Subcustodian. Under such circumstances Custodian will
collect income and respond to corporate actions on a best efforts basis.
With respect to securities and funds held by a Subcustodian, either
directly or indirectly (including by a securities depository or clearing
agency), notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary,
payment for securities purchased and delivery of securities sold may be made
prior to receipt of the securities or payment, respectively, and securities or
payment may be received in a form, in accordance with governmental regulations,
rules of securities depositories and clearing agencies, or generally accepted
trade practice in the applicable local market.
With respect to the securities and funds held by a Subcustodian, either
directly or indirectly, (including by a securities depository or a clearing
agency) including demand and interest bearing deposits, currencies or other
deposits and foreign exchange contracts as referred to in Sections 2L, 2M or 2N,
the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund if and only to the extent that such
Subcustodian is liable to the Custodian and the Custodian recovers under the
applicable
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<PAGE>
subcustodian agreement. The Custodian shall nevertheless be liable to the Fund
for its own negligence in transmitting any instructions received by it from the
Fund and for its own negligence in connection with the delivery of any
securities or funds held by it to any such Subcustodian.
In the event that any Subcustodian appointed pursuant to the provisions
of this Section 3 fails to perform any of its obligations under the terms and
conditions of the applicable subcustodian agreement, the Custodian shall use its
best efforts to cause such Subcustodian to perform such obligations. In the
event that the Custodian is unable to cause such Subcustodian to perform fully
its obligations thereunder, the Custodian shall forthwith upon the Fund's
request terminate such Subcustodian in accordance with the termination
provisions under the applicable subcustodian agreement and, if necessary or
desirable, appoint another subcustodian in accordance with the provisions of
this Section 3. At the election of the Fund, it shall have the right to enforce,
to the extent permitted by the subcustodian agreement and applicable law, the
Custodian's rights against any such Subcustodian for loss or damage caused the
Fund by such Subcustodian.
At the written request of the Fund, the Custodian will terminate any
subcustodian appointed pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3 in
accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable subcustodian
agreement. The Custodian will not amend any subcustodian
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agreement or agree to change or permit any changes thereunder except upon the
prior written approval of the Fund.
The Custodian may, at any time in its discretion upon notification to
the Fund, terminate any Subcustodian of the Fund in accordance with the
termination provisions under the applicable Subcustodian Agreement, and at the
written request of the Fund, the Custodian will terminate any Subcustodian in
accordance with the termination provisions under the applicable Subcustodian
Agreement.
If necessary or desirable, the Custodian may appoint another
subcustodian to replace a Subcustodian terminated pursuant to the foregoing
provisions of this Section 3, such appointment to be made upon approval of the
successor subcustodian by the Fund's Board of Directors or Trustees in
accordance with the provisions of this Section 3.
In the event the Custodian receives a claim from a Subcustodian under
the indemnification provisions of any subcustodian agreement, the Custodian
shall promptly give written notice to the Fund of such claim. No more than
thirty days after written notice to the Fund of the Custodian's intention to
make such payment, the Fund will reimburse the Custodian the amount of such
payment except in respect of any negligence or misconduct of the Custodian.
4. Assistance by the Custodian as to Certain Matters: The Custodian may
assist generally in the preparation of reports to Fund shareholders and others,
audits of accounts, and other ministerial matters of like nature.
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5. Powers and Duties of the Custodian with Respect to its Role as
Financial Agent: The Fund hereby also appoints the Custodian as the Fund's
financial agent. With respect to the appointment as financial agent, the
Custodian shall have and perform the following powers and duties:
A. Records - To create, maintain and retain such records relating to
its activities and obligations under this Agreement as are required under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules and regulations thereunder
(including Section 31 thereof and Rules 31a-1 and 31a-2 thereunder) and under
applicable Federal and State tax laws. All such records will be the property of
the Fund and in the event of termination of this Agreement shall be delivered to
the successor custodian.
B. Accounts - To keep books of account and render statements, including
interim monthly and complete quarterly financial statements, or copies thereof,
from time to time as reasonably requested by proper instructions.
C. Access to Records - The books and records maintained by the
Custodian pursuant to Sections 5A and 5B shall at all times during the
Custodian's regular business hours be open to inspection and audit by officers
of, attorneys for and auditors employed by the Fund and by employees and agents
of the Securities and Exchange Commission, provided that all such individuals
shall observe all security requirements of the Custodian applicable to its own
employees having
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access to similar records within the Custodian and such regulations as may be
reasonably imposed by the Custodian.
D. Calculation of Net Asset Value - To compute and determine the net asset
value per share of capital stock of the Fund as of the close of business on the
New York Stock Exchange on each day on which such Exchange is open, unless
otherwise directed by proper instructions. Such computation and determination
shall be made in accordance with (1) the provisions of the Fund's Declaration of
Trust or Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws, as they may from time to time
be amended and delivered to the Custodian, (2) the votes of the Board of
Trustees or Directors of the Fund at the time in force and applicable, as they
may from time to time be delivered to the Custodian, and (3) proper instructions
from such officers of the Fund or other persons as are from time to time
authorized by the Board of Trustees or Directors of the Fund to give
instructions with respect to computation and determination of the net asset
value. On each day that the Custodian shall compute the net asset value per
share of the Fund, the Custodian shall provide the Fund with written reports
which permit the Fund to verify that portfolio transactions have been recorded
in accordance with the Fund's instructions and are reconciled with the Fund's
trading records.
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In computing the net asset value, the Custodian may rely upon any
information furnished by proper instructions, including without limitation any
information (1) as to accrual of liabilities of the Fund and as to liabilities
of the Fund not appearing on the books of account kept by the Custodian, (2) as
to the existence, status and proper treatment of reserves, if any, authorized by
the Fund, (3) as to the sources of quotations to be used in computing the net
asset value, including those listed in Appendix B, (4) as to the fair value to
be assigned to any securities or other property for which price quotations are
not readily avilable, and (5) as to the sources of information with respect to
"corporate actions" affecting portfolio securities of the Fund, including those
listed in Appendix B. (Information as to "corporate actions" shall include
information as to dividends, distributions, stock splits, stock dividends,
rights offerings, conversions, exchanges, recapitalizations, mergers,
redemptions, calls, maturity dates and similar transactions, including the ex-
and record dates and the amounts or other terms thereof.)
In like manner, the Custodian shall compute and determine the net asset
value as of such other times as the Board of Trustees or Directors of the Fund
from time to time may reasonably request.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement, including
Section 6C, the following provisions shall apply with respect to the Custodian's
foregoing responsibilities in this Section 5D: The Custodian shall be held to
the exercise of reasonable care in computing and determining net asset value as
provided in this Section
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5D, but shall not be held accountable or liable for any losses, damages or
expenses the Fund or any shareholder or former shareholder of the Fund may
suffer or incur arising from or based upon errors or delays in the determination
of such net asset value unless such error or delay was due to the Custodian's
negligence, gross negligence or reckless or willful misconduct in determination
of such net asset value. (The parties hereto acknowledge, however, that the
Custodian's causing an error or delay in the determination of net asset value
may, but does not in and of itself, constitute negligence, gross negligence or
reckless or willful misconduct.) In no event shall the Custodian be liable or
responsible to the Fund, any present or former shareholder of the Fund or any
other party for any error or delay which continued or was undetected after the
date of an audit performed by the certified public accountants employed by the
Fund if, in the exercise of reasonable care in accordance with generally
accepted accounting standards, such accountants should have become aware of such
error or delay in the course of performing such audit. The Custodian's liability
for any such negligence, gross negligence or reckless or willful misconduct
which results in an error in determination of such net asset value shall be
limited to the direct, out-of-pocket loss the Fund, shareholder or former
shareholder shall actually incur, measured by the difference between the actual
and the erroneously computed net asset value, and any expenses the Fund shall
incur in connection with correcting the records of the Fund affected by such
error (including charges made by the Fund's registrar
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and transfer agent for making such corrections) or communicating with
shareholders or former shareholders of the Fund affected by such error.
Without limiting the foregoing, the Custodian shall not be held
accountable or liable to the Fund, any shareholder or former shareholder thereof
or any other person for any delays or losses, damages or expenses any of them
may suffer or incur resulting from (1) the Custodian's failure to receive timely
and suitable notification concerning quotations or corporate actions relating to
or affecting portfolio securities of the Fund or (2) any errors in the
computation of the net asset value based upon or arising out of quotations or
information as to corporate actions if received by the Custodian either (i) from
a source which the Custodian was authorized pursuant to the second paragraph of
this Section 5D to rely upon, or (ii) from a source which in the Custodian's
reasonable judgment was as reliable a source for such quotations or information
as the sources authorized pursuant to that paragraph. Nevertheless, the
Custodian will use its best judgment in determining whether to verify through
other sources any information it has received as to quotations or corporate
actions if the Custodian has reason to believe that any such information might
be incorrect.
In the event of any error or delay in the determination of such net
asset value for which the Custodian may be liable, the Fund and the Custodian
will consult and make good faith efforts to reach agreement on what actions
should be taken in order to mitigate any
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loss suffered by the Fund or its present or former shareholders, in order that
the Custodian's exposure to liability shall be reduced to the extent possible
after taking into account all relevant factors and alternatives. Such actions
might include the Fund or the Custodian taking reasonable steps to collect from
any shareholder or former shareholder who has received any overpayment upon
redemption of shares such overpaid amount or to collect from any shareholder who
has underpaid upon a purchase of shares the amount of such underpayment or to
reduce the number of shares issued to such shareholder. It is understood that in
attempting to reach agreement on the actions to be taken or the amount of the
loss which should appropriately be borne by the Custodian, the Fund and the
Custodian will consider such relevant factors as the amount of the loss
involved, the Fund's desire to avoid loss of shareholder good will, the fact
that other persons or entitles could have been reasonably expected to have
detected the error sooner than the time it was actually discovered, the
appropriateness of limiting or eliminating the benefit which shareholders or
former shareholders might have obtained by reason of the error, and the
possibility that other parties providing services to the Fund might be induced
to absorb a portion of the loss incurred.
E. Disbursements - Upon receipt of proper instructions, to pay or cause
to be paid, insofar as funds are available for the purpose, bills, statements
and other obligations of the Fund (including but not limited to interest
charges, taxes, management fees, compensation to
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Fund officers and employees, and other operating expenses of the Fund).
6. Standard of Care and Related Matters:
A. Liability of the Custodian with Respect to Proper Instruction;
Evidence of Authority; Etc. The Custodian shall not be liable for any action
taken or omitted in reliance upon proper instructions believed by it to be
genuine or upon any other written notice, request, direction, instruction,
certificate or other instrument believed by it to be genuine and signed by the
proper party or parties.
The Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Fund shall certify to the
Custodian the names, signatures and scope of authority of all persons authorized
to give proper instructions or any other such notice, request, direction,
instruction, certificate or instrument on behalf of the Fund, the names and
signatures of the officers of the Fund, the name and address of the Shareholder
Servicing Agent, and any resolutions, votes, instructions or directions of the
Fund's Board of Trustees or Directors or shareholders. Such certificate may be
accepted and relied upon by the Custodian as conclusive evidence of the facts
set forth therein and may be considered in full force and effect until receipt
of a similar certificate to the contrary.
So long as and to the extent that it is in the exercise of reasonable
care, the Custodian shall not be responsible for the title, validity or
genuineness of any property or evidence of title thereto received by it or
delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement.
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The Custodian shall be entitled, at the expense of the Fund, to receive
and act upon advice of (i) counsel regularly retained by the Custodian in
respect of custodian matters, (ii) counsel for the Fund, or (iii) such other
counsel as the Fund and the Custodian may agree upon, with respect to all
matters, and the Custodian shall be without liability for any action reasonably
taken or omitted pursuant to such advice.
B. Liability of the Custodian with Respect to Use of Securities System
- - With respect to the portfolio securities, cash and other property of the Fund
held by a Securities System, the Custodian shall be liable to the Fund only for
any loss or damage to the Fund resulting from use of the Securities System if
caused by any negligence, misfeasance or misconduct of the Custodian or any of
its agents or of any of its or their employees or from any failure of the
Custodian or any such agent to enforce effectively such rights as it may have
against the Securities System. At the election of the Fund, it shall be entitled
to be subrogated to the rights of the Custodian with respect to any claim
against the Securities System or any other person which the Custodian may have
as a consequence of any such loss or damage to the Fund if and to the extent
that the Fund has not been made whole for any such loss or damage.
C. Liability of the Custodian with respect to Subcustodians The
Custodian shall be liable to the Fund for any loss or damage to the Fund caused
by or resulting from the acts or omissions of any Subcustodian to the extent
that under the terms set forth in the
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subcustodian agreement between the Custodian and the Subcustodian (or in the
subcustodian agreement between a Subcustodian and any secondary Subcustodian),
the Subcustodian (or secondary Subcustodian) has failed to perform in accordance
with the standard of conduct imposed under such subcustodian agreement as
determined in accordance with the law which is adjudicated to govern such
agreement and in accordance with any determination of any court as to the duties
of said Subcustodian pursuant to said agreement. The Custodian shall also be
liable to the Fund for its own negligence in transmitting any instructions
received by it from the Fund and for its own negligence in connection with the
delivery of any securities or funds held by it to any Subcustodian.
D. Standard of Care; Liability; Indemnification - The Custodian shall
be held only to the exercise of reasonable care and diligence in carrying out
the provisions of this Agreement, provided that the Custodian shall not thereby
be required to take any action which is in contravention of any applicable law.
The Fund agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Custodian and its nominees
from all claims and liabilities (including counsel fees) incurred or assessed
against it or its nominees in connection with the performance of this Agreement,
except such as may arise from its or its nominee's breach of the relevant
standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing
indemnification obligation of the Fund, the Fund agrees to indemnify the
Custodian and any nominee in whose name portfolio securities or other property
of the Fund is registered
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against any liability the Custodian or such nominee may incur by reason of taxes
assessed to the Custodian or such nominee or other costs, liability or expense
incurred by the Custodian or such nominee resulting directly or indirectly from
the fact that portfolio securities or other property of the Fund is registered
in the name of the Custodian or such nominee.
It is also understood that the Custodian shall not be liable for any
loss involving any securities, currencies, deposits or other property of the
Fund, whether maintained by it, a Subcustodian, a securities depository an agent
of the Custodian or a Subcustodian, a Securities System, or a Banking
Institution, or for any loss arising from a foreign currency transaction or
contract, where the loss results from a Sovereign Risk or where the entity
maintaining such securities, currencies, deposits or other property of the Fund,
whether the Custodian, a Subcustodian, a securities depository, an agent of the
Custodian or a Subcustodian, a Securities System or a Banking Institution, has
exercised reasonable care maintaining such property or in connection with the
transaction involving such property. A "Sovereign Risk" shall mean
nationalization, expropriation, devaluation, revaluation, confiscation, seizure,
cancellation destruction or similar action by any governmental authority, de
facto or de jure; or enactment, promulgation, imposition or enforcement by any
such governmental authority of currency restrictions, exchange controls, taxes,
levies or other charges affecting the Fund's property; or acts of war,
terrorism, insurrection
-35-
<PAGE>
or revolution; or any other act or event beyond the Custodian's control.
E. Reimbursement of Advances - The Custodian shall be entitled to
receive reimbursement from the Fund on demand, in the manner provided in Section
7, for its cash disbursements, expenses and charges (including the fees and
expenses of any Subcustodian or any Agent) in connection with this Agreement,
but excluding salaries and usual overhead expenses.
F. Security for Obligations to Custodian - If the Fund shall require
the Custodian to advance cash or securities for any purpose for the benefit of
the Fund, including in connection with foreign exchange contracts or options
(collectively, an "Advance"), or if the Custodian or any nominee thereof shall
incur or be assessed any taxes, charges, expenses, assessments, claims or
liabilities in connection with the performance of this Agreement (collectively a
"Liability"), except such as may arise from its or such nominee's breach of the
relevant standard of conduct set forth in this Agreement, then in such event any
property at any time held for the account of the Fund by the Custodian or a
Subcustodian shall be security for such Advance or Liability and if the Fund
shall fail to repay or indemnify the Custodian promptly, the Custodian shall be
entitled to utilize available cash and to dispose of the Fund's property,
including securities to the extent necessary to obtain reimbursement or
indemnification.
-36-
<PAGE>
G. Appointment of Agents - The Custodian may at any time or times in its
discretion appoint (and may at any time remove) any other bank or trust company
as its agent (an "Agent") to carry out such of the provisions of this Agreement
as the Custodian may from time to time direct, provided, however, that the
appointment of such Agent (other than an Agent appointed pursuant to the third
paragraph of Section 3) shall not relieve the Custodian of any of its
responsibilities under this Agreement.
H. Powers of Attorney - Upon request, the Fund shall deliver to the
Custodian such proxies, powers of attorney or other instruments as may be
reasonable and necessary or desirable in connection with the performance by the
Custodian or any Subcustodian of their respective obligations under this
Agreement or any applicable subcustodian agreement.
7. Compensation of the Custodian: The Fund shall pay the Custodian a
custody fee based on such fee schedule as may from time to time be agreed upon
in writing by the Custodian and the Fund. Such fee, together with all amounts
for which the Custodian is to be reimbursed in accordance with Section 6D, shall
be billed to the Fund in such a manner as to permit payment by a direct cash
payment to the Custodian.
8. Termination; Successor Custodian: This Agreement shall continue in
full force and effect until terminated by either party by an instrument in
writing delivered or mailed, postage prepaid, to the other party, such
termination to take effect not sooner than seventy
-37-
<PAGE>
five (75) days after the date of such delivery or mailing. In the event of
termination the Custodian shall be entitled to receive prior to delivery of the
securities, funds and other property held by it all accrued fees and
unreimbursed expenses the payment of which is contemplated by Sections 6D and 7,
upon receipt by the Fund of a statement setting forth such fees and expenses.
In the event of the appointment of a successor custodian, it is agreed
that the funds and securities owned by the Fund and held by the Custodian or any
Subcustodian shall be delivered to the successor custodian, and the Custodian
agrees to cooperate with the Fund in execution of documents and performance of
other actions necessary or desirable in order to substitute the successor
custodian for the Custodian under this Agreement.
9. Amendment: This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding and
agreement of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. No
provision of this Agreement may be amended or terminated except by a statement
in writing signed by the party against which enforcement of the amendment or
termination is sought.
In connection with the operation of this Agreement, the Custodian and
the Fund may agree in writing from time to time on such provisions
interpretative of or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in
their joint opinion be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. No
interpretative or additional provisions made as provided in the preceding
sentence shall be deemed to be an amendment of this Agreement.
-38-
<PAGE>
The section headings in this Agreement are for the convenience of the
parties and in no way alter, amend, limit or restrict the contractual
obligations of the parties set forth in this Agreement.
10. Governing Law: This instrument is executed and delivered in The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts and shall be governed by and construed according
to the laws of said Commonwealth.
11. Notices: Notices and other writings delivered or mailed postage
prepaid to the Fund Addressed to the Fund at 60 STATE ST. BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
or to such other address as the Fund may have designated to the Custodian in
writing, or to the Custodian at 40 Water Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109,
Attention: Manager, Securities Department, or to such other address as the
Custodian may have designated to the Fund in writing, shall be deemed to have
been properly delivered or given hereunder to the respective addressee.
12. Binding Effect: This Agreement shall be binding on and shall inure
to the benefit of the Fund and the Custodian and their respective successors and
assigns, provided that neither party hereto may assign this Agreement or any of
its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the
other party.
13. Counterparts: This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original. This Agreement shall
become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed and delivered by
each of the parties.
-39-
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties has caused this Agreement to be
executed in its name and behalf on the day and year first above written.
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND BROWN BROTHERS HARRIMAN & CO.
By_____________________________ By _______________________________
-40-
INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
October ____, 1996
Pioneer World Equity Fund, a Delaware business trust with its principal
place of business at 60 State Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 ("Customer")
and Pioneering Services Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation ("PSC"), hereby
agree as follows:
1. SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PSC. During the term of this Agreement,
PSC will provide to each series of shares of beneficial interest (the "Series")
of Customer, which may be established, from time to time (the "Account"), with
the services described in Exhibits A, B, C and D (collectively, the "Exhibits")
that are attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. It is understood
that PSC may subcontract any of such services to one or more firms designated by
PSC, provided that PSC (i) shall be solely responsible for all compensation
payable to any such firm and (ii) shall be liable to Customer for the acts or
omissions of any such firm to the same extent as PSC would be liable to Customer
with respect to any such act or omission hereunder.
2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement shall become effective on the date
hereof (the "Effective Date") and shall continue in effect until it is
terminated in accordance with Section 11 below.
3. DELIVERY, VERIFICATION AND RECEIPT FOR DATA AND ASSETS. Prior to the
Effective Date, Customer agrees to deliver to PSC all such documentation, data
and materials as PSC may reasonably prescribe to enable it to perform the
services contemplated by this Agreement. If PSC so requests, Customer agrees to
confirm the accuracy of any starting records of Customer's assets and accounts
produced from PSC's computer or held in other recording systems. In the event
Customer does not, prior to the Effective Date, comply fully with any of the
foregoing provisions of this Section 3, the date for commencement of PSC's
services hereunder may be postponed by PSC until such compliance has taken
place.
Customer shall, from time to time, while this Agreement is in
effect deliver all such materials and data as may be necessary or desirable to
enable PSC to perform its services hereunder, including without limitation,
those described in Section 12 hereof.
4. REPORTS AND MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS BY PSC. PSC will furnish to
Customer and to properly authorized auditors, examiners, distributors, dealers,
underwriters, salesmen, insurance companies, investors, and others designated by
Customer in writing, such books, any and all records and reports at such times
as are prescribed for each service in the Exhibits attached hereto. Customer
agrees to examine or to ask any other authorized recipient to examine each such
report or copy promptly and will report or cause to be reported any errors or
discrepancies therein of which Customer then has any knowledge. PSC may at its
option at any time, and shall forthwith upon Customer's demand, turn over to
Customer and cease to retain in PSC's files, any and all records and documents
created and maintained by PSC pursuant to this Agreement which are no longer
needed by PSC in the performance of its services or for its protection.
If not so turned over to Customer, such documents and reports
will be retained by PSC for six years from the year of creation, during the
first two of which the same will be in readily accessible form. At the end of
six years, such records and documents will be turned over to Customer by PSC
unless Customer authorizes their destruction.
5. PSC'S DUTY OF CARE. PSC shall at all time use reasonable care and
act in good faith in performing its duties hereunder. PSC shall incur no
liability to Customer in connection with its performance of services hereunder
except to the extent that it does not comply with the foregoing standards.
PSC shall at all times adhere to various procedures and
systems consistent with industry standards in order to safeguard Customer's
checks, records and other data from loss or damage attributable to fire or
theft. PSC shall maintain insurance adequate to protect against the costs of
reconstructing checks, records and other data in the event of such loss and
shall notify Customer in the event of a material adverse change in such
insurance coverage. In the event of damage or loss occurring to Customer's
records or data such that PSC is unable to meet the terms of this Agreement, PSC
shall transfer all records and data to a transfer agent of Customer's choosing
upon Customer's written authorization to do so.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, PSC shall
not be liable or responsible for delays or errors occurring by reason of
circumstances beyond its control including acts of civil, military or banking
authority, national emergencies, labor difficulties, fire, flood or other
catastrophes, acts of God, insurrection, war, riots, failure of transportation,
communication or power supply.
6. CONFIDENTIALITY. PSC will keep confidential all records and
information provided by Customer or by the shareholders of the Account to PSC,
except to the extent disclosures are required by this Agreement, are required by
the Customer's Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information, or are
required by a valid subpoena or warrant issued by a court of competent
jurisdiction or by a state or federal agency or governmental authority.
7. CUSTOMER INSPECTION. Upon reasonable notice, in writing signed by
Customer, PSC shall make available, during regular business hours, all records
and other data created and maintained pursuant to this Agreement for reasonable
audit and inspection by Customer or Customer's agents, including reasonable
visitation by Customer or Customer's agents, including inspecting PSC's
operation facilities. PSC shall not be liable for injury to or responsible in
any way for the safety of any individual visiting PSC's facilities under the
authority of this section. Customer will keep confidential and will cause to
keep confidential all confidential information obtained by its employees or
agents or any other individual representing Customer while on PSC's premises.
Confidential information shall include (1) any information of whatever nature
regarding PSC's operations, security procedures, and data processing
capabilities, (2) financial information regarding PSC, its affiliates, or
subsidiaries, and (3) any information of whatever kind or description regarding
any customer of PSC, its affiliates or subsidiaries.
8. RELIANCE BY PSC ON INSTRUCTIONS AND ADVICE; INDEMNITY. PSC shall be
entitled to seek advice of Customer's legal counsel with respect to PSC's
responsibilities and duties hereunder and shall in no event be liable to
Customer for any action taken pursuant to such advice, except to the extent that
Customer's legal counsel determines in its sole discretion that the rendering of
advice to PSC would result in a conflict of interest.
Whenever PSC is authorized to take action hereunder pursuant
to proper instructions from Customer, PSC shall be entitled to rely upon any
certificate, letter or other instrument or telephone call reasonably believed by
PSC to be genuine and to have been properly made or signed by an officer or
other authorized agent of Customer, and shall be entitled to receive as
conclusive proof of any fact or matter required to be ascertained by it
hereunder a certificate signed by an officer of Customer or any other person
authorized by Customer's Board of Trustees.
Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of this Agreement,
Customer agrees to indemnify and hold PSC, its employees, agents and nominees
harmless from any and all claims, demands, actions and suits, whether groundless
or otherwise, and from and against any and all judgments, liabilities, losses,
damages, costs, charges, counsel fees and other expenses of every nature and
character arising out of or in any way relating to PSC's action or non-action
upon information, instructions or requests given or made to PSC by Customer with
respect to the Account.
Notwithstanding the above, whenever Customer may be asked to
indemnify or hold PSC harmless, Customer shall be advised of all pertinent facts
arising from the situation in question. Additionally, PSC will use reasonable
care to identify and notify Customer promptly concerning any situation which
presents, actually or potentially, a claim for indemnification against Customer.
Customer shall have the option to defend PSC against any claim for which PSC is
entitled to indemnification from Customer under the terms hereof, and in the
event Customer so elects, it will notify PSC and, thereupon, Customer shall take
over complete defense of the claim and PSC shall sustain no further legal or
other expenses in such a situation for which indemnification shall be sought or
entitled. PSC may in no event confess any claim or make any compromise in any
case in which Customer will be asked to indemnify PSC except with Customer's
prior written consent.
9. MAINTENANCE OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS. PSC shall maintain on behalf of
Customer such deposit accounts as are necessary or desirable from time to time
to enable PSC to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.
10. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT TO PSC. For the services rendered by
PSC under this Agreement, Customer agrees to pay an annual fee of $22.00 per
account to PSC, such fee to be payable in equal monthly installments. In
addition, Customer shall reimburse PSC monthly for out-of-pocket expenses such
as postage, forms, envelopes, checks, "outside" mailings, telephone line and
other charges, mailgrams, mail insurance on certificates and data processing
file recovery insurance.
11. TERMINATION. Either PSC or Customer may at any time terminate this
Agreement by giving 90 days' prior written notice to the other.
After the date of termination, for so long as PSC in fact
continues to perform any one or more of the services contemplated by this
Agreement or any exhibit hereto, the provisions of this Agreement, including
without limitation the provisions of Section 8 dealing with indemnification,
shall where applicable continue in full force and effect.
12. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. Customer agrees to furnish to PSC prior to the
Effective Date the following (to the extent not previously provided):
A. Two (2) copies of the Agreement and Declaration of Trust of Customer,
and of any amendments thereto, certified by an officer of the
Customer.
B. Two (2) copies of the following documents, currently certified by the
Secretary of Customer:
a. Customer's By-laws and any amendment thereto.
b. Certified copies of resolutions of Customer's Board of Trustees
covering the following matters.
(1) Approval of this Agreement.
(2) Authorization of specified officers of Customer to instruct
PSC hereunder (if different from other officers of Customer
previously specified by Customer as to other Customer
accounts being serviced by PSC).
C. List of all officers of Customer together with specimen signatures of
those officers who are authorized to sign share certificates and to
instruct PSC in all other matters.
D. Two (2) copies of the following:
a. Prospectus
b. Statement of Additional Information
c. Management Agreement
d. Registration Statement
E. Opinion of counsel for Customer as to the due authorization by and
binding effect of this Agreement on Customer, the applicability of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of
1940, as amended, and the approval by such public authorities as may
be prerequisite to lawful sale and delivery in the various states.
F. Amendments to, and changes in, any of the foregoing forthwith upon
such amendments and changes being available, but in no case later than
the effective date.
13. INDEMNIFICATION. The parties to this Agreement acknowledge and
agree that all liabilities arising, directly or indirectly, under this
Agreement, of any and every nature whatsoever, including without limitation,
liabilities arising in connection with any agreement of Customer or its Trustees
set forth herein to indemnify any party to this Agreement or any other person,
shall be satisfied out of the assets of the Account first and then of Customer
and that no Trustee, officer or holder of shares of beneficial interest of
Customer shall be personally liable for any of the foregoing liabilities.
Customer's Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated August 8, 1995, describes
in detail the respective responsibilities and limitations on liability of the
Trustees, officers, and holders of shares of beneficial interest of Customer.
14. LIMITATIONS ON EXCHANGES. PSC acknowledges that shareholders of
other Pioneer mutual funds may not open new accounts with Customer or purchase
shares of Customer by exchanging shares from other Pioneer mutual funds.
Shareholders of Customer may exchange their shares of Customer for shares of
other Pioneer mutual funds. Such shares, however, may not be exchanged back into
Customer. The foregoing exchange restriction shall be in effect until December
31, 1996, unless Customer notifies PSC otherwise.
15. MISCELLANEOUS. In connection with the operation of this Agreement,
PSC and Customer may agree from time to time on such provisions interpretive of
or in addition to the provisions of this Agreement as may in their joint opinion
be consistent with the general tenor of this Agreement. Any such interpretive or
additional provisions are to be signed by both parties and annexed hereto, but
no such provision shall contravene any applicable Federal and state law or
regulation, and no such provision shall be deemed to be an amendment of this
Agreement.
<PAGE>
This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws
of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Customer and PSC have caused this
Agreement to be executed in their respective names by their respective officers
thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.
ATTEST: PIONEERING SERVICES CORPORATION
/s/Joseph P. Barri, Clerk /s/Roger Rainville
- ------------------------- ------------------------
Joseph P. Barri, Clerk Roger Rainville
Executive Vice President
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
/s/Joseph P. Barri, Secretary /s/John F. Cogan, Jr.
Joseph P. Barri, Secretary John F. Cogan, Jr.
President
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Shareholder Account Service:
As Servicing Agent for fund accounts and in accordance with the provisions of
the standard fund application and Customer's prospectus, PSC will:
1. Open, maintain and close accounts.
2. Purchase shares for the shareholder.
3. Out of the money received in payment for sales of Customer's
shares pay to the Customer's custodian the net asset value per
share and pay to the underwriter and to the dealer their
commission, if any, on a bimonthly basis.
4.Redeem shares by systematic withdrawal orders. (See Exhibit B)
5. Issue share certificates, upon instruction, resulting from
withdrawals from share accounts (It is the policy of PSC to issue
share certificates only upon request of the shareholder).
Maintain records showing name, address, certificate numbers and
number of shares.
6. Deposit certificates to shareholder accounts when furnished with
such documents as PSC deems necessary to authorize the deposit.
7. Reinvest or disburse dividends and other distributions upon
direction of shareholder.
8. Establish the proper registration of ownership of shares.
9. Pass upon the adequacy of documents submitted by a shareholder or
his legal representative to substantiate the transfer of
ownership of shares from the registered owner to transferees.
10. Make transfers from time to time upon the books of the Customer
in accordance with properly executed transfer instructions
furnished to PSC.
11. Upon receiving appropriate detailed instructions and written
materials prepared by Customer and, where applicable, proxy
<PAGE>
proofs checked by Customer, mail shareholder reports, proxies and
related materials of suitable design for automatic enclosing,
receive and tabulate executed proxies, and furnish an annual
meeting list of shareholders when required.
12. Respond to shareholder inquiries in a timely manner.
13. Maintain dealer and salesperson records.
14. Maintain and furnish to Customer such shareholder information as
Customer may reasonably request for the purpose of compliance by
Customer with the applicable tax and securities law of various
jurisdictions.
15. Mail confirmations of transactions to shareholders in a timely
fashion (confirmations of Automatic Investment Plan transactions
will be mailed quarterly).
16. Provide Customer with such information regarding correspondence
as well as enable Customer to comply with related N-SAR
requirements.
17. Maintain continuous proof of the outstanding shares of Customer.
18. Solicit taxpayer identification numbers.
19. Provide data to enable Customer to file abandoned property
reports for those accounts that have been indicated by the Post
Office to be not at the address of record with no forwarding
address.
20. Maintain bank accounts and reconcile same on a monthly basis.
21. Provide management information reports on a quarterly basis to
Customer's Board of Trustees/Directors outlining the level of
service provided.
22. Provide sale/statistical reporting for purposes of providing fund
management with information to maximizing the return to
shareholders.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT B - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Redemption Service:
In accordance with the provisions of the Customer's Prospectus, as servicing
agent for the redemptions, PSC will:
1. Where applicable, establish accounts payable based on information
furnished to PSC on behalf of Customer (i.e., copies of trade
confirmations and other documents deemed necessary or desirable
by PSC on the first business day following the trade date).
2. Receive for redemption either:
a. Share certificates, supported by appropriate documentation;
or
b. Written or telephone authorization (where no share
certificates are issued).
3. Verify there are sufficient available shares in an account to
cover redemption requests.
4. Transfer the redeemed or repurchased shares to Customer's
treasury share account or, if applicable, cancel such shares for
retirement.
5. Pay the applicable redemption or repurchase price to the
shareholder in accordance with Customer's Prospectus and
Declaration of Trust on or before the seventh calendar day
succeeding any receipt of certificates or requests for redemption
or repurchase in "good order" as defined in the Prospectus.
6. Notify Customer and the underwriter on behalf of Customer of the
total number of shares presented and covered by such requests
within a reasonable period of time following receipt.
7. Promptly notify the shareholder if any such certificate or
request for redemption or repurchase is not in "good order"
together with notice of the documents required to comply with the
good order standards. Upon receipt of the necessary documents PSC
shall effect such redemption at the net asset value applicable at
the date and time of receipt of such documents.
8. Produce periodic reports of unsettled items, if any.
9. Adjust unsettled items, if any, relative to dividends and
distributions.
10. Report to Customer any late redemptions which must be included in
Customer's N-SAR.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT C - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Exchange Service:
1. Receive and process exchanges in accordance with a duly executed
exchange authorization. PSC will redeem existing shares and use
the proceeds to purchase new shares. Shares of Customer purchased
directly or acquired through reinvestment of dividends on such
shares may be exchanged for shares of other Pioneer funds (which
funds have sales charges) only by payment of the applicable sales
charge, if any, as described in Customer's Prospectus. Shares of
Customer acquired by exchange and through reinvestment of
dividends on such shares may be re-exchanged to another Pioneer
fund at their respective net asset values.
2. Make authorized deductions of fees, if any.
3. Register new shares identically with the shares surrendered for
exchange. Mail new shares certificates, if requested, or an
account statement confirming the exchange by first class mail to
the address of record.
4. Maintain a record of unprocessed exchanges and produce a periodic
report.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT D - TO INVESTMENT COMPANY SERVICE AGREEMENT
Income Accrual and Disbursing Service:
1. Distribute income dividends and/or capital gain distributions,
either through reinvestment or in cash, in accordance with
shareholder instructions.
2. On the mailing date, Customer shall make available to PSC
collected funds to make such distribution.
3. Adjust unsettled items relative to dividends and distribution.
4. Reconcile dividends and/or distributions with Customer.
5. Prepare and file annual Federal and State information returns of
distributions and, in the case of Federal returns, mail
information copies to shareholders and report and pay Federal
income taxes withheld from distributions made to non-resident
aliens.
EXHIBIT 11
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Shareholders and Trustees of
Pioneer World Equity Fund:
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our
reports (and to all references to our Firm) included in or made as part of this
registration statement.
/S/ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
October 7, 1996
SHARE PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Agreement is made as of the 6th day of October, 1996 between
Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("PFD"), and Pioneer
World Equity Fund, a Delaware business trust (the "Fund").
WHEREAS, the Fund wishes to sell to PFD, and PFD wishes to purchase
from the Fund, $300,000 of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund (20,000
shares) at a purchase price of $15 per share (collectively, the "Shares"); and
WHEREAS, PFD is purchasing the Shares for the purpose of providing the
initial capitalization of the Fund as required by the Investment Company Act of
1940;
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Simultaneously with the execution of this Agreement, delivering to
the Fund a check in the amount of $100,000 in full payment for the Shares.
2. PFD agrees that it is purchasing the Shares for investment and has
no present intention of redeeming or reselling the Shares.
Executed as of the date first set forth above.
PIONEER FUNDS DISTRIBUTOR, INC.
/s/Robert Butler
----------------
Robert Butler
President
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
/s/Joseph P. Barri
------------------
Joseph P. Barri
Secretary
CLASS A SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
CLASS A SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN, dated as of October ____, 1996, of
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, the "1940 Act");
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to distribute shares of beneficial interest
(the "Class A Shares") of each series of the Trust ("Portfolio") in accordance
with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1"), and desires to adopt this Class A distribution plan
(the "Class A Plan") as a plan of distribution pursuant to such Rule;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation ("PFD"), provide certain distribution services for the
Trust's Class A Shares in connection with the Class A Plan;
WHEREAS, the Trust has entered into an underwriting agreement (in a
form approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees in a manner specified in such
Rule 12b-1) with PFD, whereby PFD provides facilities and personnel and renders
services to the Trust in connection with the offering and distribution of Class
A Shares (the "Underwriting Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Trust also recognizes and agrees that (a) PFD may retain
the services of firms or individuals to act as dealers or wholesalers
(collectively, the "Dealers") of the Class A Shares in connection with the
offering of Class A Shares, (b) PFD may compensate any Dealer that sells Class A
Shares in the manner and at the rate or rates to be set forth in an agreement
between PFD and such Dealer and (c) PFD may make such payments to the Dealers
for distribution services out of the fee paid to PFD hereunder, any deferred
sales charges imposed by PFD in connection with the repurchase of Class A
Shares, its profits or any other source available to it;
WHEREAS, the Trust recognizes and agrees that PFD may impose certain
deferred sales charges in connection with the repurchase of Class A Shares by
the Trust, and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust, as the case may be)
all such deferred sales charges; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in considering whether the
Trust should adopt and implement this Class A Plan, has evaluated such
information as it deemed necessary to an informed determination whether this
Class A Plan should be adopted and implemented and has considered such pertinent
factors as it deemed necessary to form the basis for a decision to use assets of
the Trust for such purposes, and has determined that there is a reasonable
likelihood that the adoption and implementation of this Class A Plan will
benefit the Trust and its Class A shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the Trust hereby adopts this
Class A Plan for the Trust as a plan of distribution of Class A Shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1, on the following terms and conditions:
1. The Trust may expend pursuant to this Class A Plan amounts not to
exceed 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares of
each Portfolio per annum.
2. Subject to the limit in paragraph 1, the Trust shall reimburse PFD
for amounts expended by PFD to finance any activity which is primarily intended
to result in the sale of Class A Shares of the Trust or the provision of
services to Class A shareholders of the Trust, including but not limited to
commissions or other payments to Dealers and salaries and other expenses of PFD
relating to selling or servicing efforts, PROVIDED, that the Board of Trustees
of the Trust shall approve categories of expenses for which reimbursement shall
be made pursuant to this paragraph 2 and, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the initial categories of such expenses shall be (i) a service fee to
be paid to qualified broker-dealers in an amount not to exceed 0.25% per annum
of each Portfolio's daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares; (ii)
reimbursement to PFD for its expenditures for broker-dealer commissions and
employee compensation on certain sales of the Trust's Class A Shares with no
initial sales charge; and (iii) reimbursement to PFD for expenses incurred in
providing services to Class A shareholders and supporting broker-dealers and
other organizations, such as banks and trust companies, in their efforts to
provide such services (any addition of such categories shall be subject to the
approval of the Qualified Trustees, as defined below, of the Trust). Such
reimbursement shall be paid ten (10) days after the end of the month or quarter,
as the case may be, in which such expenses are incurred. The Trust acknowledges
that PFD will charge an initial sales load or a contingent sales load in
connection with certain sales of Class A Shares of the Trust and that PFD will
reallow to Dealers all or a portion of such sales loads, as described in the
Trust's Prospectus from time to time. Nothing contained herein is intended to
have any effect whatsoever on PFD's ability to charge any such sales loads or to
reallow all or any portion thereof to Dealers.
3. The Trust understands that agreements between PFD and Dealers may
provide for payment of fees to Dealers in connection with the sale of Class A
Shares and the provision of services to Class A shareholders of the Trust.
Nothing in this Class A Plan shall be construed as requiring the Trust to make
any payment to any Dealer or to have any obligations to any Dealer in connection
with services as a dealer of the Class A Shares. PFD shall agree and undertake
that any agreement entered into between PFD and any Dealer shall provide that
such Dealer shall look solely to PFD for compensation for its services
thereunder and that in no event shall such Dealer seek any payment from the
Trust.
4. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust to
take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust or By-Laws or any
applicable statutory or regulatory requirement to which it is subject or by
which it is bound, or to relieve or deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of the
responsibility for and control of the conduct of the affairs of the Trust.
5. This Class A Plan shall become effective upon approval by (i) a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of Class A of the Trust, (ii) a
vote of the Board of Trustees, and (iii) a vote of a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Class A Plan or in any agreement
related to the Class A Plan (the "Qualified Trustees"), such votes with respect
to (ii) and (iii) above to be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on this Class A Plan.
6. This Class A Plan will remain in effect indefinitely, provided that
such continuance is "specifically approved at least annually" by a vote of both
a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Qualified
Trustees. If such annual approval is not obtained, this Class A Plan shall
expire on _______ __, 1997. This Class A Plan shall automatically terminate upon
assignment. In the event of termination or non-continuance of this Class A Plan,
each Portfolio has twelve months to reimburse any expense which it incurs prior
to such termination or non-continuance, provided that payments by such Portfolio
during such twelve-month period shall not exceed 0.25% of each Portfolio's
average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares during such period.
7. This Class A Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of
Trustees, provided that this Class A Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the limitation on the annual percentage of average net assets which
may be expended hereunder without the approval of holders of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of Class A of the Trust and may not be materially
amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and the
Qualified Trustees. Any amendment of this Class A Plan to increase or modify the
expense categories initially designated by the Trustees in paragraph 2 above
shall only require approval of a majority of the Trustees and the Qualified
Trustees if such amendment does not include an increase in the expense
limitation set forth in paragraph 1 above. This Class A Plan may be terminated
at any time by a vote of a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by a vote of
the holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting securities" of the Trust.
8. In the event of termination or expiration of this Class A Plan, the
Trust may nevertheless, within twelve months of such termination or expiration
reimburse any expense which it incurs prior to such termination or expiration,
provided that payments by the Trust during such twelve-month period shall not
exceed 0.25% of the Trust's average daily net assets attributable to Class A
Shares during such period and provided further that such payments are
specifically approved by the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the
Qualified Trustees.
9. The Trust and PFD shall provide to the Trust's Board of Trustees,
and the Board of Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of
the amounts expended under this Class A Plan and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
10. While this Class A Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination
of Qualified Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons" of the Trust.
11. For the purposes of this Class A Plan, the terms "assignment,"
"interested persons," "majority of the outstanding voting securities" and
"specifically approved at least annually" are used as defined in the 1940 Act.
12. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Class A Plan, and each
agreement related hereto and each report referred to in paragraph 9 hereof
(collectively, the "Records"), for a period of not less than six (6) years from
the end of the fiscal year in which such Records were made and, for a period of
two (2) years, each of such Records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.
13. This Class A Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
14. If any provision of this Class A Plan shall be held or made invalid
by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Plan shall
not be affected thereby.
CLASS B SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
CLASS B SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN, dated as of October ____, 1996 of
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, the "1940 Act");
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to distribute shares of beneficial interest
(the "Class B Shares") of the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1"), and
desires to adopt this Class B Shares distribution plan (the "Class B Plan") as a
plan of distribution pursuant to such Rule;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation ("PFD"), provide certain distribution services for the
Trust's Class B Shares in connection with the Class B Plan;
WHEREAS, the Trust has entered into an underwriting agreement (in a
form approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees in a manner specified in such
Rule 12b-1) with PFD, whereby PFD provides facilities and personnel and renders
services to the Trust in connection with the offering and distribution of Class
B Shares (the "Underwriting Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Trust also recognizes and agrees that (a) PFD may retain
the services of firms or individuals to act as dealers or wholesalers
(collectively, the "Dealers") of the Class B Shares in connection with the
offering of Class B Shares, (b) PFD may compensate any Dealer that sells Class B
Shares in the manner and at the rate or rates to be set forth in an agreement
between PFD and such Dealer and (c) PFD may make such payments to the Dealers
for distribution services out of the fee paid to PFD hereunder, any deferred
sales charges imposed by PFD in connection with the repurchase of Class B
shares, its profits or any other source available to it;
WHEREAS, the Trust recognizes and agrees that PFD may impose certain
deferred sales charges in connection with the repurchase of Class B Shares by
the Trust, and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust, as the case may be)
all such deferred sales charges; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in considering whether the
Trust should adopt and implement this Class B Plan, has evaluated such
<PAGE>
information as it deemed necessary to an informed determination whether this
Class B Plan should be adopted and implemented and has considered such pertinent
factors as it deemed necessary to form the basis for a decision to use assets of
the Trust for such purposes, and has determined that there is a reasonable
likelihood that the adoption and implementation of this Class B Plan will
benefit the Trust and its Class B shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the Trust hereby adopts this
Class B Plan for the Trust as a plan of distribution of Class B Shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1, on the following terms and conditions:
1. (a) The Trust is authorized to compensate PFD for (1) distribution
services and (2) personal and account maintenance services performed
and expenses incurred by PFD in connection with the Trust's Class B
Shares. Such compensation shall be calculated and accrued daily and
paid monthly or at such other intervals as the Board of Trustees may
determine.
(b) The amount of compensation paid during any one year for
distribution services with respect to Class B Shares shall be .75% of
the Trust's average daily net assets attributable to Class B Shares
for such year.
(c) Distribution services and expenses for which PFD may be
compensated pursuant to this Plan include, without limitation:
compensation to and expenses (including allocable overhead, travel and
telephone expenses) of (i) Dealers, brokers and other dealers who are
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD") or their officers, sales representatives and employees, (ii)
PFD and any of its affiliates and any of their respective officers,
sales representatives and employees, (iii) banks and their officers,
sales representatives and employees, who engage in or support
distribution of the Trust's Class B Shares; printing of reports and
prospectuses for other than existing shareholders; and preparation,
printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising
materials.
(d) The amount of compensation paid during any one year for
personal and account maintenance services and expenses shall be .25%
of the Trust's average daily net assets attributable to Class B Shares
for such year. As partial consideration for personal services and/or
account maintenance services provided by PFD to the Class B Shares,
PFD shall be entitled to be paid any fees payable under this clause
(d) with respect to Class B Shares for which no dealer of record
<PAGE>
exists, where less than all consideration has been paid to a dealer of
record or where qualification standards have not been met.
(e) Personal and account maintenance services for which PFD or
any of its affiliates, banks or Dealers may be compensated pursuant to
this Plan include, without limitation: payments made to or on account
of PFD or any of its affiliates, banks, other brokers and dealers who
are members of the NASD, or their officers, sales representatives and
employees, who respond to inquiries of, and furnish assistance to,
shareholders regarding their ownership of Class B Shares or their
accounts or who provide similar services not otherwise provided by or
on behalf of the Trust.
(f) PFD may impose certain deferred sales charges in connection
with the repurchase of Class B Shares by the Trust and PFD may retain
(or receive from the Trust as the case may be) all such deferred sales
charges.
(g) Appropriate adjustments to payments made pursuant to clauses
(b) and (d) of this paragraph 1 shall be made whenever necessary to
ensure that no payment is made by the Trust in excess of the
applicable maximum cap imposed on asset based, front-end and deferred
sales charges by subsection (d) of Section 26 of Article III of the
Rules of Fair Practice of the NASD.
2. The Trust understands that agreements between PFD and Dealers may
provide for payment of fees to Dealers in connection with the sale of Class B
Shares and the provision of services to shareholders of the Trust. Nothing in
this Class B Plan shall be construed as requiring the Trust to make any payment
to any Dealer or to have any obligations to any Dealer in connection with
services as a dealer of the Class B Shares. PFD shall agree and undertake that
any agreement entered into between PFD and any Dealer shall provide that such
Dealer shall look solely to PFD for compensation for its services thereunder and
that in no event shall such Dealer seek any payment from the Trust.
3. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust to
take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust, as it may be amended or
restated from time to time, or By-Laws or any applicable statutory or regulatory
requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or
deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of the responsibility for and control of
the conduct of the affairs of the Trust.
4. This Class B Plan shall become effective upon approval by (i) a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of Class B of the Trust, (ii) a
vote of the Board of Trustees, and (iii) a vote of a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Class B Plan or in any agreements
related to the Class B Plan (the "Qualified Trustees"), such votes with respect
to (ii) and (iii) above to be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on this Class B Plan.
5. This Class B Plan will remain in effect indefinitely, provided that
such continuance is "specifically approved at least annually" by a vote of both
a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Qualified
Trustees. If such annual approval is not obtained, this Class B Plan shall
expire on ________ __, 1997.
6. This Class B Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of
Trustees, PROVIDED that this Class B Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the limitations on the annual percentage of average net assets which
may be expended hereunder without the approval of holders of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of Class B of the Trust and may not be materially
amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and the
Qualified Trustees. This Class B Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of
a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a "majority
of the outstanding voting securities" of Class B of the Trust.
7. The Trust and PFD shall provide to the Trust's Board of Trustees,
and the Board of Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of
the amounts expended under this Class B Plan and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
8. While this Class B Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination
of Qualified Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons" of the Trust.
9. For the purposes of this Class B Plan, the terms "assignment,"
"interested persons," "majority of the outstanding voting securities" and
"specifically approved at least annually" are used as defined in the 1940 Act.
10. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Class B Plan, and each
agreement related hereto and each report referred to in Paragraph 7 hereof
(collectively, the "Records"), for a period of not less than six (6) years from
the end of the fiscal year in which such Records were made and, for a period of
two (2) years, each of such Records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.
11. This Class B Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
12. If any provision of this Class B Plan shall be held or made invalid
by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Class B
Plan shall not be affected thereby.
CLASS C SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
CLASS C SHARES DISTRIBUTION PLAN, dated as of October ____, 1996 of
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Trust is engaged in business as an open-end, diversified,
management investment company and is registered under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (collectively with the rules and regulations promulgated
thereunder, the "1940 Act");
WHEREAS, the Trust intends to distribute shares of beneficial interest
(the "Class C Shares") of the Trust in accordance with Rule 12b-1 promulgated by
the Securities and Exchange Commission under the 1940 Act ("Rule 12b-1"), and
desires to adopt this Class C Shares distribution plan (the "Class C Plan") as a
plan of distribution pursuant to such Rule;
WHEREAS, the Trust desires that Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc., a
Massachusetts corporation ("PFD"), provide certain distribution services for the
Trust's Class C Shares in connection with the Class C Plan;
WHEREAS, the Trust has entered into an underwriting agreement (in a
form approved by the Trust's Board of Trustees in a manner specified in such
Rule 12b-1) with PFD, whereby PFD provides facilities and personnel and renders
services to the Trust in connection with the offering and distribution of Class
C Shares (the "Underwriting Agreement");
WHEREAS, the Trust also recognizes and agrees that (a) PFD may retain
the services of firms or individuals to act as dealers or wholesalers
(collectively, the "Dealers") of the Class C Shares in connection with the
offering of Class C Shares, (b) PFD may compensate any Dealer that sells Class C
Shares in the manner and at the rate or rates to be set forth in an agreement
between PFD and such Dealer and (c) PFD may make such payments to the Dealers
for distribution services out of the fee paid to PFD hereunder, any deferred
sales charges imposed by PFD in connection with the repurchase of Class C
shares, its profits or any other source available to it;
WHEREAS, the Trust recognizes and agrees that PFD may impose certain
deferred sales charges in connection with the repurchase of Class C Shares by
the Trust, and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust, as the case may be)
all such deferred sales charges; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the Trust, in considering whether the
Trust should adopt and implement this Class C Plan, has evaluated such
information as it deemed
<PAGE>
necessary to an informed determination whether this Class C Plan should be
adopted and implemented and has considered such pertinent factors as it deemed
necessary to form the basis for a decision to use assets of the Trust for such
purposes, and has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that the
adoption and implementation of this Class C Plan will benefit the Trust and its
Class C shareholders;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the Trust hereby adopts this
Class C Plan for the Trust as a plan of distribution of Class C Shares in
accordance with Rule 12b-1, on the following terms and conditions:
1. (a) The Trust is authorized to compensate PFD for (1)
distribution services and (2) personal and account maintenance
services performed and expenses incurred by PFD in connection
with the Trust's Class C Shares. Such compensation shall be
calculated and accrued daily and paid monthly or at such other
intervals as the Board of Trustees may determine.
(b) The amount of compensation paid during any one
year for distribution services with respect to Class C Shares
shall be .75% of the Trust's average daily net assets
attributable to Class C Shares for such year.
(c) Distribution services and expenses for which PFD
may be compensated pursuant to this Plan include, without
limitation: compensation to and expenses (including allocable
overhead, travel and telephone expenses) of (i) Dealers,
brokers and other dealers who are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") or their
officers, sales representatives and employees, (ii) PFD and
any of its affiliates and any of their respective officers,
sales representatives and employees, (iii) banks and their
officers, sales representatives and employees, who engage in
or support distribution of the Trust's Class C Shares;
printing of reports and prospectuses for other than existing
shareholders; and preparation, printing and distribution of
sales literature and advertising materials.
(d) The amount of compensation paid during any one
year for personal and account maintenance services and
expenses shall be .25% of the Trust's average daily net assets
attributable to Class C Shares for such year. As partial
consideration for personal services and/or account maintenance
services provided by PFD to the Class C Shares, PFD shall be
entitled to be paid any fees payable under this clause (d)
with respect to Class C shares for which no dealer of record
exists, where less than all consideration has been paid to a
dealer of record or where qualification standards have not
been met.
(e) Personal and account maintenance services for
which PFD or any of its affiliates, banks or Dealers may be
compensated pursuant to this Plan include, without limitation:
payments made to or on account of PFD or any of its
-3-
<PAGE>
affiliates, banks, other brokers and dealers who are members
of the NASD, or their officers, sales representatives and
employees, who respond to inquiries of, and furnish assistance
to, shareholders regarding their ownership of Class C Shares
or their accounts or who provide similar services not
otherwise provided by or on behalf of the Trust.
(f) PFD may impose certain deferred sales charges in
connection with the repurchase of Class C Shares by the Trust
and PFD may retain (or receive from the Trust as the case may
be) all such deferred sales charges.
(g) Appropriate adjustments to payments made pursuant
to clauses (b) and (d) of this paragraph 1 shall be made
whenever necessary to ensure that no payment is made by the
Trust in excess of the applicable maximum cap imposed on asset
based, front-end and deferred sales charges by subsection (d)
of Section 26 of Article III of the Rules of Fair Practice of
the NASD.
2. The Trust understands that agreements between PFD and Dealers may
provide for payment of fees to Dealers in connection with the sale of Class C
Shares and the provision of services to shareholders of the Trust. Nothing in
this Class C Plan shall be construed as requiring the Trust to make any payment
to any Dealer or to have any obligations to any Dealer in connection with
services as a dealer of the Class C Shares. PFD shall agree and undertake that
any agreement entered into between PFD and any Dealer shall provide that such
Dealer shall look solely to PFD for compensation for its services thereunder and
that in no event shall such Dealer seek any payment from the Trust.
3. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to require the Trust to
take any action contrary to its Declaration of Trust, as it may be amended or
restated from time to time, or By-Laws or any applicable statutory or regulatory
requirement to which it is subject or by which it is bound, or to relieve or
deprive the Trust's Board of Trustees of the responsibility for and control of
the conduct of the affairs of the Trust.
4. This Class C Plan shall become effective upon approval by (i) a
"majority of the outstanding voting securities" of Class C of the Trust, (ii) a
vote of the Board of Trustees, and (iii) a vote of a majority of the Trustees
who are not "interested persons" of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect
financial interest in the operation of the Class C Plan or in any agreements
related to the Class C Plan (the "Qualified Trustees"), such votes with respect
to (ii) and (iii) above to be cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on this Class C Plan.
5. This Class C Plan will remain in effect indefinitely, provided that
such continuance is "specifically approved at least annually" by a vote of both
a majority of the Trustees of the Trust and a majority of the Qualified
Trustees. If such annual approval is not obtained, this Class C Plan shall
expire on ____________, 1997.
-4-
<PAGE>
6. This Class C Plan may be amended at any time by the Board of
Trustees, PROVIDED that this Class C Plan may not be amended to increase
materially the limitations on the annual percentage of average net assets which
may be expended hereunder without the approval of holders of a "majority of the
outstanding voting securities" of Class C of the Trust and may not be materially
amended in any case without a vote of a majority of both the Trustees and the
Qualified Trustees. This Class C Plan may be terminated at any time by a vote of
a majority of the Qualified Trustees or by a vote of the holders of a "majority
of the outstanding voting securities" of Class C of the Trust.
7. The Trust and PFD shall provide to the Trust's Board of Trustees,
and the Board of Trustees shall review, at least quarterly, a written report of
the amounts expended under this Class C Plan and the purposes for which such
expenditures were made.
8. While this Class C Plan is in effect, the selection and nomination
of Qualified Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of the Trustees who
are not "interested persons" of the Trust.
9. For the purposes of this Class C Plan, the terms "assignment,"
"interested persons," "majority of the outstanding voting securities" and
"specifically approved at least annually" are used as defined in the 1940 Act.
10. The Trust shall preserve copies of this Class C Plan, and each
agreement related hereto and each report referred to in Paragraph 7 hereof
(collectively, the "Records"), for a period of not less than six (6) years from
the end of the fiscal year in which such Records were made and, for a period of
two (2) years, each of such Records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.
11. This Class C Plan shall be construed in accordance with the laws of
Delaware and the applicable provisions of the 1940 Act.
12. If any provision of this Class C Plan shall be held or made invalid
by a court decision, statute, rule or otherwise, the remainder of the Class C
Plan shall not be affected thereby.
-5-
PIONEER WORLD EQUITY FUND
Multiple Class Plan Pursuant to Rule 18f-3
Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares
October ___, 1996
Each class of shares of Pioneer World Equity Fund (the "Trust") will
have the same relative rights and privileges and be subject to the same sales
charges, fees and expenses, except as set forth below. The Board of Trustees may
determine in the future that other distribution arrangements, allocations of
expenses (whether ordinary or extraordinary) or services to be provided to a
class of shares are appropriate and amend this Plan accordingly without the
approval of shareholders of any class. Except as set forth in the Trust's
prospectus, shares may be exchanged only for shares of the same class of another
Pioneer mutual Trust.
Article I. Class A Shares
Class A Shares are sold at net asset value and subject to the initial
sales charge schedule or contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") and minimum
purchase requirements as set forth in the Trust's prospectus. Class A Shares
shall be entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time to time in the
Trust's prospectus with respect to Class A Shares. Class A Shares are subject to
fees calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class A
shares under the Trust's Class A Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan as set forth in
such Distribution Plan. The Class A Shareholders have exclusive voting rights,
if any, with respect to the Class A Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan. Transfer
agency fees are allocated to Class A Shares on a per account basis except to the
extent, if any, such an allocation would cause the Trust to fail to satisfy any
requirement necessary to obtain or rely on a private letter ruling from the
Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") relating to the issuance of multiple classes of
shares. Class A shares shall bear the costs and expenses associated with
conducting a shareholder meeting for matters relating to Class A shares.
<PAGE>
Article II. Class B Shares
Class B Shares are sold at net asset value per share without the
imposition of an initial sales charge. However, Class B shares redeemed within a
specified number of years of purchase will be subject to a CDSC as set forth in
the Trust's prospectus. Class B Shares are sold subject to the minimum purchase
requirements set forth in the Trust's prospectus. Class B Shares shall be
entitled to the shareholder services set forth from time to time in the Trust's
prospectus with respect to Class B Shares. Class B Shares are subject to fees
calculated as a stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class B
shares under the Class B Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan as set forth in such
Distribution Plan. The Class B Shareholders of the Trust have exclusive voting
rights, if any, with respect to the Trust's Class B Rule 12b-1 Distribution
Plan. Transfer agency fees are allocated to Class B Shares on a per account
basis except to the extent, if any, such an allocation would cause the Trust to
fail to satisfy any requirement necessary to obtain or rely on a private letter
ruling from the IRS relating to the issuance of multiple classes of shares.
Class B shares shall bear the costs and expenses associated with conducting a
shareholder meeting for matters relating to Class B shares.
Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the
Trust at the end of a specified number of years after the initial purchase date
of Class B shares, except as provided in the Trust's prospectus. Such conversion
will occur at the relative net asset value per share of each class without the
imposition of any sales charge, fee or other charge. The conversion of Class B
Shares to Class A Shares may be suspended if it is determined that the
conversion constitutes or is likely to constitute a taxable event under federal
income tax law.
The initial purchase date for Class B shares acquired through (i)
reinvestment of dividends on Class B Shares or (ii) exchange from another
Pioneer mutual fund will be deemed to be the date on which the original Class B
shares were purchased.
<PAGE>
Article III. Class C Shares
Class C Shares are sold at net asset value per share without the
imposition of an initial sales charge. However, Class C shares redeemed within
one year of purchase will be subject to a CDSC as set forth in the Trust's
prospectus. Class C Shares are sold subject to the minimum purchase requirements
set forth in the Trust's prospectus. Class C Shares shall be entitled to the
shareholder services set forth from time to time in the Trust's prospectus with
respect to Class C Shares. Class C Shares are subject to fees calculated as a
stated percentage of the net assets attributable to Class C shares under the
Class C Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan as set forth in such Distribution Plan. The
Class C Shareholders of the Trust have exclusive voting rights, if any, with
respect to the Trust's Class C Rule 12b-1 Distribution Plan. Transfer agency
fees are allocated to Class C Shares on a per account basis except to the
extent, if any, such an allocation would cause the Trust to fail to satisfy any
requirement necessary to obtain or rely on a private letter ruling from the IRS
relating to the issuance of multiple classes of shares. Class C shares shall
bear the costs and expenses associated with conducting a shareholder meeting for
matters relating to Class C shares.
The initial purchase date for Class C shares acquired through (i)
reinvestment of dividends on Class C Shares or (ii) exchange from another
Pioneer mutual fund will be deemed to be the date on which the original Class C
shares were purchased.
Article IV. Approval by Board of Trustees
This Plan shall not take effect until it has been approved by the vote
of a majority (or whatever greater percentage may, from time to time, be
required under Rule 18f-3 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "Act")) of (a) all of the Trustees of the Trust, and (b) those of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the Trust, as such term may be from
time to time defined under the Act.
<PAGE>
Article V. Amendments
No material amendment to the Plan shall be effective unless it is
approved by the Board of Trustees in the same manner as is provided for approval
of this Plan in Article IV.
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned Trustees of Pioneer World Equity Fund, a Delaware
business trust, do hereby severally constitute and appoint John F. Cogan, Jr.,
David D. Tripple, and Joseph P. Barri, and each of them acting singly, to be our
true, sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them, and each
of them acting singly, to sign for each of us, in the name of each of us and in
the capacity as trustee, any and all amendments to the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A to be filed by Pioneer World Equity Fund under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "1933 Act"), with respect to the offering of its shares of
beneficial interest and any and all other documents and papers relating thereto,
and generally to do all such things in the name of each of us and on behalf of
each of us in the capacity as trustee to enable Pioneer World Equity Fund to
comply with the 1940 Act and the 1933 Act, and all requirements of the
Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming
the signature of each of us as it may be signed by said attorneys or each of
them to any and all amendments to said Registration Statement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunder set our hands on this Instrument
the 8th day of October, 1996.
/s/John W. Kendrick, Trustee /s/Marguerite A. Piret, Trustee
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------
John W. Kendrick, Trustee Marguerite A. Piret, Trustee
/s/Stephen K. West, Trustee /s/Margaret B.W. Graham, Trustee
- ------------------------------ ----------------------------
Stephen K. West, Trustee Margaret B.W. Graham, Trustee
/s/John Winthrop, Trustee
- ------------------------------
John Winthrop, Trustee
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and Trustee of Pioneer World Equity Fund, a
Delaware business trust, does hereby severally constitute and appoint David D.
Tripple and Joseph P. Barri, and each of them acting singly, to be my true,
sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them, and each of
them acting singly, to sign for me, in my name and in the capacities indicated
below, any and all amendments to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be
filed by Pioneer World Equity Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), with respect to the offering of its shares of beneficial interest
and any and all other documents and papers relating thereto, and generally to do
all such things in my name and on my behalf in the capacities indicated to
enable Pioneer World Equity Fund to comply with the 1940 Act and the 1933 Act,
and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder,
hereby ratifying and confirming my signature as it may be signed by said
attorneys or each of them to any and all amendments to said Registration
Statement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunder set our hands on this Instrument
the 8th day of October, 1996.
/s/John F. Cogan, Jr.,
----------------------
Chairman, Trustee and President
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer and Trustee of Pioneer World Equity Fund, a
Delaware business trust, does hereby severally constitute and appoint John F.
Cogan, Jr. and Joseph P. Barri, and each of them acting singly, to be my true,
sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them, and each of
them acting singly, to sign for me, in my name and in the capacities indicated
below, any and all amendments to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be
filed by Pioneer World Equity Fund under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended (the "1940 Act"), and under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the
"1933 Act"), with respect to the offering of its shares of beneficial interest
and any and all other documents and papers relating thereto, and generally to do
all such things in my name and on my behalf in the capacities indicated to
enable Pioneer World Equity Fund to comply with the 1940 Act and the 1933 Act,
and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder,
hereby ratifying and confirming my signature as it may be signed by said
attorneys or each of them to any and all amendments to said Registration
Statement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunder set our hands on this Instrument
the 8th day of October, 1996.
/s/David D. Tripple,
----------------------------
Trustee and Executive Vice President
<PAGE>
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The undersigned officer of Pioneer World Equity Fund, a Delaware
business trust, does hereby severally constitute and appoint John F. Cogan, Jr.,
David D. Tripple and Joseph P. Barri, and each of them acting singly, to be my
true, sufficient and lawful attorneys, with full power to each of them, and each
of them acting singly, to sign for me, in my name and in the capacities
indicated below, any and all amendments to the Registration Statement on Form
N-1A to be filed by Pioneer World Equity Fund under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), and under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "1933 Act"), with respect to the offering of its shares of
beneficial interest and any and all other documents and papers relating thereto,
and generally to do all such things in my name and on my behalf in the
capacities indicated to enable Pioneer World Equity Fund to comply with the 1940
Act and the 1933 Act, and all requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Commission thereunder, hereby ratifying and confirming my signature as it may be
signed by said attorneys or each of them to any and all amendments to said
Registration Statement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, we have hereunder set our hands on this Instrument
the 8th day of October, 1996.
/s/ William H. Keough
---------------------
William H. Keough
Treasurer
